Rule 506b of Reg D – Non-Accredited Investors & No Solicitation

The SEC offers a collection of rules under Reg D where an individual or entity can offer and sell securities without registering the transactions with the SEC. This regulation makes it easier for small businesses to raise capital without having to worry about all of the paperwork associated with regulation. Plus, the variety of rules that fall under Reg D offers several ways to achieve this exemption, making them suitable to numerous offering types.

Rule 506b is one of these rules.

This rule is considered a “safe harbor” according to the Securities Act. However, there are several requirements that you must meet to create a valid securities offering under Rule 506b. Here, we dig into everything that you need to know about this rule to ensure that you’re offering gets approved. (See https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/17/230.506 for the full text of Rule 506b.)

 

What is Rule 506b?

Rule 506b is part of the SEC’s Reg D that allows you to sell securities to an unlimited number of accredited investors and up to 35 non-accredited investors without registration. More, a syndicator can raise an unlimited amount of money as long as they do not publicly solicit for those funds.

 

Overview Of Reg D Rule 506b

Regulation D Rule 506b, is an essential provision for businesses seeking to raise capital through the issuance of securities without the burden of registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This rule offers exemptions for private placements, allowing companies to bypass some regulatory hurdles while still maintaining investor protection. The crux of Rule 506b lies in its features that it allows issuers to sell securities to accredited investors and a limited number of non-accredited investors.

It is crucial to note that Rule 506b has its challenges. Potential pitfalls include complexities surrounding 506b, identifying who can invest, how to solicit investors known to the issuer, and how to define the prospective investment in a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM).

Ensuring compliance involves scrupulous attention to investment documentation, as well as adhering to strict guidelines on providing information and disclosures to prospective investors. In essence, while the benefits of Rule 506b are significant, so too are the responsibilities that accompany its use.

 

Eligibility Criteria For Reg D Rule 506b

Navigating through the complex world of securities regulations can be a daunting task for first-time syndicators, startups, and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Reg D and Rule 506b’s benefits Vastly outweigh their drawbacks.

To be eligible to take advantage of the Reg D Rule 506(b) exemption, first and foremost, the offering must be limited to accredited investors and up to 35 sophisticated, non-accredited investors in any 90-day period.

Accredited investors are those with a net worth exceeding $1 million (excluding their primary residence) or an annual income surpassing $200,000 (or $300,000 if combined with their spouse) for the past two years. Sophisticated investors, on the other hand, possess substantial knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, enabling them to evaluate the investment’s economic risk and suitability.

The key challenge of Rule 506b is that general solicitation or advertising of the offering is strictly prohibited under this rule. Issuers must have a pre-existing relationship with potential investors or rely on intermediaries like broker-dealers or a registered investment adviser to introduce them to qualified parties.

Furthermore, issuers must provide non-accredited investors with sufficient information about their company and afford them an opportunity to ask questions before making any investment decisions.

 

Types Of Investors Under Reg D Rule 506b

To understand Reg D Rule 506b, we must understand the types of investors that play a role in this regulation. The rule classifies potential investors into two main categories: accredited and non-accredited investors. This classification serves as a backbone for investor protection while addressing fundraising challenges faced by issuers.

Accredited investors, as defined under the Reg D Rule 501, are individuals or entities with a certain level of financial sophistication and stability. These include institutional investors like banks, insurance companies, and registered investment companies; individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 million (excluding their primary residence); or those with an annual income of at least $200,000 for each of the past two years (or $300,000 combined with a spouse). The rule amendments have expanded the definition to include knowledgeable employees of private funds and holders of certain professional securities licenses.

On the other hand, non-accredited investors lack such financial prowess but may still participate in Regulation D offerings under specific conditions. Engaging both categories allows issuers to access a wider pool of capital while maintaining compliance with financial reporting obligations.

Delving into the international implications of Reg S (in conjunction with Reg D Rule 506b) reveals that foreign issuers can also benefit from this exemption when raising capital from US-based accredited investors. By adhering to disclosure requirements set forth by domestic securities laws and providing relevant information about their business operations, issuers can also sell to foreign persons and entities. This provision not only enhances cross-border collaboration but also fosters innovation in various sectors worldwide by facilitating access to global investment opportunities for all players involved.

