Whistleblower

SEC Whistleblower Attorneys

Protecting Whistleblowers and Rewarding Integrity Nationwide

At Iorio Law PLLC, we represent whistleblowers nationwide who courageously step forward to report securities fraud and other violations of federal securities laws. As experienced SEC whistleblower attorneys, we help individuals navigate the SEC whistleblower process, protect their rights, and maximize their eligibility for substantial monetary awards.

What is the SEC Whistleblower Program?

Established under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the SEC Whistleblower Program incentivizes individuals to report specific, timely, and credible information about securities law violations directly to the SEC. The program protects whistleblowers’ confidentiality and provides substantial monetary incentives to encourage reporting misconduct.

Whistleblower awards range from 10% to 30% of the monetary sanctions collected by the SEC, provided the sanctions exceed $1 million.

Since the program’s inception in August 2011, the SEC has awarded over $2.2 billion to more than 446 whistleblowers. Enforcement actions triggered by whistleblower tips have resulted in over $6.3 billion in financial remedies, with more than $4 billion in disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, and over $1.5 billion returned directly to harmed investors.

Critically, whistleblower awards are financed entirely through monetary sanctions collected from securities law violators, ensuring that no taxpayer funds or harmed investor recoveries are used to pay these incentives.

Who Can Be an SEC Whistleblower?

A whistleblower can be any individual who voluntarily provides original, specific, and timely information about potential federal securities law violations. Whistleblowers can include:

Current or former company employees with first-hand knowledge of wrongdoing.
Industry experts or outsiders providing detailed analyses of misconduct.
Foreign nationals exposing fraud overseas affecting U.S. investors.
Investors harmed by fraudulent schemes.

Interestingly, nearly 40% of recent whistleblower award recipients were outsiders unaffiliated with the reported entity, demonstrating the wide reach and effectiveness of whistleblower information.

Types of Misconduct Reported

Common whistleblower allegations involve:

Corporate disclosure and financial fraud
Investment offering fraud
Market manipulation
Insider trading
Cryptocurrency and initial coin offerings (ICOs)
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations
Ponzi schemes and fraudulent investment vehicles

Whistleblower tips have proven essential in uncovering both domestic and international financial fraud, enabling the SEC to take swift, decisive enforcement action.

Examples of Information Leading to Awards

While each whistleblower case is unique, past successful tips have typically included:

Identification of specific individuals involved in misconduct.
Documentation supporting allegations.
Detailed analysis of suspicious financial transactions.
Assistance in ongoing investigations by providing testimony or further information.

The Whistleblower Award Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the SEC whistleblower award process is complex and involves critical deadlines and procedural steps:

Submit a whistleblower tip to the SEC.
The SEC analyzes the tip and, if appropriate, initiates an investigation.
Enforcement actions are pursued and penalties assessed.
The SEC posts a Notice of Covered Action (NoCA).
Whistleblowers must file a formal claim for an award within 90 days of the NoCA posting.
The SEC evaluates and issues a preliminary determination of the award.
Whistleblowers may request reconsideration if initially denied.
Final determinations are made, and whistleblowers may appeal adverse decisions.

Due to these complexities, representation by an experienced SEC whistleblower lawyer is crucial to safeguard eligibility and maximize award potential.

Why Choose Iorio Law PLLC for Your Whistleblower Claim?

At Iorio Law PLLC, we understand the significant professional and personal risks whistleblowers face. Our whistleblower attorneys offer:

Extensive experience with securities litigation and SEC procedures.
Strategic guidance through each step of the whistleblower process.
Aggressive advocacy to protect your confidentiality and anti-retaliation rights.
Results-focused representation, ensuring your eligibility for whistleblower awards is thoroughly preserved and maximized.

Even if you have already submitted a whistleblower tip or aided regulators in an investigation, retaining experienced counsel can significantly enhance your case and potential award.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need an attorney to file a whistleblower tip?

While you are not required to have an attorney, representation significantly increases your chances of successfully navigating the complex SEC procedures and maximizing your potential award.

How long does the whistleblower award process take?

The process varies but typically spans several years from the initial tip submission to award distribution. Prompt legal assistance ensures timely compliance with critical deadlines.

Will my identity remain confidential?

Yes. The SEC strongly protects whistleblower confidentiality and allows anonymous submissions through attorneys.

How are whistleblower awards funded?

Awards are paid exclusively from the SEC’s Investor Protection Fund, funded entirely by sanctions against violators, ensuring no impact on harmed investor recoveries.

Contact an SEC Whistleblower Lawyer Today

If you have information about securities fraud or other violations of federal securities laws, contact Iorio Law PLLC today for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced whistleblower attorneys will guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and your eligibility for financial rewards is preserved.

☎ Call: (646) 330-4624
✉ Email: info@iorio.law
📍 Serving Whistleblowers Nationwide from New York

Take the first step toward justice. Your integrity deserves protection and reward.

Client Reviews

August Iorio is a wonderful, very competent attorney. He helped me through a very complicated financial situation to a result that benefitted me greatly. He is responsive, efficient, and very accommodating to my personal situation. I highly recommend him.

Christine L.

I was impressed with August Iorio's directness and clarity in explaining the claim process and how it might work out. I also appreciated his promptness in getting back to me when I had questions or other concerns. The law firm is very good at what it does.

Art H.

August Iorio was the lead on our case. His professional demeanor, partnered with his responsiveness to our questions, suggestions, and ideas made us feel as if we were a team with a common goal. He always kept us updated and informed and gave us realistic expectations which resulted in a timely...

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