Accredited Investor Definition: What Are The Requirements?

Being an ‘accredited investor‘ plays a significant role in private investing. It refers to individuals allowed to invest in certain types of investments not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These investments are typically more risky but can be more rewarding, potentially offering much higher returns than the stock market. Companies looking for investors use the ‘accredited investor‘ rule to find suitable candidates.

If you’re an accredited investor, you’re seen as a savvy investor with a stable financial background. This status gives you access to exclusive investment opportunities because it’s assumed you can understand and handle the risks involved. The SEC has clear rules on who can be an accredited investor based on income, net worth, and professional experience (explained below). These rules are there to make sure that only people who can handle the financial risks get involved.

The concept of an accredited investor is to balance two things: protecting less experienced investors from high-risk investments and giving experienced investors a chance to invest in unique opportunities. By understanding the accredited investor definition, people can make smarter choices about where to put their money to achieve their financial goals.

Join the Passive Investors Circle

Accredited Investor Definition

Securities Act

Under the Securities Act in the United States, certain investors are permitted to participate in private capital markets and trade securities not registered with financial authorities. As of 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has modernized the accredited investor definition, determining who can invest in early-stage private companies.

They’re responsible for regulating and overseeing the private securities market and ensuring that only qualified investors can participate in this market segment.

What Is An Accredited Investor?

An accredited investor is an individual or business entity with privileged access to invest in unregistered securities. To qualify, they must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Possess a net worth of at least $1 million, excluding their primary residence
• Have an individual income of at least $200,000 each year for the last two years (or a combined income of $300,000 with a spouse) and reasonably expect the same level of income in the current year
• Hold certain professional certifications, designations, or credentials recognized by the SEC, such as Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82 licenses

Criteria and Requirements

Let’s break the accredited investor definition down to make it easier to understand. 

Annual Income

Accredited investors need to meet certain financial thresholds to qualify. For natural persons, the individual annual income must be over $200,000 or a joint income with a spouse or spousal equivalent must exceed $300,000 in each of the prior two years. Additionally, they must reasonably expect to maintain the same income level in the current year.

Natural Persons

The SEC defines accredited investors as natural persons or entities that meet specific financial and professional criteria. Natural persons must have a high annual income or a substantial net worth to qualify as accredited investors.

Total Assets

Certain entities can also qualify as accredited investors based on their total assets. For example, any entity that owns more than $5 million in investments, as defined in Rule 2a51-1(b) under the Investment Company Act, and was not formed specifically to acquire the offered securities, can be considered an accredited investor.

Good Standing

Although not explicitly mentioned under the accredited investor definition, it’s generally presumed that accredited investors maintain good standing with regulators and have a clean financial and legal record. Having any financial dispute or legal violation might impact their eligibility.

Reasonable Expectation

As mentioned earlier, natural persons must reasonably expect to meet the income requirements in the current year to qualify as accredited investors. This expectation helps ensure that these individuals have a consistent ability to participate in private securities offerings.

Net Worth Test

Another way natural persons can qualify as accredited investors is by meeting the net worth test. This requires individuals to have a net worth of over $1 million, excluding the value of their primary residence, either individually or with their spouse.

---

---

What Are The Different Types of Accredited Investors?

#1. Individual Investors

Individual investors can qualify as accredited investors based on financial criteria. This includes a net worth of over $1 million, excluding their primary residence (individually or with spouse or partner). Alternatively, they can qualify based on income, with requirements being over $200,000 (individually) or $300,000 (with spouse or partner) in each of the prior two years and reasonably expect the same for the current year.

#2. Family Offices

Family offices, entities established by wealthy families to manage their wealth and investments, can also be considered accredited investors. These offices typically have significant assets under management and are knowledgeable about investment opportunities and risks.

#3. Professional Certifications

Natural persons with specific professional certifications, designations, or credentials from accredited educational institutions can qualify as accredited investors. The SEC designates certain certifications as qualifying an individual for accredited investor status.

