Effect of Intangible Assets on the Financial Performance of Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks

Abstract

The financial sector, being a critical component of economic development, heavily relies on intangible assets to enhance its performance and competitiveness. This paper conducted an analysis of intangible assets and financial sector performance in Nigeria. The study utilized an ex-post facto research design and a panel least square regression analysis. The study used current data of amortization of intangible assets, total investment in intangible assets, and earnings per share obtained from the annual report of two (2) major Banks (UBA and First Bank) from 2018-2022. The findings from the Panel least square analysis indicated that the amortization of intangible assets and the total investment of intangible assets have a positive but insignificant effect on the earnings per share of the listed banks in Nigeria. The study concludes that intangible assets have an insignificant effect on the financial performance of Nigerian banks. The study recommends that financial institutions in Nigeria should focus on efficient management and utilization of their intangible assets. Regular assessments and strategies to mitigate depreciation can help enhance earnings and shareholder value. Lastly, they should increase investment in Intangible assets.