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Regulated Securities

Definition

Regulated Securities are financial instruments that meet specific legal criteria, subjecting them to oversight by governmental bodies and requiring adherence to strict regulatory frameworks. In the digital asset space, this classification applies to cryptocurrencies or tokens that are determined to possess characteristics akin to traditional securities, often through tests like the Howey Test. Such assets are then subject to stringent rules concerning issuance, disclosure, trading, and investor protection, differing significantly from decentralized currencies or utility tokens. Understanding this distinction is vital for navigating the legal and compliance landscape of digital asset markets.