Definition ∞ An asset recovery process outlines the steps taken to regain control of digital assets lost or stolen. This typically involves forensic analysis of blockchain transactions, legal actions against perpetrators, and coordinated efforts with exchanges or custodians. For decentralized protocols, recovery can be complex, often requiring community governance decisions or specialized smart contract interventions. The objective is to restore rightful ownership and minimize financial losses for affected parties.
Context ∞ News regarding asset recovery frequently follows major hacks or exploits in the digital asset space, highlighting the challenges and successes in retrieving compromised funds. Discussions often involve the role of centralized entities versus decentralized autonomous organizations in facilitating such recoveries. Regulatory frameworks are also evolving to provide clearer legal avenues for asset recovery in various jurisdictions.