Definition ∞ Security Interests are legal claims granted by a debtor to a creditor over specific assets to secure the repayment of a debt or the performance of an obligation. If the debtor defaults, the creditor can enforce their rights against these assets to recover the outstanding amount. These interests provide a form of collateral, reducing risk for lenders. They are fundamental to secured lending and various financial transactions.
Context ∞ In the context of digital assets, the discussion surrounding Security Interests involves establishing legal enforceability over cryptocurrencies and tokens used as collateral in lending agreements. Key developments include legal jurisdictions clarifying how traditional security interest laws apply to digital assets. A critical future consideration involves the development of on-chain legal mechanisms to represent and enforce these interests automatically. Providing clear legal frameworks for digital asset security interests is essential for institutional adoption and market liquidity.