SEC Whistleblower Program
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Reward Range
10–30%
Minimum Threshold
$1 million in sanctions
Typical Timeline
Awards are typically issued 1–5 years after the initial tip, depending on investigation complexity
Established
2010
Program Authority
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, 2010
Who Is Eligible?
Any individual (including foreign nationals) with original information about a possible violation of federal securities laws. Employees, former employees, and third parties may qualify. Anonymous submissions are permitted through an attorney.
How to Report
Submit a tip to the SEC via the Tips, Complaints, and Referrals (TCR) system at sec.gov/whistleblower. The SEC investigates and, if sanctions exceed $1M and statutory requirements are met, the whistleblower may apply for an award.
Typical Timeline
Awards are typically issued 1–5 years after the initial tip, depending on investigation complexity.
Whistleblower Protections
Anti-retaliation protections under Dodd-Frank Section 21F. Employers may not discharge, demote, suspend, harass, or discriminate against whistleblowers who report to the SEC.
Notable Awards & Recoveries
The SEC has awarded over $1.9 billion to more than 400 individuals since 2012.
Program Reference
Eligibility, award rules, filing method, and official resources
Who Is Eligible
Any individual with original information about a possible violation of federal securities laws. Includes employees, former employees, and third parties. Foreign nationals are eligible. Attorneys and auditors face additional restrictions.
Qualifying Violations
Securities fraud, insider trading, accounting fraud, market manipulation, Ponzi schemes, investment adviser fraud, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.
Award Calculation
10–30% of qualifying sanctions collected where statutory requirements are met, in cases where total sanctions exceed $1 million. The SEC has discretion to set the percentage within that range based on factors including the significance of the information and the whistleblower's cooperation.
Anonymity Rules
Anonymous submissions are permitted but must be made through an attorney. The attorney must certify the submission on the whistleblower's behalf. Anonymous whistleblowers must later identify themselves to claim an award.
Required Filing Method
Submit via the SEC's online Tips, Complaints, and Referrals (TCR) system at sec.gov/whistleblower. Paper Form TCR is also accepted.
Relevant Deadlines
No fixed statute of limitations for tips, but awards require that the tip precede the enforcement action. Apply for an award within 90 days of the SEC's Notice of Covered Action.
Official Agency Resource
https://www.sec.gov/whistleblowerCovered Fraud Types
- Securities fraud
- Insider trading
- Accounting fraud
- Market manipulation
- Ponzi schemes
- Investment adviser fraud
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations
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Submit a ReportSource: Information on this page is derived from and credited to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Official Website. This is a private platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any U.S. government agency. Program details are subject to change; always verify current rules at the official source.
Reward Estimator
Calculate Your SEC Whistleblower Program Award
Enter the estimated dollar amount of fraud you witnessed to see your potential reward range under this program.
Quick Eligibility Check
Does Your Situation Qualify?
Answer five quick questions to see if your information may be eligible for a federal reward program. Not intended as legal advice.
Do you have firsthand knowledge of fraud — information you witnessed, participated in, or obtained through your work or position?
Does the fraud involve a federal program, federal funds, federal securities laws, federal tax obligations, or federally regulated markets?
Is your information original — not already public knowledge, not previously reported to a federal agency, and not derived solely from news or court records?
Are you able to provide specific facts, documents, or other evidence — not just a general suspicion or allegation?
Are you willing to submit your report to the appropriate federal agency, either directly or through a whistleblower attorney?
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