Who are Accredited Investors?

Who are Accredited Investors?

Some situations made the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) see the need to strengthen the country’s Securities and Futures Act (SFA). One of them was the global financial crisis in 2008. There was also 2016 when bond defaults took a bad shift. Due to such instances, MAS amended the Accredited Investor Regime to include regulations to protect accredited investors. It took place in 2018, but it became effective the following year on 8^th July. For you to be an accredited investor, you must meet specific requirements.

Requirements to qualify as an Accredited Investor:

If you are an individual, you have to meet one of the following criteria to become an accredited investor.

• Over S$2 million as far as the personal net worth is concerned
• As for the income, the individual should have earned S$300,000 in the last 12 months
• Another option is having a net worth of more than S$2 million. In this case, the net equity of the person’s primary residence should not exceed S$1 million.

For corporations, they would be accredited investors if one of these conditions is met.

• If their net assets are more than $10 million according to its latest balance sheet
• Trustees of trusts with MAS approval
• Other people who have the MAS approval

When it comes to joint accounts, below is the criteria to qualify as an accredited investor.

• At least one of its holders needs to be an accredited investor and above or opt-in for this status.
• The rest of the holders will also have to opt-in for the accredited investors despite having not qualified as individuals

Unlike the previous requirements, where only one is necessary, the two conditions apply for joint accounts.

 

How to be ready for the Accredited Investor Status after the approval

Satisfying the required conditions is not enough. It would be best if you prepared yourself mentally for you to succeed eventually.  Here is a discussion of what it takes to become an actually accredited investor.

1. Managing the risk well

Being an accredited investor is the beginning of having to strive in a financially competitive business world. It becomes crucial to have a high-risk tolerance to survive, leave alone thrive. Equally important, you need management skills that can help you manage that risk.

2. Following the 5% rule

High-risk investments could see you lose a lot. That’s why you should consider the 5% rule. It states that you can’t exceed that percentage of your portfolio when dealing with such investments.

3. You need not be selfish

As a great accredited investors, your focus shouldn’t be all about gaining financially. What should drive your interest to invest should be assisting other companies. That’s doesn’t mean not looking for financial gain but also seeing the bigger picture.

Conclusion

You have to meet specific criteria to be accredited investors in Singapore. However, you should also keep in mind that meeting them is just the beginning of what it entails. Your mental preparedness is equally important. Meeting the criteria doesn’t necessarily mean that you have what it takes. Keep in mind that there is more to it than just the status.