#4. Executive Officers

Executive officers, such as directors, general partners, or executive officers of an issuer of securities being offered or sold, can be deemed as accredited investors. This classification allows them to participate in investment opportunities tied to the company they’re involved in.

#5. Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can be accredited investors if they have a certain level of net worth or assets under management. These companies typically have investment portfolios and professionals who can assess and manage risks associated with various investment opportunities.

#6. Indian Tribes

Indian tribes can qualify as accredited investors if they meet specific asset or income requirements. This classification enables them to participate in investment opportunities and gain access to private capital markets. Indian tribes may have a sovereign status, which provides them with certain advantages and protections when participating in investment activities.

Past, Present, & Future Accredited Investor Legislation

Back in the 1930s, the government wanted to protect investors’ money and also help businesses grow. So, they passed a law called the Securities Act of 1933. This law made it so companies had to give a variety of information about themselves and their investments to the SEC before they could offer investments to people.

But some types of investments didn’t have to be registered this way. For these, the government wanted to ensure that only experienced investors with enough money could get involved. This led to the creation of Regulation D in the Securities Act of 1933, and the idea of the ‘accredited investor‘ was born.

The SEC wanted to set a standard for who counts as an experienced and financially stable investor. These are the only people who can participate in certain types of private investments. The goal was to find a balance between helping businesses grow and protecting less experienced investors from risky investments. As the rules keep changing, it’s becoming more and more important to meet these standards.

How To Determine Accredited Investor Eligibility

Suppose you want to get involved in special investment opportunities that only accredited investors can access. In that case, you’ll need to prove that you meet certain requirements. 

You’ll have to show documents that prove you’re an accredited investor. These documents might include:

• Bank statements
• W-2s 
• Brokerage account statements
• Your credit report to show your debts
• Proof that you own a business, like tax filings and an operating agreement
• Statements from certain trusted institutions
• Proof of special knowledge or professional certifications

It’s important to remember that you can’t count the value of the home you live in towards your net worth. But you can include vacation homes and investment properties in your net worth, as long as you show proof that you own them and how much they’re worth.

After you’ve given all your documents to the company, they’ll review them and then decide if you meet the requirements to be an accredited investor. If approved, you’ll usually be considered an accredited investor for a year or until the next tax day (if you’re approved based on your income). Then you’ll be allowed to invest.

Investment Opportunities For Accredited Investors

Accredited investors get special access to certain investments that aren’t open to everyone. These investments are privately offered under something called Regulation D of the Securities Act, and they’re not the same as the investments you’d find on the regular market. They might be riskier, but they could also give bigger returns.

This special status is because the SEC feels these investors are savvy enough to handle these types of investments. They don’t need as much protection as beginner investors, who might have less money or know as much about investing.

What Are The Benefits Of Becoming An Accredited Investor?

Private companies can offer securities for investment that aren’t available to the general public, including:

Real Estate Syndications

A real estate syndication is a group investment that brings together multiple investors to pool their capital to purchase a property such as a mobile home park or apartment building. This allows investors to participate in deals that might otherwise be unaffordable for them as individual investors.

Syndications are managed by experienced real estate developers (aka general partners or sponsors) who oversee the acquisition, renovation, or development, property management, and the eventual exit strategy. In exchange for their investment, each limited partner (LP) receives equity units or shares, which entitle them to a portion of the rental income and profits when the property is sold. 

Hedge Funds

Hedge funds are a type of investment partnership where the manager makes strategic financial decisions based on market trends and analysis. Accredited investors, who meet the necessary criteria, can participate in investing in hedge funds.

These vehicles often utilize alternative investment strategies to provide a diversified return stream, which can benefit investors seeking risks not available in traditional markets.

Alternative Investments

Alternative investments refer to asset classes or investment strategies that do not fall into the traditional investment categories of stocks, bonds, and cash. These can include real estate, commodities, private equity, and hedge funds. As an accredited investor, one has access to various alternative investment options, potentially generating higher returns and further diversifying their investment portfolio.

