Non-financial asset

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A non-financial asset is an asset that cannot be traded on the financial markets and whose value is derived by its physical net worth rather than from a contractual claim, as opposed to a financial asset (e.g., stock, bonds). Non-financial assets may be tangible (also known as real assets, e.g., land, buildings, equipment, and vehicles) but also intangible (e.g., patents, intellectual property, data). [1] [2]

Non-financial assets can be further divided into produced assets (fixed assets, inventories, and valuables) and non-produced assets (natural resources, contracts, leases and licenses, and goodwill and marketing assets). [3] [4]

Non-financial assets can be transformed into financial assets through securitization; the non-financing asset thus becomes an underlying asset.

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References

  1. "The national accounts in 2015". Insee.fr - Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques.
  2. "OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms - Non-financial assets Definition".
  3. "Glossary:Non-financial non-produced assets". Eurostat.
  4. Harrison, Anne (8 February 2006). "Classification and terminology of non-financial assets" (PDF). Advisory Expert Group on National Accounts.