Nigel Derek Heath of Wahroonga, NSW, pleaded guilty to charges relating to his trading in shares and contracts for difference (CFDs) in four resources companies between 16 February 2012 and 11 October 2013.
An investigation by ASIC found that during the period, Mr Heath traded through nine separate share trading and CFD trading accounts.
"ASIC alleges that between 16 February 2012 and 19 August 2013, Mr Heath carried out 138 transactions involving financial products relating to Petsec Energy Limited (PSA)," a statement from the regulator said.
"Each of these transactions artificially increased PSA's share price by between 4 per cent and 11.5 per cent, and increased the value of Mr Heath's shareholding in PSA by between $15,878 and $46,928.
"ASIC also alleges that between 2 July 2012 and 11 October 2013, Mr Heath caused a simultaneous buy and sell in 30 transactions involving financial products relating to PSA, Leyshon Resources Limited, Malagasy Minerals Limited and Orca Energy Ltd," the statement said.
"Each of these transactions – commonly referred to as 'matched trades' – artificially increased the price of shares traded on the ASX by between 3.1 per cent and 6.9 per cent."
Mr Heath will appear before the New South Wales District Court for sentencing on 31 October 2014.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter.
