What is an accredited investor?

Definition
An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets specific income, net worth, or professional criteria set by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), allowing participation in certain private investment opportunities.

Under Rule 501 of Regulation D, the primary paths to accreditation are:

  • Individual income exceeding $200,000 annually (or $300,000 jointly with a spouse or spousal equivalent) in each of the last two years with expectation of maintaining this level
  • Net worth exceeding $1 million, either individually or jointly with a spouse or spousal equivalent (excluding primary residence)
  • Qualified entity such as a corporation, partnership, or trust with assets exceeding $5 million
  • Individuals holding a Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82 license in good standing
  • Knowledgeable employees of private funds investing in that fund
  • SEC-registered investment advisers
  • Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs)

Non-accredited investors, by contrast, are limited primarily to publicly traded investments and certain regulation-compliant offerings like Regulation A.