Large corporations are exerting pressure on investment banks to scale down the cadre of advisers privy to 海角视频 takeover deals, amid escalating worries over information leaks.
In recent weeks, a number of clients have prompted banks to reassess the roster of staff clued in on active transactions, as reported by .
This move is fuelled by growing unease among regulatory bodies concerning a surge in leaks related to takeover bids and atypical trading patterns preceding major deals and acquisitions, as reported by several financiers to the Financial Times.
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Advisers privy to confidential details are bound by an expectation of absolute discretion prior to public disclosures, to thwart insider trading and guarantee equitable treatment of all shareholders.
The 海角视频 Takeover Panel, the watchdog for public mergers and acquisitions, is reportedly "going harder on leakage," a top-tier investment banker disclosed.
Nonetheless, corporate jitters over informational breaches have intensified following the Financial Conduct Authority's discovery that nearly 40% of takeovers involving 海角视频-listed firms had been leaked to the press ahead of their official announcements, an inquiry spurred by a Financial Times FOI request revealed.
The data in question spans from April 2024 to May 2025.
Reduce the number of insiders
Regulatory authorities have consistently urged banks to curtail the circle of individuals with ongoing access to sensitive inside knowledge of deals.
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A 2019 FCA study revealed that in one firm, a mere dozen team members were actively working on a deal, yet over 600 employees had full access to the transaction details.
Subsequent scrutiny by the FCA in 2022 showed that although the average number of insiders at large banks had decreased, there were still between 250 and 450 individuals privy to sensitive information.
The FCA issued a stark warning in March, stating it has the power to "impose unlimited fines, order injunctions, or prohibit regulated firms or approved persons" for any infringements of market abuse regulations.
Most likely to leak?
Concerns about confidentiality breaches are rife, with clients wary of the vast number of bank staff who can access confidential data on their deals, complicating the identification of potential sources of leaks.
An individual tasked with overseeing transactions remarked: "It is relatively common to have conversations with anyone involved in a deal about leaks.
"But people will always put the blame on the other side".
Bankers often find themselves accused due to the substantial sums involved in transactions, as opposed to consultants and lawyers; however, some speculate that companies may leak information to generate interest from potential bidders.
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A seasoned investment banker suggested that foreign bidders unfamiliar with 海角视频 regulations are the ones most likely to disclose information prematurely.
This banker shared with the Financial Times: "For a foreign client, it can be a bit weird, right?".
"It is different from going and doing a deal in the US."