Assets Classification

We can classify all asset types known to humans by using 2 types of criteria - materiality (physical existence) and type of ownability (capacity to be owned) related to the assets.

- World assets classification based on materiality and ownability

Based on the classification framework outlined above, it is crucial to categorize assets into two primary groups:

• tangible (physical) assets, like real estate, vehicles, jewelry, and cash;

• and intangible (non-physical) assets, which include legally or collectively recognized constructs such as legal entities, digital assets, and intellectual property.

These overarching categories allow for a more nuanced classification based on the asset's transferability:

• Transferable Assets: This category further divides into:

  • Private ownership allowed These are items that can be owned by individuals or corporations.

  • Private ownership not allowed : These are primarily owned by governmental bodies or international organizations and are not available for private acquisition.

• Non-Transferable Assets: This group encompasses:

  • Inherently Personal Assets: Physical examples include humans and their organs, where ownership transfer is not applicable. Intangible examples include human rights and personal identities, which are intrinsically linked to the individual and cannot be transferred or commercialized.

  • Collectively Owned Assets: Identified through international agreements as belonging to humanity at large. These assets, such as international waters, space, and the body of global human knowledge, are exempt from individual or corporate ownership due to their universal significance or intended use.