Last updated: December 15, 2025
This Wsider Code of Ethics (the “Code”) provides guidance on common ethical issues that employees and contributors may encounter and is intended to protect the integrity, independence, and credibility of Wsider’s journalism and content. The Code applies to all employees and contractors who work on Wsider content, including editorial, product reviews/commerce, social media, and business teams, except where a provision is explicitly limited to journalists or editorial staff.
This Code is not exhaustive. We expect everyone working with Wsider to act professionally, use good judgment, and avoid conduct that could reasonably undermine trust in our work. When in doubt, ask your manager or the editorial lead for guidance.
I. Conflicts of Interest
All employees must avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible. A conflict of interest exists when an employee’s professional, personal, or financial interests or affiliations compromise, or appear to compromise, Wsider’s independence and credibility.
If an employee anticipates an unavoidable conflict of interest, they must promptly disclose it to Talent/HR or the Managing Editor. Depending on the situation, Wsider may address the conflict through (i) a public disclosure, (ii) reassigning work, (iii) limiting involvement in coverage, or (iv) other steps to protect editorial independence. All employees are expected to cooperate in identifying and resolving conflicts.
A. Gifts
Wsider does not accept compensation from the subjects of our coverage in exchange for favorable coverage or promotion. Journalists and editorial staff may not accept cash, personal payments, or valuable items intended to influence coverage.
- Travel and expense reimbursement: On occasion, a third party may offer to reimburse travel expenses. Any such offer must be disclosed in advance to a Managing Editor. Wsider will determine case-by-case whether acceptance is appropriate and whether disclosure is required.
- Event access: Journalists may accept press access or free admission to events when the purpose is news coverage, subject to disclosure requirements when appropriate.
- Promotional items (“swag”): Items of more than nominal value should generally be declined. Small promotional items may be kept if they do not compromise independence. Products sent for review should be returned, donated, or handled according to Wsider’s review policy.
- No pay-for-access: Journalists must not offer gifts, payments, or coverage in exchange for access or information. Limited exceptions may exist where payment is customary, lawful, and transparent (for example, purchasing a product or service in the ordinary course of review), but editorial leadership must be consulted in advance.
B. Favors
Editorial staff may not solicit favors, jobs, internships, or special treatment from individuals or organizations encountered while acting on behalf of Wsider. Likewise, editorial staff may not offer jobs, internships, benefits, or other advantages in exchange for information, access, or assistance with a story.
C. Advertisers and Sponsors
Wsider’s journalism must remain independent from advertising and revenue considerations. Sponsored content must be clearly labeled and must not mislead readers about the nature of the content. Editorial staff must not conceal material facts, blur labeling, or misrepresent sponsorship arrangements.
D. Corporate, Advisory, and Board Memberships
Employees may not serve as a director, officer, advisory-board member, or board member of any for-profit or non-profit organization without prior written approval from senior management. Employees must promptly disclose any relevant roles that predate employment, and must also disclose significant roles held by close family/household members where they could present an appearance of conflict.
E. Political and Civic Involvement
Wsider supports employees participating in civic, charitable, and community activities as long as participation:
- does not interfere with job performance;
- does not imply Wsider endorsement or sponsorship;
- does not undermine the perceived independence and fairness of Wsider’s editorial judgment; and
- does not otherwise violate this Code.
Editorial staff should avoid partisan activities that could reasonably call neutrality into question, particularly where an employee covers politics, policy, regulation, or related beats.
F. Outside Appearances and Other Employment
With prior written approval, employees may appear as representatives of Wsider in interviews, panels, broadcasts, or public events. Employees may not perform substantially similar work for another media outlet or publish overlapping coverage elsewhere without Wsider’s written permission.
Employees must not publicly discuss confidential internal editorial decisions, unpublished work, or sensitive business information.
II. Financial Disclosures
Employees must avoid conduct that creates the appearance that:
- inside, non-public information obtained through Wsider work was used for personal gain;
- editorial content was designed to move markets or influence the price of securities; or
- Wsider endorses particular securities, investments, or ownership interests.
A. Personal Investments
Employees must avoid speculation, or the appearance of speculation, in companies or industries they regularly cover. Employees and members of their household should not engage in trading behavior that could reasonably create an appearance of conflict.
Editorial staff must disclose to the Managing Editor any pre-existing financial interest that could conflict with an assignment. Wsider may reassign coverage, restrict involvement, and/or require a public disclosure when appropriate.
III. Social Media Guidelines
This Code applies equally to personal and professional social media activity. Employees must not present personal opinions as Wsider’s views and should avoid behavior that undermines trust in Wsider.
A. Content of Posts
Employees may not publish, endorse, or amplify content that is discriminatory, harassing, threatening, obscene, or knowingly misleading. Employees may not publish public-facing content that disparages Wsider, our affiliates, our advertisers, or our colleagues in a manner that undermines workplace trust or public confidence in our journalism.
Editorial staff should avoid partisan posting that could compromise their perceived neutrality, especially if they cover politics, public policy, or regulation.
B. Confidentiality
Employees must not share confidential or proprietary information, including unpublished reporting, internal communications, business metrics not made public, or details of ongoing editorial decisions.
C. Disclaimers
Wsider encourages editorial staff to use a clear disclaimer on personal accounts (e.g., “Opinions are my own”) when appropriate. A disclaimer does not eliminate the obligation to comply with this Code.
IV. Legal Compliance and Professional Conduct
Wsider does not permit employees to break the law. Employees must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, intellectual property, advertising disclosures, and market manipulation.
Any employee who is unsure whether they can comply with this Code in full must consult with Talent/HR or a manager promptly.
Contact for Ethics Questions
For questions, disclosures, or guidance related to this Code, contact:
Email: ethics@wsider.com
Editorial: editor@wsider.com
