ASIC targets heavily sold securities
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is beefing up enquiries into false and misleading rumours by seeking information on trading activities in heavily sold securities.
ASIC announced today that it has extended enquiries to making formal requests for information from a number of market participants about trading in certain securities over the past weeks.
The enquiries are related to conduct that could involve the spreading of false or misleading rumours or predatory trading, which could amount to market manipulation or insider trading, ASIC said in a statement.
This announcement follows yesterday’s ASIC release, which raised concerns that gossip and false rumours are being used to artificially provoke sales and reduce the market price of some shares.
ASIC said yesterday that guilty parties would be targeted for prosecution and may face up to five years in jail.
With a view to seeking assistance on any international aspects, ASIC is contacting the Securities Exchange Commission in the United States, the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom and the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong.
Recommended for you
An former financial adviser based in Sunshine Coast has been permanently banned by ASIC after being sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud
This senior consultant has emphasised why ‘playing the long game’ of cultivating a desirable work culture is vital for high-performing financial advice firms and their teams.
With superannuation funds and financial advisers being the top two sources of information for retirees, a TAL white paper has revealed which they turn to first.
Newly launched wealth technology platform HeirWealth has appointed multiple senior industry figures to its advisory board including former MLC CEO Geoff Lloyd as chair.