What is a Municipal Bond? A municipal bond refers a bond or fixed income security that is issued by a government municipality, township, or state to finance its governmental projects. Municipal bonds are also referred to as “muni bonds” or “muni.” The advantage of municipal bonds for investors is the fact that they are tax-exempt,…
What is the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB)? The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) is a regulatory organization that drafts protection rules and several other rules that regulate broker-dealers, banks, and other parties within the United States municipal securities market. What are Municipal Securities? Municipal securities are financial securities that are offered by…
What are Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSR)? Mortgage servicing rights (MSR) are a specific arrangement where a third party promises to collect mortgage payments on behalf of a lender in exchange for a fee. Mortgage Servicing Rights Explained A mortgage is a form of a loan or debt instrument that is secured by the collateral of…
What is the Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA)? The Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) is a procedure that involves multiple employers coming together with a particular association to offer health and welfare benefit plans for their employees. MEWA forms the basis of group healthcare coverage that is offered through association health plans. Essentially, MEWA is…
What is a No-Transaction-Fee (NTF) Mutual Fund? A no-transaction-fee (NTF) mutual fund refers to mutual funds that do not charge trading fees for the transactions made. They are also known as no-load mutual funds. Investors can buy and sell the shares of a no-transaction-fee mutual fund without paying sales commission, which is favorable to them….
What is a Non-Accredited Investor? A non-accredited investor refers to investors who fail to meet the net worth or income requirements defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Non-accredited investors are also known as retail investors. Being a non-accredited investor does not mean that the individual cannot invest; however, investment opportunities for them are…
What is Diffusion of Innovation? Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) is a theory popularized by American communication theorist and sociologist, Everett Rogers, in 1962 that aims to explain how, why, and the rate at which a product, service, or process spreads through a population or social system. In other words, the diffusion of innovation explains the…
What is the Product Life Cycle? The Product Life Cycle (PLC) defines the stages that a product moves through in the marketplace as it enters, becomes established, and exits the marketplace. In other words, the product life cycle describes the stages that a product is likely to experience. It is a useful tool for managers…
What are Data Assets? Data assets refer to a system, application output file, document, database, or web page that companies use to generate revenues. They are some of the most valuable assets in the technology era, and organizations spend billions of dollars managing such assets. Maintaining a company’s data assets helps companies improve their decisions,…
What is Layaway? Layaway is a purchasing arrangement where a retailer reserves and stores an item for a customer who has a predetermined period to pay for the item in full. The customer typically enters into an agreement to pay the full price for the item within an agreed period of time; failure to do…
