Glossary
AOA
Articles of Association
The AOA is the internal rulebook of a company that governs its day-to-day management, outlines the rights, duties, and powers of directors and shareholders, and dictates procedures for issuing shares, holding meetings, and paying dividends.
Where it appears in practice
It matters extensively when drafting shareholder agreements, resolving internal disputes, or structuring board powers, as the AOA legally binds the company and its members to follow established internal procedures.
A worked example
A Private Limited Company's AOA contains a restrictive clause [VERIFY] stating that shares cannot be sold to an outsider unless they are first offered to existing shareholders, ensuring the founders retain tight control over ownership.
Related terms
- MOA
- Private Limited Company
- Shareholder Agreement
Let the practice handle it
This term sits inside real compliance work — returns, filings, and deadlines. That work is one of the services the practice runs end to end.
Corporate Compliance