What is the purpose of the SEC’s order requiring Form SH?
On September 18, 2008, the SEC released emergency order No. 58591 requiring the use of Form SH. The order was issued due to the SEC’s concern about the possible unnecessary or artificial price movements based on unfounded rumors regarding the stability of financial institutions and other issuers exacerbated by short selling. The SEC has become concerned about sudden and unexplained declines in prices of securities that may be a result of short selling. In response to these concerns, the SEC believes it is necessary to require all institutional investment managers to report their short sales and short positions. By reporting these types of trades directly to the SEC, regulators will be able to determine which managers are short selling. Undoubtedly, the report will be used to investigate inappropriate short selling tactics.
