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However, for those wealthy enough, opting out of public market regulations became a lucrative alternative—hence the rise of hedge funds. Hedge funds operate as private investment vehicles, accessible primarily to accredited investors who meet specific financial criteria, such as a net worth exceeding one million dollars or an annual income of over $200,000. This exclusivity permits hedge funds to circumvent stringent public market rules, and as such, they curate uniquely tailored investment strategies that allow access to opportunities off-limits to the average investor.