Charter

A legal document that provides for the creation of a corporate entity. A corporation's charter is issued by either a federal or a regional government and effectively creates a legal entity out of the business, which existed only as a partnership, sole proprietorship or similar business before incorporating.

Also referred to as "articles of incorporation".

Investopedia Says:
A corporation's charter, once issued by the government of jurisdiction, will vary in structure depending on the country in which it's issued. However, most charters usually include the corporation's name, the location of its head office, the date of incorporation, the amount/type of stock to be issued and any restrictions on areas of business activity or further share issuances.

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Legal authorization to conduct business as a bank or thrift institution, granted by the Comptroller of the Currency for national banks, the Office of Thrift Supervision for federal savings banks, and state banking departments for state-chartered banks. Among requirements for charter approval are competent management, a commitment to the local community, and ability to obtain deposit insurance. See also Articles of Incorporation.