The blockchain is one of the promising technologies that support crypto assets like Ether, Bitcoin, utility tokens and security tokens. The crypto assets present an enormous opportunity to bring transformation to the financial services marketplace. Though people are familiar with utility tokens, the security token is relatively a new concept. Before we discuss the process to launch STO (Security Token Offering), we shall first explain what is a security token.
When a token is subjected to federal security regulations and can derive its value from an external, tradable asset, it is categorized as a security token.
While utility tokens can only be used to get access to specific services, security tokens represent assets with rights of ownership. The security holders are entitled to profit share, equity, dividends, voting and buy back rights.
Due to the increasing demand for regulatory frameworks associated with the token issuance, startups launching ICOs should follow legal regulations which can give more credibility and security to the investors.
It is true that the process can seem complicated, but there are a lot of benefits with a security token issuance. Tokenizing securities improves the liquidity of underlying assets which can engage more investors.
Security tokens also come up with other benefits like increased market efficiency, lower issuance fees and fractionalization of larger assets. If a startup meets the required regulatory obligations, the security token offering can create a vast potential for the variety of applications.
Here are some different types of Security Tokens
Let’s understand why security tokens are more attractive to founders as compared to the ICOs.
Here are some of the reason why security tokens are appealing to founders
How to Launch STO?The Security Token Offering Launch Process can be categorized into the following stages
When a token is subjected to federal security regulations and can derive its value from an external, tradable asset, it is categorized as a security token.
While utility tokens can only be used to get access to specific services, security tokens represent assets with rights of ownership. The security holders are entitled to profit share, equity, dividends, voting and buy back rights.
Due to the increasing demand for regulatory frameworks associated with the token issuance, startups launching ICOs should follow legal regulations which can give more credibility and security to the investors.
It is true that the process can seem complicated, but there are a lot of benefits with a security token issuance. Tokenizing securities improves the liquidity of underlying assets which can engage more investors.
Security tokens also come up with other benefits like increased market efficiency, lower issuance fees and fractionalization of larger assets. If a startup meets the required regulatory obligations, the security token offering can create a vast potential for the variety of applications.
Here are some different types of Security Tokens
- Equity Tokens
Equity tokens are a type of security tokens which state ownership of an asset like company stock or debt. - Debt Tokens
Debt tokens are equivalent to the short-term loan on an interest rate on the amount loaned to a company. Steem is one of the examples of debt tokens, which is required to purchase Steem Dollars. - Utility Tokens
Utility tokens provide users with the later access to a product/service. With utility tokens, companies can raise funds for the development of the blockchain projects. - Asset-backed Tokens
An asset-backed token is a token built on the blockchain platform which is associated with a tangible or intangible object of certain value.
Let’s understand why security tokens are more attractive to founders as compared to the ICOs.
Here are some of the reason why security tokens are appealing to founders
- Low barrier to entry
From debt to parking spaces, security token offerings as cryptographic tokens are designed to tokenize any asset. Such flexibility allows smaller companies to raise funds through private capital markets at lower up-front costs. - Get more for less
As compared to a traditional VC deal, STO offers advantages to issuers. The most significant advantage is that the founders don’t need to surrender voting rights or board seats. It provides peace of mind to the founding teams and enables them to focus more on the growing business profits.Another advantage is to allow security token issuers to sell a share of profit tokens or simple dividend. So, founders can retain a good percentage of the company’s ownership while the token holders can receive dividend rights.Launching a security token does not require surrendering voting rights to investors. - Accessibility to Institutional Capital
Due to the regulated nature of Security Token Offering, security tokens act as a gateway for traditional capital into the blockchain domain. The funding via STO can be international in nature.Though ICOs also attracted as foreign investment, it was limited to established companies who could handle the overhead and costs of pursuing foreign capital.But security tokens represent an opportunity to take a simple route to international financial markets by allowing medium-sized companies to attract investment from VCs and family offices across the globe.Being borderless, the blockchain space makes the post STO liquidity larger than the tokens limited to a single jurisdiction.
How to Launch STO?The Security Token Offering Launch Process can be categorized into the following stages
- Preparation
- Pre-STO
- STO for accredited investors
- Post-STO
1. Preparationa. Come up with an idea, consult a legal advisor and decide how can a token gain valueBefore you plan to launch an STO, it is essential to come up with the idea that can engage more investors.
