Prohibition of Fraud by Advisers to Certain Pooled Investment Vehicles; Accredited Investors in Certain Private Investment Vehicles

The Commission is today proposing new rules designed to provide additional investor protections that would affect pooled investment vehicles, including hedge funds. First, the Commission is proposing a rule that would prohibit advisers to pooled investment vehicles from making false or misleading statements or otherwise defrauding investors or prospective investors in those pooled investment vehicles. Second, the Commission is proposing two rules that would revise the definition of accredited investor as it relates to natural persons. The latter rules would apply solely to the offer and sale of interests in certain privately offered investment pools specified in the rules.