Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Developments in Federal Whistleblowing Programs: What Compliance Officers Need to Know

By Jonathan B. New, Patrick T. Campbell and Lauren Lyster
June 01, 2021

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, federal whistleblower programs continue to receive thousands of tips and issue millions in awards. The Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) whistleblower program remains very active and over the past year, has awarded its highest whistleblower awards ever. A new Chairman and recent rule changes may lead to even more activity under the SEC's program. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) whistleblower program, while not as extensive as the SEC's program, may see an uptick in activity if recent proposed legislation is passed. The government's False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement continues to be driven by whistleblower reports and COVID-19 related fraud may lead to substantial increases in FCA tips going forward.

In addition, Congress recently repealed and replaced a prior whistleblower program under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) that was largely seen as unsuccessful. Congress also passed the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Act (KARRA) to fill a perceived gap in the SEC whistleblower program by specifically encouraging whistleblowers who provide information related to foreign government corruption.

This article examines recent developments and trends concerning these federal whistleblower programs that compliance officers need to know and provides best practices recommendations for ensuring that your company maintains a robust whistleblower and anti-retaliation program in light of this increased whistleblower activity.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
'Huguenot LLC v. Megalith Capital Group Fund I, L.P.': A Tutorial On Contract Liability for Real Estate Purchasers Image

In June 2024, the First Department decided Huguenot LLC v. Megalith Capital Group Fund I, L.P., which resolved a question of liability for a group of condominium apartment buyers and in so doing, touched on a wide range of issues about how contracts can obligate purchasers of real property.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

CoStar Wins Injunction for Breach-of-Contract Damages In CRE Database Access Lawsuit Image

Latham & Watkins helped the largest U.S. commercial real estate research company prevail in a breach-of-contract dispute in District of Columbia federal court.

Fresh Filings Image

Notable recent court filings in entertainment law.

The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business Allies Image

Practical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.