Skip to main content

Howey Test Precedent

Definition

Howey Test precedent refers to the legal standard established by the U.S. Supreme Court case SEC v. W.J. Howey Co. This standard determines whether a transaction qualifies as an “investment contract” and is therefore subject to securities laws. It assesses if there is an investment of money in a common enterprise with an expectation of profits derived from the efforts of others. This precedent is a primary tool for regulators classifying digital assets.