> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lerian.studio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating an Asset

> Register a new Asset in your Ledger to track currencies, tokens, or any unit of value used in Transactions.

An Asset defines the unit of value that Accounts and Transactions use inside a Ledger. Create Assets before creating Accounts, because every Account must be tied to one Asset.

## Before you start

***

You need an existing Organization and Ledger. Decide whether the Asset is a currency, crypto asset, commodity, or another custom unit of value.

<Warning>
  Asset codes are operational identifiers. Choose them carefully, because Accounts and Transactions will depend on them.
</Warning>

## Create the Asset

***

<Steps>
  <Step>
    From the **Assets** page, click the **New Asset** button.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    The **New Asset** form will open on the right side of the screen.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Select the **Type** of Asset.

    * *Crypto*: for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and so on.
    * *Commodity*: for raw materials that can be traded such as gold, natural gas, soybeans, cattle, corn, and so on.
    * *Currency*: for currencies such as Brazilian Real, US Dollars, Euro, and so on.
    * *Others*: for any other type of Asset that you want to add.

    <Danger>
      You **cannot** create assets with the same type and code. Also, the names of the Assets must be **unique**.
    </Danger>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Specify the **Asset Name**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Specify a 3-letter code for the Asset.

    * If the Asset is a currency, the [ISO 4217](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217#List_of_ISO_4217_currency_codes) standards will be available for selection.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    \[Optional] You can select the Metadata tab of the form to add any value you want to use as metadata.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Once you have filled in the information, click the **Save** button.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    The Asset will appear in the list of available Assets for your Ledger.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  The fields in the Metadata tab are open. There are no predefined keys or values. Use consistent key names across your Organization, such as `country`, `settlementNetwork`, or `regulatoryClass`, so you can filter and audit Assets later.
</Tip>

## Field guide

***

| Field          | What to enter                                                                                                                                  | Example             |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Type           | Asset category. Use `Currency` for fiat money, `Crypto` for crypto assets, `Commodity` for tradable commodities, or `Others` for custom units. | `Currency`          |
| Asset Name     | Human-readable Asset name shown to operators.                                                                                                  | `Brazilian Real`    |
| Code           | Three-letter Asset code. For fiat currencies, use the ISO 4217 code when possible.                                                             | `BRL`               |
| Metadata Key   | Optional classification or integration field name.                                                                                             | `settlementNetwork` |
| Metadata Value | Value for the metadata key.                                                                                                                    | `pix`               |

## What to do next

***

After creating the Asset, create Accounts that use it in [Creating an Account](/en/lerian-console/midaz-console/creating-an-account).

<Card title="API equivalent" type="tip" horizontal>
  [Create an Asset endpoint](/en/reference/midaz/create-an-asset)
</Card>