Asset Ownership

Definition ∞ Asset ownership refers to the recognized control and rights an individual or entity holds over a specific asset. Within digital asset contexts, this typically denotes the ability to manage private keys that control cryptographic tokens or unique digital items recorded on a distributed ledger. It signifies exclusive dominion, enabling transfer, use, or disposition according to the underlying protocol rules and legal frameworks.
Context ∞ Current discourse surrounding asset ownership frequently centers on the distinction between custodial and non-custodial arrangements for digital assets. News often reports on regulatory bodies seeking to clarify ownership rights for tokenized securities or NFTs, impacting how these digital possessions are legally recognized and managed across jurisdictions. Discussions also involve the technical underpinnings that secure this ownership, such as cryptographic key management and blockchain immutability.