The Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved a final rule establishing a presumption that qualifying whistleblowers receive the statutory maximum award of 30 percent when that amount would total USD 5 million or less across covered and related actions. Finalizing its earlier proposal as issued, the rule is modeled on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s framework and is intended to make smaller award determinations faster, more transparent and more predictable. The presumption applies only to meritorious claims and remains subject to CFTC discretion. It generally will not apply where a claimant was culpable, interfered with internal compliance systems, unreasonably delayed reporting, provided limited assistance or where the maximum award would conflict with the public interest or the program’s objectives. Historical data indicate that about 82 percent of awards would fall within the threshold, while meritorious claims took more than 2.5 years on average to resolve from 2012 through 2025. The rule also updates regulations to reflect the Whistleblower Office’s 2025 transfer to the Office of the General Counsel. It will take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
2026-09-11Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Commodity Futures Trading Commission adopts 30 percent presumption for whistleblower awards up to USD 5 million
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission adopted a presumption that qualifying whistleblowers receive the maximum 30 percent award when the aggregate payment would be USD 5 million or less. The presumption remains subject to safeguards covering claimant conduct, reporting delays, assistance and the public interest. The SEC-aligned rule takes effect 30 days after Federal Register publication.