The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), under the leadership of Chairman Rostin Behnam, has announced a strategic appointment to bolster its enforcement capabilities. Brian Young steps into the role of Director of the CFTC’s Whistleblower Office, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the Department of Justice (DOJ), where he significantly contributed to antitrust and white-collar crime litigation.
Chairman Behnam emphasized the pivotal role whistleblowers play in enabling the CFTC to effectively police the markets. He highlighted that the success of the Division of Enforcement is closely linked to the efficacy of the Whistleblower Office. “Brian’s comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting our markets will fortify the Whistleblower program, encouraging those with insider information to step forward,” Behnam stated.
Brian Young, expressing his outlook on the appointment, underscored the importance of insider information in advancing financial enforcement efforts. He praised the achievements of the CFTC’s Whistleblower Program and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the CFTC’s skilled team to address financial misconduct.
Young’s journey to the CFTC is marked by a distinguished tenure at the DOJ. As the acting director of litigation for the Antitrust Division, he led both criminal and civil litigations, focusing on antitrust conduct and merger cases under the Sherman Act. His career at the DOJ also includes over a decade in the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division, where he ascended to chief of the Fraud Section’s Litigation Unit. In this capacity, Young supervised a team of around 150 prosecutors dealing with white-collar crime, public corruption, and other significant legal matters.
An expert in derivatives and commodities fraud, Young has been at the forefront of prosecuting some of the most notable white-collar crimes in recent years. His background also includes prosecuting cases related to public corruption, defense procurement, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
The Whistleblower Office, established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, plays a crucial role in the CFTC’s enforcement strategy. It rewards individuals who voluntarily provide original information about breaches of the Commodity Exchange Act. With $350 million awarded in fiscal year 2023 and $18 million already awarded in fiscal year 2024, the program has contributed to sanctions exceeding $3 billion in whistleblower-related enforcement actions. The Whistleblower Office’s operations and award claim processes are detailed at Whistleblower.gov, serving as a critical resource for individuals aiming to report violations.
Brian Young’s appointment represents a significant step forward in enhancing the CFTC’s capacity to combat financial wrongdoing and maintain the integrity of the markets. His proven track record and commitment to justice are expected to drive the success of the Whistleblower Program, further empowering individuals to contribute to the CFTC’s mission.
