This clarification is an important step toward understanding the evolving intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology. Tokenized securities are financial instruments that exist in digital form on blockchain networks, with ownership records maintained fully or partially on distributed ledgers.
The SEC’s statement aims to help market participants navigate compliance, registration, and other regulatory obligations. Issuer-sponsored tokenized securities occur when a company issues a security in digital form.
Issuer-Sponsored Tokenized Securities
The issuer integrates blockchain technology into its systems so that ownership transfers on the blockchain update the official record of holders, known as the master securityholder file. While the mechanics are digital, the rights and obligations of holders remain consistent with traditional securities. For example, a company could issue a class of common stock both in traditional format and as a tokenized security, allowing investors to choose their preferred form. The SEC emphasizes that the legal obligations, including registration requirements, do not change based on whether a security is tokenized or held offchain.
A real world example can be seen in the bond market, where several firms have issued tokenized bonds on Ethereum and other networks. Investors receive digital tokens representing ownership, and transfers occur nearly instantly, reducing settlement delays and operational costs associated with traditional bonds.
🚨NEW: @SECGov staff just put out guidance on tokenized securities, laying out how federal securities laws apply and distinguishing between issuer-led and third-party tokenization models. pic.twitter.com/KWZTtwgmoe
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) January 28, 2026
Tokenized securities can also be created by third parties not affiliated with the original issuer. These can take the form of custodial tokenized securities. Here, a third party holds the underlying security in custody and issues a crypto asset. It represents ownership interest, or synthetic tokenized securities. This provide exposure to the underlying security without conveying actual ownership rights. Examples include linked securities or security-based swaps formatted as crypto assets.
More About Tokenized Assets
The market for tokenized U.S. Treasuries has reached a significant milestone, surpassing $10 billion in total market capitalization. This growth reflects increasing investor interest in using blockchain technology to access government-backed assets. With greater efficiency, transparency, and speed.
🔥 UPDATE: The market cap of tokenized U.S. Treasuries has surpassed $10B. pic.twitter.com/mEZm2cS4PC
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) January 29, 2026
Tokenized Treasuries allow both institutional and retail investors to trade and hold U.S. government debt digitally, often with faster settlement times and lower operational costs compared to traditional methods. The milestone highlights the broader trend of real world assets moving onchain, signaling that tokenization is becoming a mainstream tool in modern finance.
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