Insider Trading

Insider trading refers to the buying or selling of a publicly-traded company’s stock based on material, non-public information about the company. This practice is illegal and considered unethical, as it violates the principle of transparency that is fundamental to financial markets. Insider trading can give an unfair advantage to those with access to confidential information, such as company executives, employees, or other insiders, leading to a lack of trust in the financial system.

In most jurisdictions, there are strict laws prohibiting insider trading, with penalties that may include fines and imprisonment for those found guilty. The intention behind these regulations is to maintain a level playing field for all investors and to promote fair trading practices. The enforcement of insider trading laws is often conducted by regulatory bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States.