A stakeholder is a person who holds money or other property while its owner is being determined. A stakeholder is typically involved when two persons bet on the outcome of a future event and have a third person act as the stakeholder, holding the money (or "stake[s]") they have both wagered (or "staked") until the event occurs. Courts may act as stakeholders, holding property while litigation between the possible owners resolves the issue of which one is entitled to the property. Other examples of stakeholders include trustees who hold property until beneficiaries come of age, or an escrow agent who holds part of the purchase price of property is being held until some condition is satisfied.
A stakeholder in the context of business refers to everyone with an interest (or "stake") in what the entity does. That includes a business' vendors, employees, and customers, as well as members of a community where its offices or factory may affect the local economy or environment.
