The Intersection of NFTs and Structured Finance

19 Pages Posted: 16 Feb 2023 Last revised: 30 Oct 2024

See all articles by Christopher K. Odinet

Christopher K. Odinet

Texas A&M University School of Law

Andrea Tosato

Southern Methodist University - Dedman School of Law

Date Written: February 14, 2023

Abstract

Blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continue to invade financial markets. Whether through partnerships between financial institutions and tech firms or through in-house initiatives at some of the nation’s largest banks, blockchain-based products, services, and transactional structures are a major point of interest. In a recent work by Professor Steven Schwarcz, the growing NFT market is analyzed using the traditional tools of structured finance. Creating a new conceptual model called non-cash-flow monetizations, Professor Schwarcz reveals the risks to investors and markets, if the tokenization of non-traditional and largely illiquid assets proliferates. Having identified the potential harms, he offers a package of regulatory solutions grounded in public law frameworks, which might mitigate, though not completely eliminate, these potential downsides. In this Essay, we review Schwarcz’s Article and highlight how its insights advance the understanding of novel blockchain-based transactions and their disruption of the existing financial landscape. Additionally, we provide an analysis of the private law dimension of non-cash flow monetizations—a perspective we believe is absent from much of the public discourse and relevant academic literature.

Keywords: Blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, Stablecoins, monetization, financial institutions, tech, securitization, finance, tokens, crypto

Suggested Citation

Odinet, Christopher K. and Tosato, Andrea, The Intersection of NFTs and Structured Finance (February 14, 2023). Boston University Law Review, Vol. 103, No. 4, pp. 1005-23, 2023, U Iowa Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2023-11, Texas A&M University School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 24-94, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4357533 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4357533

Christopher K. Odinet (Contact Author)

Texas A&M University School of Law ( email )

1515 Commerce St.
Fort Worth, TX Tarrant County 76102
United States

Andrea Tosato

Southern Methodist University - Dedman School of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 750116
Dallas, TX 75275
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.smu.edu/law/faculty/profiles/tosato-andrea

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