For each of the statement below, assess whether the statement is TRUE, FALSE or UNCLEAR. Provide an explanation /illustration of why this is the case. Without an explanation or with an explanation that is off topic, you will receive 0 mark.

(a) In order to be authorized, short sales need to have a lending agreement before the sale order.

(3 marks)

(b) XTB units allow retail investors to be exposed to corporate bonds otherwise inaccessible.

(3 marks)

(c) Lending provisions protect equity from being affected by loan default.

(3 marks)

(d) By bringing the Basel regulation countercyclical buffer down to 0, the regulator hopes that bank will free capital.

(3 marks)