Glossary

Accredited Investor

An accredited investor is an individual or entity specifically allowed to deal in securities that may not be registered with financial authorities. These investors are considered financially sophisticated and have a reduced need for the protection provided by regulatory disclosure filings. Typically, an accredited investor meets criteria regarding income, net worth, asset size, governance status, or professional experience.

AML (Anti-Money Laundering)

Anti-Money Laundering refers to a set of procedures, laws, and regulations designed to stop the practice of generating income through illegal actions. In many jurisdictions, regulations require financial institutions and other regulated entities to prevent, detect, and report money laundering activities.

Angel Investor

An angel investor is a high-net-worth individual who provides financial backing for small startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for ownership equity in the company. Often, angel investors support businesses at the early stages, offering their financial resources and sometimes mentorship to help the companies grow.

ACH (Automated Clearing House)

ACH is an electronic network for financial transactions in the United States, which allows funds to be transferred from one bank account to another through direct deposit or direct payment via ACH transactions, including payroll, tax, and bill payments.

Audit

An audit is a systematic review and assessment of information or documents. In a financial context, it refers to the process where an auditor examines an organization's financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulations, providing assurance that financial statements are fair and correct.

Andes Capital

Andes Capital is a financial services firm specializing in capital markets and investment banking, providing advisory services and access to capital markets for corporate clients.

Attestations

Attestations are formal statements or declarations made, confirming the accuracy of information or compliance with a standard or regulation, often sworn in the presence of a legally authorized officer.

Annual Report

An Annual Report is a comprehensive document issued by a company to its shareholders and other interested parties at the end of each fiscal year. It includes detailed information about the company’s activities and financial performance, and is essential for assessing the company's health and prospects.

ACV (Annual Contract Value)

Annual Contract Value refers to the average annualized revenue per customer contract, excluding one-time charges. It's a significant metric in businesses where contract terms vary in length, helping gauge the value a contract brings over a year.

Auditor

An auditor is a professional who reviews and verifies the accuracy of financial records and ensures that companies comply with tax laws. They are essential in maintaining the integrity of financial reporting, which is crucial for investors, regulators, and the company's own strategic decision-making.

ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue)

Similar to MRR, Annual Recurring Revenue is a metric that measures the predictable and recurring revenue generated by a company over a year. It is crucial for assessing long-term financial stability and for making comparisons year over year.

ATS (Alternative Trading System)

An Alternative Trading System (ATS) is a trading venue that matches buyers and sellers to find counterparties for transactions. ATSs are typically regulated as broker-dealers rather than as securities exchanges, offering services for matching buy and sell orders in stocks and other securities.

AGM (Annual General Meeting)

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a mandatory yearly gathering of a company's interested shareholders. At the AGM, directors of the company present the company's financial performance and strategy, and shareholders with voting rights vote on current issues, such as appointments to the company's board of directors.