Since a security token has to follow certain regulations, ensure to consult a team of legal advisors that can help you with the regulatory requirements in different countries.
The way a token can gain value also matters a lot.
Understanding the tenets for a token’s value is more important before it is created.
Three principles on the basis of which a token’s value can be decided are
Right
Having a possession of a particular token, the holder can get certain rights within the ecosystem. The rights could result in a governance action, product usage, access to the market or product or a specific contribution.
Function
The tokens can also be utilized to offer leverage to the holders to perform specific tasks within the product. For example, a Blockchain-based digital advertising platform, Brave enables its token holders to enhance the customer experience using a BAT (Basic Attention Token) to add advertisements on the web browser.
Currency
The token is an efficient way which can be considered a store of value to perform transactions both inside and outside the ecosystem.
Toll
A token can sometimes, be used as a toll gateway to enable its holders to use specific functionalities within the ecosystem. For example, you require GNT (Golem tokens) to get access to the advantages of the Golem supercomputer.
Value Exchange
Since every token has some value, it enables the buyers and sellers to trade or exchange value within the ecosystem.
A token should fulfill the above properties to launch an STO successfully and add more value to the project.
More properties a token can have, higher will be its value in the market.
b. What all regulations should be followed while creating a security tokenSince most of the ICOs are investment opportunities within the companies, many ICO startups classify the tokens as securities. To be a security token, it needs to qualify the Howey test.
Howey Test
The US Supreme Court established the Howey test to determine whether the arrangement includes an investment contract (security) or not. In the context of crypto tokens, Howey test can be represented as three independent elements which must be met to create a security token:
A crypto asset which passes the Howey test is classified as a security token. It should be subjected to federal securities and regulations.
Let’s discuss the security token offering list of countries and their regulations to launch a security token.
USA
Regulation D
Regulation D enables a specific offering to avoid being registered by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) if the creators fill the “Form D” after the securities are sold.
Individuals who offer such security may request offerings from the investors in compliance with Section 506C.
Now, the question is, what does Section 506C require?
The Section506C says that the investors are accredited and verified and therefore, their information is free from misleading or false statements.
Regulation A+
It will allow the creator to provide SEC-approved security to non-accredited investors with a general solicitation for maximum $50 million in investment. The issuance of Regulation A+ can comparatively take more time than other options to register the security.
That is the reason why it is expensive than all other regulations.
Regulation S
Regulation S applies when a security offering has to take place in a country apart from the US. Therefore, it is not subjected to any registration requirement under section 5 of the 1993 Act.
However, creators have to follow the security regulations of the country where they are executed.
1. European UnionTo launch a Security Token Offering, companies have to create a prospectus and meet local security law requirements, except if qualified for the regulations mentioned below:
AMF (Financial Markets Authority) had earlier identified the absence of ICO regulations as a risk inherent to ICOs. As a result, the French Treasury has come up with a new legislative framework.
The New Legislative Framework
The proposed legislation would announce a new chapter to BookV, Title V of the French Monetary and Financial Code(CMF) that will be retitled as “Intermediaries in Miscellaneous Property and Token Issuers.”
Chapter 2 of Title V (Token Issuers) specifies the token’s definition that can be registered, issued, transferred or conserved via a shared electronic registration mechanism. Any token issuer needs to comply with the requirements and conditions mentioned in the article L. 550-8, which explains the function of AMF.
The role of AMF within the framework
The AMF requires to offer additional advice related to the law’s provisions in General Regulation (RG AMF). Issuers have the right to submit a disclosure document to the AMF so that buyers can make the right decision while buying tokens.
The AMF then checks the disclosure document and any advertising or promotional content circulated and published by the token issuer. Therefore, the content should be clear, accurate, devoid of false information and should mention the risks that can be faced by investors when buying tokens.
They also verify if the token issuer is a legal individual or organization registered in France and under French law.
3. SwitzerlandThough Switzerland is considered a more token-friendly than all other countries, FINMA (Financial Market Supervisory Authority), which regulates the financial markets, has declared that tokens would have to comply with the current Swiss laws.
