The Growing World of Security Token Protocols

The Growing World of Security Token Protocols

Security tokens are one of the fastest growing sectors in the cryptomarket. These tokens allow companies to remain government compliant and utilize blockchain technology to enable more secure business transactions. As the security token market expands, more security token protocols become available to the public.

The Right Token for the Job

Security tokens contain regulatory protocol directly within their coding. This self-contained script is perfect for use in tokenization scenarios. When a token represents ownership rights to a piece of property, revenue sharing, security or other regulated item, security tokens are the only option.

Security token adoption increased significantly in the last few months. Currently, Security tokens make up around 6.54 percent of the total crypto market according to a recent study provided by Hashgard. Service tokens account for the largest percentage of the market at 49.05 percent, followed by utility tokens (25.3%), and hybrid tokens (12.47%). Another report published by ICORating showed that STO growth climbed 1.66 percent during Q3 2018. At the same time, utility token issuance decreased by 10 percent. 

More Options

Security token protocols come in a lot of different styles nowadays and depending on the functionality of the security token in question, certain protocols are better suited to handle the tasks. Consequently, this need for function-specific security tokens ushered in a wave of new security token protocols.  

ST-20

Polymath's ST-20 protocol was one of the first security token standards to enter the market. The token features integrated KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-MoneyLaundering) mechanisms. Polymath users can issue customized security tokens directly through the platform using the simplistic interface. What makes the ST-20 unique is that the token is issued on Polymaths custom built blockchain.

The token is hugely popular as Polymath is one of the largest security token launch platforms available to the public. The company was the first firm to launch a global security token conference. As an early entry to the security token race, Polymath wanted to take all the regulatory shortcomings of the ERC-20 protocol and give companies a more secure alternative. The firm succeeded in creating a widely used security token standard.

SFT (Secured Financial Transaction Protocol)

The SFT protocol entered the market on November 28, 2018. This security token protocol uses Solidity. Solidity is a programming language used by Ethereum developers. SFT tokens live on the Ethereum blockchain.

This protocol features many of the robust and modular features found in the popular ERC-20 protocol such as easy smart contract programming.SFT tokens enable the tokenization of debt and equity-based securities.

German-based Hyperlink Capital entered the market on July 1, 2018. The development team created the SFT protocol for their digital securities platform which is intended to expand adoption of blockchain-based capital markets. The company has a history of activity in the blockchain space. Recently, Hyperlink Capital's focus is on tokenized securities.

ERC-1450

News of the ERC-1450 protocol entered the market in November 2018 via a medium post by StartEngineFounder Howard Marks. This protocol was developed for creating digital stock certificates. The company behind the protocol, StartEngine Secure, seeks to offer entrepreneurs democratized access to funding.

StartEngine Secure entered the blockchain sector in2012 shortly after the signing into law of the Jumpstart Our Business StartupsAct which was an effort to provide access to more capital for startups. The platform features full transparency and a registered transfer agent updates ownership details in accordance with securities laws. The data is published via the Ethereum blockchain.

CAT-20 / CAT – 721

The CAT-20 and CAT-721 protocols are the world's first multi-ledger security tokens. These tokens can be transferred across blockchains including Ethereum, Ripple, EoS, GoChain, and Stellar. Tokens issued on CAT-20 and CAT-721 protocols support Securrency‘s full suite of token issuance tools.

Washington-based Securrency entered the market in2015. The Securrency platform features an automated source of funds verification system and an easy to learn user interface. Additionally, the company behind the protocol, Securrency, employs a Service and Rules engine which maintains compliance across secondary market trading.

DS Protocol

The DS protocol is an open-source development infrastructure designed around the needs of the security token industry. TheDS Protocol is open-source and designed to support third-party applications. Tokens issued on this protocol reside on the Ethereum blockchain.

Securitize issued the DS Protocol on Jun 5th, 2018 via a press release. DS includes integrated compliance and registry services. Also, token holders receive regular updates about relevant events via their tokens. The DSProtocol focuses on creating more liquidity within the security token arena.

R-Token

The R-token standard entered the market on February 6th, 2018. R-tokens are ERC-20 tokens with built-in regulatory smart contracts. The regulatory services of these tokens configure to meet the needs of the issuer. The R-token standard features integrated KYC, AML, and taxation services.

Harbor developed the R-token protocol for use within their popular token issuance platform. In April 2018 Harbor successfully raised $28 million to further development into their tokenized securities platform. 

SRC20

The SRC20 protocol allows users to tokenize any item. The protocol is a cryptographic standard with integrated governance. Users can tokenize securities, buildings, farms, businesses, hedge funds, and even ownership in development projects. The flexibility of the SRC20 token is its strong point.

SRC20 operates on the SWARM platform. The SWARM platform incentivizes users for their positive contributions. The platform learns from your fundraising campaigns and uses the data to facilitate a more user-friendly experience every time you start a new campaign.

tZERO

The tZERO protocol integrates the benefits of blockchain technology into the existing market systems. ThetZERO platform will one day facilitate both the issuances and easy trading of security tokens. The developers seek to create the first national securities exchange specifically designed for security tokens.

tZERO is the direct result of a strategic partnership with BOX Digital Markets. Earlier in the year tZERO filed an SEC form D. Form D is required by companies that seek to issue securities. IF the form is approved, tZERO would be the first SEC regulated security token issuance/trading platform in the cryptospace.

More Security Token Protocols on the Horizon

The Security token sector is just heating up and you can expect many more entries into the market as the year wraps up. Companies want the benefits of blockchain technology and security tokens provide these features without worry. It will be interesting to see how each of these protocols fair in the coming months as the market's competition increases.