Journal of Economic, Finance Research and Review (JEFRR)

The Impact of Data Assetization on Corporate Agency Costs

Cheng, Jianing

21 February 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 111-118

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jefrr/V2E2/2026-06

Abstract

With the digital economy becoming a key driver of global growth, data has emerged as a critical production factor. This study investigates the impact of data assetization on corporate agency costs, using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2024. Based on principal-agent theory and information asymmetry theory, we argue that data assetization can mitigate agency costs by improving information transparency, optimizing decision-making processes, and strengthening internal monitoring mechanisms. Using panel data regression models and robustness tests, we find that data assetization significantly reduces both types of agency costs—those between shareholders and management, and between controlling and minority shareholders. Furthermore, the effect is more pronounced in firms with weaker governance structures and higher information asymmetry. The study contributes to the literature on data assetization and corporate governance, providing empirical evidence and policy recommendations for regulators and enterprises in the digital era.

Keywords: Data Assetization, Agency Costs, Corporate Governance, Information Asymmetry, A-Share Listed Companies

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Cheng, & Jianing (2026). The Impact of Data Assetization on Corporate Agency Costs. Journal of Economic, Finance Research and Review, 2(2), 111-118. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jefrr/V2E2/2026-06

@article{Cheng2026,
  title   = {The Impact of Data Assetization on Corporate Agency Costs},
  author  = {Cheng and Jianing},
  journal = {Journal of Economic, Finance Research and Review},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {2},
  pages   = {111-118},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jefrr/V2E2/2026-06},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jefrr/V2E2/2026-06}
}

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