On November 16, 2011, the SEC's Office of the Whistleblower released its first annual report to Congress, as required by section 924(d) of the Dodd-Frank Act. The report only includes information about tips received after the final rules implementing the program became effective on August 12, 2011. As a result, it only includes seven weeks of data. Still, the information provides useful insights into the number and types of whistleblower complaints being received and some insights into the Office's staffing and activities to date.
Staffing
The report indicates that, in addition to Sean McKessy, the Head of the Office of the Whistleblower, the Office is currently staffed by five attorneys and one paralegal, all of whom are serving 12-month details from various Commission divisions and offices, which details started in May. The Office is currently in the process of recruiting and hiring a deputy chief.
Please see full Alert below for further information.
Please see full publication below for more information.