The concept of market abuse typically consists of insider dealing, unlawful disclosure of inside information, and market manipulation of the financial markets which could arise from distributing false information, distorting prices or improper use of insider information. Market abuse behavior is unlawful and prohibited. Legislative measures such as the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) are intended to safeguard the European financial markets from market abuse by enhancing market integrity and increasing investor protection. MAR updated and strengthened the previous Market Abuse Directive (MAD) framework by extending its scope to new markets and trading strategies and by introducing new requirements.

Market Abuse is split into two different aspects (under EU definitions):

1. Insider dealing

Where a person who has information not available to other investors (for example, a director with knowledge of a takeover bid) makes use of that information for personal gain

2. Market manipulation

Where a person knowingly gives out false or misleading information (for instance, about a company’s financial circumstances) in order to influence the price of a share for personal gain

In 2013/2014, the EU updated its legislation on market abuse, and harmonized criminal sanctions. In the 2015 Danish European Union opt-out referendum, the Danish population rejected the adoption of the 2014 market abuse directive (2014/57/EU) and much other legislation.

Report market abuse or contact us

If you are concerned about market abuse, not a firm or trading venue or a whistleblower, but want to contact us about suspected market abuse, you can email us at our address.

Please include as much information as possible so we can assess your concerns.

Please attach any documents you have that support your concerns

Find out how to make make a complaint about a suspicious firm or a trading subject