SEC Chair Paul Atkins teases private equity access for retail

Atkins said the Securities and Exchange Commission would work to broaden access to investments typically reserved for accredited investors.

US Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins signaled that the regulatory agency will work with US President Donald Trump’s administration to allow retail investors equal opportunities to invest in private equity.

Atkins cited the recent Trump executive order to allow crypto and alternative assets in 401K retirement accounts — tax-sheltered retirement plans funded by individuals and their employers — as the catalyst for the effort. He told Fox Business on Saturday: 

However, Atkins urged caution and putting the “proper guardrails” around alternative investments. “We can't just fling the gates open and have investors rush in where one has to be careful,” he said.

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