 

What is a Substantive Pre-Existing Relationship?

While the SEC doesn’t provide strict guidelines on what constitutes this type of relationship, it has issued several “no-action” letters that give us a good indication.

According to these letters, the correct relationship requires you to know enough about your investor that you understand their financial position and know they’re able to take on the investment. Furthermore, you must have a recordkeeping system in place that demonstrates that you knew the investor before you made your offer of securities.

Finally, the SEC mentions a “passage of time” that must elapse before you can make an offer.

How Can You Establish a Substantive Relationship? Based on the SEC’s “no-action” letters, there are two things you need to think about when developing substantive relationships.

1. How you create the relationship

2. When you need to create the relationship to allow for the passage of time

Before you make any sort of offer, create a list of investors that you believe could be a useful part of your syndication. Send a prequalification questionnaire to each investor that asks them to describe that status. Specifically, you’re trying to discover if they’re an accredited investor while asking them to describe their financial position and experience as an investor.

Ask the individual to sign and date the questionnaire so you can log it in your record to have a definitive starting date for the relationship.

Follow up on this questionnaire with phone calls can face-to-face meetings that allow you to get to know more about the investor. Use these meetings to ask more questions about the investor’s financial position and goals. If possible, create dated minutes for each meeting that you can keep in your records to show the relationship’s progression.

Your overall goal here is to create a paper trail that shows when you met the investor and how much effort you placed into getting to know them so you could form a substantive relationship.

When Should You Establish the Relationship? The obvious answer is that you need to establish the relationship before you offer securities to the investor. As a result, any offer you make upon meeting a new investor won’t meet the SEC’s “passage of time” requirement for a substantive relationship.

As a general rule, aim to have a relationship with a prospective investor for at least two or three months before you contemplate making an offering. During this time, you also need to demonstrate that you’ve built a relationship. This means you can’t meet somebody, place them in your database, and then not talk to them for three months before making your offer.

If you’ve already formed a deal with an investor that you don’t have a substantive relationship with, this usually means a Rule 506(b) offering isn’t possible. However, there is a way to validate the deal. If you have a team member or a relationship with somebody who does have a substantive relationship with the investor, you can invite them to become part of the issuer.

With this person on board, you can leverage their relationship with the investor to validate the deal. However, doing this means you must take the time to ensure the new issuer is not a Bad Actor.

 

Difference Between Rule 506b And 506c

Having explored the types of investors under Reg D Rule 506b, we can now delve into the distinctions between Rule 506b and its counterpart, Rule 506c. These differences have significant implications in terms of fundraising strategies and investor relations. A thorough understanding of these variations will empower companies to make informed decisions when raising capital and navigating the complex world of securities regulations.

Rule 506b has been around for quite some time, and while it provides a tried-and-true method for raising capital, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. The most notable limitation lies in its restriction on general solicitation or advertising for potential investors. This constraint can hinder fundraising efforts and limit a company’s ability to expand its reach to a broader pool of accredited investors.

On the other hand, Rule 506c came into existence as part of the JOBS Act in 2012, offering an alternative pathway that allows for general solicitation while still providing exemptions from registration requirements with the SEC. With this regulatory reform in place, companies can now cast a wider net in their search for potential investors and develop more innovative fundraising strategies.

However, it is crucial to recognize that each rule comes with its unique set of prerequisites and obligations that must be met by issuers seeking to take advantage of these exemptions. For instance, while Rule 506b permits up to 35 non-accredited investors within a 90-day period (subject to certain conditions), Rule 506c offerings are strictly limited to accredited investors only, and issuers must also take reasonable steps to verify the investor’s accreditation status – an additional layer of responsibility absent from its 506b counterpart. (As a side note, Rule 504 is not used very much anymore due to added complexity.)

Securities Offering Limitations Under Rule 506b

Rule 506b, a widely utilized exemption under Regulation D, eases some of these challenges by allowing issuers to raise an unlimited amount of capital from accredited investors. However, certain limitations exist when employing this exemption for securities offerings.

