New Rules and Key Highlights
In a recent update, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released guidance on tokenized securities, marking a key step in clarifying the regulatory landscape for digital assets.
The core message of the guidance is clear: the tokenization of a security does not exempt it from existing securities laws. This provides market participants with a stronger understanding of compliance expectations.
Classification of Tokenized Securities
The SEC outlined two primary models of tokenized securities:
- Custodial tokens: Issued directly by the issuer and linked to the underlying asset.
- Synthetic tokens: Created by third parties, often using derivatives or other mechanisms to mirror the value of the associated security.
This distinction helps clarify the legal obligations and risks associated with each type of token structure.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The release of this guidance is seen as a positive move toward regulatory clarity, offering issuers and platforms a clearer compliance path while boosting investor confidence.
Experts believe this could accelerate the tokenization of traditional financial assets using blockchain technology, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and innovative digital financial market.