What is a Principal Shareholder? Definition and Key Insights

Definition & Meaning

A principal shareholder is defined as any individual or entity that directly or indirectly owns or controls more than ten percent of a bank's outstanding voting securities. This definition is important in the context of banking regulations, as it identifies those who have significant influence over a bank's operations and decision-making processes.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if an individual owns 15 percent of a bank's shares, they are classified as a principal shareholder. This status may grant them certain voting rights in shareholder meetings and influence over major decisions. (Hypothetical example: A private equity firm acquires 12 percent of a bank's voting shares, thus becoming a principal shareholder.)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Major Shareholder A shareholder owning a significant percentage of shares, often defined as more than five percent. Major shareholders may not have the same level of control as principal shareholders, who own over ten percent.
Shareholder An individual or entity that owns shares in a company. Not all shareholders are principal shareholders; the latter has a specific ownership threshold.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a principal shareholder, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding voting and corporate governance. You may want to review the bank's bylaws and consult with a legal professional if you have questions. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates and resources to help manage your shareholder responsibilities effectively.

Quick facts

  • Ownership threshold: More than ten percent of voting securities.
  • Relevant legal area: Banking and finance law.
  • Potential implications: Regulatory compliance, influence in corporate governance.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

To be a principal shareholder, an individual or entity must own or control more than ten percent of a bank's outstanding voting securities.