Australia's corporate watchdog will target analysts' research reports and investor briefings to stop the leaking of market-sensitive information.
The Australian Securities Investment Commission is to keep a closer eye on how stock market listed companies handle the release of information which can affect their share prices.
The move comes after an ASIC review of market-sensitive leaks to the media last year, sparked by the Newcrest Mining scandal.
The watchdog has been looking into whether the gold miner tipped off analysts last August about its 2014 profit being lower than expected.
ASIC on Tuesday refused to comment on the Newcrest investigation, but commissioner Cathie Armour said a wide range of analysts' research reports would be scrutinised as part of a wider crackdown on leaked information.
"In coming months we will be proactively looking at how research analysts produce their reports," she said.
"We'll be talking to the analysts and the brokers. We'll monitor the whole market.
"The activity won't be limited to a particular sample but we'll be looking at incidences where reports may change."
ASIC's review found while investor briefings were a useful addition to formal market announcements, they were also a "significant risk area for selective disclosure of market-sensitive information".
"Some companies came up short because of poor implementation of their policies and procedures to handle material information, not because there were no policies and procedures," ASIC commissioner John Price said.
"Selective access to information can lead to market misconduct, including breaching continuous disclosure laws and increasing the risk of insider trading.
"It can also lead to a perception of unfairness amongst shareholders and the broader market."
ASIC also found details about merger and takeover bids leaked to the media before official announcements remained a "significant problem" despite the introduction of guidelines four years ago.
ASIC launched its investigation into Newcrest last year after the miner's shares plunged in the days before it announced a $6 billion writedown.
Several analysts downgraded their outlook for Newcrest in the days leading up to the announcement.
Companies which fail to make timely disclosures to the market face penalties of up to $1 million, with directors punishable with fines of $200,000.
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