The security token industry continues to gain traction in early 2019—both in the U.S. and beyond. Blockchain-based startups Zilliqa and MaiCoin have partnered to create Hg Exchange, a security token exchange in the making. The platform has revealed early plans which involve the tokenization of existing shares to include Uber, Airbnb, and Space X.

There is currently a race over which country will become the leading hub for the tokenized security sector. Although Singapore, the U.S., and Malta are some of the leaders of the pack in this regard, Thailand is also looking to enter this increasingly competitive marketplace and become a prime mover in this new cryptocurrency sector.

As of January 16, Aspencoin is officially transitioning to the Securitize. The news has come after a successful and SEC-compliant funding round for Aspencoin, which had an $18 million valuation. Aspencoin represents fractional equity ownership of the luxury St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado.

With the number of people living in urban slums “expected to triple, reaching three billion,” we are facing a currently insurmountable crisis. Peter Lyons of Atomic Capital penned an article that was recently published as part of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on why digital securities could prove to be instrumental in meeting the future’s infrastructural funding challenges.

tZERO, the blockchain subsidiary of Overstock.com, had one of the most publicized STOs last August, raising some $134 million. The tokens were issued in October and then “locked up” in a custodial wallet for three months. They will now be distributed to investors, who can decide where they wish to hold their tZERO tokens. Options include creating a brokerage account or holding them in their own personal wallet.

Industry thought leader Brock Pierce has been ahead of the game in numerous blockchain-related ventures. He first become involved with Bitcoin back in 2009, shortly after the groundbreaking network went live. In a recent interview with The FinTech Times, Pierce shared his insight on the future of the blockchain space. 2019 will be a year of significant success for the security token industry, which he says will ultimately transform a quadrillion dollar market.

The digital wrapper provided by tokenization offers a wealth of benefits. It’s already experienced implementation in the traditional financial securities sector, to include luxury property, REITs, equity, investment funds, and fine art ownership. Such an atmosphere has created a significant buzz around security tokens. Many perceive they will go on to seriously disrupt the capital markets industry in the near-future.

Gates highlights how the world’s poorest people do have assets: their intellect, labor, and their savings. However, the lack of financial infrastructure in the developing world exploits these assets, as opposed to allowing these individuals to see their full benefits. But a digital financial system would bring a much needed change.

Jay Clayton officially took office in May 2017. When he was sworn in, he wasn’t asked a single question related to blockchain or cryptocurrencies. Now, a common debate concerning regulations centers upon security tokens. Some believe that tokenized securities need new laws—but Clayton has consistently implied that security tokens are subject to the existing securities laws as established by his commission.

ICOs were all the rage in 2017 and early 2018, raising billions upon billions of dollars. But a disproportionate number of these projects failed to deliver. With ICOs falling to the wayside amid legal concerns, a new token offering model is on the horizon: security token offerings. Learn the crucial difference between these two models.

Founder Patrick Byrne is planning to sell Overstock.com and direct his full attention to the blockchain industry. Byrne’s most anticipated project in the blockchain space is the developing security token exchange tZero. The platform raised $134 million during its initial offering and aims to operate under SEC approval within months.

Registered in Singapore, SPiCE VC raised $15 million during its token offering in March. Non-U.S. investors will be able to trade their security tokens effective immediately. U.S. investors will have to wait one year as per regulations, until March of next year, since there is a 12-month registration hold.