Tokenizing Equity: Benefits, Risks and Practical Considerations

January 29, 2019  |   By: Max Dilendorf, Esq., Rika Khurdayan, Esq. and Gleb Zaslavsky, Esq.

By: Max Dilendorf, Esq., Rika Khurdayan, Esq. and Gleb Zaslavsky, Esq.

Special thanks to Carlos Domingo from Securitize and James C. Row, CFA from Entoro Capital for their insights and comments on this article.

One of the advantages of blockchain (or distributed ledger) technology is that it allows for the instant, secure, traceable and cryptographically secure distribution and transfer of highly customizable, digitized exchange units without the need for intermediary parties trusted by both sides of the transaction.

This feature distinguishes such digitized instruments from conventional securities and has made offerings utilizing blockchain technology a liquid and innovative way to raise capital for emerging and established companies alike.

Because almost all such digitized units offered at the fundraising stage in the U.S. are considered securities, they have been commonly referred to as “security tokens” and an offering to investors of the tokens as a security token offering (“STO”).

Equity tokens (or tokenized equity) are traditional shares issued and maintained in a digital form on a blockchain and all transfers and settlement of such shares are recorded on the blockchain. Since such equity tokens are, in fact, entirely digital, the offering for investment of such tokens may be more precisely referred to as a digital security offering (“DSO”).

A company may “tokenize” both common and preferred equity, or either of them, in one or several DSOs. However, this article explores in more detail the offering, issuance and sale of preferred share tokens (or tokenized preferred equity), which are a type of digital security tokens that are specifically designed to have traditional features of preferred equity.

While the legal process of tokenizing common and preferred shares is generally similar, preferred share tokens have certain distinctive features and advantages that make them a particularly attractive financing tool for private issuers.

In recent decades, the issuance of preferred shares has been largely adopted as a means of venture capital financing. And tokenizing preferred shares is designed to provide liquidity, as well as simplify and streamline the process of issuing, selling and managing preferred shares during their lifecycle.

Why preferred?

Preferred shares allow considerable flexibility in designing shareholder rights. An issuer has broad discretion to attach certain rights and obligations to preferred equity without diluting the voting power of common shareholders or giving away the current management’s control over the company. Unlike common shares, preferred shares may offer only limited voting rights (such as a right to vote if dividends have not been paid to preferred shareholders within a specified amount of time) or none at all. Yet, preferred shares are considered equity (not debt), are subordinate to the claims of creditors, and do not increase the company’s debt-to-equity ratio.

At the same time, preferred shares may offer a preferential return by placing preferred shareholders first in line to receive dividends, a share of profits and/or liquidation proceeds (as compared to common shareholders).

Why tokenize?

Preferred share tokens are issued and settled on a blockchain, which secures instant and effortless settlements without the need for issuing and signing stock certificates.  Access to capital via blockchain is provided on a global scale 24/7. In addition, capital table management and distributions to shareholders are simplified and expedited.  Hence, placing preferred shares on a blockchain by issuing preferred share tokens, if done properly, may enhance the flexibility and liquidity associated with such share and accordingly, reduce the liquidity discount – historically, a material decrease in value – that has otherwise applied to all but widely held conventional securities.

For an example of a company benefiting from these advantages, consider tZero, a subsidiary of Overstock.com, that has developed a legally compliant trading platform for digital securities. At the end of 2018, tZero raised $134 million from over 1,000 investors participating in its offering of preferred equity tokens which carry discretionary preferred dividend rights.

In sum, the features of a preferred share token offering, if properly structured and executed, can facilitate expeditious access to investors and shareholders globally, in real time and in full compliance with the corporate and securities laws.

Structuring a compliant DSO

DSOs targeting U.S. and foreign investors are highly complicated endeavors, both from a technical perspective and a legal one. Some of the legal considerations confronting every DSO include:

  • Determining the optimal corporate structure and place of formation;
  • The impact of, and compliance with, U.S. securities laws and the Investment Company Act;
  • Whether local law in the place of formation permits the issuance of preferred shares on a blockchain;
  • Obtaining corporate authorization to tokenize preferred shares;
  • Designing appropriate rights/attributes for the preferred shares that will be issued; and
  • Preparing appropriate documentation for the DSO.

Each of these considerations is explored in more detail below, as applied to tokenized preferred equity.

