A Study on the Risks Associated with On-Balance Sheet Recognition of Data Resources
Download PDF
$currentUrl="http://$_SERVER[HTTP_HOST]$_SERVER[REQUEST_URI]"

Keywords

Data resources
On-balance sheet recognition
Valuation uncertainty
Information disclosure
Risk

DOI

10.26689/pbes.v8i5.12173

Submitted : 2025-09-14
Accepted : 2025-09-29
Published : 2025-10-14

Abstract

This study focuses on the risks associated with the on-balance sheet recognition of data resources. At the legal level, disputes over ownership often arise due to unclear data property rights, while privacy protection, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows create additional compliance challenges. In terms of recognition, the subjectivity of traditional valuation methods, the lack of active markets, and the rapid depreciation of data value caused by technological iteration hinder reliable measurement. With respect to disclosure, organizations face a dilemma between transparency and confidentiality. Collectively, these issues exacerbate audit risks. It is therefore imperative to establish an appropriate legal, accounting, and auditing framework to mitigate such risks and remove barriers to the proper recognition of data assets on balance sheets.

References

The Ministry of Finance of China, 2023, Interim Provisions on Accounting Treatment of Enterprise Data Resources, viewed August 1, 2025, https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10746/202310/content_6907744.html

Liu G, Zhou D, 2021, Research on Data Asset Standards under the IASB Framework. Financial and Accounting Monthly, (21): 66–71.

Tan M, 2021, On the Conceptual Development and Theoretical Framework of Data Assets. Financial and Accounting Monthly, (10): 87–93.

Xu T, You J, Zeng C, et al., 2022, Exploratory Practice of Enterprise Data Assetization and Construction of Theoretical Model. Foreign Economics & Management, 44(06): 3–17.

Zhang J, Wei Y, Song X, 2020, Accounting Treatment and Information Disclosure of Enterprise Data Assets. Accounting and Economic Research, (3): 3–15.

International Accounting Standards Board, 2018, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, viewed June 23, 2025, https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/student/exam-support-resources/professional-exams-study-resources/strategic-business-reporting/technical-articles/conceptual-framework.html

Liu Y, 2023, International Comparison, Challenges and Countermeasures of Data Resource Recognition on the Balance Sheet. Guangdong Economy, (11): 37–43.

Ministry of Finance of China, 2014, Basic Accounting Standards for Enterprises, viewed June 23, 2025, http://tfs.mof.gov.cn/caizhengbuling/201407/t20140729_1119494.htm

Wu D, Wu Y, Li J, et al., 2023, Prospective Study of Data Asset Accounting Standards: From the Perspective of Data Value Creation Features in the Digital Economy. Contemporary Accounting Review, 16(2): 14–33.

China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, 2020, Data Assetization: Research Report on Data Asset Recognition and Accounting Measurement (2020), viewed June 23, 2025, http://www.caict.ac.cn/kxyj/qwfb/ztbg/202012/P020201209374734599565.pdf

Li D, Liu Y, Deng L, et al., 2023, Data Asset Value Assessment Method and Application Based on the Full Data Lifecycle. Big Data, (6): 39–55.

Lu X, 2019, Discussion on the Measurement Issues of Big Data Assets. Financial & Accounting Communications, (10): 59–63.

Zhang X, Liu Y, Wu W, 2022, Research on Accounting Measurement of Data Assets: The Case of Big Data Enterprises. Financial & Accounting Communications, (19): 10–14, 20.

Huang S, Ye F, Chen C, 2023, Recognition, Measurement and Reporting of Data Assets: From the Perspective of Business Models. Financial and Accounting Monthly, (8): 3–7.

Zhu J, Liu Y, Xu Z, 2024, Discussion on the Risks of Assetizing Data Resources Recognition on the Balance Sheet. Financial & Accounting Communications, (13): 91–96.

Liu Y, 2023, Data, Data Assets, and Their Value Assessment. China Asset Appraisal, (5): 51–56.

Hannila H, Silvola R, Harkonen J, et al., 2022, Data-Driven Begins with DATA: Potential of Data Assets. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 62(1): 29–38.

Yuan Z, Yu X, Li M, 2022, Data Asset Information Disclosure, Heterogeneity of Institutional Investors, and Corporate Value. Modern Finance and Economics (Journal of Tianjin University of Finance and Economics), 42(11): 32–47.

Zhu J, Shen Z, Bai J, et al., 2025, Research on Audit Difficulties and Countermeasures of Data Assets in Financial Statement Auditing. Accounting Friends, (5): 15–24.

Xiao X, 2024, Research on Audit Risk of Data Assets Recognition. Proceedings of Business and Economic Studies, 7(1): 124–131.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 2024, Corporate Data: A New Type of Intangible? viewed July 2, 2025, https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2024/may-2024/corporate-data-a-new-type-of-intangible