Rule 506(b) of Regulation D is one of the most commonly used exemptions for private offerings in the U.S. securities market. It allows companies to raise capital from accredited investors—and, under limited conditions, non-accredited investors—without registering the securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While Rule 506(b) is often seen as less burdensome than its counterpart, Rule 506(c), it still requires careful attention to verification and compliance practices.
Overview of Rule 506(b)
Under Rule 506(b), issuers can sell securities to an unlimited number of accredited investors and up to 35 sophisticated, non-accredited investors, provided they do not engage in general solicitation or advertising. This prohibition on public marketing is a defining feature of 506(b) offerings and plays a central role in determining how issuers verify investor status.
The rule relies on the “reasonable belief” standard, meaning issuers must have a reasonable basis to conclude that each investor is accredited, but they are not required to collect financial documents or third-party attestations as is necessary under Rule 506(c).
Accredited vs. Sophisticated Investors
- Accredited investors include individuals and entities that meet specific financial or professional criteria as defined by the SEC.
- Sophisticated investors are those who possess sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to evaluate the merits and risks of the investment offering.
Issuers relying on Rule 506(b) must ensure that any non-accredited investors fall into the “sophisticated” category and that they receive specific disclosure documents to protect their interests.
Reasonable Belief Standard
The “reasonable belief” requirement under Rule 506(b) gives issuers flexibility, but it does not eliminate the need for due diligence. A good-faith belief must be based on facts and documentation obtained through reasonable inquiry. This may include:
- Having investors complete questionnaires or subscription agreements
- Obtaining signed representations from the investors regarding their financial or professional status
- Obtaining the investor’s past investment history or known professional background
- Having discussions with the investor regarding their eligibility and keeping written notes documenting the conversations.
Although documentary proof is not required, maintaining detailed records of how the determination was made is a prudent risk management practice.
Best Practices for Verification
To remain compliant and mitigate regulatory risk under Rule 506(b), issuers should:
- Use detailed investor questionnaires to gather relevant financial and suitability information.
- Document interactions that support the issuer’s conclusion about the investor’s status.
- Implement a consistent process across all investor relationships to avoid an appearance of discrimination or inconsistency.
- Ensure no general solicitation has occurred in connection with the offering.
Issuers should also be mindful of “integration” rules—regulations that combine multiple offerings into a single one—which can inadvertently trigger violations if concurrent offerings under different exemptions are not carefully managed.
Disclosure Obligations
When non-accredited investors are involved, Rule 506(b) mandates that issuers provide the same type of information required in registered offerings, including audited financial statements and detailed risk disclosures. This ensures transparency and safeguards less sophisticated investors from-potential financial harm.
Rule 506(b) offers an accessible and flexible path for private capital raising. However, it demands careful adherence to investor verification criteria and documentation standards. By applying consistent due diligence, maintaining a clear audit trail, and avoiding public solicitation, issuers can use this exemption while maintaining full regulatory compliance. A thoughtful and well-documented approach not only satisfies SEC expectations but also builds long-term investor confidence.
