The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved comprehensive plans to expand individual investors' access to private markets. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that investor demand for private market opportunities is growing, emphasizing that exposure to "one of the great engines of American enterprise" should not be limited to the wealthiest. The proposals, approved on Wednesday, will broaden the number and types of accredited investor licenses for individuals. Additionally, the SEC plans to permit registered investment advisers (RIAs) to charge performance fees of up to 20%, similar to those in hedge funds, to attract more private asset managers into the retail wealth sector. This move follows the Trump administration's efforts to ease private market regulations, including a previous executive order allowing more retirement funds into alternative assets.