FINMA examines each token sale on a case-by-case basis and is currently surveying blockchain startups to violate Swiss law potentially.
Asia1. SingaporeThe Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) had come up with a guidance series for token sales. According to the Singapore Government, organizations must register and submit their prospectus to MAS before launching STOs and unless qualified for one of the exemptions mentioned in “A Guide to Digital Token Offerings”, by MAS.
3. Hong KongRather than what approached has been followed by its mainland China, Hong Kong declared that they may include the sale and offer of securities. Launching tokens under the category of “securities” and hence, defined as a regulated activity.
Therefore, parties engaged in a regulated activity need to be licensed or registered with the SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) no matter whether the parties are based in Hong Kong or not.
Parties that are involved in the secondary trading of such tokens may also subject to the SFC’s conduct and licensing requirements.
Middle East1. IsraelThe Israel Securities Authority (ISA) established a committee in August 2017 to examine the applicability of existing Israeli securities laws to the sales of tokens. ISA has planned to evaluate the token sales on a case-by-case basis.
ISA stated a security token as a cryptocurrency, entitling the token holder to the future cash flow or ownership rights in a specific venture.
2. United Arab EmiratesThe UAE Securities and Commodities Regulator has planned to regulate the Initial Coin Offerings in the country. The planning to introduce regulations was to recognize tokens as securities.
Securities in the Dubai International Financial Centre are governed by the Dubai International Financial Services Authority(DFSA) while the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) governs securities in Abu Dhabi.
North America1. CanadaSecurities laws in Canada are similar to laws in the USA. Even, the test to determine a security in Canada is identical to the Howey test followed under US law. The token sale which is under Canadian law, then it should be registered and complied with a securities regulatory authority and should have a prospectus.
Though all of the regulations discussed above are valid to launch a security token, it is crucial to consult a legal person before proceeding further.
c. Choose a right security issuance platformBecause security tokens are not utility tokens, they require a unique infrastructure and a new approach. To make the cumbersome process of launching STO seamless and quick, you need to know about the top technical security issuance platforms.
Here are some of the top security issuance platforms to launch an STO
Therefore, you need to choose the ideal platform from the above list as per the requirements and regulations followed in a specific country.
d. Write a whitepaperAn STO whitepaper is the most crucial marketing document of the product and if written wrong, can kill the product even before it goes to the market.
Sections that should be covered when writing STO whitepaper
Once you are ready with a whitepaper, you should look out for the expertise in your area of interest and build a team.
e. Gather a team of expertsAfter you come up with an idea, select the platform to build STO and draft a whitepaper, ensure to look out for a team of experts who have experience in the cryptocurrency development and consultation.
Gather a team of professionals from different areas like accounting, development, sales and marketing and the legal industry.
An STO backed up by a professional and experienced team can bring profit to the business. While consulting anyone, make sure they have worked on any ICO or STO project before.
It is highly essential to associate with the right legal advisors to ensure that the security token passes all the regulatory frameworks or security tests.
Finding the legal experts can be a challenging process as STO is new to the market and not every lawyer understands the regulatory requirements.
Ensure to confirm if the legal advisor has in-depth knowledge of the Security Token Offering and what all is required to launch a token legally.
f. Create a marketing websiteCreating a website is essential to introduce and sell the security tokens to crypto investors. You should have a website that can run securely and handle loads of numerous requests at the time.
The website designed for STO should allow investors to register to participate in the security token sale. The web platform for STO should be integrated with KYC/AML to validate the users.
Here are some of the tips to make the STO website stand out
Once you are ready with the prerequisites to launch STO, you need to enter the Pre-STO stage where you have to introduce your idea to the market and create a security token.
2. Pre-STOa. Introduce your Security Token Offering(STO) to the marketBefore you launch STO, it is highly crucial to introduce it to the market so that people could know about it. Many websites have been designed to list ICOs and STOs.
Listing new STO on the listing website can help crypto investors get the relevant information like team members, whitepaper’s link, milestones and token structure details.
An alternative to announce an STO is to run email marketing and social media campaigns to make people aware of your idea and token. Make sure you understand the utility of the token and have a technical architecture of the product ready.
