SEC Approved New Paths to Accredited Investor Status

Individuals can now gain accredited status through professional credentials or a new FINRA examination.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Investing

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in navy, cream, and brass, featuring a compass and drafting square as symbols of financial standards. — The SEC unanimously approved new pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, allowing qualification through professional credentials or a standardized exam. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Securities and Exchange Commission has unanimously approved new pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors. This change aims to expand retail access to private securities offerings beyond existing wealth-based criteria.

Why it matters

The SEC intends to address the decline of public markets by allowing more individuals to participate in private offerings, potentially offering new diversification strategies. This shift moves beyond traditional income and net worth requirements to include professional knowledge.

The proposed FINRA exam will consist of 75 questions over two hours at an estimated cost of $100. Passing this test grants accredited investor status for 10 years, an alternative to meeting established wealth thresholds.

The players

SEC

The federal commission responsible for protecting investors and maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets.

FINRA

A self-regulatory organization that oversees brokerage firms and will administer the new investor examination.

The details

Under the new rules, individuals can qualify as accredited investors by holding specific certifications, including the CPI, CFA, CFP, Series 79, or Series 86/87. Alternatively, the SEC approved a new FINRA-administered exam covering securities definitions, risks, and corporate governance. This exam is expected to be accessible within 60 miles of most residents, providing a standardized way to demonstrate investment literacy for private market participation.

September 30, 2026: SEC voted to approve new accredited investor pathways.
Post-publication: New rules are open for 60 days of public comment.

Money Landscape

This move marks a departure from the traditional wealth-only model for private market access that has defined the SEC's Regulation D framework for decades. It reflects a shift toward incorporating professional certification as a proxy for financial sophistication.

If you hold one of the designated professional certifications, you may soon qualify for private investment opportunities previously reserved for high-net-worth individuals. Consult with a qualified financial or tax professional to determine if these private offerings align with your long-term financial goals.

The takeaway

The SEC has opened new, non-wealth-based routes to accreditation that could diversify your investment portfolio options. Monitor the Federal Register for the start of the 60-day public comment period to see how these rules are finalized.