Qualified Accountant Certificate

A qualified accountant certificate for sophisticated investor status is a document issued by a qualified accountant that confirms an individual meets prescribed income or net asset thresholds. It is commonly used in Australia to support investor classification for specific legal purposes, including sophisticated investor status (Chapter 6D) and wholesale client status (Chapter 7), depending on the offer and product context.

What is a Qualified Accountant Certificate?

ASIC explains that regulated disclosure documents are generally required when offering securities and financial products, but there are exemptions. One exemption involves offering to a person who has a current certificate from a qualified accountant confirming they meet a prescribed income or asset level.

In ASIC’s wording, a person holding a current certificate is treated as:

  • a “sophisticated investor” for Chapter 6D (if offered shares or debt), or

  • a “wholesale client” for Chapter 7 (if offered certain financial products and the product is not used in connection with a business)

This is why the same style of certificate is often discussed in both fundraising and financial services contexts.

When is it Used?

Most commonly, this certificate is used to support classification under:

  • s708(8)(c) for sophisticated investors in securities offers (Chapter 6D)

     

  • s761G(7)(c) for wholesale client classification in financial services (Chapter 7)

     

If you want the broader legal definition page, see: S708 investor
If you want the practical process, see: How to qualify as a sophisticated investor

Income and Asset Thresholds

ASIC notes the Corporations Regulations prescribe the criteria for issuing a certificate. A person is eligible if they have:

  • gross income of $250,000 or more per annum in each of the previous two years, or
  • net assets of at least $2.5 million

How Long is the Certificate Valid?

ASIC states that under Chapters 6D and 7, certificates are valid for up to two years after issue.

Note: Some platforms may still apply stricter internal policies for operational or risk reasons, but the ASIC explanation above is the core reference point for certificate currency.

How Long is the Certificate Valid?

ASIC explains that a qualified accountant is defined via s88B and an ASIC instrument, and lists the professional bodies and membership classes that qualify.

ASIC’s current guidance references ASIC Corporations (Qualified Accountant) Instrument 2016/786, and includes (among others):

  • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA, ACA, FCA)
  • CPA Australia (CPA, FCPA)
  • Institute of Public Accountants (AIPA, MIPA, FIPA)

ASIC also outlines conditions where certain eligible foreign professional bodies may qualify in limited circumstances.

What the Certificate Typically Needs to Say

While formats vary, issuers and platforms usually look for clarity on:

  • Investor name (individual or entity, as applicable)
  • Issue date (so currency can be assessed)
  • Confirmation the investor meets either the income test or asset test
  • The accountant’s details and confirmation they are a qualified accountant
  • Which Chapter or Chapters the certificate is intended to support (Chapter 6D and or Chapter 7)

ASIC also provides a sample certificate for accountants and issuers.

How Issuers and Platforms Can Rely on the Certificate

ASIC’s guidance includes practical tips for issuers receiving a certificate, including that they may generally rely on it on its face unless they have actual knowledge it is incorrect, and that they should check items like qualification, dating, currency, and correct chapter context.

Important Context, Sophisticated Investor vs Wholesale Client

People often use “sophisticated investor certificate” as a catch all phrase, but the legal outcome depends on context:

  • In Chapter 6D, it supports “sophisticated investor” treatment for certain securities offers

  • In Chapter 7, it supports “wholesale client” treatment for certain financial products and services, subject to conditions

That distinction matters because disclosure, protections, and obligations can differ.

Next Steps

If you are trying to qualify and upload documents quickly, start here:

GET YOUR DEDICATED BROKER

(Limited Intake)

  • ABN: 22 149 540 018
  • ACN: 149 540 018
  • AFSL No. 406040

Address:

Level 8, 2 Bligh street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Phone:

+61 2 8651 7800

Email:

admin@pelotoncapital.com.au

Powered by Peloton Capital (AFSL 406040). We don’t just list deals, we structure them. Every registered investor gets a dedicated senior stockbroker based in Sydney who is available by phone and email to walk you through every opportunity.

Copyright © 2026 – Peloton Capital

AFSL Licence details

Licensee Name: Peloton Capital Pty Ltd
AFSL Number: 406040
ABN: 22 149 540 018
 
General Information
Peloton Capital Pty Ltd is an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFSL) authorized by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to provide financial services to both retail and wholesale clients.
 
Authorised Financial Services
Under AFSL 406040, Peloton Capital is authorised to provide financial product advice and deal in financial products, including:
  • Securities: Buying and selling shares and corporate bonds.
  • Derivatives: Trading in exchange-traded options and other derivative products.
  • Managed Investment Schemes: Advice and dealing in unit trusts and investment funds.
  • Deposit Products: Basic deposit products.
  • Underwriting: Underwriting of an issue of securities.
  • Standard Margin Lending: Providing credit facilities for investment purposes.
 
Important Disclosures
  • Financial Services Guide (FSG): For a detailed breakdown of our services, fees, and dispute resolution process, please download our Financial Services Guide (PDF).
  • Complaints: We are a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), member number 23871.
  • Verification: You may verify our current licence status directly on the ASIC Professional Register.

ASIC 708 Investor Confirmation Required

Important Legal Notice

Before you proceed, please read the following carefully:

This website and the investment opportunities referred to on it are provided in reliance on section 708 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The materials you are about to access do not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under Australian law and have not been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Access to this website and any invitations to participate in capital raisings, placements or other investment opportunities offered or introduced by Peloton Capital is strictly limited to persons to whom offers may lawfully be made without disclosure under Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

By clicking “I Confirm”, you represent and warrant that you are one of the following:

  • A sophisticated investor within the meaning of section 708(8) or 708(10) of the Corporations Act;

  • A professional investor as defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act;

  • A person to whom an offer may otherwise lawfully be made without the need for a disclosure document under section 708;

  • Accessing this information for your own investment assessment and not for redistribution; and

  • Acknowledging that Peloton Capital will rely on your confirmation in accordance with Australian law.

You acknowledge that:

  • No disclosure document has been prepared for the offers on this site;

  • You will not receive the protections afforded by a prospectus or product disclosure statement;

  • Peloton Capital and its representatives are entitled to rely on this confirmation; and

  • The invitations are not available to retail investors unless the law permits otherwise.