The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires NYSE-listed companies to adhere to codes of conduct and ethics policies and also requires them to disclose any amendments or waivers of the Code of Conduct. Substantive provisions of the Business Code of Conduct and Ethics mandate that each company must address the following:

  • Conflicts of interest
  • Fair dealing
  • Confidentiality
  • Protection and proper use of company assets
  • Reporting of illegal or unethical behavior
  • Usurpation of corporate opportunities
  • Compliance with laws, rules, and regulations

This requirement applies to all directors, officers, and employees but is written in a way to prevent conflict with existing laws and company or employee obligations.

SEC Whistleblower Protection

This requirement also protects whistleblowers from retaliation and may reward whistleblowers for reporting illegal or unethical activity. Employees of NYSE-listed companies who witness a breach in the NYSE Code of Conduct or Ethics Policy may report their concerns to the SEC .

Given that the NYSE cannot offer any protection , confidentiality, or compensation in the event of fraud, whistleblowers may benefit from reporting their concerns directly to the SEC. We suggest getting in touch with our SEC whistleblower attorneys for a free and confidential evaluation.

SEC Whistleblower Rewards

Rewards are not guaranteed. However, the SEC Office of the Whistleblower provides monetary rewards to eligible individuals who provide the Commission with original, timely information, which leads to sanctions against any publicly-traded company of $1,000,000 or more.

Awards range from 10% to 30%, depending on the quality of the information provided. The more specific, credible, and timely the information, the greater the chances it will be forwarded to the investigative team at the SEC for further follow-up.

Read more:

SEC Whistleblower Program Overview: Qualifying for Rewards
What is an SEC Whistleblower?
Reporting Anonymously As An SEC Whistleblower
How to Report Insider Trading and Qualify for SEC Whistleblower Rewards

Frequently Asked Questions

Pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 19b-4, the NYSE is subject to the regulatory oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and all rules and amendments must be filed with and approved by the SEC.

Section 301 requires audit committees to establish procedures for handling whistleblower complaints, mainly pertaining to accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters. It also requires a process for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

The SEC Office of the Whistleblower pays rewards to the individual(s) who come forward with credible information about violations of federal securities laws. Learn more

Rules for Whistleblowers - 3 Ways to Order

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Rules for Whistleblowers

The ultimate guide to blowing the whistle and getting rewarded for doing what’s right.