Even if you’ve only just started following us here at The Token Tracker, you know we think 2020 will be a breakout year for security tokens and offerings (STOs)…

Whether it’s professional athletes tokenizing their contracts, or an STO-funded real estate venture, the demand for digital security investments and services is gaining momentum… and even firms like Fidelity are onboard.

Unfortunately, this kind of momentum also brings with it a flood of bad investments and advice…

2020 won’t be the utility token “Wild West” like we saw in 2017—when the market was full of garbage tokens and shady companies—but understanding the basics, like the difference between a security token and a utility token, will go a long way in helping you avoid the junk.

So, do you know the difference between an initial coin offering (ICO) and an STO? Or, do you know the four things to ask if you’re unsure whether a token is technically a security?

With questions like these in mind, crypto educators 99Bitcoins put together a helpful video explaining the basics of STOs and tokens. It’s an 11-minute breakdown of the key differences between utility and security tokens, without getting into the weeds… a great “STOs 101” for new token investors, and a to-the-point refresher for crypto pros.

You can watch the full video above, but here are a few highlights:

Utility vs. security tokens… What’s the difference? Like our Dave & Buster’s analogy, 99Bitcoins breaks down the two types of token investments using an everyday example… no jargon or complicated tech talk here. [1:38]

The Howey test… What is it? Depending on the token investment, some investor protections or regulations may apply… So, is a token a security or a utility? The Howey test includes the four questions that’ll answer just that. [4:14]

The pros and cons… Are you ready for STOs? Like every investment, STOs have benefits, limitations, and risks… Here are the key points to remember. [7:05]

Investing is as rewarding as it is risky, and digital securities add an entirely new level of risks and factors to consider… And as security tokens continue their breakout in 2020, the questionable players and junk tokens are counting on you to not do your homework.

Don’t let that happen.

Watch the video, and keep an eye on The Token Tracker for the latest security token news, info, and updates.

Daniel Creech is a Curzio Research analyst with over a decade of experience. He writes on macro trends, large- and small-cap stocks, and digital securities. He’s a regular contributor to Wall Street Unplugged, Curzio Crypto, Curzio Research Advisory, and The Dollar Stock Club.