Non-Fungible Token (NFT)

Definition

A unique cryptographic token recorded on a blockchain that represents ownership of a specific digital or physical asset, such as artwork, music, collectibles, or virtual real estate. Unlike fungible tokens (such as cryptocurrencies), each NFT is distinct and cannot be exchanged on a one-for-one basis with another. NFTs have created new models for digital asset ownership, creator royalties, and provenance verification, though their market valuations have proven highly volatile.

Complementary Terms

Concepts that frequently appear alongside Non-Fungible Token (NFT) in practice.

Blockchain Assets

Digital intangible assets recorded and verified on a distributed ledger, including cryptocurrencies, tokenised securities, non-fungible tokens, and smart contracts. The valuation and accounting treatment of blockchain assets remain an evolving area, with significant implications for enterprise balance sheets.

Digital Twin

A virtual representation of a physical asset, process, or system that is continuously updated with real-time data. Digital twins are increasingly recognised as valuable intangible assets that enhance operational productivity, enable predictive maintenance, and accelerate product development.

Digital Twin (Business)

A virtual representation of a physical asset, process, or entire business operation that uses real-time data and simulation to mirror its real-world counterpart. Digital twins enable predictive maintenance, scenario modelling, and operational optimisation.

Tokenisation (AI)

The process of breaking text, code, or other sequential data into discrete units (tokens) that serve as the input and output elements for large language models. Tokenisation determines how a model processes language and directly affects inference costs, since API pricing for large language models is typically based on token count.

Discount for Lack of Marketability (DLOM)

A reduction applied to the value of an ownership interest to reflect the absence of a ready market for its sale. DLOM is commonly applied to interests in private companies where shares cannot be easily traded on a public exchange.

Equity Risk Premium (ERP)

The incremental return that investors require for holding equities over risk-free government bonds, reflecting the additional risk associated with equity ownership. The ERP is a critical input to cost of equity estimation under both CAPM and build-up methods.

Marketability Discount

A reduction applied to the value of an ownership interest to reflect the lack of a ready market in which to sell the interest quickly and at full value. Also known as a discount for lack of marketability (DLOM), this adjustment is particularly significant for private company valuations where shares cannot be readily traded on a public exchange.

Entrepreneurial Profit

The return that an investor or developer would require as compensation for the risk and effort of creating an intangible asset, above and beyond the direct costs of development. In the cost approach to valuation, entrepreneurial profit is added to the reproduction or replacement cost to reflect the economic reality that a willing buyer would not pay less than the cost to create plus a reasonable return on the development investment.

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