It's been six years since the FSA took on the responsibility of keeping orderly markets in the UK and while it has always taken a dim view of market abuse, in that time there have only be a few dozen actions and one criminal prosecution.
Yet according to its own estimates, about one in four deals involving a listed company shows suspicious market activity in the preceding days or weeks â some believe the true figure to be much higher. The recent market turbulence has only added to the watchdog's concerns regarding the opportunity and incentive for abuse, helping push the issue to the top of its agenda. Now, it is keen to show that it means business.
