Compliant Security Token

Definition ∞ A compliant security token is a digital asset issued on a blockchain that represents ownership in an underlying asset, such as real estate, equity, or debt, and adheres to relevant securities regulations. Unlike utility tokens, these assets are subject to strict legal frameworks governing issuance, transfer, and trading, including investor accreditation and jurisdictional restrictions. Their design incorporates programmatic rules to ensure automatic compliance with legal requirements throughout their lifecycle. This structure provides a legally sound method for digitizing traditional securities.
Context ∞ The emergence of compliant security tokens generates considerable discussion regarding their potential to revolutionize capital markets by enhancing liquidity and reducing administrative overhead. Regulatory clarity remains a primary concern, as jurisdictions worldwide work to establish definitive guidelines for their issuance and secondary trading. News often highlights successful tokenization efforts and the challenges in achieving global interoperability for these regulated digital assets.