Private placements under Rule 506b present unique hurdles, primarily in terms of investor outreach and marketing. While issuers may reach out to an unlimited number of accredited investors, they are limited to a maximum of 35 non-accredited investors within any 90-day period who possess sufficient knowledge and experience to evaluate investment risks and merits (aka sophisticated investors). Additionally, general solicitation and advertising are prohibited under this rule. This constraint compels issuers to rely on pre-existing relationships or alternative channels for reaching potential investors while maintaining compliance with the regulatory framework.

To overcome these restrictions and capitalize on the benefits offered by Rule 506b, issuers must approach their fundraising efforts with creativity and innovation. Leveraging personal networks, attending industry events, seeking referrals from trusted advisors or peers can all contribute to successful investor outreach without breaching the prohibition on general solicitation. Every syndicator and fund manager is ultimately always growing their network to increase the number of prospective purchasers they know.

Furthermore, working with experienced legal counsel can help ensure that all communications remain within appropriate bounds while still engaging potential investors effectively. As such, though Rule 506b presents its own set of challenges in private placements, strategic planning and resourceful execution can assist companies in maximizing its advantages for their endeavors to raise funds.

 

Disclosure Requirements In Rule 506b

Navigating the realm of 506b exemptions requires a keen understanding of both accredited and non-accredited investors as well as the importance of providing accurate and sufficient information. A major pitfall that may arise during the fundraising process is failing to meet all necessary disclosure requirements. This could lead to dire consequences such as rescission rights for investors or even enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.

To avoid these undesirable outcomes, issuers should adopt a proactive approach by engaging in disclosure best practices from the outset. This may include seeking legal counsel to ensure compliance or implementing internal controls designed to mitigate risk.

A common query is what must be disclosed in a private placement memorandum. The answer to this is straightforward: as much as possible. It is always safer to err on the side of full disclosure, ensuring that all potential factors that may influence an investor’s decision are clearly presented.

This might include conflicts of interest, inherent risks, or specifics about the underlying investment. Rather than risk the potential fallout from investors discovering undisclosed facts, it’s recommended to make any pertinent information crystal clear. Full transparency is always preferred over partial or non-disclosure.

The process involves examining all possible variables and events that could occur during the transaction and the investment. By considering anything that could potentially need to be disclosed, one minimizes the chance of facing issues down the line.

 

Understanding ‘Accredited Investors’ In Rule 506b

Since a 506b offering can raise money from an unlimited amount of accredited investors in a private placement, what exactly does it take to be considered an accredited investor?

Under Reg D Rule 501, which defines accredited investors, a few different tests can indicate whether an individual qualifies as an Accredited Investor. Firstly, holding certain securities licenses can qualify someone as an accredited investor. These are specific securities licenses registered through FINRA and recognized by the SEC. It should be noted that being a licensed real estate broker, CPA, or lawyer doesn’t qualify an individual as an accredited investor under this criterion.

Two main tests used to determine accredited investor status are the income test and the net wealth test. The income test assesses if the individual’s taxable income was greater than $200,000 for the past two years, and is expected to be so in the current year. If the application is combined with a spouse, the combined income needs to be over $300,000.

The net wealth test, on the other hand, asks whether an individual (or a couple, if applicable) has over $1 million in net assets, not including any equity in the primary residence. However, if the primary residence is “underwater” (meaning, it’s worth less than the outstanding mortgage), then the negative equity is considered as a liability while calculating net wealth. But if there is positive equity in the residence, that value is not added to the asset column.

 

Legal Implications Of Non-Compliance With Rule 506b

The legal landscape surrounding non-compliance with Rule 506b is fraught with potential pitfalls for the unwary. Non-compliant issuers may find themselves facing a veritable cornucopia of penalties, investment limitations, and due diligence challenges. Furthermore, rescission rights may be triggered for investors, allowing them to demand a return of their investments in certain circumstances – meaning that everything falls like a hose of cards.

In navigating this complex terrain, it is essential to keep one’s wits about oneself and maintain a healthy respect for the intricacies of the law. One cannot understate the importance of adhering to Rule 506b, as non-compliance can lead to disqualification triggers that impact not only current but also future offerings.

One must remember that due diligence goes beyond merely knowing one’s clients; it extends to understanding the regulations governing securities offerings and ensuring that all parties involved are playing by the book. The biggest keys include:

• Making sure the executive officers of the company are not considered ‘bad actors’;

• Creating and enforcing policies where only investors who have a relationship with the company or its officers may invest;

• Disclose, disclose, disclose;

• Management must always put the needs of the investors before their own;

• Don not publicly advertise; and

• Make sure all legal documents are created and disseminated.

