Softbank to wind down risky "NASDAQ whale" options spread bet after backlash from investors, and a $3.7 billion loss

Posted: Dec 3, 2020 11:38

SHARE

SoftBank's recently registered trading arm SB Northstar had placed massive options spread bets on tech stocks on the NASDAQ exchange. The losses had mounted to $3.7 billion, drawing the ire of investors and employees. Following these protests, SB Northstar will allow these options to expire for a net loss of $2.7 billion.

One third of SB Northstar is owned by Softbank's Japanese billionaire founder Masayoshi Son, and is run by former Deutsche Bank prop trader Akshay Naheta from Abu Dhabi. SB Northstar is incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

The decision to abandon these positions is not expected to affect the market. Traders had referred to these positions as the NASDAQ whale.

Reuters : SoftBank's options exit unlikely to stir markets, analysts say

Business Insider : SoftBank will unwind the 'Nasdaq whale' options trades that cost the firm nearly $3 billion, report says

ZeroHedge : Nasdaq Whale Harpooned: SoftBank To Wind Down Option Bets After Investor Outrage

SEC Report : SB Northstar LP SEC CIK #0001818336

More stories about: Trading

News

Comments