In the context of finance, what is a "whistleblower"?

A "whistleblower" refers to an individual who identifies and reports unethical or illegal practices within an organization, typically in a workplace context. This can include activities such as fraud, corruption, or violations of regulations, which may harm the public interest or the integrity of financial markets. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in maintaining accountability and transparency by bringing such misconduct to light, often at personal risk.

In the realm of finance, their disclosures can lead to significant legal and regulatory actions against wrongdoers and can help protect investors and the integrity of financial systems. This definition aligns perfectly with the chosen answer. The other options represent different roles or entities in the financial sector but do not capture the essence of what a whistleblower is. For instance, while managing financial portfolios and providing market insights are important functions in finance, they do not involve reporting wrongdoing. Similarly, a regulatory body oversees and enforces compliance but is distinct from an individual reporting misconduct.