New Book Explores the Complex World of Insider Trading, Tracing its Legal, Ethical, and Global Dimensions

For decades, insider trading has occupied a grey area at the crossroads of financial opportunity and legal prohibition. Despite high-profile prosecutions and extensive regulatory reforms, the boundaries of what constitutes fair market conduct remain fiercely debated. The book not only examines these boundaries but also asks critical questions about whether insider trading is merely a breach of fiduciary duty or a symptom of deeper systemic flaws in corporate governance.

Structured in multiple sections, the book begins by establishing a clear conceptual and historical framework, explaining the meaning, nature, and types of insider trading. It moves on to explore landmark cases and policy responses from major jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and India. In doing so, it highlights both the convergences—such as the emphasis on market integrity—and divergences—such as the scope of liability and enforcement mechanisms—between legal systems.

A particular focus is placed on India’s regulatory landscape, especially the evolving role of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in shaping compliance culture. From landmark judgments to recent amendments in insider trading regulations, the authors map the Indian journey against global best practices, offering a comparative lens for students, practitioners, and policymakers.

The work goes beyond statutes and courtrooms, delving into philosophical and economic perspectives on insider trading. It weighs arguments from those who claim that insider trading can improve market efficiency against those who believe it undermines investor trust and erodes the fairness on which capital markets depend. The authors present these debates in accessible language, making the book equally valuable for legal scholars and market participants.

Importantly, the book is positioned not just as a reference manual but as a thought-provoking resource designed to encourage deeper reflection on how information asymmetry shapes the fairness of markets. In a world increasingly defined by the control and use of information, the authors argue, the ethics of insider trading have broader implications for financial justice and public trust.

About the Authors

Ms. Aiswarya S is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Law, specializing in Constitutional and Criminal Law. A graduate of Kerala University with an LL.M. from the Central University of Kerala, she has published extensively in reputed journals such as the NUALS Law Journal and the Law Academy Journal. She also serves as a reviewer for IJIRT, reflecting her active role in academic peer review. Her work blends rigorous legal scholarship with a passion for mentoring future professionals.

Mr. I Madhav Ganesh is an engineering graduate and accomplished banking professional with over 15 years of experience in anti-money laundering, bereavement services, regulatory compliance, and sales management. Currently pursuing his LLB, he brings a practitioner’s understanding of financial regulation and risk management, aiming to bridge the gap between legal theory and industry application.

Both authors share a commitment to promoting employment through quality education, fostering job readiness, and encouraging legal writing among students and professionals. They hope the book will not only inform but also inspire readers to engage in research, critical analysis, and publication, thereby contributing to the broader legal and financial discourse.