The SEC Wants to Open Private Markets to Retail Investors. The Liquidity Problem Is Already Showing Up.
    Regulatory & Compliance

    The SEC Wants to Open Private Markets to Retail Investors. The Liquidity Problem Is Already Showing Up.

    TL;DR: On July 7, 2026, the SEC published its 2026 Reg Flex Agenda, listing "Enhancing Retail Exposure to Private Markets" as one of roughly 40 planned rulemakings. That follows the SEC's decision to scrap the old 15%...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··10 min read
    Private Credit's Mega-Fund Problem: Five Managers Raised $64 Billion While Retail BDCs Hit Redemption Walls
    Market Analysis

    Private Credit's Mega-Fund Problem: Five Managers Raised $64 Billion While Retail BDCs Hit Redemption Walls

    Five managers pulled in more than $64 billion in fresh private credit commitments during the first half of 2026. Barings raised $19 billion, Churchill Asset Management raised $16 billion, Crescen

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··10 min read
    The Informed Investor Access Act: What Advisor-Verified Accreditation Really Changes
    Regulatory & Compliance

    The Informed Investor Access Act: What Advisor-Verified Accreditation Really Changes

    Rep. Troy Downing wants your financial advisor to decide whether you're sophisticated enough to buy a private placement. His bill, the Informed Investor Access Act, would let a registered investment a

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··10 min read
    Morgan Stanley Drops the Accreditation Gate on PMAX: What 'Daily Subscriptions' Really Means
    Regulatory & Compliance

    Morgan Stanley Drops the Accreditation Gate on PMAX: What 'Daily Subscriptions' Really Means

    Morgan Stanley opened PMAX - Balanced to non-accredited investors at $10K. Here's the '40 Act structure behind it and why 'daily subscriptions' isn't daily liquidity.

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··10 min read
    Investment investment insights — Regulatory Arbitrage in Reg CF: How Crowdfunding Portals Are Pushing Boundaries
    Regulatory & Compliance

    Regulatory Arbitrage in Reg CF: How Crowdfunding Portals Are Pushing Boundaries

    Regulation Crowdfunding has evolved far beyond its original intent, with portals raising $1.2 billion in 2025 through increasingly creative — and sometimes questionable — deal structures. A deep dive into the regulatory gray zones.

    AIN Editorial Team··7 min read
    # Alt Text

Blurred stock market data and financial charts displayed on computer screens with a calculator and pen on a desk.
    Capital Raising

    Why SPACs Are Making a Quiet Comeback in 2026

    After the spectacular collapse of the 2020-2021 SPAC bubble, blank-check companies are returning with better structures, tighter regulation, and more realistic expectations. Here's what's different this time.

    AIN Editorial Team··5 min read