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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.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term principal shareholder is commonly used in banking and finance law. It is relevant in various legal contexts, including compliance with federal regulations, corporate governance, and shareholder rights. Understanding who qualifies as a principal shareholder is essential for banks to adhere to regulatory requirements and for shareholders to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Key legal elements
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.
Common misunderstandings
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.
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