SEC subpoenas Wall Street banks over Situational Awareness

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has issued subpoenas to major Wall Street banks concerning the hedge fund Situational Awareness, according to sources familiar with the situation. The focus of the inquiry is on the trading activity of Situational Awareness, which experienced significant pressure and was compelled to exit numerous positions last month.

The SEC's move comes after the New York Times broke the news of the subpoenas. An SEC spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. While an SEC investigation does not necessarily indicate an ongoing probe or impending enforcement action, Situational Awareness has stated that they will fully cooperate with any regulatory requests.

The fund had begun to liquidate some of its equity positions as it faced a series of margin calls during last month's AI stock market downturn. Citadel, under the leadership of Ken Griffin, stepped in to purchase the majority of Situational Awareness's public stock investments. In a recent statement, Situational Awareness acknowledged the heightened scrutiny faced by high-profile funds with substantial returns and pronounced drawdowns, asserting that they operate within a highly regulated industry.