Skip to main content
Lesson 4 A1a

Insider trading

In this lesson, you'll learn what insider trading is, why it's illegal, and how to avoid breaching professional ethics when trading shares.

This lesson is part of a paid course

Buy the course to unlock every video lesson and the AI Tutor, plus mock exams with feedback on CIMA courses.

Already bought? Sign in

Ask the AI tutor anything about this lesson

It knows every lesson in the course — explanations, clarifications, practice questions.

Summarise lesson Key concepts Practice questions

In this lesson

  1. 0:00 Insider trading explained
  2. 0:23 Real-world insider trading example
  3. 1:10 Confidentiality breach scenario
  4. 1:53 Ethical principles and share trading
  5. 2:21 ACCA code of conduct requirements

About this lesson

Insider trading occurs when someone uses confidential, non-public information about a company to trade shares for personal gain—and it carries serious legal and professional consequences. You'll explore two key scenarios: a finance team member selling shares before unfavourable financial statements are released, and a CFO disclosing company performance to someone outside the business who then trades on that information. The core principle is simple: you can only trade shares using information available to the public. As an accountant, breaching confidentiality by using insider knowledge for personal advantage violates the ACCA code of conduct and puts you at significant risk. This lesson is essential for anyone working in listed companies or holding shares in their employer, ensuring you understand the boundary between legitimate and illegal trading activity.

Duration: 3m

Transcript

Every lesson comes with a full searchable transcript - included with the course.

Get the Strategic Business Reporting course

All 167 video lessons, an AI Tutor in every lesson and lifetime access.

Already bought? Sign in