The Unregistered Finder Problem: What Every Angel Network Must Know in 2026
    Regulatory & Compliance

    The Unregistered Finder Problem: What Every Angel Network Must Know in 2026

    The legal risk around unregistered finders in private placements is not theoretical. The SEC and FINRA actively investigate and pursue enforcement actions against individuals who receive transactio...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··6 min read
    SEC Proposes Killing the Baby Shelf Rule: What It Means for Private Market Investors
    Regulatory & Compliance

    SEC Proposes Killing the Baby Shelf Rule: What It Means for Private Market Investors

    The Securities and Exchange Commission proposed eliminating the "baby shelf" limitations for smaller public companies in May 2026, as part of a broader three-part capital formation package under Ch...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··5 min read
    Brian Armstrong Wants a Literacy Test, Not a Wealth Test. The SEC Might Agree.
    Regulatory & Compliance

    Brian Armstrong Wants a Literacy Test, Not a Wealth Test. The SEC Might Agree.

    In June 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong appeared on Yahoo Finance's Power Players podcast and called for eliminating the US accredited investor wealth thresholds, replacing them with a financial...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··6 min read
    The 401(k) Alternative: How Trump's Regulatory Push Opens $14 Trillion to Private Markets
    Regulatory & Compliance

    The 401(k) Alternative: How Trump's Regulatory Push Opens $14 Trillion to Private Markets

    TL;DR: The Department of Labor proposed a safe harbor rule on March 30, 2026, that would allow 401(k) plan fiduciaries to add alternatives like private equity and real estate to retirement plans. With

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··8 min read
    Blue Sky Laws: What Every Accredited Investor in Private Placements Must Know
    Regulatory & Compliance

    Blue Sky Laws: What Every Accredited Investor in Private Placements Must Know

    TL;DR: Blue sky laws are state securities regulations that run parallel to federal law. A valid Reg D exemption does not give you a free pass in all 50 states. Ignore them and you hand your investors

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··9 min read
    Regulation CF vs. Regulation A+: The Crowdfunding Rules That Determine Your Access
    Regulatory & Compliance

    Regulation CF vs. Regulation A+: The Crowdfunding Rules That Determine Your Access

    TL;DR: Two federal exemptions let companies raise money from retail investors without a full SEC registration. Regulation CF caps raises at $5M per year . Regulation A+ goes up to $75M. Knowing whi...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··8 min read
    Form ADV: The Investment Adviser Document Every Accredited Investor Should Read Before Writing a Check
    Regulatory & Compliance

    Form ADV: The Investment Adviser Document Every Accredited Investor Should Read Before Writing a Check

    TL;DR: Before you write a check to any investment adviser, look up their Form ADV on the SEC's IAPD database . It takes 3 minutes. It has saved investors from fraud. What Form ADV Is and Why It Exi...

    Jeff Barnes, MBA··13 min read