What is Prearranged Trading? A Deep Dive into Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

Prearranged trading refers to transactions between brokers that occur based on a prior agreement or understanding. This practice creates the illusion of trading activity, which can mislead other market participants into thinking there is genuine trading interest. Such actions are considered manipulative and are prohibited under the Commodity Exchange Act and regulations set forth by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: Two brokers agree to buy and sell the same stock to each other at predetermined prices, creating the illusion of increased trading volume. This could mislead other investors about the stock's market interest.

Example 2: A broker arranges a series of trades with another broker that are intended to offset each other, thus giving the appearance of legitimate trading activity without actual market risk. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Wash Trading Buying and selling the same security to create misleading volume. Prearranged trading involves an agreement between parties, while wash trading may not require such an agreement.
Market Manipulation Any action taken to artificially influence the price or volume of a security. Prearranged trading is a specific form of market manipulation focused on creating false trading activity.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you suspect involvement in prearranged trading, it's crucial to seek legal advice. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may help you report or address the situation. If the matter is complex, consider consulting a legal professional to guide you through the process.

Quick facts

  • Typical Fees: Varies based on legal representation.
  • Jurisdiction: Federal and state securities regulators.
  • Possible Penalties: Fines, sanctions, or criminal charges.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is a trading practice where brokers agree to trade securities in a way that misleads other market participants.