The paper –
Pro-active Paper on the Definition of an Asset (PDF 336k) – is intended to serve as input to the IASB in its deliberation on the development of the
Conceptual Framework Phase B.
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Current definition of an asset in the IASB Framework: An asset is a resource controlled by the entity as a result of past events and from which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity. Proposed new definition: An asset of an entity is a present economic resource to which the entity has a right or other access that others do not have.
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The paper tests a dozen arrangements against the two definitions: cash on hand, an account receivable, an assembled workforce, goodwill, a lottery ticket, an offer of future discounts to potential customers, know-how/knowledge acquired as a result of research expenditures, an improved position in the market/new customer relationship resulting from marketing efforts, contracts, a licence to operate in a restricted market, a deferred tax item for an unused tax loss, and a planned transaction. While the first six arrangements were also tested by the IASB/FASB staff, the last six arrangements were solely chosen and analysed by the EFRAG/ANC project staff.