Definition ∞ Tokenized commercial paper represents short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations, converted into digital tokens on a blockchain. This process transforms traditional debt instruments into programmable digital assets, allowing for instant settlement, increased transparency, and fractional ownership. It can facilitate more efficient capital raising for businesses and provide new investment opportunities for participants in digital asset markets. The underlying value remains tied to the issuer’s creditworthiness.
Context ∞ Tokenized commercial paper is an emerging area in the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets, offering a potential modernization of corporate debt markets. Debates often focus on the regulatory classification of these tokens, their legal enforceability, and the infrastructure required for secure issuance and trading. Future developments will involve establishing clear legal and operational standards to support the widespread adoption of tokenized debt instruments, potentially improving liquidity and accessibility.