Company forms & group structures · Core
Subsidiary
Also called: subsidiary company
ELI5
An entity controlled by another entity under the applicable legal or accounting test.
Used in conversation
“The draft mentions subsidiary, but the scope and jurisdiction are still unclear.”
Pitch context
You will see “Subsidiary” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches company forms & group structures.
Why it matters: In company forms & group structures, 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 resourcesDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16