account

In the context of bookkeeping, refers to the ledger pages upon which various assets, liabilities, income, and expenses are represented.

In the context of investment banking, refers to the status of securities sold and owned or the relationship between parties to an underwriting syndicate. In the context of securities, the relationship between a client and a broker/dealer firm allowing the firm's employee to be the client's buying and selling agent. See: Account executive; account statement.

An agreement between an institution and a person, or another institution, whereby the first institution agrees to hold money and/or other assets on behalf of the second. What the holder may do with those assets depends upon the nature of the account. In a checking account and a savings account, a bank holds money for the client and pays it (them or he/she) a certain percentage in interest. This payment gives the bank the right to lend the money to other clients or invest it within the confines of law and banking regulation. However, the client has the right to withdraw the total amount of money on demand. In a brokerage account, a brokerage holds money and securities for the client and makes transactions with them at the client's request. In exchange, the brokerage charges commissions for the transactions.