We Passionately Represent Securities Industry Professionals Who Blow The Whistle To The SEC

Their unique experience and allows securities industry professionals to detect fraud, deception, and other misconduct before others. When they discover the evidence, they have the option to become SEC whistleblowers. They can help stop the activity and help prevent further harm to investors.

Securities industry professionals may become SEC whistleblowers if they report violations of federal securities laws to the SEC’s Whistleblower Program. These professionals can be brokers, investment advisers, compliance officers, auditors, and others in the industry who have information that the SEC can utilize.

Our SEC whistleblower lawyers know these professionals put their careers and reputations on the line when they decide to submit information to the SEC.

Any individual who voluntarily provides original information to the SEC about a possible violation of securities laws can be a whistleblower. In the securities industry, this can include:

• Employees of brokerage firms, investment advisers, hedge funds, mutual funds, and public companies.
• Auditors, accountants, and compliance professionals (with special exceptions if their discovery of misconduct meets certain criteria, such as preventing substantial injury to investors, or if their employer is impeding an investigation).
• Officers or directors may act under specific circumstances, such as where internal reporting has been unsuccessful or when urgent intervention is required.

The information must be original and not something requested by the SEC during an investigation.

Any activity that undermines the market can be harmful to investors and the market. Professionals in the securities industry may uncover or be involved in reporting issues such as:

• Insider trading
• Accounting fraud
• Market manipulation, such as price and volume manipulation of securities
• Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent offerings
• False or misleading SEC filings and financial statements
• Unregistered securities offerings
• Fraudulent sales practices by investment advisers

Our SEC Whistleblower attorneys can help securities industry professionals who become aware of misconduct prepare and submit their findings to the SEC.

Because whistleblowing can disrupt a professional’s career, financial incentives encourage those with information to come forward, such as:

• SEC whistleblowers are eligible for monetary awards ranging from 10% to 30% of any sanctions or penalties collected by the SEC if the information leads to an enforcement action over $1 million.​
• The program offers confidentiality and protects whistleblowers from workplace retaliation.

These awards can help if a whistleblower changes employers or transitions into a different career path.

Compliance personnel, auditors, officers, and directors are generally restricted from applying. However, they may qualify for awards if:

• They reasonably believe disclosure is needed to prevent substantial injury or if the entity is impeding the investigation.
• They reported internally at least 120 days before submitting to the SEC, or if the company's leadership already knew of the misconduct.

Because securities industry professionals’ expertise and roles often grant them unique insights into violations that might otherwise go undetected, Congress and the SEC encourage them to report misconduct.A successful enforcement action helps to curb wrongdoing and make the market safe for all investors.

A securities professional should follow these key steps to report securities law violations to the SEC and qualify for whistleblower protections and potential awards:

• Gather as much evidence as possible—documents, emails, spreadsheets, and details of the alleged misconduct.
• Assess whether the violation potentially breaches federal securities laws, such as fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, or false filings to the SEC.

• Professionals can report violations internally to their employer, such as a compliance department, but it's not required to do so before contacting the SEC.
• Internal reporting may affect eligibility and timing for whistleblower awards and protections. If a whistleblower does submit an internal report, they can also submit it to the SEC within 120 days and may still be eligible.

• Use the SEC’s online Tips, Complaints, and Referrals (TCR) form to submit the complaint, which can include attachments and supporting evidence.
• Submissions may be made anonymously if represented by an attorney, ensuring confidentiality.
• Complete the form thoroughly, detailing facts, parties involved, supporting materials, and any internal disclosures made.

• The SEC reviews tips and may open an investigation. Whistleblowers may be asked for further information or documents.
• Whistleblowers could participate in interviews and identify witnesses or key documents.
• Extensive cooperation and prompt response enhance eligibility for higher awards.

• If the tip leads to successful SEC action with monetary sanctions over $1 million, file a claim for a whistleblower award using Form WB-APP within 90 days after the SEC posts a Notice of Covered Action.
• The SEC will evaluate the whistleblower’s contribution, timeliness, and the quality of cooperation.

• Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation under federal law if the report is made in writing to the SEC.
• It is strongly recommended to consult with or retain an experienced SEC whistleblower attorney, both for submitting a strong, compliant report and for maintaining privacy and protection while navigating the process.

Taking these steps ensures that securities professionals report violations effectively and maximize their eligibility for protections and potential financial rewards under the SEC Whistleblower Program. An SEC whistleblower attorney provides essential support and protection to securities industry professionals who report violations. These attorneys guide professionals through the complex whistleblower process, maximize their chances of success, and help safeguard their careers.

Becoming a whistleblower is not a step most people take lightly. Getting help at the outset can lead to a more successful outcome.

• Initial Case Evaluation
  • Attorneys review the facts and evidence to determine if the case qualifies for the SEC whistleblower program. They identify whether the information is “original” and significant enough to prompt SEC action.
  • This ensures that clients proceed with strong cases that meet the program’s requirements.
• Confidential and Anonymous Reporting
• Whistleblower attorneys allow tipsters to submit cases anonymously, protecting their identities from employers and the public. Only if the whistleblower has legal counsel can they report anonymously.
• Legal Guidance and Strategy
  • SEC whistleblower lawyers understand complex securities laws and can effectively present the violations, draft the necessary forms (such as Form TCR), and highlight key evidence to the SEC.
  • Attorneys advise on how and when to disclose internally, ensuring clients don’t inadvertently sabotage their cases or their award eligibility.
• Representation During Investigation
  • Once retained, the attorney acts as the primary contact with the SEC, managing communications and preparing clients for interviews. This advocacy helps clarify intricate financial frauds or manipulation schemes and supports investigators as needed while protecting confidentiality.
  • Attorneys handle supplemental disclosures and responses to SEC requests, keeping the process on track.
• Maximizing Awards and Protections
  • Legal counsel ensures the award application paperwork is filed correctly. They can advocate for a higher percentage of the financial recovery if the whistleblower provides substantial assistance to the SEC.

Whistleblowers can submit information to the SEC without an attorney. But they will not have the help and protection that comes with legal assistance, including anonymity.

We have experience representing SEC whistleblowers and are ready to help with every aspect of your case.

• Our experienced attorneys know how to “sell” the case to the SEC, increasing the chance that scarce regulatory resources are allocated to investigate and enforce action against violators.
• We help organize evidence, locate witnesses, and, if needed, retain expert consultants to build a robust submission.
• Our attorneys remain vigilant about deadlines and procedural requirements, protecting clients from missteps and maximizing the likelihood of reward and legal protection.

For securities industry professionals, working with an experienced SEC whistleblower attorney can mean greater security and better odds of a successful outcome.