Corporate structure and jurisdiction

For a successful DSO, an issuer’s corporate and tax structure must be established in advance. A more complex structure may be required, for example, because some countries prohibit the issuance of digital securities. In such cases, a DSO may be structured through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) or finance subsidiary located in a DSO-friendly jurisdiction.

Of course, the complexity of a corporate structure will depend on many other factors, including the company’s operational history, existing corporate and ownership structure, tax consequences, exposure to potential litigation, and certain limitations prescribed by corporate and securities laws.

There is no one right answer to the question where an issuer of tokenized equity should be incorporated to structure a legally compliant and economically favorable DSO. Although an issuer does not have to be incorporated in the U.S. to issue securities[1], the U.S. is currently one of only a few jurisdictions that allow for the issuance of digital securities.

Incorporating in the U.S. may provide issuers with some additional home-field advantages, such as facilitating access to local capital and regulated security token exchanges. On the other hand, the U.S. legal system’s high standards for protecting investors may expose local companies to higher litigation risks, and the U.S. tax regime may create additional burdens for companies seeking to minimize their tax exposure.

Nevertheless, some companies prefer to incorporate in the U.S. for the projected reputational benefits as compliance with U.S. law’s high standards inspires investor confidence worldwide.

Besides litigation- and tax-related risks, some of the other vital questions to answer before incorporating a preferred-equity-token issuer in a particular jurisdiction are:

  • Do securities regulations allow for the offering to be conducted by a foreign issuer, or do they require that a local company be established?
  • If the issuer and the operating company are different entities in different countries, what multi-jurisdictional legal issues, if any, must be addressed?
  • Do corporate laws permit preferred shares to be issued with the desired rights?
  • Is there is a sufficient regulatory environment for maintaining the company’s stock ledger on a blockchain?

U.S. securities regulations

A company does not necessarily have to be incorporated in the U.S. for a compliant DSO. U.S. securities laws allow certain offerings to be conducted by foreign issuers.

In general, securities offered or sold in the U.S. must be registered with the SEC, unless the securities or the offering falls within an exemption from registration. Foreign companies may register their securities with the SEC. But a full SEC registration requires a significant amount of time and resources, making it generally unfeasible for private issuers, including issuers of preferred share tokens.

However, some of the SEC’s exemptions from registration allow both U.S. and foreign issuers to offer their securities to the U.S. and foreign investors. For example, foreign companies, like domestic ones, may conduct exempt offerings to U.S. and foreign investors simultaneously under Regulation D and Regulation S. Conversely, offerings that are exempt under Regulation CF (Crowdfunding) and Regulation A+ must be conducted by a U.S. issuer. Different exemptions offer different advantages and impose different restrictions.

Considering the Investment Company Act

In addition to securities regulations, U.S. and foreign issuers of tokenized preferred equity may inadvertently find themselves subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“ICA”). If a company’s business substantially consists of holding securities of other entities, that company may be considered an investment company under the ICA. Investment companies are subject to registration and a high level of costly compliance.

The risk of being classified as an investment company is particularly acute for an SPV that holds shares of a sponsoring operating company for the purposes of a DSO and that does not conduct any other business.   However, like the securities regulations, the ICA contains several exemptions that can be utilized by both U.S. and foreign issuers to structure a compliant DSO while avoiding burdensome registration as an investment company.

Ability to issue preferred shares on a blockchain

One of the first corporate considerations related to tokenization of preferred shares is whether the company is legally allowed to issue and maintain such shares with the desired rights and obligations but without physical certificates.

For example, in the U.S., Delaware law is particularly favorable to preferred share issuers, making it a popular jurisdiction for incorporation. The Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) allows the terms of preferred shares to be structured in the management’s broad discretion. In addition, as a part of the Delaware Blockchain Initiative, the state amended the DGCL to authorize companies or their agents to administer and maintain stock ledgers on a distributed ledger or blockchain.

Other states that expressly allow maintaining corporate records on a blockchain include Wyoming and California. In addition, most U.S. states already allow for uncertificated shares that may be recorded digitally, which suggests a great potential for the reception of the blockchain technology by private equity issuers nationwide.

Preparing corporate documents

In addition to making sure that a DSO is allowed by the corporate and securities laws of a chosen jurisdiction, the issuance should be sufficiently authorized by and described in the internal corporate governance documents, such as the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, shareholder agreements, resolutions and consents.

