What is an Accredited Investor
Concierge Wealth Services
“Accredited investor” is a legal status under U.S. securities regulations. It generally identifies individuals and entities that meet specific income, net worth, professional, or institutional criteria and are therefore eligible to access certain private-market opportunities that are not available to the broader public. Qualification is determined by licensed securities firms under SEC rules; the summary below is for informational purposes only.
Why Does “Accredited” Status Exist?
Some investments involve higher complexity, limited liquidity, and unique risks. Regulators permit access to these offerings for investors who meet certain financial or professional thresholds, with the intent that such investors can better evaluate risks and bear potential losses. Being accredited does not guarantee suitability or success; it is simply an eligibility threshold for specific offerings.
Individual / Household Examples*
- Net worth over $1,000,000 (excluding primary residence).
- Income over $200,000 (individual) or $300,000 (joint) in each of the last two years, with a reasonable expectation of the same.
- Holders of certain professional certifications or licenses (e.g., Series 7, 65, or 82).
- “Knowledgeable employee” of a private fund, for offerings by that fund.
*Summary only. Final determinations are made by licensed securities firms under current SEC rules.
Entity Examples*
- Entities with substantial assets (e.g., $5 million+) not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring a given investment.
- Certain organizations such as banks, investment companies, and insurance companies.
- Family offices and certain trusts meeting asset and sophistication requirements.
*Summary only. Categories and requirements are defined by SEC regulation and may evolve.
What Accreditation Is Not
- It is not a recommendation to invest or an indicator that an investment is suitable for you.
- It does not guarantee positive results or protection from loss.
- It does not replace due diligence, risk assessment, or professional advice from licensed firms.
Our Role
We do not offer securities or investment advice. For qualified clients, we facilitate introductions to a respected, independent SEC-registered investment adviser that applies a research-driven, first-principles framework. Any discussion of specific strategies, fees, and implementation occurs solely with the adviser under its regulatory framework.
How Access Works
- Brief Conversation: We confirm goals and your potential eligibility.
- Introduction: We connect you with the independent fiduciary investment adviser.
- Evaluation: The adviser—not us—assesses suitability and provides disclosures.
- Decision: Any engagement, fees, and implementation occur only between you and the adviser.
Request a Confidential Conversation
If you believe you may qualify as an accredited investor and want to explore an introduction, request a quick conversation. We’ll confirm fit and next steps.
Request Information & Qualification Review
Secure form submission. We’ll follow up with next steps.
What is an Accredited Investor — Frequently Asked Questions
What does “accredited investor” mean?
It’s a legal status under U.S. securities regulations indicating that an individual or entity meets certain financial or professional thresholds and may access specific private-market offerings. This is an eligibility category—not a recommendation.
Why does this designation exist?
Some offerings involve higher complexity, limited liquidity, or unique risks. Regulators restrict access to investors who meet certain thresholds and can evaluate risks and bear potential losses.
What are common individual qualification criteria?
Examples include: (1) net worth over $1,000,000 (excluding primary residence), or (2) income over $200,000 (individual) / $300,000 (joint) in each of the last two years with reasonable expectation of the same. Certain securities licenses (e.g., Series 7, 65, 82) and “knowledgeable employee” status for a private fund may also qualify.
Do entities qualify?
Certain entities may qualify (e.g., those with $5 million+ in assets not formed solely to purchase a specific investment), as well as banks, insurance companies, investment companies, family offices, and specific trusts meeting regulatory criteria.
Who determines whether I am accredited?
Verification is handled by licensed securities firms and/or the independent SEC-registered investment adviser in accordance with current regulations. Documentation is typically required.
Do you provide investment advice or recommend specific investments?
No. Our insurance firm does not offer securities or investment advice, and we never recommend or solicit specific investments. If appropriate, we introduce qualified clients to an independent SEC-registered investment adviser.
Does being accredited guarantee suitability or results?
No. Accreditation is an eligibility threshold, not an endorsement. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. There are no guarantees of performance.
How do I get started?
Submit the contact form to request a confidential conversation. We’ll confirm fit and, if appropriate, facilitate an introduction to the independent SEC-registered adviser to review process, disclosures, fees, and next steps.
Important Notice: All wealth management and investment advisory services are provided exclusively through our independent SEC-registered investment adviser partner. Our insurance firm does not offer securities or investment advice.
Disclosures:
Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Access to certain investment opportunities may be limited to accredited or qualified investors under SEC guidelines. We may receive compensation or other benefits in connection with referrals made to our investment adviser partner. Any potential conflicts of interest will be disclosed to clients in accordance with applicable regulations. Investment advisory services are provided by FamilyWealth Advisers, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. There is no guarantee that any particular asset allocation mix will meet your investment objectives or provide you with a given level of income. We recommend that you consult a tax or financial adviser about your individual situation. Investments in bonds are subject to interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.
Request a Confidential Conversation
📞 Call us at 800-533-5969
or visit our Contact Page
Important: We do not provide securities or investment advice. If appropriate, we may introduce you to an independent SEC-registered investment adviser for evaluation under their regulatory framework.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
