---
term: "AI agent"
category: "Agents and autonomy"
url: https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/ai-agent
source: AgenticOpenFinance glossary
---

# AI agent

> Software built on an AI model that pursues a set goal by planning steps and acting through tools or APIs, not only by answering.

An AI agent is software built on an AI model that pursues a goal set by a person or organisation by planning steps and taking actions through tools, APIs or other agents, rather than only returning an answer. There is no single legal definition: regulators generally treat an agent as an AI system or as part of one, and the firm that deploys it stays responsible for its actions. In finance, what matters is the authority an agent holds, the limits on that authority and the evidence each action leaves.

Related terms: [AI system](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/ai-system.md), [Tool use](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/tool-use.md), [Principal](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/principal.md), [Mandate](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/mandate.md), [Know Your Agent (KYA)](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/know-your-agent.md)