valtuutta

Valtuutta is a Finnish term referring to authorization or empowerment granted to a person to act on behalf of another. In Finnish legal and business language, the related noun valtuutus denotes the instrument or act by which authority is conferred, while valtuutta can refer more generally to the existence or exercise of that authority. The concept is used in corporate governance, private contracts, and public administration to formalize delegation of tasks and signing powers.

In law and practice, valtuutus can be explicit, often in written form as a power of attorney or mandate. It may authorize specific tasks or cover a broad range of actions within defined limits. Some valtuutukset are temporary, others are durable or renewable, and certain transactions—such as real estate dealings or major contracts—often require written documentation to be valid and enforceable.

Revocation or expiration of valtuutus terminates the granted authority unless the grant itself specifies a continuing or automatic renewal. The principal is generally responsible for acts performed within the scope of the valtuutus, and the agent (valtuutettu) has fiduciary duties, including acting in the principal’s best interests and avoiding conflicts of interest.

The concept has international equivalents, such as power of attorney and mandate, and appears across sectors, including business, law, healthcare (medical or healthcare proxy), and politics (proxy voting). Variations in formality, scope, and enforceability reflect differences in national legal systems and administrative practices.

See also: power of attorney, proxy, mandate, fiduciary duty, representation.