Investment-based crowdfunding
The regulated activities that relate to investment-based crowdfunding were previously regulated by the FCA. However, on 1 April 2014 the FCA introduced new rules that applied to the distribution of "non-readily realisable securities", generally being shares or debt securities in new or established businesses that are not listed on regulated stock markets and carry significant risks. In addition, new consumer protection rules for the sale of such securities were introduced, in particular in relation to their marketing. In summary, a firm must not communicate or approve a direct-offer financial promotion relating to a non-readily realisable security to a retail client unless, in summary, that retail client falls within one of the following categories in the table below.