Roland Rudd's driver questioned in insider trading inquiry

City PR guru Roland Rudd’s chauffeur has been questioned as part of an investigation into alleged insider trading.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is believed to have questioned the driver of Rudd, who is one of the biggest players in City public relations and founder of the Finsbury PR agency.

There is no suggestion the driver, who is a long-standing employee at Finsbury, or Rudd have done anything wrong. The chauffeur is one of several City individuals questioned over their actions.

It is thought the suspected insider trading being investigated involved shares in a Finsbury client firm.

Finsbury’s client list includes many of the biggest companies in the FTSE 100. It is also known for its work in some of the biggest corporate takeover tussles in recent decades, from defending AstraZeneca against its bid from Pfizer to acting for Walmart in the plan to merge its Asda with Sainsbury.

It is not thought that other Finsbury employees have been questioned about their personal actions, although some senior figures at the agency have been interviewed in general terms about the case.

Though the questioning took place eight months ago, it is believed the investigation is ongoing.

The driver has not been suspended from his job at Finsbury. He did not respond to requests for comment.

All those who have been questioned have been cautioned not to speak about the situation.

Others questioned have included employees at City banking and broking groups in what appears to be a wide-ranging probe.

Very few people at the PR agency or its parent company WPP are aware of the FCA’s interest. The FCA and Finsbury declined to comment.