UK consults on whistleblowing reform and SFO rewards for economic crime tips
The UK government opened a consultation on October 12, 2026 on whether the existing whistleblowing framework still works and on a proposed Serious Fraud Office scheme paying financial rewards to people who report economic crime. Rewards would be funded from corporate penalties and paid only after cases conclude; the consultation closes January 8, 2027.
Text (GOV.UK) → · Law Gazette
Key points
- Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and minister Kate Dearden introduced the consultation, issued with the Home Office, Attorney General's Office and SFO.Law GazetteGOV.UK
- Rewards would go to people whose information leads to a corporate conviction or alternative enforcement action, after all appeal rights are exhausted.Law Gazette
- Payments would come from a share of the company's fine or penalty, and respondents are asked whether rewards should be capped.Law Gazette
- The consultation asks whether knowingly making false reports under the SFO scheme should become a criminal offense.Law Gazette
- The SFO proposal follows a recommendation in Part 2 of Jonathan Fisher KC's independent review of disclosure and fraud law.Law Gazette
- Campaign group Protect welcomed proposals for a comprehensive review of whistleblowing law.Law Gazette
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
GOV.UK
Law Gazette