What is the difference between “retail” and “qualified” investors?

Retail and Qualified investors are two types of "individual" (non-institutional, non-corporate, natural person) investor classes in the Philippines.

In some other countries, you'll hear the term alternatively referred to as "professional" or "accredited", meaning the same. The main differences between Retail and Qualified investors are as follows:

• Retail Investors are only allowed to invest up to 5% or 10% of their total annual income in crowdfunded securities, if they earn under or over Php 2,000,000 a year, respectively.
• Retail Investors are not required to undergo the Qualified Investor Certification procedures in order to invest.

• Qualified Investors have no limitations on their ability to invest in crowdfunded securities. 
• Qualified Investors must recieve and update their Qualified status through SEC-licensed registrars* or similar regulated entities in other countries.

For more information on getting Qualified, read our Learn page article on The Qualified Investor Registration Process.

*(ESDC) Eastern Securities Development Corporation is a duly authorized registrar licensed to issue and maintain records of Qualified Buyer certifications. QB Certification issued by ESDC may be recognized by other entities that require such designation or certifications.