Tokenized Stock Basics
Welcome to the world of tokenized stocks! This chapter will introduce you to all the essential basic concepts, enabling you to start trading safely and confidently.
🎯 Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
- Understand the basic concepts of tokenized stocks
- Master the fundamentals of blockchain and DeFi
- Learn about different types of wallets and trading platforms
- Identify major risks and security considerations
- Prepare for actual trading
📚 Core Concepts
What are Tokenized Stocks?
Tokenized stocks are digital representations of traditional stocks on the blockchain. They maintain a 1:1 value peg with real stocks through smart contracts.
Simple Analogy: Imagine traditional stocks as paper stock certificates, while tokenized stocks are the digital version of these certificates, stored on the blockchain.
Core Features:
- 🕐 24/7 Trading: Not limited by traditional stock market hours
- 💰 Fractional Investment: Can purchase less than 1 share
- ⚡ Instant Settlement: Trades complete immediately, no T+2 waiting
- 🌍 Global Access: Can trade from anywhere
- 🔗 DeFi Integration: Can participate in lending, liquidity mining, etc.
Tokenized vs Traditional Stocks
Feature | Traditional Stocks | Tokenized Stocks |
---|---|---|
Trading Hours | Mon-Fri 9:30-16:00 | 24/7 |
Minimum Purchase | 1 share (e.g., TSLA $200+) | Any amount (e.g., $10) |
Settlement Time | T+2 (2 business days) | Instant |
Global Access | Need local broker account | Only need wallet |
Shareholder Rights | Voting rights, dividends | Usually only price exposure |
Regulation | Traditional financial regulation | Cryptocurrency regulation |
Storage | Broker custody | Self-custody |
🔗 Blockchain Basics
Blockchain is a distributed ledger that records all transaction information.
Key Concepts:
- Decentralization: No single point of control
- Transparency: All transactions are publicly viewable
- Immutability: Historical records cannot be changed
- Smart Contracts: Self-executing programs
Major Blockchain Networks:
Ethereum
- Features: Largest smart contract platform
- Advantages: Most complete ecosystem
- Disadvantages: High gas fees
- Representative Projects: Uniswap, Backed Finance
Solana
- Features: High-performance blockchain
- Advantages: Extremely low transaction fees (~$0.001)
- Disadvantages: Relatively new, occasional network issues
- Representative Projects: Jupiter, Raydium
Polygon
- Features: Ethereum sidechain
- Advantages: Low fees, Ethereum compatible
- Disadvantages: Security depends on Ethereum
- Representative Projects: QuickSwap
💼 Wallet Basics
What is a Crypto Wallet?
Crypto wallet is a tool for storing and managing your digital assets. It actually stores private keys, not the tokens themselves.
Important Concepts:
- Private Key: Password that proves asset ownership
- Public Key/Address: Address for receiving assets
- Seed Phrase: 12-24 words for wallet recovery
Wallet Types
Hot Wallets (Software Wallets)
Features: Connected to internet, convenient for trading
Recommended Wallets:
-
MetaMask
- Supports: Ethereum, Polygon
- Pros: Most popular, good compatibility
- Cons: Only supports EVM chains
- Suitable for: Ethereum ecosystem users
-
Phantom
- Supports: Solana
- Pros: Good user experience
- Cons: Only supports Solana
- Suitable for: Solana ecosystem users
-
Trust Wallet
- Supports: Multi-chain
- Pros: Mobile-friendly
- Cons: Relatively simple features
- Suitable for: Mobile users
Cold Wallets (Hardware Wallets)
Features: Offline storage, high security
Recommended Products:
-
Ledger Nano S/X
- Supports: 1000+ coins
- Pros: High security, wide support
- Cons: Higher price ($60-120)
- Suitable for: Large fund storage
-
Trezor
- Supports: Multiple mainstream coins
- Pros: Open source, secure
- Cons: Relatively fewer supported coins
- Suitable for: Open source focused users
Wallet Security
Basic Security Principles:
-
Backup Seed Phrase
- Write on paper, don't screenshot
- Store in a safe place
- Make multiple backups
- Never share online
-
Verify Addresses
- Carefully check addresses before sending
- Use address book feature
- Send small test amounts first
-
Protect Private Keys
- Don't enter on unsafe devices
- Use hardware wallets for large funds
- Regularly update wallet software
🏢 Trading Platform Types
Centralized Exchanges (CEX)
Features: Operated by companies, similar to traditional brokers
Advantages:
- Good user experience
- High liquidity
- Customer support
- Convenient fiat on/off ramps
Disadvantages:
- Require KYC verification
- Custodial fund risks
- May face regulatory restrictions
Representative Platforms:
- Kraken: Established exchange, regulatory compliant
- Binance: World's largest, diverse offerings
- Coinbase: US public company, strong compliance
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)
Features: Based on smart contracts, no intermediaries
Advantages:
- No KYC required
- Self-custody of funds
- Censorship resistant
- High transparency
Disadvantages:
- Complex user experience
- Gas fees
- Smart contract risks
- Potentially insufficient liquidity
Representative Platforms:
- Uniswap: Ethereum's largest DEX
- Jupiter: Solana aggregator
- Raydium: Solana AMM
⚠️ Risk Warnings
Major Risks
- Price Volatility: Tokenized stock prices may fluctuate significantly
- Technical Risk: Smart contracts may have vulnerabilities
- Regulatory Risk: Policy changes may affect trading
- Liquidity Risk: May be difficult to buy/sell at certain times
Security Recommendations
- Only invest funds you can afford to lose
- Diversify investments, don't put all funds in one basket
- Regularly learn and update knowledge
- Stay cautious, avoid FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Next Step: Now that you've mastered the basics, you can continue learning specific trading platform tutorials!