At this stage, generally, the issuer’s goal is to properly charter (a) authority to issue tokenized preferred equity; (b) corporate procedures related to tokenized preferred equity; (c) classes of tokenized preferred equity; and (d) the rights and responsibilities that attach to each class of preferred share tokens.

Depending on the jurisdiction of formation, an issuer’s board of directors may have very broad authority to determine the dividend, distribution, liquidation and conversion rights and obligations for each class of preferred share tokens.

If the issuer is an affiliate/SPV/subsidiary of a sponsoring operating company, certain corporate amendments and consents may be required from the sponsor to incorporate the issuer and implement the DSO structure.

Attaching rights and obligations to preferred share tokens

Having obtained proper authorization, issuers of preferred-share tokens should carefully consider the rights and obligations that will attach to the tokens, including:

  • Dividends or distributions (discretionary or guaranteed; cumulative or non-cumulative). Dividends on preferred share tokens are usually very flexible, but they must be structured carefully to feature all the elements necessary to be properly measured and distributed.
  • Liquidation preference price and type. For example, participating and non-participating preferred shares have different rights upon liquidation. Liquidation preferences may also be different for bankruptcy versus a change of control (e.g., merger or acquisition).
  • Voting rights. Will the tokens be voting, non-voting or voting as a special class? Will there be additional rights upon an issuer’s failure to pay preferred dividends for a defined number of quarters?
  • Conversion rights and obligations. Preferred shares may be converted into common shares at a shareholder’s or company’s option, during a time period or at some point in time. Conversion rights may provide preferred shareholders with additional capital appreciation opportunity if the company grows. Will there be any conversion rights? If so, what would be the conversion ratio and other terms?
  • Redemption rights and obligations. An issuer, similarly, has discretion whether to agree to repurchase the preferred shares and under what terms. Will there be a mandatory redemption date? Will the redemption payments be spread over time? What funds will be used for the repurchase?
  • Anti-dilution protection. Will there be any protection for the preferred shareholders against being diluted by subsequent issuances of different series and classes of stock? Any risks of dilution should be disclosed in the DSO documents.

Preparing DSO documents

All the terms of the DSO will be reflected in the offering documents, which will vary depending on the type of offering, type of business and the particular exemption (or exemptions) from registration utilized by the issuer.

However, DSO will typically involve preparation of an offering memorandum or prospectus to be distributed to prospective investors (“OM”). The OM will contain numerous provisions to be considered by investors, including an executive summary and description of the project; legal notices to investors; an overview of the company and its corporate structure; description of the company’s management team; financial information; disclosures concerning any conflicts of interest; terms of the security token and the offering, including how the funds raised will be used; risk factors, purchase and resale restrictions; disclaimers and so on.

In addition, the investors will have to sign a Subscription Agreement or Purchase Agreement containing terms and conditions for purchasing the preferred share tokens, including representations by the company and the investor, payment and delivery terms, transfer restrictions, etc.

Implementation stage: Making the preferred share token work

In addition to the legal concerns outlined above, practical considerations regarding the implementation of the features and restrictions of preferred share tokens are equally important.  As there will be no physical share certificates (unless required upon shareholders’ request in some jurisdictions), the issuer’s preferred share tokens must have the functionality to support all the designed components on a blockchain, which is often achieved with the help of smart contracts and includes, among other things:

  • Keeping track of investors. This is absolutely necessary to maintain the company’s capital table and track or enforce transfer restrictions and secondary trading limitations, as described below.
  • Conducting investor accreditation and KYC/AML checks of investors and their digital wallets upon each transfer.
  • Calculating, declaring and distributing dividends via smart contracts.

It is highly important to embed into the token all the restrictions mandated by the securities regulations. One of those limitation to be kept in mind while considering incorporating in the U.S. is the so-called “2,000 holders of record” rule. The rule applies differently to U.S. issuers and foreign issuers.

Under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, U.S. issuers with total assets above $10 million and more than 2,000 holders of record of the company’s equity securities (or 500 holders of record who are not accredited investors) must register those equity securities with the SEC. In the case of foreign private issuers, the registration is not required unless the issuer reaches 300 U.S.-resident equity holders of record. SEC registration is a lengthy and expensive process that also involves ongoing reporting obligations; it is generally not feasible for preferred-share-token issuers.

