Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes
Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes 1. Definition and Key Features Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes are essential instruments used in trade and accounting for the settlement of debts. Bills of Exchange A Bill of Exchange is a negotiable instrument in writing, containing an unconditional order, directing one person to pay a certain sum of money to another person or their order, at a future date. Parties Involved : Drawer : The person who writes and issues the bill (the creditor). Drawee : The person on whom the bill is drawn (the debtor). Payee : The person to whom the payment is to be made, which can be the drawer or a third party. Key Features : Unconditional Order : The drawer directs the drawee to pay a certain sum without any conditions. Payable on Demand or Future Date : It can be payable immediately or after a specified time. Transferability : Bills of exchange are negotiable instruments, meaning they can be transferred to another party. Example : A supplier (drawer