Definition ∞ Non-securities are digital assets that are not classified as investment contracts under relevant legal frameworks, such as the Howey Test in the United States. This distinction is critical because securities are subject to stringent regulatory oversight and registration requirements. Assets deemed non-securities typically possess utility or are used as a medium of exchange rather than representing an investment of money in a common enterprise with an expectation of profits derived from the efforts of others. The classification significantly impacts how these assets can be offered and traded.
Context ∞ News about non-securities often arises in regulatory enforcement actions or legal challenges where the classification of a digital asset is disputed. Discussions frequently revolve around the criteria used by regulatory bodies to differentiate between securities and non-securities, and the implications for token issuers and exchanges. The ongoing debate about which digital assets fall into which category remains a central theme in the regulatory landscape.