Once the security token is introduced, there is a need to focus on creating the token to start the sale.
b. Look out for custodians to collateral assets for security tokensReal-world assets such as real estate leases, fiat, digital assets or shares of private companies, can be used as collaterals for security tokens. At the time of tokenization, the assets should be kept in the custody of third parties with mechanisms like Special Purpose Vehicles or Trust Companies. The role of custodian participants should also be abstracted by the smart contracts.
Here are some of the qualified custodian organizations that may help you to launch STO
A step-by-step Security Token offering process to create a security token
Cost for STO listing can start at around 200$ and may go up to an infinite number. Like ideation of the STO is essential, designing a marketing campaign is equally vital.
Run paid ad campaigns on different search engines, email marketing campaigns and share STO updates on various social media channels.
You can also utilize the specialized forums designed for sharing the cryptocurrency-related news and posts.
Also, do not forget to create your Telegram, Slack or Twitter accounts which may help you get connected with the potential investors across the globe.
Once you feel that you have successfully promoted your STO to the public and reached the targeted number of influencers, it is the time to launch an STO and begin the crowd sale.
3. Security Token Offering (STO)a. Crowd SaleIt is the main stage of an STO project where a company sells it tokens to the public in exchange for raising funds.
To run the crowd sale, you should have a button for the token sale on the website from where the investors can buy the tokens by registering and passing the KYC/AML checks.
Deploy the crowdsale contract that will allow you to sell the specified number of tokens within that round of sale and at the predetermined value of the token.
While you sell the tokens to the public, it is essential to provide the community support services to give them prompt assistance whenever required.
b. Community Support ServicesAfter you launch an STO, you should focus on creating a support team who can offer assistance on various social media platforms and crypto forums. Make sure to respond to customer’s queries instantly which can help you build a long-term relationship with them.
Set up a ticketing channel or emergency helpline number where clients can contact you as soon as they encounter any issue.
Also, ensure to keep your customers and targeted audience updated with the STO launch activities.
Once the crowd sale is over, build the product for your security token.
4. Post-STOa. Build a productTo ensure the successful launch of an STO, it is crucial to build a product that supports the launched security token.
No doubt that the product can be developed after the token is launched, there is a need to build a user-friendly, secure and robust application on the blockchain.
While creating an application, follow the product’s roadmap you design in the initial stages of STO launch.
Consider hiring blockchain development experts who have an in-depth understanding of the various blockchain platforms and security tokens.
b. Technical Support ServicesOnce the product is built and released to the public, you should also offer technical support services to provide technical help to the customers.
You should provide round-the-clock support services so that the customers do not have to confront any technical issue.
Ensure to provide technical support services through different sources like chat, email and phone.
Though ICOs have helped companies raise millions of dollars, it always lacks the regulated means and security. Therefore, the security token offering overcomes this problem by following legal compliances.
Since a security token has to follow certain regulations, ensure to consult a team of legal advisors that can help you with the regulatory requirements in different countries.
The way a token can gain value also matters a lot.
Understanding the tenets for a token’s value is more important before it is created.
Three principles on the basis of which a token’s value can be decided are
- Role
- Purpose
- Feature
Right
Having a possession of a particular token, the holder can get certain rights within the ecosystem. The rights could result in a governance action, product usage, access to the market or product or a specific contribution.
Function
The tokens can also be utilized to offer leverage to the holders to perform specific tasks within the product. For example, a Blockchain-based digital advertising platform, Brave enables its token holders to enhance the customer experience using a BAT (Basic Attention Token) to add advertisements on the web browser.
Currency
The token is an efficient way which can be considered a store of value to perform transactions both inside and outside the ecosystem.
Toll
A token can sometimes, be used as a toll gateway to enable its holders to use specific functionalities within the ecosystem. For example, you require GNT (Golem tokens) to get access to the advantages of the Golem supercomputer.
Value Exchange
Since every token has some value, it enables the buyers and sellers to trade or exchange value within the ecosystem.
A token should fulfill the above properties to launch an STO successfully and add more value to the project.
More properties a token can have, higher will be its value in the market.
b. What all regulations should be followed while creating a security tokenSince most of the ICOs are investment opportunities within the companies, many ICO startups classify the tokens as securities. To be a security token, it needs to qualify the Howey test.
