Section 5 Securities Act

Definition ∞ Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 is a United States federal law requiring that all offers and sales of securities be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or qualify for an exemption. This provision ensures that investors receive essential information about the securities being offered. Non-compliance with Section 5 can result in significant legal penalties. Its application is a critical factor in determining the legality of digital asset offerings.
Context ∞ Section 5 of the Securities Act is frequently referenced in legal discussions concerning initial coin offerings (ICOs) and other digital asset distributions. The central question often involves whether a particular token constitutes a “security” under this act. Observing how the SEC applies this section in enforcement actions provides a vital understanding of the legal risks and compliance requirements for cryptocurrency projects.