Securities Infrastructure

Definition ∞ Securities infrastructure encompasses the systems, networks, and legal frameworks that facilitate the issuance, trading, clearing, and settlement of securities. This includes exchanges, custodians, clearinghouses, and regulatory bodies that ensure market integrity and operational efficiency. In traditional finance, this infrastructure is highly centralized and regulated. It forms the backbone of capital markets.
Context ∞ The emergence of digital assets challenges existing securities infrastructure, prompting discussions about how traditional financial systems can adapt or be replaced by blockchain-based alternatives. Debates focus on tokenized securities, decentralized exchanges, and the regulatory treatment of digital assets that function as securities. The future involves a convergence or a complete transformation of current securities infrastructure to accommodate new forms of digital value.