Agent

Definition:

In equity capital markets transactions, an Agent for the issuer may be acting as Depository (holding securities deposited by the issuer), Paying Agent (distributing dividends to shareholders) or Transfer Agent (tracking ownership and managing transfers in ownership of physical certificates). In reporting and compliance, an Agent for the issuer may be acting as Proxy Agent (sending out Proxy materials), or Mailing Agent (mailing the company’s quarterly, annual and other reports).

In debt capital markets transactions, an Agent for the issuer may be acting as Administrative Agent (managing payments between borrower and a Syndicate of lenders), Collateral Agent or Security Agent (holding collateral for a loan on behalf of a Syndicate of lenders), Documentation Agent (negotiating the loan agreements), Syndication Agent (lender with no or nominal duties), Paying Agent (distributing payments to bondholders) or Registrar (tracking ownership and managing transfers in ownership).