Those looking to launch hedge, private equity, venture, or real estate funds in the near future should take notice that the SEC intends to consider, in April 2022, changes to the definition of the “accredited investor” definition found in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, which allows many private fund sponsors to offer their securities without having to register them with the SEC when they limit sales of securities to accredited investors.
While the SEC has not indicated whether it intends to restrict the definition to reduce the pool of investors that qualify as “accredited investors,” it should be noted that several rule proposals recently published by the SEC are designed to enhance investor protection and promote increased disclosure when it comes to investments in private funds.
Changing the accredited investor definition will invariably impact private fund capital raising, and therefore existing and prospective fund sponsors should take notice.
