CHAPTER VU.K.POWERS OF INTERVENTION OF COMPETENT AUTHORITIES F1...

SECTION 1 U.K. Powers of competent authorities

Article 20U.K.Restrictions on short selling and similar transactions in exceptional circumstances

1.F2... [F3The FCA] may take one or more of the measures referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article where:

(a)there are adverse events or developments which constitute a serious threat to financial stability or to market confidence in the [F4United Kingdom] F5...; and

(b)the measure is necessary to address the threat and will not have a detrimental effect on the efficiency of financial markets which is disproportionate to its benefits.

2.[F6The FCA] may prohibit or impose conditions relating to natural or legal persons entering into:

(a)a short sale; or

(b)a transaction other than a short sale which creates, or relates to, a financial instrument and the effect or one of the effects of that transaction is to confer a financial advantage on the natural or legal person in the event of a decrease in the price or value of another financial instrument.

3.A measure taken under paragraph 2 may apply to transactions concerning all financial instruments, financial instruments of a specific class or a specific financial instrument. The measure may apply in circumstances or be subject to exceptions specified by the [F7FCA]. Exceptions may in particular be specified to apply to market making activities and primary market activities.

Textual Amendments