CfPA Applauds SEC's Approval of Title II JOBS Act Crowdfunding Provisions

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity-based crowdfunding came one step closer to actualization Wednesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission voting 4-to-1 in favor of lifting the ban on general solicitation of private placements to accredited investors. The SEC ruling will create a new kind of offering--a 506(c). This allows private companies and investment firms to advertise private securities offerings to accredited investors only. The SEC is still working on proposed rules for Title III, which will enable the general public to participate in equity crowdfunding.

"We applaud the commission's progress on Title II of the JOBS Act," Says Maurice Lopes, Governing Board Member for the Crowdfunding Professional Association and Founder of EarlyShares, "We look forward to working closely with them through the implementation of Title III."

The SEC issued a statement on the decision, saying, "In connection with this new rule, the Commission voted to issue a rule proposal requiring issuers to provide additional information about these securities offerings to better enable the SEC to monitor the market with that ban now lifted. The proposal also provides for additional safeguards as this market changes and new practices develop." Among the proposed rules, issuers would be mandated to verify accredited investors instead of relying upon self-accreditation.

"We made a giant step forward yesterday, but the rules have not been implemented yet," says Joy Schoffler PR committee Chair and Principal of Leverage PR. "What the business and investment community need to do now is educate themselves and entrepreneurs while staying compliant with current regulations."

One way the CfPA educates the public is through its annual convention, to be held this year in Orlando, FL August 8-9. Media personnel may attend for free. For more information, please contact Joy Schoffler or visit http://events.cfpa.org.

About the Crowdfunding Professional Association:

The Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) is dedicated to facilitating a vibrant Crowdfunding community while advocating for an entire industry view. Uniting a broad-based coalition of industry participants, the association is committed to the credible development of the industry, including the highest ethical standards. The association's collaborations and insights are shared broadly to avoid onerous, stifling bureaucracy that can endanger innovation and job creation. Learn more: www.cfpa.org.

SOURCE Crowdfunding Professional Association