Howey Test
The US Supreme Court established the Howey test to determine whether the arrangement includes an investment contract (security) or not. In the context of crypto tokens, Howey test can be represented as three independent elements which must be met to create a security token:
- An investment of money
- in the same enterprise
- with the belief of profits from the efforts of others.
A crypto asset which passes the Howey test is classified as a security token. It should be subjected to federal securities and regulations.
Let’s discuss the security token offering list of countries and their regulations to launch a security token.
USA
- Regulation D
- Regulation A+
- Regulation S
Regulation D
Regulation D enables a specific offering to avoid being registered by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) if the creators fill the “Form D” after the securities are sold.
Individuals who offer such security may request offerings from the investors in compliance with Section 506C.
Now, the question is, what does Section 506C require?
The Section506C says that the investors are accredited and verified and therefore, their information is free from misleading or false statements.
Regulation A+
It will allow the creator to provide SEC-approved security to non-accredited investors with a general solicitation for maximum $50 million in investment. The issuance of Regulation A+ can comparatively take more time than other options to register the security.
That is the reason why it is expensive than all other regulations.
Regulation S
Regulation S applies when a security offering has to take place in a country apart from the US. Therefore, it is not subjected to any registration requirement under section 5 of the 1993 Act.
However, creators have to follow the security regulations of the country where they are executed.
1. European UnionTo launch a Security Token Offering, companies have to create a prospectus and meet local security law requirements, except if qualified for the regulations mentioned below:
- The qualified investors’ exemption (private placement)- Just like Regulation D in the US, companies can request qualified investors for the offerings.
- The limited network exemption- Companies can trade their security to around 150 people per member state freely.
- The limited amount exemption- Just like Regulation A+ mentioned above, organizations can sell securities up to 5 million euros without creating a prospectus.
- The large investments exemption- Organizations can trade their securities freely if every investor buys at least 100,000 euro of issued securities.
- The nominal value exemption- Organizations can sell the securities without any hassles if each security’s value is equal to at least 100,000 euro.
AMF (Financial Markets Authority) had earlier identified the absence of ICO regulations as a risk inherent to ICOs. As a result, the French Treasury has come up with a new legislative framework.
The New Legislative Framework
The proposed legislation would announce a new chapter to BookV, Title V of the French Monetary and Financial Code(CMF) that will be retitled as “Intermediaries in Miscellaneous Property and Token Issuers.”
Chapter 2 of Title V (Token Issuers) specifies the token’s definition that can be registered, issued, transferred or conserved via a shared electronic registration mechanism. Any token issuer needs to comply with the requirements and conditions mentioned in the article L. 550-8, which explains the function of AMF.
The role of AMF within the framework
The AMF requires to offer additional advice related to the law’s provisions in General Regulation (RG AMF). Issuers have the right to submit a disclosure document to the AMF so that buyers can make the right decision while buying tokens.
The AMF then checks the disclosure document and any advertising or promotional content circulated and published by the token issuer. Therefore, the content should be clear, accurate, devoid of false information and should mention the risks that can be faced by investors when buying tokens.
They also verify if the token issuer is a legal individual or organization registered in France and under French law.
3. SwitzerlandThough Switzerland is considered a more token-friendly than all other countries, FINMA (Financial Market Supervisory Authority), which regulates the financial markets, has declared that tokens would have to comply with the current Swiss laws.
FINMA examines each token sale on a case-by-case basis and is currently surveying blockchain startups to violate Swiss law potentially.
Asia1. SingaporeThe Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) had come up with a guidance series for token sales. According to the Singapore Government, organizations must register and submit their prospectus to MAS before launching STOs and unless qualified for one of the exemptions mentioned in “A Guide to Digital Token Offerings”, by MAS.
- MAS can regulate digital token offers or issuance if the tokens are capital market products under SFA (Securities and Futures Act).
- MAS would examine the characteristics and structure of a digital token (including the rights attached to it) to know if it is a capital market product under SFA.
- A digital token may constitute a share, a debenture and a unit.
- The small offer of an entity in a CIS (Collective Investment Scheme) should not exceed S$5million within any 1 year, subject to certain conditions.
- A private placement offer should not be made to more than 50 individuals within a period of any 1 year, subject to specific conditions.
