Does SEC protect whistleblowers?

Does SEC protect whistleblowers?

As set forth in the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC protects the confidentiality of whistleblowers and does not disclose 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.

Are SEC whistleblowers Anonymous?

Unlike other whistleblower-reward programs, the SEC’s program allows whistleblowers to submit tips anonymously if they are represented by an attorney. We have succeeded in obtaining awards for clients while enabling them to remain anonymous.

What is covered by a whistleblowing policy?

As a whistleblower you’re protected by law – you should not be treated unfairly or lose your job because you ‘blow the whistle’. You can raise your concern at any time about an incident that happened in the past, is happening now, or you believe will happen in the near future.

How do I file a whistleblower complaint to the SEC?

We strongly encourage the public (including whistleblowers) to submit any tips, complaints, and referrals (TCRs) using the SEC’s online TCR system and complaint form at https://www.sec.gov/tcr.

What laws prohibit retaliation against whistleblowers?

The California False Claims Act prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers who report attempts to defraud the State of California. These California-specific protections are bolstered by anti-retaliation provisions in federal laws including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the False Claims Act.

Who can be a SEC whistleblower?

You can reside in, or be a citizen of, any country in the world and be an SEC whistleblower. In fact, in 2014, the Commission paid out more than $30 million to a whistleblower living in a foreign country. And, every year, more than 10% of SEC tips come from foreign nationals.

Who can be an SEC whistleblower?

What can be reported through whistle blowing?

External whistleblowing is a term used when whistleblowers report the wrongdoings to people outside the organisation such as the media, higher government officials, or police. The crime or wrongdoing could be in the form of fraud, deceiving employees, corruptions, or any other act which misleads people.

What is the Whistleblower Protection Act of 2012?

The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (WPEA) was signed into law in 2012. The law strengthened the protections for federal employees who disclose evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse.

How does the Securities and Exchange Commission use whistleblowers?

Assistance and information from a whistleblower who knows of possible securities law violations can be among the most powerful weapons in the law enforcement arsenal of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

What is the Office of the whistleblower?

The Office of the Whistleblower was established to administer the SEC’s whistleblower program. We understand that the decision to come forward with information about securities fraud or other wrongdoing is not one taken lightly, and we are here to answer any questions you may have.

How do I qualify for an award under the Whistleblower Program?

To qualify for an award under the Whistleblower Program, you must submit information regarding possible securities law violations to the Commission in one of the following two ways: (1) By submitting a tip electronically through the SEC’s Tips, Complaints and Referrals Portal by clicking the button below.

What are the benefits of the Whistleblower Protection Program?

Under the program eligible whistleblowers (defined below) are entitled to an award of between 10% and 30% of the monetary sanctions collected in actions brought by the SEC and related actions brought by certain other regulatory and law enforcement authorities.

author

Back to Top