What type of offence is market abuse classified as?

Market abuse is classified as a regulatory offence. This classification arises because market abuse refers to actions that violate financial regulations and affect market integrity, such as insider trading and market manipulation. Regulatory offences are typically enforced by financial authorities or regulatory bodies, which have the jurisdiction to impose sanctions, fines, or other measures to ensure compliance with the law.

In contrast, civil offences typically involve private disputes that could lead to legal action for damages, while criminal offences are prosecuted by the state and can result in imprisonment. Administrative offences generally pertain to violations of regulations that may result in penalties enforced by governmental agencies but are not criminal in nature. The nature of market abuse necessitates a regulatory framework to uphold fair market conditions and protect investors, which is why it is designated as a regulatory offence.