Iran’s CBI includes intangible assets in its list of acceptable collaterals

In a statement released on Sunday, the CBI published a list of 35 assets that banks in Iran can accept as collateral for loans.

The list included, for the first time, the intangible assets of the so-called science-based companies, including their registered products and technological innovations.

Local media reports said the recognition of intangible assets as securities in banks would be a major boost to the ability of technology companies, including many internet firms in Iran, to secure new financial resources for their ambitious projects.

Hamed Rafi’ee, an official from the Iranian Presidency’s department for science and technology, which operates independently from the country's ministry of sciences, said that the department had managed to finally persuade the CBI and the banking system in the country to recognize the intangible assets as collateral for loans.

“The financial system in the country was previously reluctant to count on these assets, and the science-based companies were unable to use them for securing loans,” said Rafi’ee.

He said that technology firms can now apply for loans from the Iranian banks using assets like patents, software, brands, and registered trademarks as collateral.

Iran has invested heavily in its science-based economy in recent years, setting up dozens of technology parks that host hundreds of startups and internet platforms across the country.

The policy is part of Iran’s broader efforts to diversify its economy away from oil exports./isna