 

Reporting And Notice Requirements Under Rule 506b

Businesses must remain vigilant to avoid toppling into the abyss of regulatory non-compliance under 506b.

Companies employing fundraising strategies under Rule 506b enjoy certain regulation exemptions but are not exempt from all investor communication requirements. Some common 506b pitfalls include failing to file Form D, which notifies the SEC of an exempt offering, or neglecting to provide investors with proper disclosure materials. Additionally, businesses should be mindful of state ‘blue sky’ laws that may require separate notice filings and disclosures for international offerings.

 

The Impact Of Blue Sky Laws On Rule 506b Offerings

A surprising twist in the world of Rule 506b offerings is the impact of Blue Sky Laws, which may cause issuers to stumble into a legal quagmire. Although Rule 506b offerings are exempt from federal registration requirements, they are not immune to state regulations, resulting in a complex interplay between federal and state laws.

Blue Sky compliance is critical for issuers navigating this maze, as failure to comply with both federal and state regulations can give rise to investor lawsuits and increased regulatory enforcement.

While many states provide exemptions for Rule 506b offerings similar to the federal exemption, others impose additional conditions or filing requirements. These variations in state exemptions create an intricate patchwork that can befuddle even the most seasoned legal minds.

Navigating through Blue Sky compliance is essential not only for the issuer’s peace of mind but also for protecting investors’ interests. Failure to comply with state regulations may expose issuers to 506b litigation and regulatory enforcement actions that could result in financial penalties or even rescission of their offering. Moreover, non-compliance could erode investor confidence and hinder future fundraising efforts.

Thus, it is imperative for issuers undertaking Rule 506b offerings to balance innovation with adherence to both federal and state regulations in order to avoid running afoul of the law and jeopardizing their business ventures.

 

Provisions For Non-Accredited Investors Under Rule 506b

The provisions for non-accredited investors under Rule 506b offer a unique opportunity in the world of private securities offerings. While Rule 506b is typically associated with its accredited investor benefits, it also allows issuers to include up to 35 non-accredited investors in any 90-day period in their offerings, provided certain conditions are met. This inclusion can have significant market impacts as it opens doors for a wider pool of potential investors who may not meet the stringent income or net worth requirements for accreditation.

Navigating the complexities of Rule 506b exemptions can be likened to traversing a minefield with a charming and witty guide; one must tread carefully while maintaining a sense of humor. The inclusion of non-accredited investors introduces certain challenges for issuers, such as ensuring proper disclosure and adhering to specific investor verification standards. These challenges necessitate thorough due diligence, but when done correctly, they can lead to fruitful outcomes for both issuers and non-accredited investors.

By allowing non-accredited investors access to private investment opportunities traditionally reserved for their accredited counterparts, Rule 506b helps democratize the investing landscape and potentially mitigate some investor risks.

 

Preemptive Rights And Rule 506b

Preemptive rights, or the ability of existing investors to maintain their percentage ownership in a company by participating in future financing rounds, can play a crucial role in investor communication and fundraising strategies. It also must be in the forefront of thought when designing distributions and possible new company offers, so as to not dilute early-round investors.

With Rule 506b’s restrictions on general solicitation and advertising, effectively navigating preemptive rights becomes even more critical for issuers seeking to raise capital through this exemption. Addressing these preemptive rights while complying with Rule 506b’s limitations can be a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, issuers must ensure that they do not inadvertently trigger general solicitation rules when discussing potential investments with existing shareholders. On the other hand, they must also provide enough information to allow these investors to make informed decisions about whether or not to exercise their preemptive rights.

The key to achieving this balance lies in crafting carefully tailored investor communication plans and implementing robust due diligence processes.

To keep things engaging for those innovative minds out there, it is worth noting that overcoming 506b challenges related to preemptive rights can open up new avenues for fundraising strategies. By effectively managing communications and demonstrating a strong commitment to compliance, issuers can build trust and credibility among both current and prospective investors. This approach not only helps ensure smooth sailing during the capital raising process but also fosters an environment conducive to long-term success within the ever-evolving landscape of private equity and venture capital investments.

