May 16, 2024

What is an Accredited Investor?

Being an accredited investor opens up a world of investment opportunities that are off-limits to regular investors.

What is an Accredited Investor?

An accredited investor is an individual or a business entity that is legally allowed to trade securities that may not be registered with financial authorities. This special status under financial regulation laws allows accredited investors to participate in investment opportunities that are generally not available to the public.

The Definition of an Accredited Investor

The definition of an accredited investor largely determines who can participate in certain types of high-risk, high-reward investments. These typically include private securities, hedge funds, and other private placements.

According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), an accredited investor is an individual who has a net worth of over $1 million (either alone or jointly with a spouse) excluding the value of their primary residence, or an individual with income exceeding $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with a spouse exceeding $300,000 for those years, and a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year.

Entities such as banks, insurance companies, registered investment companies, and certain types of trusts may also qualify as accredited investors.

Becoming an Accredited Investor

Becoming an accredited investor involves meeting the wealth or annual income thresholds set by the SEC. For individuals, this means either having a high net worth or a consistent high income.

In addition to these financial requirements, certain professional credentials can also qualify an individual as an accredited investor. As of 2020, the SEC added a new category to the definition of an accredited investor to include those holding in good standing a Series 7, 65, or 82 license.

Why It Matters

Being an accredited investor opens up a world of investment opportunities that are off-limits to regular investors. These investments often have the potential for higher returns, although they also come with higher risks.

At Medinvest, we're dedicated to helping our clients understand the ins and outs of becoming an accredited investor. We believe in providing you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your investment strategies.

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