### Question
How is the term financial institution defined?


### Answer
The term **financial institution** is defined in *26 U.S.C. § 1471* as the following:

> any entity that—



(A) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business,



(B) as a substantial portion of its business, holds financial assets for the account of others, or



(C) is engaged (or holding itself out as being engaged) primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities (as defined in section 475(c)(2) without regard to the last sentence thereof), partnership interests, commodities (as defined in section 475(e)(2)), or any interest (including a futures or forward contract or option) in such securities, partnership interests, or commodities

#### Citation:
  - *26 U.S.C. § 1471*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-Income Taxes > CHAPTER 4-TAXES TO ENFORCE REPORTING ON CERTAIN FOREIGN ACCOUNTS**

