Authorized Delegate (AD)

An authorized delegate is a person or entity that has been appointed by a money services business (MSB) to act on its behalf in certain capacities. This can include conducting transactions, managing accounts, and representing the MSB in its interactions with regulatory authorities and other third parties. Authorized delegates are often used by MSBs to help manage the day-to-day operations of the business and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

In order to be appointed as an authorized delegate, an individual or entity typically must meet certain qualifications and criteria set by the MSB. These qualifications may vary depending on the specific role that the authorized delegate will be performing and the regulations that apply to the MSB. For example, an authorized delegate who will be handling financial transactions may need to have certain financial or accounting credentials or experience, while an authorized delegate who will be interacting with regulatory authorities may need to have relevant legal or compliance experience.

In addition to meeting specific qualifications, authorized delegates may also be required to undergo background checks and other screening processes to ensure that they are trustworthy and competent to carry out the duties of their role. This may include checks for criminal history, financial stability, and other factors that could affect their ability to perform their duties in an ethical and responsible manner.


Overall, the role of an authorized delegate is to represent the interests of the MSB and to help the business operate efficiently and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

What is the difference between an Authorized Delegate and an Agent?

An authorized delegate is a person or entity that has been appointed by a money services business (MSB) to act on its behalf in certain capacities. An agent, on the other hand, is a person or entity that represents another person or entity (called the principal) in its business dealings and transactions.

The main difference between an authorized delegate and an agent is the relationship that each has with the business or individual that they represent. An authorized delegate is appointed directly by the MSB and acts on its behalf in a specific capacity, such as conducting transactions or representing the MSB in its interactions with regulatory authorities. An agent, on the other hand, represents the interests of the principal (which could be an individual or a business) and has the authority to enter into agreements and make decisions on behalf of the principal.

Another difference between an authorized delegate and an agent is the extent of their authority. An authorized delegate typically has a more limited scope of authority than an agent, and may only be authorized to perform certain tasks or make certain decisions on behalf of the MSB. An agent, on the other hand, generally has broader authority to act on behalf of the principal and may have the power to enter into a wide range of agreements and make a variety of decisions on the principal’s behalf.

Overall, the key distinction between an authorized delegate and an agent is the nature of the relationship between the representative and the business or individual that they represent. An authorized delegate is appointed by the MSB to act on its behalf in a specific capacity, while an agent represents the interests of the principal and has the authority to enter into agreements and make decisions on its behalf.

This page was last updated on June 7, 2023.

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