Goodbye ICOs, Hello TAOs? How Tokens Will Change in 2018

From Coindesk

As we enter 2018, it appears that blockchain's contribution to capital formation has only begun.
An unfortunate influx of both naive and bad actors begs for regulatory scrutiny, obscuring the intentions of ethical market participants anxious to operate within an informed set of dynamic guidelines and eventual laws.

In this environment, many anticipate increased regulatory action and enforcement by the SEC against issuers in 2018, and we will. But I don't expect the actions to stop there.

We will also likely see enforcement actions against certain "exchanges," which transacted in coins that are definitely securities. We will likely see FINRA jumping in with the SEC bringing actions against individuals who acted as placement agents and finders in taking compensation for ICO sales. Unlicensed investment banks or unauthorized entities will be regulatory targets, having conducted securities business for their ICO activities.

Of major importance for everyone involved during this time will be the need for quality education, alleviating confusion surrounding how blockchain's facilitation of financial transactions differs from cryptocurrencies.

As a capital formation tool, blockchain is likely to increase the reach of both small- and large-scale fundings, adding a tangible new layer of transparency for issuers and regulators alike, while confirming KYC (know your customer) suitability compliance and providing investor protection, straight through processing.

We will see increased collaboration between the blockchain or crypto community and currently regulated entities, as a movement toward asset quality and rigorous due diligence begins to dominate the marketplace.

The result will be increased activity and investment by institutional investors and venture capitalists.

Read more: https://www.coindesk.com/goodbye-icos-hello-taos-tokens-will-change-2018/

A rose by any other name... I don't think this shift in branding will change anything.