The SEC Amends Whistleblower Rules to Increase Efficiency and Transparency


On September 23, 2020, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) voted to adopt amendments to the rules governing its whistleblower program. In a press release issued that day, the SEC explained that the changes are intended “to provide greater clarity to whistleblowers and increase the program’s efficiency and transparency.”

The amendments include a standard test for determining the monetary amount of awards due to whistleblowers as well as a uniform definition for the term “Whistleblower[,]” which are designed to increase the SEC’s efficiency in processing award applications.  Other amendments provide the SEC with greater flexibility in accepting applications and broaden the types of actions that would qualify for an award.

The SEC’s whistleblower program was established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010, and since its inception has resulted in $523 million in awards to 97 individuals.  SEC Chairman Jay Clayton explained that the “rule amendments will help us get more money into the hands of whistleblowers, and at a faster pace.  Experience demonstrates this added clarity, efficiency and transparency will further incentivize whistleblowers, enhance the whistleblower award program and benefit investors and our markets.”
 

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