Broker-Dealer Requirements

Definition ∞ Broker-dealer requirements are regulatory mandates for entities facilitating the trading of securities. These rules apply to platforms and individuals involved in the issuance, sale, or exchange of financial instruments, including certain digital assets when classified as securities. Compliance obligations typically encompass registration with financial authorities, maintaining adequate capital reserves, implementing robust anti-money laundering protocols, and ensuring investor protection measures. Adherence to these requirements is essential for legal operation within regulated financial markets.
Context ∞ A central debate in digital asset regulation concerns the application of existing broker-dealer requirements to cryptocurrency exchanges and decentralized trading platforms. Regulators globally are assessing how to adapt these rules to the unique characteristics of digital assets, often leading to enforcement actions against non-compliant entities. Future developments hinge on evolving legal interpretations and the potential for tailored regulatory frameworks specifically for digital asset intermediaries.