Definition ∞ An Onchain Equity Fund is an investment vehicle structured and operated entirely on a blockchain, where fund shares and underlying assets are represented as tokens. This fund utilizes smart contracts for its governance, asset management, and distribution of returns, ensuring transparency and immutability of operations. It allows for fractional ownership and automated compliance with predefined investment mandates. Such a fund can offer enhanced auditability and reduced administrative overhead compared to traditional funds.
Context ∞ The development of Onchain Equity Funds represents a significant advancement in the tokenization of real-world assets and investment management. A key discussion revolves around the regulatory treatment of these funds, particularly concerning securities laws and investor protection in decentralized environments. Critical future developments include the legal recognition of smart contract-based fund structures and the integration of onchain funds with broader financial markets.