Definition ∞ A securities ledger is a digital record-keeping system that accurately tracks the ownership, transfer, and other relevant details of financial securities. In the context of blockchain, it refers to a distributed ledger where tokenized securities are issued, managed, and settled. This ledger provides an immutable and transparent record of security holdings and transactions. It enhances efficiency and reduces settlement times compared to traditional systems.
Context ∞ The concept of a securities ledger is central to the tokenization of capital markets, where traditional stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments are represented as digital tokens on a blockchain. Discussions involve the legal recognition of on-chain ownership, interoperability between different securities ledgers, and regulatory oversight of tokenized securities. Future developments will likely see increased adoption of distributed ledger technology for primary and secondary markets, potentially transforming the global financial infrastructure.