SEC/CFTC Whistleblower Reward Calculator
Estimate your potential reward under the SEC Whistleblower Program (Dodd-Frank Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78u-6) or the CFTC Whistleblower Program (7 U.S.C. § 26). Rewards range from 10% to 30% of sanctions collected when total sanctions exceed $1,000,000.
Total sanctions ordered by the agency (disgorgement + civil penalties + interest). Must exceed $1,000,000 to qualify.
The agency weighs the significance of your original information when setting the award percentage.
Unreasonable delay is a negative factor that can reduce the award percentage.
Interference is a significant negative factor under both SEC and CFTC rules.
Internal reporting first is a positive factor under SEC Rule 21F-6.
Under Dodd-Frank, rewards can also apply to related actions by other authorities based on the same original information.
Enter total sanctions from related actions (DOJ, state, etc.) if you selected "Yes" above.
Formula
Estimated Reward = Total Sanctions × Award Percentage
Where Award Percentage is determined by the agency within the statutory range of 10% to 30% based on weighted positive and negative factors:
Award % = 10% + (Factor Score / 100) × 20% Factor Score (0–100) is computed as: + Significance of Information: High=35, Medium=20, Low=5 + Degree of Cooperation: Full=25, Partial=13, Minimal=3 + Internal Reporting First: Yes=15, No=0 − Unreasonable Delay: Yes=−15 − Interference w/ Compliance: Yes=−20 Score clamped to [0, 100] Award % clamped to [10%, 30%] Total Reward = (Primary Sanctions + Related Sanctions) × Award %
A ±2.5% band around the midpoint estimate reflects agency discretion within the statutory range.
Assumptions & References
- Minimum threshold: Total monetary sanctions must exceed $1,000,000 for any reward to be available (15 U.S.C. § 78u-6(b)(1); 7 U.S.C. § 26(b)(1)).
- Statutory range: Awards are set between 10% and 30% of collected sanctions; the agency has discretion within this range.
- Positive factors (SEC Rule 21F-6(a); CFTC Rule 165.7(b)): Significance of original information, degree of assistance provided, reporting through internal compliance channels, and participation in legal proceedings.
- Negative factors (SEC Rule 21F-6(b); CFTC Rule 165.7(c)): Culpability of the whistleblower, unreasonable delay in reporting, and interference with internal compliance or audit processes.
- Related actions: Under 15 U.S.C. § 78u-6(b)(1) and 7 U.S.C. § 26(b)(1), rewards may also apply to sanctions collected in related actions by other authorities (e.g., DOJ, state regulators) based on the same original information.
- "Collected" sanctions: Rewards are paid only on sanctions actually collected by the agency, not merely ordered. This calculator uses the entered amount as a proxy for collected sanctions.
- Eligibility: This calculator does not assess all eligibility criteria (e.g., employment exclusions, prior knowledge requirements, foreign government officials). Consult an attorney for a full eligibility analysis.
- Tax: Whistleblower awards are generally taxable income under U.S. federal law. Consult a tax advisor.
- Legal authority: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010), Pub. L. 111-203; SEC Rules 21F-1 through 21F-17 (17 C.F.R. § 240.21F); CFTC Rules 165.1 through 165.19 (17 C.F.R. § 165).
- Disclaimer: This tool provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual awards are determined solely by the SEC or CFTC based on all facts and circumstances.