SEC issues $18 million whistleblower award

Securities Whistleblower Enforcement SEC Investigations

On April 28, the SEC announced an award of more than $18 million to a whistleblower in an enforcement action. According to the SEC’s press release, the whistleblower’s “significant information prompted an examination that resulted in an important enforcement action.” The formal order also states that the whistleblower, among other things, relayed information that alerted SEC staff to potential securities violations, and repeatedly raised concerns internally “in an attempt to immediately correct the problem,” which led to the whistleblower suffering hardships as a result. The SEC further emphasizes that the enforcement action resulted in millions of dollars being returned to retail investors.

As of April 28, the SEC has awarded 81 individuals a total of approximately $448 million in whistleblower awards since its first award in 2012.