The technology underpinning security tokens is established, but a significant regulatory barrier exists in the United States. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) currently oversees private-company stock and similar assets. However, the SEC has yet to clearly define the rules that would allow these securities to be listed on U.S.-based crypto platforms and made available to retail investors. This regulatory uncertainty puts the United States at risk of falling behind. While the U.S. hesitates, other nations are moving forward.
The European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, among others, have already established more comprehensive regulatory frameworks for security token offerings and digital exchanges. These established frameworks are designed to actively facilitate the trading of these assets. This proactive approach positions these regions to potentially capture market share in an increasingly important sector.