While agree with the spirit of this proposed rule, in that investors who are at risk of being taken advantage of must be protected. I am concerned that the implementation and interpretation of this rule may negatively impact retail investors who are investing for themselves away from retirement accounts. I personally know many individuals who opened a Robinhood account during the pandemic and began trading leveraged ETFs, ETPs with the underlying asset as futures on crypo or commodities, and options. These individuals understand that all investments are inherently risky and choose to accept that risk. They continue to invest in these products, but do not have a finance or business background and therefore it would be unlikely they could pass a standardized test. I fear that this hobby they picked up and enjoy will be stripped from them simply because they are not high net worth individuals and can not explain the nuances that come with complex products. Above all, you must protect the vulnerable and ignorant investor from predatory products. However, I am weary you will go to far and unintentionally prohibit access to these products for individuals who are comfortable with the risks they are assuming.
Anonymous Comment On Regulatory Notice 22-08
While agree with the spirit of this proposed rule, in that investors who are at risk of being taken advantage of must be protected. I am concerned that the implementation and interpretation of this rule may negatively impact retail investors who are investing for themselves away from retirement accounts. I personally know many individuals who opened a Robinhood account during the pandemic and began trading leveraged ETFs, ETPs with the underlying asset as futures on crypo or commodities, and options. These individuals understand that all investments are inherently risky and choose to accept that risk. They continue to invest in these products, but do not have a finance or business background and therefore it would be unlikely they could pass a standardized test. I fear that this hobby they picked up and enjoy will be stripped from them simply because they are not high net worth individuals and can not explain the nuances that come with complex products. Above all, you must protect the vulnerable and ignorant investor from predatory products. However, I am weary you will go to far and unintentionally prohibit access to these products for individuals who are comfortable with the risks they are assuming.