Sources Policy

The standards we apply to sourcing: named, unnamed, and the special case of market-sensitive information ahead of regulatory disclosure.

Last updated 22 May 2026

Source Selection

We regularly evaluate source quality and remove sources that fail to maintain standards. Where multiple outlets cover the same development, the original publisher is credited.

Attribution Standards

Every piece of Tickstock content clearly attributes:

  • Original reporting to its source publication
  • Direct quotes to their speaker, with the speaker's role and affiliation
  • Data and statistics to the publishing organisation or feed
  • Breaking news to the first publisher
  • Exclusive information to the organisation that obtained it
  • Broker views to the named broker and analyst

Where TickStock cites a competitor's reporting, the competitor is credited and linked.

Named Sources

Our default is named sourcing. Quotations are reproduced exactly with clear attribution to the speaker. Composite or invented quotes are prohibited.

Where a named source is being cited from a public document (a filing, a transcript, a release), the source document is cited alongside the speaker.

Unnamed Sources

Tickstock may use unnamed sources sparingly and on specific terms.

When We Will Use Them

  • When the information is materially in the public interest and cannot reasonably be obtained on the record
  • When the source has direct, verifiable knowledge of the matter rather than second-hand impressions
  • When the source's reason for anonymity is legitimate, typically professional risk, not commercial preference
  • When at least one corroborating source, named or unnamed, supports the substance, or there is independent documentary backup

How We Use Them

  • The reason for anonymity is described to the reader, in terms that don't compromise the source
  • The source's relationship to the subject is characterised accurately ("a person with direct knowledge of the discussions", not "a source close to the company" where vaguer)
  • Coverage clearly distinguishes what the unnamed source said from what is on the record from documents or named individuals
  • Editorial leadership signs off on the use of unnamed sourcing before publication

What We Will Not Do

  • Publish single-source unnamed claims that materially affect a company's share price, except where independent documentary evidence is also available
  • Use anonymity to launder commercial messaging, IR-supplied framing, or rivals' attacks on a coverage subject
  • Quote unnamed sources as a way to import opinion into ostensibly straight news coverage

Market-Sensitive Information

Coverage of listed equities sometimes brings Tickstock into contact with information that is market-sensitive and not yet publicly disclosed, typically corporate developments, M&A discussions, trading positions, or regulatory matters whose disclosure is controlled.

How We Treat Market-Sensitive Information

  • TickStock does not publish material non-public information ahead of its regulatory disclosure when doing so would breach UK Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), equivalent regimes, or the issuer's legitimate disclosure obligations.
  • Where a story relies on information whose status as public-vs-non-public is unclear, we err on the side of caution and verify the disclosure status before publication.
  • Embargoed material is respected on its terms. Coverage is published at the embargo's lift, not before.
  • Where TickStock learns of a material development that has not yet been disclosed by the issuer and where we have grounds to believe the issuer is required to disclose, our editorial response is to seek comment from the issuer rather than to publish in advance.

Editorial Team Trading Restrictions

Editorial team members are prohibited from trading on the basis of unpublished editorial work, in advance of published coverage, or in single-name UK or international equities they are actively covering. Disclosures of personal holdings are documented in the ethics policy.

IR-Supplied Material and Sponsored Research

Issuer-supplied material such as investor relations factsheets, presentations, pre-arranged briefings, and IR-commissioned research is treated as one structured input among several. It can inform coverage but does not control it. When we cite it, we attribute it accurately to its source.

Anonymous Tip Lines

TickStock accepts confidential tips at tips@tickstock.io. Tips are reviewed editorially. Publication of tip-line material requires the same standards as any other unnamed sourcing: direct knowledge, legitimate reason for anonymity, corroboration, and editorial sign-off.

Source Confidentiality

Sources who provide information on confidential terms are protected. TickStock does not disclose the identity of confidential sources to third parties including coverage subjects, regulators, and law enforcement, outside legal compulsion that exhausts available challenges.

Contact

Editorial inquiries about sourcing: editorial@tickstock.io. Confidential tips: tips@tickstock.io.