SEC awards $27 million in whistleblower awards

Securities Whistleblower Enforcement SEC Investigations

On June 2, the SEC announced whistleblower awards to two individuals totaling nearly $23 million for information and assistance provided in multiple successful enforcement actions. According to the redacted order, the SEC awarded the first whistleblower nearly $13 million for submitting a whistleblower tip that led to the initiation of the investigations. The second whistleblower received approximately $10 million for submitting a tip that contributed to the investigation, but according to the SEC, the whistleblower “unreasonably delayed by waiting several years to report the conduct.” The SEC noted that both whistleblowers provided substantial voluntary assistance in the investigation, including participating in interviews and identifying key individuals and systems involved in the investigations.

Earlier on May 27, the SEC announced that it awarded a whistleblower more than $4 million for voluntarily providing information that prompted the SEC to open an investigation leading to a successful enforcement action. According to the redacted order, the whistleblower provided substantial information to SEC investigative staff, identified key players, provided helpful information and documents, and cooperated with investigative staff. The SEC, however, determined a second claimant to be ineligible for an award, concluding, among other things, that the claimant “provided no information that was used in or otherwise contributed to the Covered Action” nor any “unique information or insight,” which would have led to the success of the enforcement action.

The SEC has awarded more than $928 million to 166 individuals since issuing its first award in 2012.