3. Hong KongRather than what approached has been followed by its mainland China, Hong Kong declared that they may include the sale and offer of securities. Launching tokens under the category of “securities” and hence, defined as a regulated activity.
Therefore, parties engaged in a regulated activity need to be licensed or registered with the SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) no matter whether the parties are based in Hong Kong or not.
Parties that are involved in the secondary trading of such tokens may also subject to the SFC’s conduct and licensing requirements.
Middle East1. IsraelThe Israel Securities Authority (ISA) established a committee in August 2017 to examine the applicability of existing Israeli securities laws to the sales of tokens. ISA has planned to evaluate the token sales on a case-by-case basis.
ISA stated a security token as a cryptocurrency, entitling the token holder to the future cash flow or ownership rights in a specific venture.
2. United Arab EmiratesThe UAE Securities and Commodities Regulator has planned to regulate the Initial Coin Offerings in the country. The planning to introduce regulations was to recognize tokens as securities.
Securities in the Dubai International Financial Centre are governed by the Dubai International Financial Services Authority(DFSA) while the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) governs securities in Abu Dhabi.
North America1. CanadaSecurities laws in Canada are similar to laws in the USA. Even, the test to determine a security in Canada is identical to the Howey test followed under US law. The token sale which is under Canadian law, then it should be registered and complied with a securities regulatory authority and should have a prospectus.
Though all of the regulations discussed above are valid to launch a security token, it is crucial to consult a legal person before proceeding further.
c. Choose a right security issuance platformBecause security tokens are not utility tokens, they require a unique infrastructure and a new approach. To make the cumbersome process of launching STO seamless and quick, you need to know about the top technical security issuance platforms.
Here are some of the top security issuance platforms to launch an STO
- Polymath
Polymath provides the legal and technical solutions to securitize the bonds, assets or stocks on the blockchain. It connects the KYC providers, smart contract developers, legal experts and token investors to form the basis of a security token.
It works similar to Ethereum and has its ST-20 token standard, smart contract functionality, and native token, POLY.
POLY token acts as an economic unit for all types of operations on the Polymath’s blockchain. The process to launch financial products on blockchain can be streamlined with Polymath as it can embed financial security requirements into the security token’s designs. - Harbor
Harbor is another blockchain platform, designed to launch STO and comply the security tokens with the current regulatory framework. It also enables the traditional asset classes to move to the blockchain.
Harbor platform uses a regulated system token (R-token), which is a permission token on the Ethereum blockchain and enables the transfer of tokens after the approval of On-chain Regulator Service. - Securitize
Securitize is an end-to-end blockchain platform that can manage the processing of solicited investors from sign-up to capital received and handle the issuance and management of security tokens throughout its lifetime. - Securrency
Securrency is a complete securitization platform that allows to launch STO with a simple drag and drop process. You can use their RegTex™ engine which enables you to perform KYC in over 160 countries and AML on both fiat and cryptocurrency wallets.
Since the platform is blockchain agonistic, you can get abstraction layer and APIs called as InfinXChange™ to select a blockchain of your preference. - Swarm
Powered by blockchain, Swarm is a real-world asset tokenizing platform. With SRC20 protocol, Swam offers a cryptographic standard for security tokens to tokenize assets like real estates, agriculture, tech companies and renewables.
The SRC20 protocol states a set of rules that every security token should follow to represent a real-world object. Swarm also has their native token, SWM, like other platforms for facilitating economic activities.
Therefore, you need to choose the ideal platform from the above list as per the requirements and regulations followed in a specific country.
d. Write a whitepaperAn STO whitepaper is the most crucial marketing document of the product and if written wrong, can kill the product even before it goes to the market.
Sections that should be covered when writing STO whitepaper
- Legal Disclaimer
- Product Details
- Industry Overview
- Technical Architecture
- Business Model
- Assets and another type of security associated with the token
- Tokenomics and Token Usage Details
- Team members and advisory
- Ensure to break down the content into smaller sections to enhance the readability. There should be no more than two headings on one page.
- Always remember that the critical audience of the whitepaper is the crypto-investor. So, do not forget to add a token sales summary sheet with token sale related details.
- Also, try focusing more on the solution, not blockchain. DLTs are a part of the solution, but it’s not a solution.
- Try to keep the executive summary short. If you write it beyond 300-400 words, it can bring down the reputation of your project.
