Insider

views updated Jun 27 2018

INSIDER

In the context of federal regulation of the purchase and sale ofsecurities, anyone who has knowledge of facts not available to the general public.

Insider information refers to knowledge about the financial status of a company that is obtained before the public obtains it, and which is usually known only by corporate officials or other insiders. The use of insider information in the purchase and sale of stock violates federal securities law.

Insider trading entails the purchase and sale of corporate shares by officers, directors, and stockholders who own more than 10 percent of the stock of a corporation listed on a national exchange (any association that provides facilities for the purchase and sale of securities, such as the New York Stock Exchange). Insider reports detailing such transactions must be submitted monthly to the securities and exchange commission.

insider

views updated May 21 2018

in·sid·er / inˈsīdər/ • n. a person within a group or organization, esp. someone privy to information unavailable to others: political insiders.