What is a Tippee? A Comprehensive Guide to Insider Trading

Definition & Meaning

A tippee is a person who receives material non-public information about a company from someone in a fiduciary relationship with that company. This term is often associated with insider trading, where the tippee acts on this confidential information to make trades in the stock market. The concept was first introduced by Louis Loss, a professor at Harvard Law School.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An employee of a tech company shares confidential earnings information with a friend, who then buys shares of the company before the public announcement. This friend is considered a tippee.

Example 2: A lawyer learns about a merger while representing a client and informs a family member, who then trades on that information. The family member is the tippee in this scenario.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Tipper A person who provides material non-public information to a tippee.
Insider Trading The act of buying or selling a publicly-traded company's stock based on material non-public information.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a tippee or have received insider information, it is crucial to refrain from trading on that information. Consider consulting a legal professional to understand your rights and obligations. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may help you navigate any related legal issues.

Quick facts

  • Typical penalties for insider trading can include fines up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided.
  • Jurisdiction typically falls under federal law, but state laws may also apply.
  • Insider trading is considered a serious offense and can lead to criminal charges.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A tipper is the person who provides the insider information, while a tippee is the one who receives and acts on that information.