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.