Boards, directors & committees · Core
Fiduciary duty
Also called: fiduciary obligation
ELI5
A duty to act loyally and carefully for another party or entity under applicable law.
Used in conversation
“The minutes should record the decision on fiduciary duty, not reconstruct it later.”
Pitch context
You will see “Fiduciary duty” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches boards, directors & committees.
Why it matters: In boards, directors & committees, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16