Although digital coins and tokens fall under the broader umbrella term of cryptocurrencies, the subtle technical differences between the two make them unique and ensure investors understand these variations. While cryptocurrencies and tokens are largely the same from an end-user perspective, there are technical differences in the way they are built on a blockchain that is important to understand. To complicate things even more for new investors, crypto tokens can be categorised into three types: utility tokens, security tokens, or equity tokens. In the following sections, we focus on the differences between utility and equity tokens and how these differences should influence the investment decision.
Utility tokens, which are commonly issued during an ICO, provide privileged services to token holders and are not considered investments as they are speculative and serve more as promotional tools for the issuing entity. Commonly associated with Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), a utility token is a special type of crypto asset whose primary purpose is to obtain the necessary funds to develop a crypto project. Investors can buy these utility tokens in various cryptocurrencies or even fiat currencies, and prices are generally static in the initial stages.
These utility tokens are stored in a crypto wallet linked to the buyer after purchase and can be used to access the services provided by the blockchain project. Additionally, utility tokens do not represent ownership interests in the project being invested in, and instead, allow the holder to preferentially buy or sell the underlying tokens. The value of utility tokens generally fluctuates depending on the needs of the project and can generate a profit for the acquirer of the token if the project achieves its intended purpose with reasonable success.
Crypto like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) are encoded in the software protocols of their respective blockchains and have native digital assets in their ecosystem. Therefore, BTC is considered crypto in the truest sense of the word and is used to transfer monetary values in the Bitcoin peer-to-peer network. Crypto tokens, on the other hand, have a transactional behaviour that stems from being implemented through smart contracts rather than being embedded in the blockchain software itself.
Likewise, many investors are wondering if Ripple (XRP) is a utility token. XRP and Basic Attention Token (BAT) are primarily ERC20 tokens running on the Ethereum network, that use XRP to power Ripple’ company payment solutions that are faster, a lot of transparent, and fewer dear than ancient monetary services.BAT operates the international non-public browser advertising platform Brave, which has fifty-four million monthly active users and 1.4 million verified creators, and advantages from arguably one among the foremost booming blockchain come to date. Each is a classic sample of utility tokens that have fully grown multiples in value since their ICOs thanks to the huge price they have created since their launch.
Security tokens have the potential to become one of the foremost promising cases for blockchain technology to date. Unlike utility tokens mentioned above, security tokens represent possession of a digital or perhaps physical asset and admire crypto, real estate, or anything else that is tangible. These tokens represent a unique method for companies to raise capital in the crypto market, allowing companies to sell shares digitally or as tokenized shares, offering ownership opportunities to a large proportion of investors at a low entry point.
Security tokens represent the convergence of the traditional financial industry and the revolutionary crypto market, where investors can invest in non-crypto businesses while enjoying the benefits that crypto tokens offer. However, unlike utility tokens, security tokens are approved by bodies such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as they represent actual ownership of the underlying assets. Security Tokens are subsequently issued through the Security Token Offering process and can represent a very small monetary value of the company or entity, allowing a more geographically dispersed population to own the underlying company compared to traditional exchange offerings.
Stock tokens represent shares in an underlying asset, which is typically a company’s stock, with all terms and conditions recorded on the blockchain. In addition, they are subject to the securities laws of the country in which the issuing company is based and which guarantee the legal protection of their investors. Stock tokens issued through the token offering process also offer their holders the benefit of transparently voting via the blockchain on issuance facilitating the acquisition of control by the community of investors relative to their holdings.
An application of Ethereum-based smart contracts compliant with ERC20 standards, stock tokens allow holders to become shareholders of the token-issuing company, and all funds invested are associated with the company’s performance. Token holders retain the right to receive part of the profits in the form of dividends, and the value of the token is generally not tied to its demand in the crypto market, but to the performance of the issuing company. Some examples of stock tokens are Enegra (EGX) and BFToken, which have performed decently since their listing.
One evident distinction between software and fairness tokens is the reality that the previous isn’t always regulated as they offer admission to a provider as opposed to a particular funding in an asset or business enterprise as do fairness tokens. However, for the ones asking the query of whether or not software tokens may be traded, the solution is that they’re much like fairness tokens on this factor and are to be had for buying and selling on numerous exchanges.
To solve whether or not software tokens are exact investments though, any cash placed right into a software token wishes to be weighed towards the potentialities of the provider being supplied with the aid of using the issuing business enterprise and the ability upward thrust in its call to generate returns for token holders. On the other hand, fairness tokens are regulated and issued with the aid of using present companies which are already in enterprise and offer token holders vote casting rights that permit them to take part inside the operating of the business enterprise.
For amateur crypto investors, it appears greater prudent to put money into fairness tokens as they’re an extension of fairness stocks at the conventional inventory marketplace and are a less difficult idea around which to wrap oneself. However, in case you accept as true with withinside the potentialities of a blockchain undertaking like XRP and need to benefit an early mover advantage, it could be greater useful to place your cash on a software token ICO and experience the call for the wave to generate good-looking returns withinside the process.
Do consider that software tokens aren’t handled as safe and therefore, could have a better danger than worrying whilst making an investment. Either way, it’s vital to examine all of the phrases and situations earlier than making investment cash and recognize the relevant expenses which are levied on redemption or at the same time as buying and selling those tokens at the numerous exchanges to be had withinside the crypto marketplace.
Disclaimer: This report is not intended to be relied upon as advice to investors or potential investors and does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor. All investors should consider such factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. The Company has prepared this report based on information available to it, including information derived from public sources that have not been independently verified. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is provided in relation to the fairness, accuracy, correctness, completeness, or reliability of the information, opinions, or conclusions expressed herein. This report is preliminary and subject to change; the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the reports to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Trading & Investments in cryptocurrencies viz. Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, etc. are very speculative and are subject to market risks. The analysis by the Author is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as investment advice.
