The Financial Conduct Authority has fined Sir Christopher Gent, former non-executive Chairman of ConvaTec Group Plc, £80,000 for unlawfully disclosing inside information.
While Chairman, Sir Christopher disclosed inside information to individuals in senior positions at two of ConvaTec’s major shareholders before this information had been announced properly to the market. The disclosures concerned an expected announcement by ConvaTec relating to a revision of its financial guidance and the CEO’s plans for retirement.
The FCA considers that Sir Christopher acted negligently in disclosing the information.
Given his training and experience, Sir Christopher should have realised that the information he disclosed was, or may have been, inside information and that it was not within the normal exercise of his employment to disclose it.
There is no evidence that Sir Christopher traded on the information or that he intended to make personal gain, or avoid loss, from making the disclosures.
Mark Steward, Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight at the FCA said:
'Private disclosure of inside information, especially by the Chairman of a listed issuer, risks investor confidence and the integrity of financial markets. Sir Christopher failed to properly apply his mind to the question of what information he could properly disclose.
'Inside information is not a private commodity for those with privileged access to it. The law requires inside information to be disclosed properly and not to major shareholders or others in advance of announcements, as in this case. We will continue to rigorously enforce against breaches when we see them to ensure this important principle remains uppermost in the minds of issuers and their senior officers.'
Notes to editors
- Sir Christopher's actions amount to unlawful disclosure of inside information under Article 10 and in breach of Article 14 (c) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
- Sir Christopher Gent Final Notice[1] (PDF)
- Find out more information about the FCA.