The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has today published a consultation paper proposing greater disclosure of significant 'economic interests' in a company's shares held through derivatives such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs). The consultation paper sets out thorough and detailed analysis of evidence, which shows how potential market failures could occur from using CfDs on an undisclosed basis to influence corporate governance and build up stakes in companies. These failures, although not widespread, need to be addressed to ensure market confidence and efficiency are maintained.
The paper proposes two alternative approaches to securing greater disclosure. The first approach would strengthen the current disclosure regime by requiring a disclosure of any CfDs written in reference to 3% or more of total voting rights attached to a company's shares unless it was clear that:
- the CfD holder could not exercise or seek to exercise voting rights and had made a clear statement to that effect; and
- there were no arrangements or understandings in relation to the potential sale of the underlying shares by the CfD holder.
The majority of CfDs are expected to fall within this 'safe harbour', removing the need for disclosure.
In addition, this proposal would enable companies to request a notification if they believed a CfD holder had an economic interest of 5% or more of the company's shares regardless of 'safe harbours'. It would also make clear the responsibilities of a CfD holder to ensure that any statements made about voting rights in a company are clear and not misleading. The proposals would also make it harder for CfD holders to build up significant stakes in companies without disclosure. The cost of implementing such targeted disclosure is expected to be minimal.
The alternative approach is a general disclosure regime which would achieve the same objectives by requiring CfD holders to reveal all economic interest of stakes of 5% or more in a company's shares. This would be broadly equivalent to extending the Takeover Panel's current regime in an offer period. The total direct cost of implementation could be about £20-50 million with potential wider costs to the CfD and equity market as a whole. While this regime would cost more it would entail simpler rules.
Sally Dewar, FSA Director of Markets, said:
"This is not a clampdown on CfDs but a means, following extensive research, of addressing the concerns about their use on an undisclosed basis. While the behaviour that concerns us is not widespread, it is important enough to require a tightening of the existing regime to ensure fair and orderly markets.
"Our goal is to provide an effective and proportionate disclosure regime that works for all involved, and sustains market confidence and efficiency."
Any rule changes would only apply to CfDs relating to UK shares admitted to trading on a regulated or prescribed market. This includes shares admitted to the regulated markets of UK Recognised Investment Exchanges and the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The paper also details how the proposed changes would work with existing Takeover Panel rules on disclosure.
The consultation period will last for 3 months and end on 12 February 2008.
Disclosure of Contracts for Difference - Consultation and draft Handbook text
