[hangphyr]

I've always been puzzled by accredited investor regulations. For an over-simplified explanation for most countries such as the US and Canada it means one has at least $1,000,000 of investable assets. Accredited investors can invest in things that governments prohibit non-accredited investors from touching, such as most forms of private equity. The rules are there to protect amateur investors, however governments still allow anyone to participate in shockingly risky investment vehicles.

Our regulations are not built for purpose, and I don't think it's possible for there to be an effective way for governments to tell individual investors what is "too risky" for them.

A lot of it just comes down to individuals being responsible for educating themselves or preferably hiring a financial advisor.

[nickff]

The cynical view is that the government just wants to tax you more if you're making bets; 15% on capital gains is nothing compared to the taxes on lotteries and gambling.