Order Paper

Definition

Order Paper is a term used in finance to refer to a negotiable instrument like a bill of exchange or promissory note made to a specific payee’s order. It becomes a bearer instrument if the last endorsement is unrestricted. As a negotiable document, it can be transferred from one party to another by endorsement and delivery.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword “Order Paper” is: /ˈɔrdər ˈpeɪpər/

Key Takeaways

Sure, here are the main takeaways about Order Paper:

1. Role: The Order Paper is a significant document in the legislative process. It outlines the schedule of business for a legislative or parliamentary sitting day. It covers orders of the day, notices of motions, and messages from the Governor-General or Senate in Commonwealth Parliament.
2. Structure: Usually divided into sections, it lists government bills and orders, Non-Government bills and orders, General Notices (bills or motions to be presented), Questions on notice, Committees, and other matters to be discussed or decided in the house.
3. Accessibility: The Order Paper also ensures transparency in the legislative process. It is made publicly available before each sitting day so the MPs and the public are aware of the matters that are likely to be under discussion or decision.

Importance

Order Paper is an important term in business and finance as it refers to a negotiable instrument, such as a promissory note or bill of exchange, which is payable to a specific individual or entity. This instrument can be transferred to a third party, but only through endorsement, essentially requiring the original payee’s signature. This ensures a level of security and control in financial transactions, helping to protect the interests of the original payee by preventing unauthorized transfers. The importance of an Order Paper can be particularly seen in scenarios involving large financial exchanges where safeguarding the transaction is of utmost priority.

Explanation

The primary purpose of an order paper in a business or financial context is to establish a legal document that reflects an important financial instrument. An order paper entails the details of an agreement between two parties where the party named in the paper is obligated to pay a specified amount of money to the issuer, or to a specified person to order. It acts as a legally binding agreement that acknowledges a debt and the amount to be paid. This document, often in the form of a check or draft, is transferable as it carries an instruction to pay a certain amount to the person indicated in the document.Additionally, order papers are used in various financial transactions including securities and other forms of exchange without going through typical banking platforms. The transferability of an order paper is a key factor for this purpose. It allows for ease of exchange and transfer of obligation between parties. For instance, in the event of transferring ownership of financial instruments like bonds or stocks, an order paper can be used making it an impactful tool in finance and business transactions.

Examples

1. Check Payments: A common example of order paper is a check. When you write a check, you are creating an order paper. The bank (the debtor) is ordered to pay a specific amount of money to the individual or entity (creditor) whose name is written on the check. The bank is obligated to follow through unless there are insufficient funds in the account.2. Promissory Notes: This is another common type of order paper used in the world of finance and business. A promissory note is a signed document containing a written promise to pay a stated sum to a specified person at a specified date or on demand. For instance, loan agreements often incorporate a promissory note where the borrower agrees to repay the lender the borrowed amount plus any interest accrued.3. Bills of Exchange: This is a type of order paper commonly used in international trade. A bill of exchange is an order written by an exporter instructing an importer to pay a specified amount at a specified date. In this case, the exporter becomes the creditor, and the importer becomes the debtor.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Related Finance Terms

• Bill of Exchange
• Promissory Note
• Endorsement
• Negotiable Instruments
• Bearer Paper

Sources for More Information

• Investopedia
• Dictionary.com
• Financial Dictionary – TheFreeDictionary.com
• Synonyms.com