- Make sure to add flowcharts in the paper to make it look well-designed and organized. Draw.io, OmniGraffle and Lucidchart are some of the finest tools to create diagrams and technical architecture.
- Also, write about regulations under which a security token is categorized.
Once you are ready with a whitepaper, you should look out for the expertise in your area of interest and build a team.
e. Gather a team of expertsAfter you come up with an idea, select the platform to build STO and draft a whitepaper, ensure to look out for a team of experts who have experience in the cryptocurrency development and consultation.
Gather a team of professionals from different areas like accounting, development, sales and marketing and the legal industry.
An STO backed up by a professional and experienced team can bring profit to the business. While consulting anyone, make sure they have worked on any ICO or STO project before.
It is highly essential to associate with the right legal advisors to ensure that the security token passes all the regulatory frameworks or security tests.
Finding the legal experts can be a challenging process as STO is new to the market and not every lawyer understands the regulatory requirements.
Ensure to confirm if the legal advisor has in-depth knowledge of the Security Token Offering and what all is required to launch a token legally.
f. Create a marketing websiteCreating a website is essential to introduce and sell the security tokens to crypto investors. You should have a website that can run securely and handle loads of numerous requests at the time.
The website designed for STO should allow investors to register to participate in the security token sale. The web platform for STO should be integrated with KYC/AML to validate the users.
Here are some of the tips to make the STO website stand out
- A website should talk about your project
Investors visiting your site will be interested to know the idea behind the project, how will product benefit them, development roadmap and token distribution information. - Add visual graphics
Visitors on the website might not have enough time to go through the long paragraphs of text. Therefore, it is always good to include the creative yet informative visuals to give a clear idea about the project. - Live Token Sale Countdown
Always remember to embed the live token sale countdown on the website so that investors could quickly get to know about the sale. - Add Customer Support Channel’s Link
Do not forget to add the customer support channel’s link to provide the instant help to customers/investors in need.
Once you are ready with the prerequisites to launch STO, you need to enter the Pre-STO stage where you have to introduce your idea to the market and create a security token.
2. Pre-STOa. Introduce your Security Token Offering(STO) to the marketBefore you launch STO, it is highly crucial to introduce it to the market so that people could know about it. Many websites have been designed to list ICOs and STOs.
Listing new STO on the listing website can help crypto investors get the relevant information like team members, whitepaper’s link, milestones and token structure details.
An alternative to announce an STO is to run email marketing and social media campaigns to make people aware of your idea and token. Make sure you understand the utility of the token and have a technical architecture of the product ready.
Once the security token is introduced, there is a need to focus on creating the token to start the sale.
b. Look out for custodians to collateral assets for security tokensReal-world assets such as real estate leases, fiat, digital assets or shares of private companies, can be used as collaterals for security tokens. At the time of tokenization, the assets should be kept in the custody of third parties with mechanisms like Special Purpose Vehicles or Trust Companies. The role of custodian participants should also be abstracted by the smart contracts.
Here are some of the qualified custodian organizations that may help you to launch STO
- CoinBase
Having a partnership with ETC (an SEC-registered broker-dealer) and FINRA, Coinbase Custody offers services to couple Coinbase’s crypto asset security with broker-dealer financial reporting experts. They have raised around $216M from investors such as NYSE and Union Square Ventures and recently store more than $20B of crypto assets. - Prime Trust
Prime Trust is a technology-driven trust company that offers various services like AML/KYC, bad actor checks, funds processing, escrow and transaction technology. The company serves as a qualified custodian and offers custody for assets like digital assets, fiat and real estate documents.
A step-by-step Security Token offering process to create a security token
- Funded Metamask Account
Before you proceed to build the security token, you will need a funded Metamask account. Download the chrome extension for Metamask and load the account with Ethereum funds.
After you fund your Metamask account, navigate to Polymath’s website and click “Issue Your Security Token” to start creating a token. - Creating an account on Polymath
First of all, you have to set up an account with Polymath by entering your name and preferred email id. Read the privacy policy and terms & conditions to proceed further and click on “Create Account.”
