Investor Eligibility
Investing as a Wholesale Investor
Discover how wholesale investor status works in Australia and the private-market strategies it makes available through Glen Elgin.
In Short
A wholesale (or professional) investor is defined under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and can access financial products and strategies not offered to retail clients. Common tests include investing A$500,000 or more in a product, or holding net assets or income certified by an accountant. Glen Elgin provides wholesale investors with research-led access to private equity, pre-IPO, placements and fixed income — with performance-based fees.
What is a wholesale investor?
A wholesale investor (sometimes called a professional or sophisticated client) is defined under sections 761G and 761GA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Common ways to qualify include investing at least A$500,000 in a particular product, or providing an accountant's certificate confirming net assets of at least A$2.5 million or gross income of at least A$250,000 in each of the last two financial years.
Wholesale classification means a provider can offer products and strategies without the retail-client disclosure and protection regime. This unlocks access to private equity, private placements and other wholesale-only opportunities.
What wholesale status unlocks
Wholesale products
Access managed strategies and products offered only to wholesale clients.
Private markets
Participate in pre-IPO, secondary and private placement opportunities.
Tailored strategy
Work with Glen Elgin on a strategy aligned to your goals and risk profile.
How to qualify
Assess the tests
Review the product-value, asset and income tests under the Corporations Act.
Obtain certification
Where required, obtain an accountant's certificate confirming eligibility.
Register with Glen Elgin
Provide documentation so we can offer wholesale opportunities.
Begin investing
Access wholesale strategies matched to your objectives.
Wholesale and sophisticated — how they relate
The wholesale and sophisticated investor categories overlap but are defined by separate provisions. In practice, meeting the sophisticated investor asset or income test also supports wholesale classification. Both categories receive fewer regulatory protections than retail clients in exchange for broader access.
Important considerations
- Fewer protections — wholesale clients are outside the retail disclosure regime
- Illiquidity — many wholesale opportunities are long-term and hard to exit
- Concentration and capital risk — private investments can lose value
- Seek advice — confirm suitability before investing
Related Investments & Resources
Investor Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wholesale investor in Australia?
A wholesale investor is defined under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and can access products not offered to retail clients — for example by investing A$500,000 or more in a product, or by meeting the asset or income tests certified by an accountant.
How do I qualify as a wholesale investor?
You can qualify through the product-value test (A$500,000+), or by providing an accountant's certificate confirming net assets of A$2.5 million or income of A$250,000 for each of the last two years.
What is the difference between wholesale and sophisticated investors?
They are defined by separate provisions but overlap in practice. Meeting the asset or income test generally supports both classifications, giving access to opportunities beyond retail investors.
What can wholesale investors access with Glen Elgin?
Wholesale investors can access private equity, pre-IPO and IPO opportunities, private placements, secondary holdings and income strategies.
Do wholesale investors get fewer protections?
Yes. Wholesale clients sit outside the retail-client disclosure and protection regime, so fewer statutory safeguards apply.
How are fees charged?
Glen Elgin charges performance-based fees — you only pay a fee when your portfolio delivers a profit.
How long does certification last?
An accountant's certificate is generally valid for up to two years, after which it must be renewed.
How do I get started?
Submit an application and provide the relevant documentation so we can confirm your wholesale status and offer eligible opportunities.
Access Wholesale Investment Strategies
Confirm your wholesale status and explore private-market and income strategies tailored to your goals.
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