CFTC Whistleblower Program

The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Whistleblower Program rewards whistleblowers who expose violations of the Commodity Exchange Act, which regulates the trading of commodity futures. Whistleblowers who provide original information that helps the CFTC catch Commodity Exchange Act violators will be awarded between 10% and 30% of the penalty imposed on the violator. If multiple whistleblowers are granted awards in an action, the total award amount will be limited to between 10% and 30% of the amount of the penalties collected.

The program prohibits companies from retaliating against a whistleblower. If the whistleblower faces retaliation, he or she can file a civil lawsuit in a federal court for damages. In addition, the CFTC has the authority to act against the employer.