What monetary awards could you receive as a CFTC whistleblower?

CFTC whistleblowers may receive awards of 10% to 30% of the monetary sanctions obtained in a CFTC enforcement action or a related action brought by another regulator.

Most monetary recoveries will constitute sanctions that give rise to a whistleblower award. CFTC regulations specify that “any monies, including penalties, disgorgement, restitution, and interest” are subject to a potential whistleblower award, provided those amounts are ordered as relief for the alleged violations.

The precise amount of an award between 10% and 30% is within the CFTC’s discretion. Among other factors, the CFTC considers the significance of the whistleblower’s information, the assistance the whistleblower provided, and the government’s interest in deterring future violations by providing whistleblowers incentives to come forward. The CFTC also assesses whether the whistleblower or an attorney on the whistleblower’s behalf participated in internal compliance procedures, viewing such internal reporting as a positive factor that increases the award amount.

On the other hand, several negative factors can decrease the award amount, including the whistleblower’s culpability in the misconduct, any unreasonable delay in reporting, and interference with internal compliance and reporting procedures.

Whistleblowers can appeal adverse CFTC award decisions to a United States Court of Appeals.

To learn more about the CFTC whistleblower program and other similar programs, go to www.mololamken.com and follow us on LinkedIn. “Brilliant lawyers with courtroom savvy” — Benchmark Litigation. Copyright MoloLamken LLP 2025.