Morgan Stanley Hedge Fund Increases Stake in United Western Bancorp Inc. (UWBK)

A federal bank regulator revealed the acquisition of a 9.9 stake in United Western Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: UWBK) by FrontPoint Partners, Morgan Stanley's (NYSE: MS) hedge fund unit.

Morgan Stanley got the approval to retain 9 percent and acquire a 9.9 percent interest in the Denver Bank’s stock. The firm’s spokesman said he wasn’t aware of any transaction and that the firm had no comment on the issue.

FrontPoint was acquired by Morgan Stanley in 2006, and currently holds a 3.5 percent stake in United Western as of end September with 952,705 shares. This disclosure was filed by Morgan Stanley with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The market value of United Western is estimated at $111 million, and they own assets worth $2 billion in Colorado’s largest savings bank. United’s stock is currently trading at $4.07 per share on the Nasdaq.