Unbacked Assets

Definition ∞ Unbacked assets are digital tokens or cryptocurrencies that do not possess corresponding reserves or collateral to support their stated value. Their value is solely derived from market demand, speculative interest, or an algorithmic mechanism without tangible backing. Such assets inherently carry higher volatility and risk of severe price depreciation.
Context ∞ The concept of unbacked assets gained critical attention following the collapse of certain algorithmic stablecoins that failed to maintain their peg due to a lack of sufficient collateral. Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing assets without clear and verifiable backing, advocating for greater transparency and consumer protection. This issue remains a central point of discussion regarding asset integrity and market stability.