House Passes INVEST Act Aimed at Expanding Accredited Investor Access 

The House of Representatives has approved a wide-ranging capital formation package that would loosen the “accredited investor” rules, expand financing options for small businesses, and add safeguards for older investors. The centerpiece, the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act, passed with bipartisan support in a 302–123 vote and is intended to both deepen capital access and broaden who can participate in private offerings. 

Within the more than 20‑bill package, the Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act would expand accredited investor status beyond income and net-worth tests to include individuals with certain professional credentials. That could cover those registered with the SEC, FINRA, or state regulators, as well as people with qualifying education or job experience. A companion measure, the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act, would require the SEC to create an exam within one year that, if passed, would confer accredited investor status. Both measures previously cleared the House as standalone bills earlier this year. 

Other provisions target gaps in capital access and investor protection. The package includes steps to boost financing for rural companies, raise crowdfunding exemption thresholds, and clarify when business presentations do not count as “general solicitation.” It would also broaden investment options in 403(b) retirement plans, create an SEC task force focused on issues facing investors over age 65, and enhance disclosure and support for local emerging ventures and public offerings. 

The package now moves to the Senate for consideration.