Data released under the UK regulator’s new short‑selling disclosure rules contained several apparent errors, raising questions about the quality of information now available to market participants. The FCA published the figures after ending the practice of naming hedge funds and investors with significant short positions; instead, total short positions are now reported on an aggregate basis.

The analysis by Breakout Point revealed that positions were removed or changed without a record, and that years‑old bets, such as a short on Softcat disclosed in April 2021, were still listed. Other discrepancies included duplicated entries, mismatched dates and sizes for four companies, and omissions of positions held by Saba Capital and Lombard Odier Asset Management. The regulator also reported a short position in Critical Mineral Resources that had become unlikely after the company’s share price fell 87 %. These errors cast doubt on the reliability of data submitted by investors.

The FCA said it had reviewed the examples but found no need for revisions at present, noting it monitors reported positions and engages with holders to verify information. The regulator will continue to assess whether changes to the regime are necessary.

The new rules trigger public disclosure when aggregate short interest exceeds 0.2 % of a company’s share capital, a threshold lower than the previous 0.5 % cut‑off.