Blockchain-Based Securities

Definition ∞ Blockchain-Based Securities are financial instruments issued and managed on a distributed ledger technology, representing ownership or debt claims. These digital assets leverage blockchain for recording ownership, facilitating transfers, and automating compliance through smart contracts. They can include tokenized versions of traditional stocks, bonds, or novel digital investment products. This approach offers enhanced transparency and efficiency in capital markets.
Context ∞ The discussion around blockchain-based securities revolves around their potential to increase market efficiency, reduce settlement times, and broaden access to capital markets. Regulatory bodies worldwide are working to establish clear legal classifications and operational guidelines for these assets. A critical future development involves achieving interoperability between different blockchain platforms and traditional financial systems. This will accelerate their integration into global finance.