The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has awarded its largest-ever whistleblower award to an unnamed individual, totaling $279 million. The award is more than double the previous record of $114 million and is funded by an investor protection fund established by Congress. To receive an award, whistleblowers must provide information that directly assists the SEC in successfully imposing enforcement actions on a particular case. It is unclear if this relates to a major securities violation from the crypto sector or Wall Street, and the SEC does not reveal specific details to protect the whistleblower's privacy. The SEC's whistleblower incentive program was established in mid-2010 under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

(By BRIAN QUARMBY)