The SEC Division of Enforcement (the "Division") reviewed its record over the past fiscal year,
highlighting COVID-19 related enforcement efforts and the
successful expansion of the whistleblower program.
In its annual report for 2020, the Division described
its "triage" of 16,000 COVID-19 related tips, complaints
and referrals. The Division also cited investigative work including
150 COVID-19 related matters, and the work of the Coronavirus
Steering Committee that led to the suspension from trading of two
dozen issuers for potential COVID-19 related fraud (e.g.,
claims about COVID-19 treatments, the manufacture and sale of
personal protection equipment, etc.).
The Division stated that it brought 715 enforcement actions and
obtained $4.68 billion in disgorgement and penalties - the highest
amount on record. In addition, the Division reported approximately
$175 million whistleblower awards to 39 individuals this year,
bringing the total - since the program was
