To become an accredited investor the (SEC) requires certain wealth, income or knowledge requirements. The investor must fall into one of three categories. Firms selling unregistered securities must put investors through their own screening process to determine if investors can be considered an accredited investor.
The Verifying Individual or Entity should take reasonable steps to verify and determined that an Investor is an "accredited investor" as such term is defined in Rule 501 of the Securities Act, and hereby provides written confirmation. This letter serves to help the Entity determine status, take Investor statements regarding information, and waiver of claims."
Arizona Accredited Investor Qualification and Verification Requirements for Reg D, Rule 506© Offerings When it comes to conducting private securities offerings in Arizona under Regulation D, Rule 506(c), it is crucial to understand and comply with the state's accredited investor qualification and verification requirements. These requirements aim to protect investors and promote transparency in private offerings. Accredited investors, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are individuals or entities that meet specific income or net worth criteria or possess certain professional or institutional qualifications. For Rule 506(c) offerings, issuers can generally rely on self-certification from investors, but some additional verification may be required to ensure compliance with Arizona's specific requirements. 1. Income Verification: One way to qualify as an accredited investor in Arizona is by meeting the income criteria. The investor must have an individual income of over $200,000 in the past two years, with a reasonable expectation of meeting the same income level in the current year. For joint income, the requirement raises to $300,000. 2. Net Worth Verification: Another qualification method is through net worth. An accredited investor in Arizona must have a net worth of over $1 million, either individually or jointly with a spouse. The net worth excludes the value of their primary residence. 3. Professional Accreditation: Certain professional qualifications can qualify an individual or entity as an accredited investor in Arizona. These include licensed brokers, investment advisors, and registered investment companies. 4. Institutional Accreditation: Entities such as banks, insurance companies, and governmental bodies are considered accredited investors in Arizona due to their institutional nature. Additionally, certain employee benefit plans, trusts, or business development companies can also qualify. To verify the accredited investor status, issuers can use various methods, including: a) Income Documentation: Investors can provide tax returns, W-2 forms, or other reliable documentation to prove they meet the required income threshold. b) Disclosure of Net Worth: Investors can provide a statement of their net worth, including assets and liabilities, prepared by a professional such as a licensed attorney or CPA. c) Confirmation from Professionals: Third-party professionals, such as attorneys, accountants, or registered investment advisors, can verify an investor's accredited status based on their expertise and independent assessment. d) Verification by Online Platforms: Issuers can use online platforms that facilitate accredited investor verification through electronic verification services, such as accessing databases that cross-reference income and asset information. It is important to note that while self-certification is generally acceptable for accredited investor status under Rule 506(c), issuers must take reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of the investor's representation to avoid any potential legal repercussions. By understanding and adhering to Arizona's specific accredited investor qualification and verification requirements, issuers can ensure compliance with state regulations and promote investor confidence in Rule 506(c) offerings. (Additional note: The description provided above covers the general accredited investor qualification and verification requirements applicable in Arizona. It is advisable to consult an attorney or legal professional to ensure accurate compliance with current regulations and any unique considerations specific to an offering.)
