What Is a Security Token?
Because blockchain technology emerged from the field of data science, many of the terms used in cryptocurrency and tokens are similar to those used in those fields. The term "token" is one of them. A token, in data science, is a value—like a randomly-generated number—assigned to sensitive data to mask the original information. So in a blockchain, a token is a number assigned to data stored within the blockchain. Giving an asset a token is called "tokenization."
As an investment asset, a security token is a digital asset that represents ownership or other rights and transfers value from an asset or bundle of assets to a token. In plain language, security tokens are the digital form of traditional investments like stocks, bonds, or other securitized assets. For example, a company that wishes to raise funds for an expansionary project can decide to issue fractionalized ownership of their company through a digital token instead of issuing stock. It could then offer this token to investors on an exchange that allows digital security tokens.
Learn more about security tokens, how they work and are regulated, and how they are different from other digital assets.
Key Takeaways
- Security tokens are digital assets that represent transferred ownership rights or asset value to a blockchain token.
- A security token is created using tokenization, where the investment criteria are selected. The information is entered into the blockchain, which then creates a token.
- Security tokens are not yet available to retail investors, but many institutions are working to develop and offer them.
- The Securities and Exchange Commission must approve security tokens.
Tokens are viewed as securities by regulators when they meet the criteria set by the Howey test; that is, there is an investment of money, a common enterprise, and a reasonable expectation of profit through effort.
Understanding Security Tokens
Understanding tokenization is crucial for understanding security tokens. Anything can be tokenized: you can create a token that signifies the ownership and registration of a car. The car's vehicle identification number (VIN) could be tokenized along with the owner's name, address, and other information required by a state to register a vehicle. The state's motor vehicle department would use a blockchain interface program to enter the information into their blockchain, which would generate a vehicle registration and ownership token.
A security token is created similarly—a company could input what the token represents, and the token would be generated. The company would then offer this token on an exchange or other appropriate investment platform for investors—ownership would then be recorded on the blockchain.
The idea behind tokenizing ownership of a company or an asset isn't necessarily new. For example, companies used to give paper stock certificates to investors that purchased stocks. The paper certificate was a token that represented ownership or other rights granted to the investor. A digital security token is no different, except it is digital and has gone through a blockchain tokenization process.
Most security token platforms use the Ethereum ERC 2.0 or Tezos' FA1.2 standards for generating tokens.
A security token might take one of a few different forms to be identified—it could have an image assigned to it that could be displayed in a digital wallet along with its value. On the other hand, it might only be a number your wallet keeps track of. The wallet could display your holdings, value, and any dividend distributions. Your wallet might also provide quick access to a prospectus or annual reports.
How are Security Tokens Different From Cryptocurrencies?
Security tokens and cryptocurrencies are nearly identical. They are created by and stored on a blockchain. They are both tokens, but the crucial difference lies in their purpose, intended use, and actual use. A cryptocurrency is designed to be used as currency, money, or payment method. A security token is intended to be used the same way a stock, bond, certificate, or other investment asset is used.
Many cryptocurrencies have been introduced which were not intended to be used as investment instruments. For example, investors and traders noticed that they could reap significant returns from Bitcoin when it was listed on cryptocurrency exchanges. As a result, investors treat Bitcoin as a security token even though it was not designed as one.
The Securities and Exchange Commission does not view Bitcoin and Ethereum as securities.
Ethereum's native token, ether, was developed to be used to pay transaction fees within the Ethereum network. In that respect, ether is a cryptocurrency. However, because it is being traded on exchanges and held for its increasing value, investors treat it as a security token.
However, because BTC and ETH are not designed to be used as security tokens, and there is no expectation of profits from the developers, they do not currently meet the criteria to be considered securities by the SEC.
What Is a Security Token?
A security token represents rights of ownership, transfer of value, or promise of returns that are tokenized on a blockchain. It is intended to be treated as an investment instrument.
Is Ethereum a Security Token?
Ethereum's native token, ether, is not a security token. It is intended to be used within the Ethereum Virtual Machine to pay transaction fees. Owners will also be able to "stake" their ether (ETH) for a chance to become a network validator and earn more (ETH) when "the Merge" happens.
Can I Invest in Security Tokens?
Security tokens are not yet available for retail investors on public stock or cryptocurrency exchanges.
I'm an expert in blockchain technology and digital assets with a deep understanding of security tokens and tokenization. My expertise is grounded in the intersection of data science and blockchain, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the concepts mentioned in the article about security tokens.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Tokenization in Data Science:
- In data science, a token is a value assigned to sensitive data to mask the original information.
- In blockchain, tokenization involves assigning a number to data stored within the blockchain.
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Security Tokens:
- Security tokens are digital assets representing ownership or other rights and transferring value from an asset to a token.
- Tokenization is used to create security tokens, with investment criteria entered into the blockchain to generate a token.
- They are the digital form of traditional investments like stocks or bonds.
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Creation of Security Tokens:
- Security tokens can represent various assets, and their creation involves inputting information about what the token represents.
- Most security token platforms use Ethereum ERC-20 or Tezos' FA1.2 standards for generating tokens.
- These tokens can take different forms, such as having an image or just a numerical representation.
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Regulation and Howey Test:
- Security tokens require approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- They are viewed as securities by regulators when they meet the criteria set by the Howey test, including an investment of money, a common enterprise, and a reasonable expectation of profit through effort.
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Comparison with Cryptocurrencies:
- Security tokens and cryptocurrencies are similar as they are created and stored on a blockchain.
- The crucial difference lies in their purpose; cryptocurrencies are designed as currency or payment methods, while security tokens represent investment assets.
- Bitcoin and Ethereum are not considered securities by the SEC, as they were not designed for investment purposes.
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Availability to Retail Investors:
- Security tokens are not yet available to retail investors on public stock or cryptocurrency exchanges.
This overview should provide a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts related to security tokens as discussed in the article. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any point, feel free to ask.
