What is an accredited investor?
An accredited investor is an individual, entity, or financial institution with a special financial status that enables them to invest in certain opportunities that are not legally available to ordinary investors.
An accredited investor qualifies under one of these options;
- (j.1) an individual who beneficially owns financial assets (which term excludes real estate) having an aggregate realizable value that, before taxes but net of any related liabilities, exceeds $5,000,000;
Or
- (j) an individual who, either alone or with a spouse, beneficially owns financial assets (which term excludes real estate) having an aggregate realizable value that, before taxes but net of any related liabilities, exceeds $1,000,000;
Or
- (k) an individual whose net income before taxes exceeded $200,000 in each of the two most recent calendar years or whose net income before taxes combined with that of a spouse exceeded $300,00 in each of the two most recent calendar years and who, in either case, reasonably expects to exceed that net income level in the current calendar year;
Or
- (l) an individual who, either alone or with a spouse, has net assets that exceed $5,000,000.
In Canada, the details of the official definition of an accredited investor and who qualifies as one can be found under section 1.1 of the National Instrument 45-106.
If you feel you meet the requirements, log into your profile and click on the "Are you an Accredited Investor?" link, second from the top, as seen in this screenshot.
1) Click "Are you an Accredited Investor?"
2) Select your accredited type, and upload the required documents (See matrix below for a list of documents).
3) Once your document has been submitted, it will be reviewed and will be approved or rejected.
4) Please email support@addyinvest.com if you have any trouble with this process.
Here is a matrix of each exemption and the requested documentation for proof of qualification:
Accredited type | Documents |
(d) A person registered as an adviser or dealer: |
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(e) An individual registered as a representative of an adviser or dealer: |
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(e.1) An individual formerly registered under securities legislation: |
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(j) Individual owning financial assets exceeding $1,000,000 CAD: |
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(j.1) Individual owning financial assets exceeding $5,000,000 CAD: |
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(k) Individual meeting income requirements: |
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(l) Individual with net assets of at least $5,000,000 CAD: |
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(m) Non-individual entities with net assets of at least $5,000,000 CAD: |
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Additional Notes:
- Declarations: Many categories require signed declarations or affidavits attesting to the information’s accuracy.
- Professional Preparation: Financial documents should ideally be prepared, reviewed, or certified by a qualified professional, such as a CPA or legal advisor, to ensure validity.
- Confidentiality: Ensure documents include only necessary information while maintaining compliance with privacy laws and standards.