To be considered a sophisticated investor your accountant needs to certify that you:
Sophisticated Investor Certificates are valid for two years and you need to make your initial investment within six months of obtaining your certificate.
Having a valid Investor Certificate allows you to be offered investment opportunities that are not available to retail investors. These can include:
Additionally shares are often priced at a discount to usual retail offerings.
Some sophisticated investors seek out these opportunities as diversification from traditional asset class investments, as they may deliver higher returns. But it’s important to be aware that they also often carry greater risks.
Before you can access sophisticated or wholesale investments, you must hold a certificate signed by a qualified accountant.
Electronic certification with Cygura is a compliant way for accountants to certify sophisticated investors and wholesale clients under Chapters 6D and 7 of the Corporations Act 2001.
It's also the simplest way to certify, and proving your sophisticated investor status to the ATO is as simple as logging in to Cygura.
Find out more about how Cygura works
The simplest way is to register with Cygura.
Once you've entered your accountant's details, Cygura will automatically send an email requesting certification on your behalf. (You might want to let them know to expect it.) You're then free to share your certificate with any advisors of investment providers you choose.
The Government has introduced generous new tax incentives for investing in Eartly Stage Innovation Companies (ESICs). However if you invest more than $50,000 in qualifying ESICs in one year, you need to meet the sophisticated investor test at the time you make your investment, or you are ineligible for any of the tax incentives.*
Learn more about investing in innovation
To ensure you're eligible to claim the tax incentives come tax time, create your certificate with Cygura today.