The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Rostin Behnam has announced Brian Young as the new director of the CFTC’s Whistleblower Office. Young transitions to the CFTC from the Department of Justice (DOJ), where he notably served as the acting director of litigation for the Antitrust Division, handling significant criminal and civil cases. With an 11-year tenure in the DOJ’s Fraud Section and experience in supervising and prosecuting a range of cases, including public corruption and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act cases, Young brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

The CFTC’s Whistleblower Office, established under the Dodd-Frank Act, is instrumental in rewarding individuals who come forward with vital information on violations of the Commodity Exchange Act. In fiscal year 2023, the office awarded nearly $350 million across 41 orders, with an additional $18 million awarded in fiscal year 2024 so far.

The SEC and CFTC’s whistleblower programs have collectively crossed the $2 billion mark in awards, showcasing the critical role these programs play in combating fraud and protecting investors. The programs have led to over $9.5 billion in sanctions, highlighting the effectiveness of whistleblower tips in securities and commodities fraud enforcement.

Despite the success, calls for reforms to ensure the sustainability and fairness of these programs are growing, with bipartisan bills pending in Congress aimed at enhancing the programs’ efficacy. As the CFTC welcomes Young, the whistleblower programs continue to be a pivotal part of the financial regulatory landscape, recovering billions and incentivizing the reporting of misconduct.