Rule 144A
Candlefocus EditorUnder Rule 144A, securities are eligible for sale to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) without having to be registered with the SEC. These QIBs must be institutional investors with a net worth of at least $100 million or offer/invest at least $10 million as of the last fiscal year.
Non-area QIBs must meet particular standards to qualify and are then given access to negotiated deals not accessible to other investors. They are allowed to purchase 144A securities without registration requirements, easing the process and expanding investment opportunities.
The rule also the process of buying and selling securities. Prior to Rule 144A, securities had to wait a certain number of days before they could be legally sold on the secondary market. The Rule 144A introduced shorter holding periods for securities as defined by the SEC.
Critics of the Rule have pointed to its lack of transparency, as the rule does not clearly define what constitutes a qualified institutional buyer, this could potentially give unscrupulous overseas companies access to the US markets without SEC scrutiny. Despite these concerns, the SEC has still chosen to make changes to the rule to expand its reach across fewer restrictions as was seen in 2014 when they increased the number of investors who could qualify as QIBs.
Overall Rule 144A provides much needed law and regulations to the private placement market that is key for institutional investors in accessing a plethora of attractive investment deals. Institutional investors are safeguarded from certain risks and have access to associated rewards under the Rule 144A, making for the continuation of continued success for all involved.