What is Security Token?

Gianluca Busato
Venice Swap
Published in
4 min readJun 22, 2023

Security Tokens are programmable crypto assets that enjoy the regulatory protections associated with traditional securities.

Security Tokens are the creation of assets in the traditional financial system on the blockchain. Institutions can extract their assets using blockchain technology. Security Tokens are for investment purposes only. It is directly proportional to the values ​​of the companies they are affiliated with and is supported by tangible assets. Security Tokens may have features of other crypto assets.

Security Token is a unique type of crypto asset designed to verify and secure property rights. It serves as a means of transferring value for a particular accumulation of assets. These tokens are packed with standard benefits specific to other crypto assets but differ in the sense that they can be programmed with unique features and are subject to regulatory laws associated with traditional securities.

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A security token is a concept that should be evaluated under two different roofs. One is the side that concerns the developers and API manufacturers, and the other is the side that concerns the end users.

To briefly touch on the part that concerns software developers; A portable device that electronically verifies a person’s identity by storing personal information. The token holder enters the security code into a system to grant access to a network service.

Security tokens come in many different forms, including hardware tokens that contain chips, USB tokens that plug into USB ports, wireless Bluetooth tokens, or programmable electronic key fobs that remotely activate devices (for example, to access a car or apartment building). Users use security tokens to seamlessly enter third-party websites.

For end users, it is important that the security token is the digital equivalent of traditional securities. The version of stocks and bonds in the traditional investment world that works with blockchain infrastructure is defined as security tokens. To understand this better, it is useful to take a look at a few concepts.

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How Does the Security Token Work?

Security Tokens are the digital version of security assets. Securities such as stocks, bonds, options, and ETFs are eligible to become Security Tokens. Security Tokens work on existing blockchains. Security Tokens do not have their own blockchain. Security tokens have the values ​​of the companies they are affiliated with and are backed by real assets.

They are tokens with the purpose of investing, just like in the traditional stock market. They are often confused with service tokens, but there is a big difference between them. Owning a security token means buying a stake in a company.

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Most Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies are products of protocols created by individuals or organizations for a specific purpose and service. Those who own them invest in a security token, which is called a blockchain-based security token.

Depending on the performance of the company that creates the infrastructure of the token in question, earnings are provided. It is also possible that a large number of token holders have a say in the functioning of the network. Various privileges can be gained within the frameworks drawn by the invested protocol.

Security Token Advantages

Representing assets such as stocks as tokens on the blockchain brings several advantages for securities.

  • Security Tokens are reliable, transparent, and programmable. This means that they can be more easily transferred, traded, and tracked than the asset they represent.
  • Security Tokens unlock capital and market liquidity. Because it can be traded 24/7 on censorship-proof blockchain networks spanning the globe, it can provide investment opportunities hitherto unattainable to a wider range of investors.
  • Security Tokens increase intermediary trade. It allows investors to get rid of other intermediaries involved in the traditional asset management process. This significantly reduces paperwork.
  • Security Tokens increase transparency and traceability. Since it is on the blockchain, users can easily track their transaction history cryptographically. Every transaction is automatically and transparently recorded in an immutable ledger, effectively recording the history of each token.
  • Security Tokens automate complex processes. It is flexibly programmable and can perform complex tasks through smart contract protocols.

In short, Security Tokens are easily transferable and effortlessly verifiable, giving them an advantage over many other traditional securities.

What is a commodity?

All of the goods and assets that have a trading value in the commercial cycle are called commodities. Each of the Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies acts as a commodity in the blockchain world as it is created with smart contracts. It is also directly related to the concept of security tokens.

As can be seen within the framework of all these definitions, security tokens are blockchain-based assets purchased for investment purposes. In the future, there is an expectation that the traditional financial system will be transformed and its securities products will be completely digital. In light of this information, we can say that security tokens are an important concept for the financial world of tomorrow.

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