Regulation D

Laws & Regulations High Relevance

SEC regulation providing exemptions from securities registration requirements for private placement offerings. Primary rules include Rule 506(b) allowing unlimited accredited investors plus up to 35 sophisticated investors without general solicitation, and Rule 506(c) allowing unlimited accredited investors with general solicitation permitted. Rule 504 permits offerings up to $10 million with fewer restrictions.

Example

A hedge fund raises $50 million through a Regulation D Rule 506(b) offering from 80 accredited investors and 20 sophisticated investors without advertising, filing a Form D with the SEC within 15 days of the first sale.

Common Confusion

Accredited investors (based on income/net worth) can invest in any Reg D offering, while sophisticated investors (based on knowledge) can only participate in Rule 506(b) offerings without general solicitation. Rule 506(c) requires all investors to be accredited if general solicitation is used.

How This Is Tested

  • Distinguishing between Rule 506(b) offerings (no general solicitation, up to 35 sophisticated investors) and Rule 506(c) offerings (general solicitation allowed, only accredited investors)
  • Identifying the maximum offering amount under Rule 504 ($10 million in 12 months)
  • Understanding that Regulation D offerings are exempt from federal registration but require Form D filing
  • Recognizing the difference between accredited investors (financial thresholds) and sophisticated investors (knowledge/experience)
  • Determining when general solicitation and advertising are permitted in private placements

Regulatory Limits

Description Limit Notes
Rule 506(b) - Maximum sophisticated investors 35 non-accredited (but sophisticated) investors Unlimited accredited investors permitted; no general solicitation allowed; must have pre-existing relationship
Rule 506(c) - Investor requirements Only accredited investors (unlimited number) General solicitation and advertising permitted; must verify accredited investor status
Rule 504 - Maximum offering amount $10 million in 12-month period Fewer investor restrictions; state registration may still apply; general solicitation allowed in some cases
Form D filing deadline 15 days after first sale Required for all Regulation D offerings; filed electronically with SEC
Holding period for Reg D securities Minimum 6 months (typically 12 months) Securities are restricted; resale limited under Rule 144

Example Exam Questions

Test your understanding with these practice questions. Select an answer to see the explanation.

Question 1

Marcus operates a private equity fund and wants to raise $75 million from investors. He plans to market the offering through social media and online advertising to attract new investors he has not previously worked with. All potential investors will be required to provide documentation proving they meet accredited investor income or net worth thresholds. Which Regulation D exemption is most appropriate for this offering?

Question 2

What is the maximum number of non-accredited investors that can participate in a Regulation D Rule 506(b) private placement offering?

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Question 3

A startup company completes a Regulation D Rule 504 offering, raising $8 million on March 15, 2026. The company's management now wants to conduct another Rule 504 offering. What is the maximum additional amount the company can raise under Rule 504 before March 15, 2027?

Question 4

All of the following statements about Regulation D private placements are accurate EXCEPT

Question 5

An investment adviser is evaluating a Regulation D Rule 506(c) private placement offering for potential client suitability. The offering materials indicate that general solicitation was used to market the investment opportunity. Which of the following statements about this offering are accurate?

1. All investors must be accredited investors with verified status
2. The offering is exempt from federal registration requirements
3. Up to 35 sophisticated but non-accredited investors can participate
4. The issuer must file Form D with the SEC

💡 Memory Aid

Remember "B = Before, C = Cold Calling": Rule 506(b) requires pre-existing relationships (no ads, up to 35 sophisticated investors), while Rule 506(c) allows advertising but only to verified accredited investors. Rule 504 caps at $10 million with fewer restrictions.

Related Concepts

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Where This Appears on the Exam

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