What Is Regulation A? 2025 Updates, Documentation & Tiers Explained

Regulation A has become a buzzword among Australian investors, fintech startups, and capital-hungry businesses in 2025. With global capital markets rapidly evolving, Regulation A offers a streamlined path for companies to raise funds—without the hefty costs and complexity of a traditional IPO. But what exactly is Regulation A, and why are its 2025 updates making headlines? Here’s your deep dive into how Regulation A works, the new documentation requirements, and what’s changed with its two distinct tiers.

Regulation A: The Basics and Its 2025 Definition

Regulation A is a provision of U.S. securities law that allows companies to offer and sell shares to the public with lighter compliance compared to a full-blown public offering. While Regulation A is a U.S. regulation, its global reach—including interest from Australian companies and investors—has grown as cross-border crowdfunding and investment platforms expand. In 2025, Regulation A remains a key tool for raising capital up to USD $75 million (about AUD $115 million).

• Designed for growth companies: Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs seeking growth funding.
• Accessible to non-accredited investors: Unlike private placements, retail investors can participate.
• Streamlined disclosure: Reduced regulatory burden compared to an IPO, but still requires SEC review.

For Australians, Regulation A matters if you’re investing in U.S. growth companies or considering an overseas capital raise via U.S.-based crowdfunding platforms. The 2025 definition includes new compliance checks for non-U.S. issuers, reflecting global anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards.

2025 Regulation A Updates: What’s Changed?

Several updates have come into effect for Regulation A in 2025, driven by both U.S. policy and international alignment:

• Higher fundraising caps: Tier 2 offerings now allow up to USD $75 million (up from $50 million in previous years).
• Digital-first compliance: All filings, investor communications, and reporting must be digital, with robust cybersecurity protocols.
• Stronger background checks: Issuers and key personnel face expanded checks to meet new global AML/KYC standards, impacting Australian directors involved in cross-border offerings.
• Continuous reporting: Companies must now provide quarterly updates to investors, not just annual reports.

These changes aim to protect investors and streamline cross-border investment, while also ensuring transparency for retail and institutional participants alike.

Documentation: What Companies and Investors Need in 2025

Whether you’re an Australian founder looking to tap U.S. capital, or a local investor exploring international opportunities, understanding the paperwork is crucial. Here’s what’s required in 2025:

• Offering Statement (Form 1-A): The core disclosure document, filed with the SEC. It includes business details, risk factors, financials, and planned use of funds.
• Audited Financials: Required for Tier 2, and strongly recommended for Tier 1 to boost investor confidence.
• AML/KYC Certifications: Issuers must provide proof of identity and background checks for all directors and major shareholders.
• Digital Investor Records: All investor data, communications, and transaction histories must be securely stored and accessible for regulatory review.

Documentation is now more digital than ever, with platforms offering secure portals for managing filings and investor relations. For Australians, this means easier participation—but also greater scrutiny, especially for cross-border transactions.

Regulation A Tiers: Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 in 2025

Regulation A operates under two tiers, each with its own fundraising limits and compliance requirements. Here’s how they compare in 2025:

• Tier 1: Simpler, but less flexible for larger raises. Requires compliance with individual U.S. states.
• Tier 2: Higher limits, more robust reporting, and federal pre-emption of state securities law—making it popular for international issuers, including those from Australia.

Many Australian fintechs and startups targeting U.S. investors are now opting for Tier 2, given its streamlined process and larger capital window.

Real-World Example: Australian Startups Going Global

In 2025, Melbourne-based fintech PayGrid successfully raised USD $30 million via a Regulation A Tier 2 offering. Using a U.S.-based crowdfunding platform, PayGrid filed its 1-A, provided audited financials, and met new AML/KYC requirements for its Australian directors. The raise attracted thousands of U.S. and Australian retail investors—demonstrating the cross-border power of Regulation A’s latest evolution.

Conclusion: Regulation A in 2025—New Opportunities, New Rules

Regulation A is more than just a funding shortcut—it’s a signal of how global capital raising is evolving in a digital-first, investor-protected world. The 2025 updates make it easier for Australian companies to access U.S. capital and for local investors to diversify globally. However, documentation and compliance are now more rigorous, and understanding the differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 is crucial for success.