The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday adopted changes to its decades-old definition of a professional investor in order to allow more everyday Americans to buy shares in private companies, and eased come company disclosure rules, Reuters reported. The agency said that it hopes the changes to its “accredited investor” definition will boost retail investors’ access to the swelling pool of companies that are staying private for longer. But the change was criticized by investor advocates and agency officials who say even seasoned investors struggle to spot problems with private companies. Specifically, the agency broadened the definition of an accredited investor by adding a test of the investor’s sophistication “based on professional knowledge, experience, or certifications.” Previously, the definition was based largely on an investor’s income and wealth. The SEC did not say how many additional investors would fall under the new definition, but said it was aimed at individuals — such as hedge fund employees or brokers — who would not have previously qualified but are knowledgeable about private offerings. The changes also will cover family offices with at least $5 million in assets and will also make it easier for foreign nationals and residents of Native American reservations to qualify as accredited investors.
