SHIELD
REMIT TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING FICTITIOUS DEVICES
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In previous articles in this series, we discussed wash trades and layering and spoofing, both fraudulent trading activities prohibited in the European Union under REMIT (Regulation on wholesale energy markets integrity and transparency) rules. In this article, we’ll dive into additional types of transactions that can artificially affect the perceived value of particular wholesale energy stocks, driving them up so as to gain an illegal advantage for the fraudster traders who participate. Here’s what you need to know about them — and the best practices when it comes to stamping them out.
Scalping and pump-and-dump In some cases, market manipulation involving fictitious devices and deception takes place through fraudulent media and internet communication channels. Another common form of deceptive trading that falls under this banner is a “pump and dump” scam. This is a type of securities fraud in which the price of an owned stock is inflated through false information so that the stock can then be sold at a significantly higher price than it was purchased at.
Circular trading and pre-arranged trading This is damaging because it artificially manipulates the market by making it appear that certain security has liquidity, suggesting there is market interest in a stock where they might be none. This trading can cause more investment in a stock because others could buy into it thinking there must be a legitimate reason for the interest and activity.
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All banned under REMIT All of these types of trades in the wholesale energy market fall under the heading of price positioning. They are banned under REMIT Article 5 rules stating that, “Any engagement [by a participant in the market] in any attempt to engage in, market manipulation on wholesale energy markets shall be prohibited.” Although REMIT rules have been in place since the close of 2011, relatively little action was taken for the initial seven years. That is rapidly changing now as a result of increased enforcement and reporting of suspicious behavior by ACER, Europe’s Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators.
Compliance is mandatory By law, companies must comply with REMIT rules. Penalties are not only leveled at individual traders involved with the smooth running of the European wholesale energy markets but also the companies they work for. They must be monitoring at all times to ensure compliance — and in a position to provide information about regulatory compliance at a moment’s notice.
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