SEC Whistleblower Program Archives

SEC Whistleblower Program: What violations qualify for an SEC whistleblower award?

Whistleblowing About Violations of the Federal Securities Laws Any violation of the federal securities laws qualifies for an SEC whistleblower award. The SEC has … Continued

What monetary awards are available to whistleblowers under the SEC Whistleblower Program?

SEC Whistleblower Program Under the SEC Whistleblower Program, eligible whistleblowers are entitled to an award of between 10% and 30% of the monetary sanctions collected … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: What employment protections are available for SEC whistleblowers?

The Dodd-Frank Act, which created the SEC Whistleblower Program, prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers for raising concerns about potential securities law violations. Remedies for a … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: What factors does the SEC consider when determining the amount of an SEC whistleblower award?

How the SEC Determines the Amount of an SEC Whistleblower Award Many factors affect the amount of an award. The SEC may increase the amount of … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: Can I submit an anonymous tip to SEC Whistleblower Office?

Anonymous Tips to the SEC Whistleblower Office Yes, a whistleblower can submit an anonymous tip to the SEC Whistleblower Office and be eligible for an … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: How might information about securities law violations “lead to” a successful SEC enforcement action?

Information “leads to” a successful SEC action if it causes the SEC to: Open an investigation (even if the information ultimately does not have a strong … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: What is considered “original information” to qualify for an award?

Original information qualifying for an SEC Whistleblower Award “Original information” is information that is not already known to the SEC. Thus, if another whistleblower … Continued

Image of SEC Whistleblower Program: Can I submit a tip to the SEC if I agreed to a confidentiality provision in an employment or severance agreement?

SEC Whistleblower Program: Can I submit a tip to the SEC if I agreed to a confidentiality provision in an employment or severance agreement?

Yes. The SEC firmly rejects any employer’s attempt to impede an employee’s communication with the SEC about a possible securities-law violation by using … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: Do I have to report a securities law violation to my company before reporting the violation to the SEC?

In determining whether to report internally prior to reporting to the SEC, a whistleblower should consult with counsel to determine the optimal path forward … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: Can compliance personnel, auditors, officers or directors qualify for an SEC whistleblower award?

Compliance Personnel, Auditors, Officers, and Directors Can Obtain SEC Whistleblower Awards Compliance personnel, including internal auditors, external auditors, officers, and directors, may incorrectly assume that they are not … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Program: Can I submit a tip to the SEC if I was involved in the fraud or misconduct?

Yes, so long as you are not criminally charged. Indeed, the SEC has issued a few awards to whistleblowers that bore some degree … Continued

SEC Whistleblower Reward Program: Who is an “eligible” whistleblower for an award under the program?

Most individuals, regardless of citizenship, are “eligible” whistleblowers if they voluntarily provide the SEC with original information about a possible violation of the federal securities … Continued

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