Other securities-related limitations that U.S. and foreign issuers of preferred share tokens should consider depend on the particular exemption from registration that is being used, but these generally include: verification of a purchaser’s “accredited investor” status and KYC/AML checks, transfer restrictions and limitations on secondary trading, and broker-dealer issues.

If the issuer of a preferred-share token chooses to employ one of the several tokenization platforms now or soon to be available, it must ensure that the chosen platform is capable of building all the contemplated and requisite features into the tokens.

Conclusion

Tokenization of preferred equity may benefit both U.S. and foreign issuers by providing an innovative, lower cost and flexible global financing opportunity.  The U.S. regulatory environment already allows DSOs and is expected to develop further. At present, while the tokenization process can be a challenging task because it involves complex corporate, securities, tax and other considerations and limitations that preexisted the concept of digital securities on a blockchain, it also offers short and long term benefits that companies seeking to raise capital should consider leveraging.

Accordingly, the considerations outlined above should not prevent the proliferation of digital securities and may be used as a step-by-step guidance to a successful equity tokenization project in 2019.

This article is provided for your convenience and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

ABOUT SECURITIZE:

Securitize is a compliance platform for issuing and managing digital securities on the blockchain, including dividends, distributions, and share buy-backs.  Securitize’s innovative Digital Securities Protocol (DS Protocol) enables seamless, fully compliant trading across multiple markets simultaneously.  Securitize actively partners with exchanges, broker-dealers, custodians of crypto, escrow services, and other financial infrastructure for digital securities.  For further information, visit www.securitize.io

ABOUT ENTORO: 

Entoro Capital is a Houston based technology enabled investment bank and advisory group specializing in digital securities and blockchain strategies. Entoro uses its proprietary online private securities syndication platform OfferBoard® for accredited investors to analyze and review projects and opportunities. Entoro’s strength is in bringing highly vetted projects to investors globally, with maximum efficiency, end-to-end security, and with seamless execution, delivering total confidence in each investment. Securities are offered through Entoro Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For further information, visit www.entoro.com.

[1] Unless the issuer plans to rely on an exemption from securities registration that requires incorporation in the United States.

This article is provided for your convenience and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Other Resources

ALL ARTICLES

Our Founding Partner

/

Max (Maksim) Dilendorf, Esq.

Max (Maksim) Dilendorf’s legal practice is laser-focused on digital assets and cyber-crime cases, a domain he has passionately pursued since 2017. Over the past 7 years, Max built a distinct digital asset law practice, dedicating tens of thousands of hours to managing diverse client cases, research and engaging ...

Learn More about Max (Maksim) Dilendorf, Esq.
Max (Maksim) Dilendorf, Esq.

Adam Pollock

Adam is one of the nation’s leading young whistleblower lawyers.  He brings with him a special ability not just to litigate, but to investigate – and understand – complex organizations and transactions.  His extensive familiarity with tech issues is built on a computer science degree and work as a ...

Learn More about Adam Pollock
Adam Pollock

Bari Zahn, Esq.

Bari Zahn has nearly 20 years of experience practicing at global law firms in New York. Bari has represented a broad array of multinational clients on U.S. and cross-border transactions. She has supervised legal teams worldwide and has extensive management experience as the Founder, former CEO and General ...

Learn More about Bari Zahn, Esq.
Bari Zahn, Esq.

Steve Cohen

Steve contributes extensive business and problem-solving experience to challenges that may require litigation – or may help avoid it.  Indeed, his perspective on litigation is influenced by his experience as a three-time internet start-up CEO.

Steve served on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign ...

Learn More about Steve Cohen
Steve Cohen

Robin Gerofsky Kaptzan, Esq.

A New York licensed attorney with three decades of legal and business experience in the U.S. and Asia, Robin recently joined the law firm as a partner and leads the Asia-Pacific practice.

While acting as an international business lawyer and global corporate general counsel, Robin is sought out by clients ...

Learn More about Robin Gerofsky Kaptzan, Esq.
Robin Gerofsky Kaptzan, Esq.

Craig S. Redler

Craig S. Redler has held positions with Amicorp in its offices in Auckland New Zealand and Miami Florida, and Southpac Trust International, Inc. with offices in the Cook Islands and Tauranga New Zealand. His responsibilities included serving as Trustee for off-shore trusts settled by high net-worth clients ...

Learn More about Craig S. Redler
Craig S. Redler