CFTC updates whistleblower award rules

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved a final rule that incorporates a 30% presumption for whistleblower awards of $5 million or less, subject to Commission discretion and its analysis of relevant regulatory factors.

The final rule is modeled on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rule 21F-6(c), further enhancing the ongoing efforts at harmonization between the two agencies. The CFTC expects this new provision to improve the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of whistleblower award claims processing.

“This final rule will help our Whistleblower Office to promptly and transparently process whistleblower claims, representing an important step in further harmonizing the CFTC and SEC,” said Chairman Michael S. Selig.

“The Whistleblower Program plays an important role in supporting the Commission’s enforcement program,” said Raagnee Beri, director of the Whistleblower Office. “This final rule will protect and enhance the program’s effectiveness and further incentivize whistleblowers to report.”

The final rule will be effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.