From silence to system: The global evolution of whistleblower protection in financial services

by Mike Falvey

Whistleblowing has long stood as a sentinel of integrity in the financial services sector. In the wake of enduring corporate scandals and the persistent threat of financial crime, regulators across jurisdictions have placed increasing emphasis on ensuring safe, effective, and credible mechanisms for exposing misconduct. Between 2015 and 2025, whistleblower frameworks in the UK, the US and the European Union (EU) have undergone significant transformation. These changes reflect broader cultural shifts, regulatory pressure, and innovations in compliance practices. This article explores recent legal developments, the evolving role of corporate actors, and the technological and ethical challenges shaping whistleblowing governance today.