Exchange trading rules, surveillance and suspected insider trading

We examine the impact of stock exchange trading rules and surveillance on the frequency and severity of suspected insider trading cases in 22 stock exchanges around the world over the period January 2003 through June 2011. Using new indices for market manipulation, insider trading, and broker–agency conflict based on the specific provisions of the trading rules of each stock exchange, along with surveillance to detect non-compliance with such rules, we show that more detailed exchange trading rules and surveillance over time and across markets significantly reduce the number of suspected cases, but increase the profits per suspected case. •We show stock exchange trading rules and surveillance affect suspected insider trading.•We examine 22 stock exchanges worldwide from 2003–2011.•Trading rules and surveillance reduce the number of cases, but increase the profits per case.•We consider other explanations, including but not limited to changes in stealth trading.