Agency Theory explores the relationship between principals, such as shareholders, and agents, like company executives, highlighting the conflicts that arise when agents prioritize personal interests over those of principals. It emphasizes the need for mechanisms to align the interests of agents with those of principals to mitigate issues like moral hazard and information asymmetry.
Intermediation refers to the process by which intermediaries, such as banks or brokers, facilitate transactions between parties, often adding value through expertise, risk management, and economies of scale. This process is crucial in financial markets and other areas of the economy, as it helps allocate resources efficiently and reduces transaction costs for individuals and businesses.