Comment by blibble

Comment by blibble 2 days ago

5 replies

I wouldn't be betting my freedom on the regulator agreeing with that logic

the regulations specifically go into great detail about official publications and formal circulation

would a reasonable person consider this a leak? then it's UPSI

mytailorisrich 2 days ago

The OBR admits that they published it too early.

I am not an expert but I think that even trading on a leak is not unlawful as long as that leaked information was indeed made public (e.g. someone leaks to the media and the media then publish it), although it may have been unlawful to leak the information. The point is that insider trading is not allowed. It is no insider trading if the information is available to everyone.

  • blibble 2 days ago

    > I am not an expert

    I have had regulatory training on this exact matter, and it covers unintended leaks explicitly

    and there is no way I would trade

    > The point is that insider trading is not allowed. It is no insider trading if the information is available to everyone.

    no, it isn't the point

    the regulator cares that participants are seen to be clean, practicing "fit and proper" behaviour

    if a reasonable person would think it was dodgy, they'll have your head (and your certification to practice)

    regardless of whether or not it was illegal

    • mytailorisrich 2 days ago

      Yes, I have had the corporate training on leaks and insider trading, too...

      Trading on public information is fit and proper (Edit: Indeed, a technical term, but that does not make my statement incorrect, or does it?)

      I think you may have skipped the part of leak to whom. If it is a leak to you then it is still not public and indeed insider trading. But if leaked to the public then it is different (and also how do you prevent people from trading on what they see in the media?)

      But that's in general as in this case, the OBR admits they released it and, again, anyway once it's on BBC News it's free for all.

      • blibble 2 days ago

        > Yes, I have had the corporate training on leaks and insider trading, too...

        by a regulated investment firm? specifically on UPSI?

        "fit and proper" is a technical term in the FCA manual

        I would not risk my regulator not considering me as such by trading on this information

        if you would: provide your reference number, and we can ask them if they agree!

        • mytailorisrich 2 days ago

          Well if you are an expert that's great as you will be able to explain how using a leak to the public and/or something that is public information can be construed as improper. That was my previous point and question.