Rep. Flood Introduces Bipartisan Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Sarah McBride (D-DE), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI) introduced the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2025. Right now, an individual or business must meet one of a number of financial or professional criteria to be classified as an accredited investor. Current criteria are outlined here.

The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act provides another pathway for Americans to become an accredited investor by allowing individuals seeking the status to take an examination, which will be established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

"It is my firm belief that greater access to our capital markets should be accessible due to merit and knowledge, not just wealth. The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act creates a new pathway for investors to gain accredited investor status by passing a thorough investment exam administered by FINRA. Thank you to my colleagues for joining this effort, and I look forward to bringing this before the full committee," said Rep. Flood.

"Louisiana families understand that wealth-building shouldn't be restricted by arbitrary income thresholds. I've met countless constituents with the skills to evaluate sophisticated investments who simply don't meet outdated wealth requirements. This common-sense reform creates credential-based entry points to private markets, maintaining essential safeguards while expanding access based on merit rather than means. By enabling qualified investors of all backgrounds to participate, we strengthen both public and private capital formation, building a more inclusive economy that reflects our values of opportunity and fairness," said Rep. Fields.

"The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act is about opening up high-growth investment opportunities to more Americans. By expanding the definition of 'accredited investor' to include those who pass an SEC and FINRA certification, we're modernizing outdated rules and ensuring that qualified individuals, not just the wealthiest, can participate in these valuable markets," said Rep. Lawler.

"Everyone deserves a fair shot at opportunity. The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward financial inclusion. By expanding the pool of accredited investors, we're cutting through unnecessary red tape and opening the doors of our capital markets to a broader, more diverse group of Americans. That means greater access to capital for women, veterans, and communities of color - and more innovation, small business growth, and a stronger economy for everyone. I'm grateful to my colleague, Representative Flood, for his partnership," said Rep. McBride.

"As someone who came from deep poverty, I know first-hand that the financial system isn't set up for those without means to succeed. One of my top priorities in Congress is facilitating economic development in communities across Michigan's 13th Congressional District. By allowing more Americans to become accredited investors, we can allow each American to have a better shot at chasing their American Dream of a better life for themselves and their family. I am pleased to support Congressman Flood's bipartisan bill again this Congress, and I look forward to seeing this critical legislation passed into law," said Rep. Thanedar.

A copy of the full legislation can be found by clicking here.

Rep. Flood is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and Chairman of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee.

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