On March 18, the SEC announced whistleblower awards totaling over $3 million to three individuals for providing information and assistance in three separate covered actions. According to the first redacted order, the SEC awarded approximately $1.5 million to a whistleblower for providing information which led to the successful prosecution of an enforcement action. Additionally, the whistleblower assisted the staff throughout the investigation. According to the second redacted order, the SEC awarded over $1 million to an individual who provided information that prompted Commission staff to open an investigation that led to the successful prosecution of an enforcement action. The whistleblower continued to provide assistance by participating in interviews and giving additional documents. In the third redacted order, the SEC awarded over $400,000 to a whistleblower whose comprehensive tip led to an investigation and who provided substantial ongoing cooperation. The whistleblower also raised concerns internally, causing the conduct to cease.
The SEC has awarded approximately $1.2 billion to 254 whistleblowers since issuing its first award in 2012.