What is the definition of a creditor?

A creditor is defined as a person or entity to whom an obligation is owed. This definition captures the essential relationship where one party has lent money or extended credit to another party, who is committed to repaying the debt. Creditors can be individuals, financial institutions, or other organizations that provide loans, credit lines, or financing to borrowers.

In contrast, the first choice refers to a debtor, a person who owes a debt, which is the opposite of a creditor. The second option implies a broader role of providing financial assistance that may not directly denote the specific debtor-creditor relationship. Finally, the last choice describes a legal document that protects the interests of the creditor, but it does not define who the creditor is. Therefore, the correct answer clarifies the role of the creditor within the financial transaction.