Regulated Market Infrastructure

Definition ∞ The foundational systems, platforms, and legal frameworks that govern the issuance, trading, clearing, settlement, and custody of financial instruments, operating under the oversight of governmental authorities. In the digital asset context, this refers to specialized exchanges, custodians, and settlement layers designed to comply with existing financial regulations. Regulated market infrastructure aims to provide investor protection, market integrity, and systemic stability for digital assets, similar to traditional capital markets. It seeks to bridge the gap between decentralized innovation and established financial governance.
Context ∞ The development of regulated market infrastructure for digital assets is a central theme in financial news, driven by institutional demand and regulatory efforts to bring order to the crypto space. Discussions often focus on the licensing of digital asset exchanges, the establishment of clear custody rules, and the integration of blockchain technology into traditional clearing and settlement processes. Progress in this area is viewed as crucial for attracting mainstream financial participation and mitigating illicit activities.