Market abuse

Market Abuse Regulation

The Markets Law, DIFC Law No. 1 of 2012 (“Markets Law”) was enacted and came into force on 5 July 2012.

Market Abuse prohibitions are found in Part 6 of the Markets Law.

More information and guidance on Market Abuse can be found in the Code of Market Conduct (CMC). The CMC is indicative and non-binding guidance and is not intended to be exhaustive. 

Behaviour prohibited under the Market Abuse provisions

Behaviors such as fraud and market manipulation, false and misleading statements, use of fictitious devices and other forms of deception, false or misleading conduct and distortion, insider dealing, providing inside information, including persons to deal and misuse of information are all considered Market Abuse.

Prohibiting conduct that may constitute Market Abuse is important to promote fairness, transparency, and to protect investors. Further, it promotes other DFSA’s objectives such as fostering and maintaining confidence in the financial services industry in the DIFC.

Suspicious Transactions and Order Reports (STORs)

Reporting Obligation

Authorised Firms, Recognised Members and Authorised Market Institutions are required to notify the DFSA immediately if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an order or transaction may constitute market abuse. These reports are made through Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports (STORs). The DFSA also encourages Reporting Entities as issuers of securities to provide STOR notifications on a voluntary basis.

How to Report

STOR information must be uploaded onto the online form via the DFSA’s electronic portal.

For more information, please visit the Markets Brief No. 24 on Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports (STORs) or contact us directly at [email protected]