 

Rule 506b And Real Estate Investment

Delving deeper into the world of Rule 506b, one might stumble upon its fascinating applications in real estate investment. It is no secret that people have an insatiable appetite for innovation, and this is precisely where real estate crowdfunding enters the scene.

As a modern-day approach to raising capital for real estate, using Rule 506b allows investors to pool their funds together and collectively acquire stakes in properties they might not have been able to afford individually. Rule 506b serves as a perfect catalyst for such ventures by providing an efficient regulatory framework for issuing securities while keeping compliance costs at bay.

Real estate crowdfunding under Rule 506b offers numerous advantages that simply cannot be ignored. For instance, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite subject – taxes! The 506b tax benefits can be quite alluring to investors who are seeking ways to optimize their returns.

It allows them to enjoy substantial tax deductions on account of depreciation and other property-related expenses. Moreover, the magic of 506b risk management comes into play as it encourages diversification among different property types. 506b permits investment in various residential, commercial or industrial assets, ensuring that all eggs aren’t placed in one basket.

One crucial aspect that makes Rule 506b particularly appealing for real estate investments is the opportunity it presents for diversifying one’s portfolio. No longer are investors restricted to traditional asset classes like stocks or bonds; instead, they can explore new territories with gusto!

By investing in multiple property types through a single platform, individuals can mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations while maximizing potential returns on investment. So next time you’re pondering your financial strategy, remember that Rule 506b may very well be the key ingredient in crafting a lucrative recipe for success in the realm of real estate crowdfunding.

 

The Basic Structure of a Rule 506b Offer

With all of the above knowledge, you can now create some general steps to follow when creating a Rule 506b offer. This general structure applies to all offers under this rule:

1. Once you have an idea of the types of securities you want to offer, start building relationships with potential investors. Document everything that you can, with signatures and dates, so you have records of your relationships.

2. As you do this, start building your issuing team. Remember that every covered person in the term is subject to Bad Actor rules. Take every reasonable step to establish if a member of the team is subject to a disqualification event while documenting everything.

3. Determine how much capital you wish to raise with the offer. Remember that there are no limits here, though you must take care to create a reasonable offering.

4. Draft your PPM and have a legal expert check it to ensure you’re not accidentally withholding or misrepresenting any of the information you present.

5. Create a shortlist of the accredited and non-accredited investors that you want to join your syndicate. Remember that you, or a covered person in your team, must have a substantive relationship with each investor. You can include as many accredited investors as you want and up to 35 non-accredited investors.

6. If you wish to include non-accredited investors, create disclosures that cover any information they need that isn’t in your PPM.

7. Make your offer to the chosen investors and ensure you’re available to answer questions.

8. Accept your first sale.

9. File Form D within 15 days of making the first sale.

10. Continue until you’ve completed the offering and raised the required funds. You don’t need to provide any additional reports to the SEC once the offer concludes.

 

Hiring A Reg D Rule 506b Lawyer

Navigating the complex world of Reg D Rule 506b offerings can be a daunting task, even for the savviest of entrepreneurs. Engaging the services of a skilled syndication attorney from a law firm specializing in syndication law, can prove invaluable in ensuring compliance and minimizing potential pitfalls along the way.

A seasoned lawyer with a keen understanding of market trends, investment strategies, and network expansion will not only provide sound legal advice but also contribute to shaping an effective fundraising strategy that aligns with the company’s vision and growth plans.

A Reg D Rule 506b lawyer brings more than just legal expertise to the table; they offer a unique blend of experience, wit, and creativity that keeps clients engaged throughout the process.

Additionally, they stay ahead of emerging trends in the field, identifying innovative solutions that may benefit their client’s investment objectives while operating within regulatory boundaries.

The value of hiring a skilled Reg D Rule 506b attorney goes beyond mere compliance with securities law. When armed with comprehensive knowledge about market trends and investment strategies, these professionals become strategic partners in facilitating network expansion for their clients. By leveraging their extensive contacts within both legal and business circles, they help open doors to new opportunities that might otherwise have remained closed.

In essence, engaging a Reg D Rule 506b lawyer is not just about ensuring adherence to rules and regulations – it is an investment in future growth and success.