The Alternative Investment Management Association has welcomed the lifting of the Australian short selling ban.
Andrew Baker, Aima chief executive, says the lifting of the ban means there is now broad international consensus that short selling is a legitimate market practice. It creates liquidity in capital markets, assists price discovery, and is an invaluable tool in terms of risk management.
‘This is the last of the major bans on short selling to have been lifted and we are delighted that Australia has followed other leading economies in this respect,’ he says.
Aima Australia’s chairman Kim Ivey adds: ‘This is a clear confirmation that the ban did not need to be in place for eight months and it warranted an immediate removal. Its removal now places Australia on par with other sophisticated markets. It also removes a major deterrent for investment in talented Australian hedge fund managers who transact on the ASX.’