transferor

Transferor is a term used to describe a person or entity that transfers ownership, rights, or interests to another party. The transferor is contrasted with the transferee, who receives the transfer. The word is used across legal, financial, and commercial contexts and denotes the party that conveys property or contractual rights.

Etymology and usage notes: The word derives from the verb transfer with the agent noun suffix -or. In many transactions, the transferor may be described in more specific terms such as seller, grantor, or assignor, depending on the type of transfer. Some jurisdictions also employ terms like donor or settlor for particular forms of transfers; nevertheless, transferor remains a generic label applicable across contexts.

Property and conveyancing: In real estate and other property transfers, the transferor conveys title to the transferee through instruments such as a deed or bill of sale. The transferor typically must provide valid title, disclose known encumbrances, and deliver possession where required by contract. Provisions for recording the transfer in public registries help establish the transferee’s ownership.

Contractual and financial contexts: A contract may be assigned, novated, or otherwise transferred from the transferor to the transferee. In asset sales, the transferor may dispose of financial instruments, loans, or other receivables to a buyer, often under applicable regulatory and consent requirements.

In trusts and estates: The term may appear as a generic label for the person who transfers property, though many jurisdictions prefer terms such as grantor or settlor for specific arrangements.