Exchange 'is stepping up' insider probes

The Stock Exchange has failed to deny reports that its surveillance group is handling around 50 per cent more suspected insider dealing cases this year compared with last.

"The exchange is considering proposals designed to underpin the markets it runs. We are looking at maintaining an orderly market," says a spokesman.

The exchange opened 116 share deal investigations this year, including more than 75 into insider dealing, says the Financial Times.