Financial Fraud Whistleblowers
At Berg & Androphy, we are committed to championing the voices of financial fraud whistleblowers.
Our whistleblower lawyers support courageous individuals who expose corporate misconduct, ensuring their protection and recognition of their contributions to justice. We know the emotional and professional challenges of exposing fraud, so we approach every case with empathy, discretion, and unwavering dedication.
Results in Securities Fraud Cases
Berg & Androphy has built a remarkable track record in securities fraud cases, securing significant victories and settlements that underscore our ability to deliver exceptional results. Our whistleblower attorneys have extensive experience in this complex field, enabling us to precisely identify and address fraudulent practices. We have represented individuals throughout the United States in qui tam cases against large multinational companies that have defrauded federal and state governments.
David Berg’s Securities Fraud Case Results:
- Led detailed investigation into sub-prime mortgages and derivatives for a $5 billion hedge fund.
- Lead counsel for 15,000 Limited Partners who sued Marriott Corporation for securities fraud.
- Negotiated a $425 million settlement, one of the largest involving real estate.
- Representation involving investigation of options back-dating at a Fortune 500 company.
- Obtained a verdict worth $52 million for Robert Bass’s investment company.
- Co-lead counsel in the largest securities class action in the nation’s history.
Common Forms of Financial Fraud
On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 4173), known as Dodd-Frank. The bill, in part, meant to encourage whistleblowers to step forward in response to fraud within the U.S. Financial Sector. Dodd-Frank applies to the violation of almost any law regulating securities, commodities, derivatives, or finance. Such fraud may include insider trading, ponzi schemes, bribery, or violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
In return for information that could lead to enforcement proceedings and monetary sanctions, the government provides whistleblowers with substantial financial rewards, confidentiality, and protections against employer retaliation.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now authorized to award an award to any whistleblower who supplies relevant information about violations of SEC regulations to the agency. This includes assurances of confidentiality and protections against employer retaliation. SEC enforcement authority applies to federal securities laws, the security industry, U.S. stock and options exchanges, and other U.S. electronic securities markets. The N.Y. Stock Exchange alone has a daily trading value of $153 billion, so the potential for fraud is substantial.
The Dodd-Frank Act also authorized the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to have a whistleblower authority similar to that of the SEC. The CFTC works to maintain open and fair markets for commodities and futures contracts. This can involve nearly every type of business, including livestock, currency, energy, and insurance. The CFTC is also primarily responsible for regulating and maintaining the derivatives market.
Before the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, the derivatives market was largely unregulated. The Act gives the CFTC broad regulatory authority over swaps, options, and other transactions based on market indices, commodities, rates, and financial interests. In 2009, the total value of these transactions was estimated at over $426 trillion. The Act also gives the SEC authority over “security-based swaps,” which refer to a narrow subset of swaps related to individual securities or loans.
Supporting Whistleblowers Every Step of the Way
Whistleblowers often face significant personal and professional risks. That’s why our whistleblower lawyers in Houston, Texas, protect and safeguard their rights throughout the process. Our team provides comprehensive support, from initial consultations to navigating legal proceedings, so whistleblowers can confidently pursue their cases.