Understanding Blockchain Transaction Types

This article provides an overview of various blockchain transaction types. Each type plays a critical role in managing digital assets and ensuring secure, efficient, and compliant interactions on the blockchain.

1. Mint/Burn

Description:

  • Mint: Creates new tokens and adds them to the total supply (mark up).
  • Burn: Permanently removes tokens from the total supply (mark down).

Use Cases:

  • Mint: Expanding token supply to represent a capital increase or the primary allocation of any instrument type.
  • Burn: Reducing supply to represent a buy back or redeem...

2. Freeze/Unfreeze

Description:

  • Freeze: Prevents a specific wallet from executing transactions. It can be applied partially or totally on the token supply hold by that wallet.
  • Unfreeze: Restores normal functionality to a previously frozen wallet.It can also be applied partially or totally on the token supply hold by that wallet.

Use Cases:

  • Enforcing compliance during investigations.
  • Resolving disputes or fraud.
  • Enforcing a lock period.

3. Force Transfers

Description:

A transaction initiated by an authorized party (must be agent of the issuer) to move tokens from one wallet to another without requiring the owner's consent. 
IMPORTANT: Force transfers are by passing the token compliance rules.

Use Cases:

  • Addressing compliance violations.
  • Reclaiming lost tokens.

4. Simple Transfer Between Investors

Description:

A basic transaction that moves tokens from one investor's wallet to another.

Use Cases:

  • Facilitating peer-to-peer transfers.
  • Completing purchases or sales of tokens.

5. Swap Transfer Between Investors

Description:

A transaction that simultaneously exchanges tokens representing both cash and security legs between two investors. It is handled in one single blockchain transaction to prevent any dispute or fraud.

Use Cases:

  • Secondary market transaction.
  • Portfolio rebalancing.

6. Pause/Unpause Token

Description:

  • Pause: Temporarily halts all transactions for a specific token. Note that it halts only investor transactions, allowing agents to keep operating. 
  • Unpause: Resumes normal transaction activity.

Use Cases:

  • Emergency responses to security incidents.
  • Temporary suspension during upgrades or audits.

7. Qualify an Investor

Description:

Assigns a specific qualification or status to an investor’s ONCHAINID, allowing them to access particular token types or participate in specific transactions.

Use Cases:

  • Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Enabling participation in exclusive offerings.

8. Add/Revoke Agent

Description:

  • Add Agent: Grants an entity or an individual the authority to perform specific actions on the blockchain.
  • Revoke Agent: Removes an entity’s authority.

Use Cases:

  • Delegating operational responsibilities.
  • Revoking access for entities that no longer require it.

9. Recovery Process

Description:

Allows an authorized party to recover tokens in case wallet access is lost, often involving proof of ownership or identity.

Use Cases:

  • Addressing lost private keys.
  • Assisting users locked out of their wallets.

Summary Table

Transaction TypeKey PurposeExamples
Mint/BurnAdjust token supplyIssuing new tokens, controlling inflation
Freeze/UnfreezeManage wallet or token activityAddressing fraud, resolving disputes
Force TransfersEnforce compliance or correct errorsRecovering lost tokens
Simple TransferFacilitate basic transfersPeer-to-peer payments
Swap TransferExchange tokens between investorsTrading or rebalancing portfolios
Pause/Unpause TokenTemporarily halt or resume token activitySecurity incidents, upgrades
Qualify an InvestorAssign access rights based on complianceParticipation in exclusive offerings
Add/Revoke AgentGrant or remove operational authorityDelegating admin roles
Recovery ProcessRestore lost access or recover tokensLost keys, compromised wallets

By understanding these transaction types, users can efficiently manage their blockchain interactions while maintaining compliance and security.

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