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Short Selling FAQ’s


What are the new Rules?

On Thursday 18th September, The UKˇ¦s Financial Services Authority (FSA), and Irelandˇ¦s Financial Regulator announced a temporary prohibition on Short Selling shares in Financial Companies.

Are these restrictions permanent?

These measures will be kept under continuous review and the Financial Regulators may issue guidelines on the application of these rules as required .

Has the ban on shorting US Financial Stock has been lifted?

The SEC lifted its ban on Wednesday 8/10/08

Are all Stocks Affected?

No, the prohibition only covers the creation of, or increase in, a net short position in specified financial institutions and insurers. For a full list please click here.

So I can take a short Position on other Stocks?

Yes, The restrictions only applies to stocks listed on the above attachment.
 

Could I accidentally open a Short Position?

We have amended our systems to prevent short positions being created in the affected stocks. However ultimately it remains your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the new restrictions.  
 

Does this affect positions entered into prior to September 18th

No, The prohibition only applies to transactions entered into after September 18th. You can keep older position open until they expire or you choose to close it.

Does this affect my ability to close long positions?

This is unaffected.
 

Are any other Jurisdictions affected?

Restrictions on Short Selling have since been introduced in Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Korea, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan.