Hedge Fund and Investment Law Securities are regulated under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. However, there is an exemption that allows you to make a private placement of your hedge fund without having to register the security with the SEC and each state (an expensive and time-consuming process). The attorneys that create your offering documents will ensure that the disclosures in the documents will allow you to achieve this exemption. The exemption is great news, and all the states honor this exemption from registration. If you desire the exemption, you probably want to form what is known as a Section 3(c)(1) fund (from the Investment Company Act of 1940). That kind of a fund allows you to have fewer than 100 investors, up to 35 of whom can be non-accredited investors. A typical hedge fund manager has only one client - the hedge fund. The individuals that buy into the hedge fund are the investors. Hedge funds and their advisers are governed primarily by the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Investment Company Act of 1940 This Act regulates the organization of companies, including mutual funds, that engage primarily in investing, reinvesting, and trading in securities, and whose own securities are offered to the investing public. The regulation is designed to minimize conflicts of interest that arise in these complex operations. The Act requires these companies to disclose their financial condition and investment policies to investors when stock is initially sold and, subsequently, on a regular basis. The focus of this Act is on disclosure to the investing public of information about the fund and its investment objectives, as well as on investment company structure and operations. It is important to remember that the Act does not permit the SEC to directly supervise the investment decisions or activities of these companies or judge the merits of their investments. Most hedge funds have substantial investments in securities that would cause them to fall within the definition of investment company under the Investment Company Act. Hedge funds, however, typically rely on one of two statutory exclusions from the definition of investment company, which enables them to avoid the regulatory provisions of that Act.
Section 3(c)(1) Exclusion Section 3(c)(1) of the Investment Company Act excludes from the definition of investment company any issuer whose outstanding securities are beneficially owned by not more than 100 investors and which does make a public offering of its securities. Hedge funds relying on Section 3(c)(1) may not make a public offering. These hedge funds must comply with Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, and frequently do so by relying on the safe harbor available under Regulation D under that Act. Consequently, hedge funds may offer their securities only to “accredited investors,” and may not engage in any general solicitation or general advertising of their shares.
Section 3(c)(7) Exclusion Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act excludes from the definition of investment company any issuer whose outstanding securities are owned exclusively by persons who, at the time of acquisition of such securities, are “qualified purchasers,” and which is not making a public offering of its securities. A hedge fund relying on Section 3(c)(7) may accept an unlimited number of qualified purchasers for investment in the fund. As a practical matter, however, most funds relying on Section 3(c)(7) have no more than 499 investors in order to avoid the registration and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”).
Section 3(c)(7) Qualified Purchasers Section 2(a)(51) of the Investment Company Act generally define qualified purchaser” to be: (1) any natural person who owns not less than $5 million in investments; (2) any family-owned company (as described in that section) that owns not less than $5 million in investments; (3) any other trust the trustee and settlor(s) of which are qualified purchasers that was not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities of the Section 3(c)(7) fund; and (4) any person acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified purchasers, that owns and invests on a discretionary basis not less than $25 million in investments.
Securities Act of 1933 Often referred to as the "truth in securities" law, the Securities Act of 1933 has two basic objectives: require that investors receive financial and other significant information concerning securities being offered for public sale; and prohibit deceit, misrepresentations, and other fraud in the sale of securities. Section 5 of the Securities Act mandates the registration with the SEC of public securities offerings and the delivery to purchasers of a prospectus containing specified categories of information about the issuer and the securities being offered, unless there is an available exemption from the registration requirements. Since limited partnership, LLC and other interests offered to investors in the case of a typical hedge fund fall within the definition of the term “securities” for purposes of the federal securities laws, the hedge funds must either register the offer and sale of the securities or rely on an exemption from registration. Offerings of hedge fund securities in the United States generally rely on the private offering exemption in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act or Rule 506 promulgated under that Section to avoid the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of Section 5.
The Private Offering Exemption of the Securities Act Section 4(2) of the Securities Act exempts from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of Section 5 any “transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.” The Section 4(2) exemption, commonly known as the “private offering” or “private placement” exemption, requires no notice or other filing or regulatory approval as a prerequisite for its availability.
Regulation D and Rule 506 Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act is a set of requirements promulgated by the SEC to govern private offerings. Although compliance with the Rule 506 requirements is not required to establish the availability of a private offering exemption, satisfaction of the conditions of the rule entitles an issuer to claim the Section 4(2) exemption. In this sense, Rule 506 establishes “safe harbor” criteria for the private offering exemption, but is not the exclusive means of establishing entitlement to the exemption. Because of a degree of uncertainty as to the availability of the Section 4(2) exemption, many hedge funds tailor their offering and sale procedures to the criteria specified in Rule 506.
Offerings to Accredited Investors The safe harbor protection most often relied upon by hedge funds under Rule 506 exempts offerings that are made exclusively to “accredited investors.” While Rule 506(b)(2)(i) limits the number of purchasers in a Rule 506 transaction to 35, this numerical limitation becomes irrelevant if the offering is made only to “accredited investors” because Rule 501(e)(1)(iv) provides that “accredited investors” are not counted for purposes of determining whether the issuer has exceeded the 35-purchaser limit. Issuers are permitted under these provisions to sell securities to an unlimited number of “accredited investors.” In addition, if the offering is made only to accredited investors, no specific information is required to be provided to prospective investors.
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 This law regulates investment advisers. With certain exceptions, this Act requires that firms or sole practitioners compensated for advising others about securities investments must register with the SEC and conform to regulations designed to protect investors. Since the Act was amended in 1996, generally only advisers who have at least $25 million of assets under management or advise a registered investment company must register with the SEC.
Our Customers Hannah Terhune and her associates have provided legal advice and services to me for over a year. She provided initial guidance to help determine the kind of fund most suitable for my goals, created the legal documents that are the framework for my hedge-fund, and assisted with ADV submissions to register my company as an Investment Advisor. I continue to rely on her for ongoing compliance issues in this complex and dynamic industry. I found Ms Terhune and her associates to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful in a very responsive way, with friendly and professional manners. Overall a very good experience. Highly recommended. Marty Cawthon ChipChat Technology Group
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MEET ATTORNEY HANNAH M TERHUNE Hannah Terhune, a hedge fund and international tax attorney, contributes her expertise, experience and thoughts to many digital content media and magazine repositories. Hannah Terhune's articles are widely circulated on the Internet and recommended by TheStreet.com and other respected media. Hannah Terhune's articles will advance your knowledge and understanding of the industry. They are embraced worldwide as a definitive and reliable source of critical information. Contact Us for Articles & Reprint Rights
Strategic Hedge Fund Planning by Hannah Terhune. Wilmott Magazine Ltd. (Volume 2013, Issue 63, pages 8-11 January 2013).
Trading Foreign Index Contracts? Know the Tax Rules Before You Trade by Hannah M. Terhune and Roger D. Lorence. Stocks, Futures and Options (June 2005)
Advising Clients on Internet Server Co-Location Agreements, Practical International Tax Strategies (March 15, 2004)
Structuring and Financing International Operations Using Hybrid Entities and Tax-Efficient Financing. Practical International Tax Strategies (Jan. 15, 2004)
Tax-Free Asset Acquisitions – More Strategies for S-Corporations: Sourcing Income to Preserve the Use of Credits and Carryovers: Practical International Tax Strategies (April 15, 2003)
Reducing Operational and Exit Taxes On Closely-Held Businesses. Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (August 2003)
Coming Ashore – Establishing U.S. Operations: Practical International Tax Strategies (July 31, 2003)
Financing U.S. Business Operations Using Cross-Border Income Trust: Practical International Tax Strategies (July 15, 2003)
Methods of Compensating the Executive – An Overview of Various Tax Features: Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (May 2003)
Update on Spanish Holding Companies. Practical European Tax Strategies (Aug. 2003)
Outbounding Income from Intellectual Property, Practical International Tax Strategies (March 15, 2003)
Taxable Stock Purchases: More Planning Strategies for S-Corporations, Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (Feb. 2003)
Business Globalization: Selecting the Proper Offshore Entity, Practical International Tax Strategies (Feb. 15, 2003)
Taxable Acquisitions: Financing Asset Acquisitions When an S-Corporation is Involved. Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (January 2003)
International Joint Venture Partnerships: Foreign or Domestic, Practical International Tax Strategies (January 15, 2003)
Corporate-Level Penalty Taxes on S-Corporations – Transaction Costs in Mergers, Acquisitions and Buy-Outs. Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (December 2002)
Taxation of Foreign Partnership Income: Issues to Consider in Reviewing Foreign Operating Structures. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Dec. 31, 2002)
The Future of European-Based Business Operations: A Look at the Tax Aspects of the Societas Europaea. Practical European Tax Strategies (November 2002)
Tax Planning for Multiple Corporations: Domestication of Foreign Corporations. Practical International Tax Strategies (Oct. 15, 2002)
Acquisition Techniques Using Partnerships or LLCs – Planning Strategies to Defer Taxable Gain. Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (Oct. 15, 2002)
Tax Planning for Multiple Corporations: Canadian and Mexican Contiguous Country Companies. Practical International Tax Strategies (Oct. 15, 2002)
Acquisition Techniques Using Partnerships or LLCs – Planning Strategies to Defer Taxable Gain. Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (Oct. 15, 2002)
Domestic and International Tax Planning for Multiple Corporations. Practical International Tax Strategies (Sept. 15, 2002)
Tax Benefits of Spanish Holding Companies: A Planning Opportunity for U.S. Companies. Practical International Tax Strategies (Aug. 31, 2002)
Key Tax Aspects of International M&A – Planning Scenarios Involving Tax Acquisitions. Practical International Tax Strategies (Sept. 15, 2003)
Corporate-Level Penalty Taxes on S-Corporations – Transaction Costs in Mergers, Acquisitions and Buy-Outs. Practical U.S./Domestic Tax Strategies (December 2002)
Taxation of Foreign Partnership Income: Issues to Consider in Reviewing Foreign Operating Structures. Practical International Tax Strategies (Dec. 31, 2002)
The Future of European-Based Business Operations: A Look at the Tax Aspects of the Societas Europaea. Practical European Tax Strategies (November 2002)
Shifting Intangible Income to an Offshore Company Part II: Sale or License? Practical International Tax Strategies (Sept. 15, 2001)
Shifting Intangible Income to an Offshore Company "Round Tripping" and the Risk of Bringing §956 into Play. Practical International Tax Strategies (Aug. 15, 2001)
Update on Filing Requirements for Transfers of Property Offshore. Practical International Tax Strategies (July 15, 2001)
Want a Multinational Corporation In Your Backyard? Strategic Tax Planning for Countries Without a Clue. Practical International Tax Strategies (June 15, 2001)
Planning Notes for U.S. Businesses Operating Overseas: U.S. Outbound Tax Issues. Practical International Tax Strategies (May 31, 2001)
U.S. Strategic Tax Planning and Other Modern Day X Files An FSA to Remember. Practical International Tax Strategies (May 15, 2001)
More on International Tax Planning for Highly Compensated Individuals Combining Individual Leasing Programs, Deferred Compensation and Rabbi Trusts. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (April 30, 2001)
International Tax Planning for Highly Compensated Individuals Taking Advantage of Special Treatment for "Rabbi Trusts." Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (April 15, 2001)
More on Dealing with Passive Foreign Investment Companies Using Inter-Company Loans, Handling Start-Up Costs and Other Matters. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (March 31, 2001)
Dealing with Passive Foreign Investment Companies How the System Works and Strategies to Avoid PFIC Status. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (March 15, 2001)
Swiss Corporate Ventures, Inc. – Advantages of Establishing a Holding Company in Switzerland. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Feb. 28, 2001)
Cost-Sharing Rules under IRS Attack, Part IV. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Feb. 15, 2001)
International Tax 101. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Jan. 31, 2001)
International Tax 101: More Cliff Notes to Cross-Border Business. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Jan. 15, 2001)
Cost-Sharing Strategies Under Attack, Part III IRS Challenges to Cost-Sharing Arrangements. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Dec. 15, 2000)
Cost-Sharing Strategies Under Attack, Part II, Transfer Pricing Rules and Cost-Sharing Arrangements. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Nov. 30, 2000)
Cost-Sharing Strategies Under Attack How Transfer Pricing Rules Affect Cost-Sharing Arrangements. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Nov. 15, 2000)
Dutch Tax Treats Use Them or Lose Them. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Oct. 15, 2000)
Going Global? Go Home – Unless You're Prepared for the U.S. Tax Consequences. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Sept. 30, 2000)
Commissionaire Use in Austria: Focus on a Commissionaire-Friendly Jurisdiction. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Sept. 15, 2000)
Using Stripped Subsidiaries for Foreign Country Sales Another Alternative to the Traditional Buy-Sell Model. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (July 31, 2000)
Handling the IRS Corporate Tax Audit: In Defense of the U.S. Tax Director. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (June 30, 2000)
Avoiding Taxable Income by Managing CFC Guarantees of U.S. Parent Company Debt. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (June 15, 2000)
Tax Measures to Hedge Against the U.S. Equity Devolution. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (May 31, 2000)
Bringing Home the Bacon: Planning Strategies for Offshore Income, Part III. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (April 30, 2000)
Commissionaire Use in France: Vetting the VAT. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (April 15, 2000)
Bringing Home the Bacon: Planning Strategies for Offshore Income, Part II. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (March 31, 2000)
Bringing Home the Bacon: Planning Strategies for Offshore Income, Part I. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (March 15, 2000)
Commissionaire Use in Spain. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Feb. 28, 2000)
Commissionaire Use in Belgium. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Feb. 15, 2000)
Crafting the Cross-Border Contract: Foreign Taxes and the U.S. Foreign Tax Credit. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Jan. 31, 2000)
Crafting the Cross-Border Contract: Structuring a Services Agreement. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Jan. 15, 2000)
Crafting the Cross-Border Contract: Drafting to Obtain Sales or Business Profits Treatment. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Dec. 15, 1999)
Crafting the Cross-Border Contract: Unbundling Show-How from Know-How. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Nov. 30, 1999)
Managing the Cross-Border Payroll, Part II: Withholding and Reporting Obligations. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Nov. 15, 1999)
Managing the Cross-Border Payroll, Part I: Overview of U.S. Payroll Taxes. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Oct. 31, 1999)
Cutting Foreign Tax Costs Using Well Known, Multi-Jurisdictional Tax Planning Strategies. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Oct. 15, 1999)
Structuring an International Joint Venture: Transferring Intangible Property and Other Assets. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Sept. 30, 1999)
Integrating The Foreign Sales Corporation Into Commissionaire Distribution Operations. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Sept. 15, 1999)
Using A Foreign Sales Corporation To Fund An Individual Retirement Account: Some Practical Examples. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Sept. 15, 1999)
Integrating The Foreign Sales Corporation Into commissionaire Distribution Operations. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (Aug. 15, 1999)
Commissionaire Modeling for European Union Customer Sales. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (July 31, 1999)
Commissionaire Use in Japan. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (June 30, 1999)
Taking Charge of Foreign Profits Through Commissionaire Operations. Practical U.S./International Tax Strategies (June 15, 1999)
Final Regulations Clarify Cost-sharing of R&D Expenditures, The Tax Advisor (January 1997)
Employer Operated Eating Facilities, Journal of Compensation and Benefits (September 1990)
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