Relaxation of Accreditation Standards
A proposed policy change that would lower the barrier for retail investors to participate in private markets, moving away from strict income/wealth requirements towards models like self-certification of risk understanding.
First Mentioned
9/16/2025, 6:11:13 AM
Last Updated
9/16/2025, 6:15:23 AM
Research Retrieved
9/16/2025, 6:15:23 AM
Summary
The "Relaxation of Accreditation Standards" is a concept championed by Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, to broaden retail investor access to private company shares. Tenev proposes easing these standards, drawing a parallel to regulatory precedents like the "Genius Act" for stablecoins, to enable investments in entities such as OpenAI and SpaceX via security tokenization on blockchain technology. This advocacy aligns with Robinhood's strategic goal of evolving into a comprehensive financial platform and reflects Tenev's perception of the current White House administration as supportive of innovation, despite ongoing concerns from figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren regarding consumer protection in fintech.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Advocate
Vlad Tenev
Key Critic
Senator Elizabeth Warren
Primary Goal
Increase retail investor access to private company shares
Advocate's Role
CEO of Robinhood
Critic's Concern
Consumer Protection in Fintech
Proposed Mechanism
Easing standards, potentially through legislation
Technology Utilized
Blockchain for security tokenization
Broader Strategic Context
Robinhood's ambition to become a Comprehensive Financial Platform
Regulatory Precedent Cited
Genius Act for Stablecoins
Targeted Private Companies
OpenAI, SpaceX
Perceived White House Stance
More open to innovation
Timeline
- The "Genius Act" (H.R. 4766), which Vlad Tenev cites as a positive regulatory precedent for stablecoins, was introduced in the US House of Representatives. (Source: External authoritative sources (e.g., Congress.gov for bill introduction date) and related_documents)
2023-07-19
- Vlad Tenev actively advocates for the relaxation of accreditation standards in the US to expand retail investor access to private company shares. (Source: related_documents)
Ongoing
Web Search Results
- Accreditors offer flexibility on DEI standards - Inside Higher Ed
Home # As Colleges Face Funding Threat, Accreditors Offer Flexibility Accreditors are relaxing enforcement of DEI standards as colleges grasp for answers on what unclear Trump administration directives targeting DEI mean. By Josh Moody You have /5 articles left. Sign up for a free account or log in. A photo illustration of the U.S. Capitol casting a shadow. A photo illustration of the U.S. Capitol casting a shadow. [...] But even with an executive order from the Trump administration targeting “illegal” DEI programs at colleges blocked by the courts, and a Dear Colleague letter from the Education Department likely unenforceable, accreditors are treading lightly on DEI, allowing colleges leeway on complying to certain standards. If the accreditors didn’t provide such flexibility, colleges would essentially have to decide between complying with the federal government or with their accreditor—a nearly impossible [...] When it comes to DEI requirements, accreditors say they will work with colleges to provide flexibility and ensure they do not run afoul of state or federal law. Photo illustration by Justin Morrison/Inside Higher Ed | Ryan Herron/iStock/Getty Images | Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress President Donald Trump’s broadside against diversity, equity and inclusion has left colleges scrambling to determine how to comply—even as they juggle accreditation standards containing elements of DEI.
- Standards for Accreditation
August 1, 2020 Revisions to the _Requirements for Review_ Standard 1.8 Equitable Treatment Standard 1.9 Public Information Standard 4.10 Verification of Student Identity for Distance Education Side-by-side comparison of changes implemented August 1, 2020 [PDF] [...] Professional Practice Competencies listed under Standards 3.1A and 3.1B were streamlined and reorganized. Side-by-side comparison of changes implemented January 1, 2023[PDF] Resources _Documentation Guidance_ [PDF] Side-by-Side Comparison [PDF] of the 2017 and 2008 standards Standards Compliance Trends Standards for Accreditation Candidacy Reporting Procedures Accreditation Reporting Procedures Reporting Changes Student Achievement Measures [...] January 1, 2023 Revisions to the Requirements for Review Standard 1.1 Institutional Accreditation Standard 1.9 Public Information Standard 3.1A Audiology Curriculum Standard 3.1B Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum Standards 3.4A and 3.4B Diversity Reflected in the Curriculum Standards 3.8A and 3.8B Clinical Education—Client Welfare Standard 5.2 Program Assessment of Students
- Executive Order Seeks Reform of Higher Education Accreditors ...
Many accreditors revised their accreditation standards after the Department issued its Feb. 14, 2025, Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) concerning _Students for Fair Admissions_. Shortly after the DCL, the ABA voted to suspend DEI standards through August as the organization considers permanent changes. The ABA explained that delaying approval of a permanent proposed rule enables the organization to incorporate forthcoming guidance from the Department of Education on diversity and inclusion. [...] On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced its initial actions to comply with this executive order and lifted the moratorium on accepting new accreditors. In addition, the Department published a Dear Colleague Letter informing postsecondary institutions that they will streamline the process for institutions to change accreditors. Postsecondary institutions grappling with compliance with accreditation standards and federal antidiscrimination laws should consult with counsel. [...] Streamline the process for higher education institutions to change accreditors to ensure institutions are not forced to comply with standards that are antithetical to institutional values, mission and current legal standards.
- Accrediting Standards
8. The 1997-2003 Edition of the Criteria for Accreditation, standards in effect until the implementation of the Principles of Accreditation in January 2004 (adopted December 1984 and effective 1987 through 2003). [PDF] [...] # Accrediting Standards [...] Learn More ### Accreditation
- Recent Trump Executive Order Threatens Accreditation: Implications ...
In prior years, both general and specialized accrediting associations have incorporated requirements that institutions promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their curriculum and institutional policies. Until recently, institutions that sought accreditation, either for the institution as a whole or for an academic program, were required to comply with the accrediting agency’s DEI standards. That may be about to change. Summary of the Executive Order [...] In prior years, both general and specialized accrediting associations have incorporated requirements that institutions promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their curriculum and institutional policies. Until recently, institutions that sought accreditation, either for the institution as a whole or for an academic program, were required to comply with the accrediting agency’s DEI standards. That may be about to change. Summary of the Executive Order [...] will be derecognized, resulting in the potential loss of Title IV funds by colleges they have accredited unless the college finds a new accreditor and is able to comply with its requirements promptly. Colleges will need to monitor the status of their traditional accreditors and be flexible in identifying and complying with new standards. Given the Executive Order’s focus on the return on investment of the college’s academic programs and its emphasis on raising institutions’ graduation rates,