An accredited investor is a person or entity legally allowed to invest in unregistered securities and alternative investments that aren't available to the general public. This includes hedge funds, venture capital, private equity, and carbon credit markets.
These investors meet certain financial criteria set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which assumes they have the financial sophistication and risk tolerance to engage in complex, high-return opportunities.
Understanding the definition of an accredited investor is the first step toward unlocking a world of exclusive financial products and opportunities not tied to traditional markets.
The SEC’s rules around accredited investors are designed for protection. Private investments are typically less regulated and more complex, often involving higher risks — but also the potential for greater rewards.
By limiting access to individuals and institutions with sufficient income, net worth, or professional knowledge, the SEC ensures that investors:
In essence, the accredited investor designation serves as a gatekeeper to ensure that only experienced and financially stable investors enter this part of the market.
Discover more: What to buy before tariffs: A smart guide for investors
How to become an accredited investor starts with meeting one or more of the following conditions:
These qualifications ensure investors can evaluate and withstand the risks associated with alternative investments for accredited investors.
Discover more: How can you counteract the impact of inflation?
Yes — institutional accredited investors include banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and pension funds that meet the SEC's criteria. These entities often engage in large-scale trading and alternative investment activities.
For example, a private fund may raise capital only from institutional accredited investors to comply with SEC exemptions. Institutions benefit from enhanced access to high-yield strategies, including carbon credit markets, private equity, and high-growth startups.
Discover more: What companies buy carbon credits?
As of recent estimates, more than 13 million accredited investors exist in the U.S. This number is growing steadily, driven by increasing financial literacy and the appeal of alternative investment markets.
More individuals are actively exploring how to invest beyond stocks and mutual funds, transitioning from non-accredited investor status to full accreditation.
Discover more: Real estate vs. nature investment: why nature holds the edge
Wondering how to become an accredited investor in the U.S.? It's easier than you think — especially with tools that simplify the process. At VanderStyn, you can check your accredited investor eligibility by:
Our accredited investor questionnaire helps you check your eligibility and verify your status quickly and securely. There's no cost or obligation — just a streamlined path to opportunity.
Investor accreditation is usually valid for six months from the time of verification.
After that, you’ll need to update your information with:
Renewal ensures your eligibility remains current, especially if your investment profile changes.
If your accredited investor status expires, don’t worry — VanderStyn makes it simple to renew:
We keep your process fast, private, and free, so you never miss an opportunity.
Discover more: Is sustainable investing profitable?
Becoming an accredited investor opens doors to non-traditional assets and strategies. Here’s a look at the best investments for accredited investors:
Each of these options comes with distinct risk/reward profiles, offering better portfolio diversification and often less correlation with public markets.
Discover more: Top 10 long-term investments
One of the most promising alternative investments for accredited investors is in carbon credits. This growing asset class is transforming how companies compensate for emissions — and how investors capture value through carbon credit funds.
Discover more: What are carbon credit funds?
The voluntary carbon market, valued at $4.7 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a 34.6% CAGR through 2030. On a global scale, the carbon credit market is forecasted to soar from $695 billion in 2025 to over $4 trillion by 2030 — a CAGR of 39.4%.
This explosive growth presents investment opportunities for accredited investors to participate in a market poised for exponential returns.
For accredited investors looking to explore alternative investments like carbon credits, VanderStyn’s Green Carbon Fund offers direct access to high-quality carbon offset projects — while delivering strong financial performance.
The fund acquires carbon credits at early-stage pricing through forward contracts in a diversified portfolio of nature-based projects. Once verified and certified, these credits are sold at current market value, generating attractive returns with:
These advantages position the Green Carbon Fund as one of the best investments for accredited investors seeking to combine profit and purpose. It’s a smart move for those aiming to outperform traditional markets while contributing to global decarbonization.
Join a select group of accredited investors tapping into high-growth alternative assets like carbon credits, private equity, and more.
Check your eligibility and see if you qualify in just 60 seconds with our free, no-obligation questionnaire. Whether you're exploring how to become an accredited investor in the U.S., or already meet the requirements, we're here to connect you with exclusive investment opportunities that go beyond the market norm.