Decentralized Asset

Definition ∞ A decentralized asset is a digital asset whose issuance, management, and transfer are governed by a distributed network rather than a single central authority. These assets typically operate on blockchain technology, where control is spread among participants. Their existence relies on cryptographic principles and consensus mechanisms, providing censorship resistance and transparency.
Context ∞ The classification and regulatory oversight of decentralized assets continue to be a subject of intense deliberation among global authorities. Their distributed nature presents unique challenges for existing regulatory frameworks, prompting discussions on new approaches to consumer protection and market integrity. Defining appropriate supervision remains a key challenge.