Nomura Group's bid to prevent possible Securities and Futures Commission disciplinary action over an Australian futures deal was vetoed in court yesterday.
The SFC alleges the Japanese securities giant manipulated the Sydney market with a massive A$600 million (at present about HK$2.90 billion) sell order minutes before the close of trade on the last day of the March futures contract last year.
The Sydney market fell 12.3 points, prompting an immediate probe by the Australian Securities Commission.
The sell order originated in the company's London office but it was executed through Hong Kong by two traders and a supervisor.
Nomura lawyers hoped to take their request for a delay in any SFC action to the Court of Final Appeal.
They wanted to postpone disciplinary proceedings by the commission pending the outcome of an Australian civil trial that starts on July 28.
British authorities have agreed to wait until the Australian trial's conclusion before proceeding with any action.