Who Can Invest in Checkmark Bonds? What You Need to Know About Eligibility ✅💼
Understanding the Rules for Accessing Private Market Investments in Canada
Private investments like Checkmark Bonds are gaining popularity among Canadian investors who want stable returns, asset-backed security, and passive income. But unlike public stocks or GICs, these offerings aren’t available to just anyone.
That’s because Checkmark Bonds are offered through the exempt market, a regulated space that ensures only eligible investors can participate. If you’re curious about whether you qualify—or how to get started—this guide breaks down everything you need to know about investor eligibility and the role of an Exempt Market Dealer (EMD).
1. What Are Checkmark Bonds? A Quick Recap 📄
Checkmark Bonds are private, fixed-income investments backed by real assets such as real estate or cash-flowing businesses. They’re designed to deliver consistent income with lower volatility than public markets. Because of their structure and risk profile, they’re offered through the private capital markets, not public stock exchanges.
2. What Is the Exempt Market? 🛡️
In Canada, securities regulations protect investors by requiring most public investment products to go through a detailed prospectus process. But private investments like Checkmark Bonds are “exempt” from this requirement—meaning they can be offered without a full prospectus, but only to qualified investors.
These investments are offered through licensed Exempt Market Dealers (EMDs) who ensure the process follows Canadian securities laws and that only suitable investors can participate.
3. Who Can Invest? Understanding Eligibility Criteria 👥📊
To invest in Checkmark Bonds, you typically need to fall into one of the following categories:
✅ Accredited Investors
These are individuals who meet specific income or asset thresholds, including:
- Net financial assets of $1 million or more (excluding primary residence)
- Net assets of $5 million or more
- Annual income of $200,000+ (or $300,000+ with a spouse) for the past two years
- Certain professionals (e.g., registered advisers, dealers)
✅ Eligible Investors
Even if you don’t meet the accredited criteria, you may still qualify as an eligible investor if:
- Your net assets exceed $400,000
- Your annual income exceeds $75,000 (or $125,000 with a spouse)
- You invest no more than $30,000 per year (or up to $100,000 with EMD approval)
Don’t worry—the EMD will help determine your eligibility during a short, confidential process.
4. How to Invest Through an EMD 🧾
Checkmark Bonds are offered exclusively through a registered Exempt Market Dealer. This ensures:
- Investor suitability is properly assessed
- Disclosure documents are reviewed with you
- Your investment complies with all provincial regulations
When you invest, you’ll speak with a licensed representative who will walk you through:
- A brief Know-Your-Client (KYC) process
- Verification of your investor status
- A simple subscription agreement to complete your investment
5. Next Steps: Is Checkmark Right for You? 📈
If you’re looking for secure, fixed-income investments outside of volatile public markets, and you meet the eligibility criteria, Checkmark Bonds may be a strong fit for your portfolio.
Visit CheckmarkBonds.com to learn more or schedule a no-pressure call with our team. We’ll help you determine if you qualify—and guide you every step of the way.