Richard Grasso, the former New York Stock Exchange chairman and chief executive whose $187.5m (€155.7m) pay package sparked a scandal and legal action, has hinted he is ready to settle.

In an interview with CNBC, the US cable business news channel, Grasso said: "I think it would be in everyone's best interest" if he pursues a settlement with Eliot Spitzer, New York state attorney general who is suing Grasso for the return of $100m.