Click “sign” on Metamask to proceed further. Your email address will be signed up with your wallet address to enable wallet to access your account. - Register the token symbol
The next step is to decide the token name and symbol. Once you finalize the token symbol, click on “RESERVE TOKEN SYMBOL” so that no issuer could use the same symbol.
For example, you register the token, name it as “Pocket” and give it a symbol “PKT.”
After reserving the symbol, you get a window period of 15 days to consult with lawyers and advisors.
Once the token symbol is submitted, you will get an email with information about your security offering. Make sure you have verified your email address via the email verification page to get the notifications related to token details. - Selecting the partners
Now, you have to choose the partners who are going to help you launch STO successfully.
You can build your dream team by choosing the right KYC/AML providers, marketing team and legal and advisory team.
Though the portal will not directly send notification emails to the selected service providers when running on the testnet, you will get a sample copy of the email which would be sent to your providers.
Then, click on “Create token now” button to build the token. You will get a pop-up message to confirm if you have received enough legal advice from the lawyers. - Creating a token
While building a token, you can add a link to a website or legend in the blank space under “additional token information” section. Then, click the Metamask submit button for creating an issuance of the token. A copy of the transaction information will be sent to your registered email inbox. - Set up offering details
To create a token, it is essential to set up offering details. In a capped STO, one has to sell a certain number of tokens at a predefined price per token. Once the limited is reached, a seller cannot sell the tokens anymore.
You require finalizing the details of STO by clicking “SELECT AND CONFIGURE STO.”
Set up details such as start or end date/time, payment acceptance (POLY or ETH) and the value of the token. Once you have filled all these details, you need to click “Confirm and Launch STO.” - Whitelisting the investors
It is the final step of token creation. There is a need to create a whitelist for your future crypto investors to enable them to buy your security tokens.
The whitelist can be changed before, after and during the STO. After you submit the approved investors, you can see them added to the whitelist.
After sending the POLY or ETH tokens to the STO contract, the investors will get the STO issued tokens.
Cost for STO listing can start at around 200$ and may go up to an infinite number. Like ideation of the STO is essential, designing a marketing campaign is equally vital.
Run paid ad campaigns on different search engines, email marketing campaigns and share STO updates on various social media channels.
You can also utilize the specialized forums designed for sharing the cryptocurrency-related news and posts.
Also, do not forget to create your Telegram, Slack or Twitter accounts which may help you get connected with the potential investors across the globe.
Once you feel that you have successfully promoted your STO to the public and reached the targeted number of influencers, it is the time to launch an STO and begin the crowd sale.
3. Security Token Offering (STO)a. Crowd SaleIt is the main stage of an STO project where a company sells it tokens to the public in exchange for raising funds.
To run the crowd sale, you should have a button for the token sale on the website from where the investors can buy the tokens by registering and passing the KYC/AML checks.
Deploy the crowdsale contract that will allow you to sell the specified number of tokens within that round of sale and at the predetermined value of the token.
While you sell the tokens to the public, it is essential to provide the community support services to give them prompt assistance whenever required.
b. Community Support ServicesAfter you launch an STO, you should focus on creating a support team who can offer assistance on various social media platforms and crypto forums. Make sure to respond to customer’s queries instantly which can help you build a long-term relationship with them.
Set up a ticketing channel or emergency helpline number where clients can contact you as soon as they encounter any issue.
Also, ensure to keep your customers and targeted audience updated with the STO launch activities.
Once the crowd sale is over, build the product for your security token.
4. Post-STOa. Build a productTo ensure the successful launch of an STO, it is crucial to build a product that supports the launched security token.
No doubt that the product can be developed after the token is launched, there is a need to build a user-friendly, secure and robust application on the blockchain.
While creating an application, follow the product’s roadmap you design in the initial stages of STO launch.
Consider hiring blockchain development experts who have an in-depth understanding of the various blockchain platforms and security tokens.
b. Technical Support ServicesOnce the product is built and released to the public, you should also offer technical support services to provide technical help to the customers.
You should provide round-the-clock support services so that the customers do not have to confront any technical issue.
Ensure to provide technical support services through different sources like chat, email and phone.
Though ICOs have helped companies raise millions of dollars, it always lacks the regulated means and security. Therefore, the security token offering overcomes this problem by following legal compliances.
Source: https://www.leewayhertz.com/launch-sto-security-token-offering/
