If an individual can afford to invest in a company, mutual fund, bond, the index, etc; they should have the right to do so without restriction. As long as their investments are legitimate, then why refuse someone from investing in any market.

I view this proposed restriction is yet another restriction to small investors - not naive, but experienced with these products.
We know the risks - the brokerage firms have all the warnings before you can make a trade.

Tim

Over the past 6 months I have been investing a relatively small portion of my portfolio in leveraged inverse funds to hedge other portfolio positions.
It is difficult to understand how regulators would presume to require a 'test' or other special requirement to invest in these tools.

Dear FINRA,

While I do appreciate that there are regulations to protect the integrity of the financial industry, I'm totally flabbergasted and upset to discover that you may be taking away my rights (or making it extremely difficult for me) to purchase any leveraged or inverse funds!

Hello, Leveraged investments are an important part of my overall investment strategy. I do not need regulators deciding for me what public investments I should be making. I am FULLY aware of the risks involved in these kinds of investments, and they are used thoughtfully in my portfolio management. Please, leave this system alone.

keep this open to everyone, not just the entitled rich people

You people need to get a job! Start doing something important. [REDACTED] Leave investors alone!

Dear friends at FINRA. I've put up with some of your absolutely ridiculous decisions over the years. As a retired Investment Advisor with Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo, I say, as long as the investment makeup and risks are clearly stated, then its buyer beware. Leveraged and inverse funds present a great opportunity for intelligent investors. All others, stay away. And FINRA, stay away.