Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

SEC Proposes Changes to Accredited Investor Definition

By Peter Fass
March 01, 2020

On Dec. 18, 2019, the SEC proposed amendments to the definition of "accredited investor" in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act). See, Amending the "Accredited Investor" Definition, SEC Release 33-10734 (Dec. 18, 2019) (proposing release). The definition of "accredited investor" uses income and net worth thresholds to identify natural persons as accredited investors. The bright line standard also identifies entities with the financial sophistication and ability to bear the risk to participate in certain securities offerings including Regulation D based on their statutes alone.

Real Estate syndication offerings often rely on Rule 506 of Regulation D to exempt such offerings from registration under the 1933 Act. Rule 506 of Regulation D requires that, with certain limited exceptions, purchasers of the securities offered are limited to accredited investors. The amendments modify certain of the existing categories of accredited investors and create certain new categories, including new categories for persons with professional certifications, knowledgeable employees of private funds, and certain family offices and their family clients.

New Categories

The following new categories of qualifying natural persons and entities would be added to the accredited investor definition"

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year Later Image

The DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar Investigations Image

This article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.

New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.