Private asset valuations: questions behind the reported number

Information date and official framework

Information is current to 2 October 2026. This is educational material. The IFRS Foundation’s introduction to IFRS 13 describes fair value as a sale price in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The standard applies when another standard requires or permits fair value measurement. Certain specified circumstances are governed by other standards. The family review practices below are G70 analysis, not additional accounting requirements.

Identify what is being valued

G70 perspective: when reviewing a private company, fund or other unlisted asset, ask the adviser to identify the measurement date, the interest being valued and the purpose. Discuss the value of an entire business, a share class and the family’s actual interest separately before entering a figure in the asset register.

Keep the valuation report, ownership records and an explanation of changes since the previous period. Where older information is used, record its date and ask a qualified valuation professional whether subsequent developments need to be considered.

Review assumptions and exit arrangements separately

G70 perspective: ask the valuer which inputs reflect completed transactions and which involve forecasts or judgement. Request an explanation of how changes in major assumptions affect the result. Scenario comparisons help explore uncertainty; they do not promise that a forecast will occur.

Separately record transfer restrictions, approval procedures, potential buyers and sale costs. This is an exit and cash planning checklist, not a basis for rewriting a professional valuation or treating a reported value as immediately available cash.

Three questions for the family meeting

G70 perspective: what mainly explains the change from the previous valuation? Who will review it if a key assumption does not hold? If the family needs cash, which receipts have confirmed arrangements and which still depend on a transaction closing?

We believe the valuation report, ownership documents and cash needs schedule should be reviewed together, with a named person responsible for updates. Qualified professionals must confirm the applicable accounting treatment, valuation method and legal restrictions for each asset. This article does not assess a fair price or recommend buying or selling any asset.