term:

Underwriter

underwriter n

1 a : a person (as an individual or a company) who underwrites an insurance policy
: insurer
b : a person who assesses risks to be covered by an insurance policy
2 : a person (as an individual or company) who underwrites a security issue compare issuer NOTE: The Securities Act of 1933 requires dealers, issuers, and underwriters to file registration statements for the securities that they sell.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.