Encyclopedia

The ZUG DLT Encyclopedia provides clear, authoritative definitions of distributed ledger technology terms and concepts as they apply in Switzerland’s regulatory and institutional context. Entries cover technical concepts (distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts), legal concepts (DLT securities, Registerwertrechte, insolvency segregation), market concepts (tokenisation, DLT trading facilities), and regulatory concepts (FINMA licensing categories, the DLT Act’s key provisions). The Encyclopedia is intended for practitioners, policymakers, journalists, and researchers working at the intersection of Swiss law, finance, and DLT.

Each entry is drafted with precision, distinguishing between how a term is used in general blockchain discourse and how it applies specifically within the Swiss legal and regulatory framework. Where Swiss usage diverges from international convention — as it does with terms such as Registerwertrecht, DLT trading facility, and segregation in insolvency — the Encyclopedia explains the distinction and its practical significance.

Entries are cross-referenced to relevant Swiss legislation, FINMA guidance, and Federal Council dispatch documents, enabling readers to trace definitions back to their authoritative source. Technical entries include sufficient detail for non-specialist comprehension without sacrificing accuracy. Legal entries note where interpretive questions remain open or where FINMA practice has evolved beyond the statutory text.

The Encyclopedia is maintained as a living reference, updated as Swiss DLT regulation develops and as market practice introduces new terminology requiring institutional-quality definition.