Private Equity Funds

Private equity funds are investment vehicles that buy out or invest directly into private, typically non-publicly traded companies. These funds are often available to accredited investors who seek to capitalize on the growth of businesses with a strong potential for success. Investments in private equity funds can potentially lead to increased returns, higher portfolio diversification, and exposure to emerging markets and industries.

Venture Capital

Venture capital refers to financing provided to startups or early-stage companies with high growth potential. These investments are usually high-risk but can also yield potentially high returns.

By being an accredited investor, individuals can gain access to venture capital investments that aren’t available to the general public, providing an opportunity to potentially invest in the next big breakthrough companies.

Regulations and Amendments

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act passed in 2010, implemented significant changes to U.S. financial regulations. Among these changes, the Act mandated the review of the accredited investor definition by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) every four years.

Amended Definition

On August 26, 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to the “accredited investor” definition in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. These amendments expanded the category of investors eligible to participate in private offerings under Regulation D, thus broadening access to private capital markets for a larger pool of qualified investors.

The new rule included the addition of an accredited investor category for individual investors who hold certain professional certifications and designations in good standing. The SEC is responsible for designating which professional certifications and credentials qualify for accredited investor status.

Accredited Investor Definition Review Act

The Accredited Investor Definition Review Act is a legislative proposal intended to review and update the accredited investor definition periodically. Its goal is to ensure that the definition remains relevant and includes a diverse range of eligible investors, addressing the evolving needs of the private capital markets.

Join the Passive Investors Circle

Risk Management and Financial Sophistication

Risk of Loss

The risk of loss is an essential factor for an accredited investor. The reason is that they can deal with securities not registered with financial authorities by satisfying requirements regarding income, net worth, or professional experience. These investors must deeply understand the risks associated with the prospective investment. By recognizing the potential losses that could occur, they can better assess whether the investment is suitable for their financial goals and risk tolerance.

Financial Sophistication

Financial sophistication refers to the ability of accredited investors to navigate complex financial markets and make informed investment decisions. They must possess a significant level of financial knowledge regarding various investment products and strategies and the ability to analyze market trends and understand the implications of economic events on their portfolio. This financial competence is necessary for investors to manage their portfolios effectively and minimize risk.

Measures of Professional Knowledge

Professional knowledge is pivotal in determining whether an individual or entity qualifies as an accredited investor. Evidence of such knowledge can take various forms, including:

• Professional certifications: Individuals holding certain FINRA licenses, such as Series 7, 65, and 82, may qualify as accredited investors.
• Company-issued designations: Companies may issue designations to specific employees that recognize their professional knowledge and expertise.
• Industry experience: A seasoned professional with extensive experience in related fields, such as finance, investment management, or business administration, can provide a reliable indicator of financial sophistication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualification criteria for becoming an accredited investor?

The qualification criteria for an accredited investor can include meeting either an income or net worth threshold. In the United States, an individual must have an annual income of $200,000 (or $300,000 combined with a spouse) in the most recent two years and a reasonable expectation of reaching the same level of income in the current year or having a net worth exceeding $1 million, either individually or jointly with a spouse.

What is the SEC definition of an accredited investor?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defines an accredited investor as an individual or institution with the financial sophistication and capacity to take on the risk of investing in unregistered and potentially higher-risk investment opportunities. The SEC’s definition was updated on August 26, 2020, to improve and expand the criteria for identifying institutional and individual investors with the required knowledge and financial resources to participate in certain securities offerings.

How do you verify an accredited investor?

Verifying accredited investor status can involve providing documentation such as tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements to demonstrate income levels or net worth. Sometimes, a third-party verification service may be used to confirm an individual or institution’s accredited investor status.

What are the benefits of an accredited investor?

Accredited investors have access to a wider range of investment opportunities, including private equity, hedge funds, and private placements, which may offer the potential for higher returns. Additionally, these investments can benefit diversification as they are often not directly correlated with public markets.

Join the Passive Investors Circle