SEC Whistleblower Office Reports Increased Tips in FY2018

The SEC reports that it received over 5,200 whistleblower tips in FY 2018, the highest increase in tips since the beginning of the program and a nearly 76 percent increase since FY 2012. In its annual report to Congress, the SEC reported:

• $326 million awarded to 59 individuals since the beginning of the whistleblower program;
• More than $168 million in whistleblower awards to 13 individuals in FY2018. This amount exceeds the total amount awarded in all prior years combined.
• Two of the largest-ever whistleblower awards this past fiscal year—a total combined $83 million award shared by three individuals, and an award of almost $54 million shared by two individuals.

According to the report, since the program’s inception, the SEC has ordered wrongdoers in enforcement matters brought with information from whistleblowers to pay over $1.7 billion in total monetary sanctions, including more than $901 million in disgorgement, of which approximately $452 million has been, or is scheduled to be, returned to investors.