Sophisticated Investor

What is a Sophisticated Investor?

An experienced investor is someone with sufficient capital, experience, and wealth to signal willingness to participate in more advanced types of investment opportunities. Sophisticated investors are high net worth investors who are credited with a depth of experience and market knowledge that allows them to consider certain advantages and opportunities. There is no specific legal definition to determine whether or not a sophisticated and accredited investor is a sophisticated investor, and the definition varies from country to country.

The term is sometimes used loosely to describe an investor who has a high understanding of the market and is willing to engage in more advanced types of investment, but this varies depending on the country and circumstances. A single, correct definition of sophisticated investors does not adhere to a single law, law enforcement or regulatory body, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Financial Conduct Authority.

Characteristics of Sophisticated Investors

Am I a Sophisticated Investor?

The term sophisticated investor is used to describe individuals and families that have the ability to self certify they understand the increased risk and reward ratio involved in more detailed investments. Some mom and pop investors need to be protected from themselves because they lack the financial acumen to make their own informed investment choices. These people need to be protected due to their lack of knowledge and lesser capital circumstances, yet they are still encouraged to invest.

Many of the most interesting and progressive investment funds in the World have no interest in Retail Investors. It is not the job of a private equity fund manager to explain the nuances of his fund to uninformed investors who cannot afford to accept the risks and rewards printed by his firm.

What is an Accredited Investor

The term Accredited Investor was coined by the SEC in the United States. Individuals are now permitted to participate in private capital markets not only based on their income or net worth, but also based on established, clear measures of financial sophistication such as education, qualifications or at least one year of experience in managing their own investments.

Among other things, the SEC now defines an accredited investor, which includes individuals with certain professional qualifications, titles, and references, as well as persons who are knowledgeable employees of private funds and state-registered investment advisors. Rule 501 of Regulation D states that to be an accredited investor, a person must have net assets of more than $1 million and meet certain annual income standards. Accredited investors are people who have earned more than $200,000 per year for two years and will continue to do so. Married couples are also deemed to be certified if their joint income is at least $300,000 a year. In addition, married people can also be considered “accredited” if they own shares in a private fund.

What Investments are Open to a Sophisticated Investor?

Sophisticated Investors around the world (including accredited investors in the United States) have access to a broader and far more diverse range of exciting investments. These investments may carry more risk, yet the potential for explosive capital growth is generally unmatched in the retail market.

Sophisticated Investors are able to define their won risk profile and invest in financial products such as

• Hedge funds
• Complex property investments
• Venture Capital
• Private Equity
• Small Company Stocks
• Penny Stocks and Shares
• Private placings
• Investment Funds

Sophisticated Investor Questionnaire

• Is your net worth (including spouse) more than $1 million, excluding: a.Your home. b.Secured debt above the fair market value of the underlying collateral. c.Furnishings and personal automobiles.
• Has your income from all sources for each of the preceding two years exceeded $200,000 ($300,000 with spouse) and do you reasonably expect it to continue in the current year?
• Will your combined gross income for the next 3 years exceed $50,000 per year?
• Does your net worth (including spouse) exceed $120,000, excluding: a.Your home. b.Secured debt above the fair market value of the underlying collateral. c.Furnishings and personal automobiles
• Does your combined net worth exceed $150,000, excluding: a.Your home. b.Secured debt above the fair market value of the underlying collateral. c.Furnishings and personal automobiles.
• Are you knowledgeable about general business matters?
• Do you make your own business decisions?
• Are you informed of business, financial or economic trends and conditions?
• Do you read financial publications or watch or listen to programs with financial themes?
• Do you invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, private businesses?
• Have you ever been a principal in a partnership or similar entity?
• Have you ever shared the responsibility of running a business with another person?
• Do you have more than 6 years of business experience?
• Do you understand financial statements and balance sheets?
• Have you worked with attorneys and/or financial professionals regarding business matters?
• Do you consider yourself to be an experienced and sophisticated