SEC Awards More Than $2 Million to Whistleblower for Successful Related Action

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced an award of more than $2 million to a whistleblower who provided information that led to a successful related action by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The whistleblower previously received an award for contributions to an SEC enforcement action based on the same information that supported the award for the related action, and was eligible for the award announced today due to recent amendments clarifying the types of actions that may be considered "related" under the whistleblower rules. The whistleblower's information prompted the opening of investigations by both the SEC and the DOJ. The whistleblower also provided extensive, ongoing assistance to both investigations.

"The SEC's whistleblower rule amendments make clear that non-prosecution and deferred prosecution agreements entered into by the DOJ are related actions upon which whistleblowers may receive awards," said Emily Pasquinelli, Acting Chief of the SEC's Office of the Whistleblower. "Today's award demonstrates the SEC's commitment to award whistleblowers not only for their contributions to a successful SEC enforcement action but also for their contributions to qualifying related actions."

The SEC has awarded approximately $1.1 billion to 224 individuals since issuing its first award in 2012. All payments are made out of an investor protection fund established by Congress that is financed entirely through monetary sanctions paid to the SEC by securities law violators.  No money has been taken or withheld from harmed investors to pay whistleblower awards.  Whistleblowers may be eligible for an award when they voluntarily provide the SEC with original, timely, and credible information that leads to a successful enforcement action.  Whistleblower awards can range from 10-30% of the money collected when the monetary sanctions exceed $1 million.

As set forth in the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC protects the confidentiality of whistleblowers and does not disclose any information that could reveal a whistleblower’s identity.

For more information about the whistleblower program and how to report a tip, visit www.sec.gov/whistleblower.