A supply chain auditor working for a third-party consulting firm uncovers confidential manufacturing data indicating that a publicly traded pharmaceutical company's flagship drug failed its final trial. Prior to any public announcement, the auditor passes this information to a close personal friend, who immediately purchases put options on the pharmaceutical company's stock. Under federal insider trading regulations, which of the following statements correctly describes the legal liability of the friend (the tippee)?
- The friend is subject to insider trading liability because trading on material nonpublic information obtained through a breach of duty constitutes a violation, regardless of employment status with the target company.Cevap
- BThe friend cannot be held legally liable because tippee liability applies exclusively to direct employees, directors, and officers of the issuing corporation.
- CThe friend is exempt from insider trading violations because the tip originated from an independent third-party consultant rather than an officer of the company.
- DThe friend can only be held liable if the supply chain auditor received explicit cash compensation in exchange for providing the confidential information.
Cevap
The friend is subject to insider trading liability because trading on material nonpublic information obtained through a breach of duty constitutes a violation, regardless of employment status with the target company.
The correct option correctly reflects federal securities law regarding tipper and tippee liability. Under the Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act, a tippee (the person receiving nonpublic material information) who knows or should know that the information was shared in breach of a duty of confidentiality assumes a derivative duty not to trade. Tippees can face severe civil fines (up to 3x the profit gained or loss avoided) and criminal penalties regardless of whether they are employed by the issuer.
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Tippee Liability under Insider Trading Law
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