In a bond, the party that guarantees the performance of the principal is known as what?

In the context of bonds, the party that guarantees the performance of the principal is known as the surety. This role is essential in the bonding process, as the surety provides a guarantee to the obligee (the party requiring the bond) that the principal (the party responsible for fulfilling an obligation) will perform their duties. If the principal fails to fulfill their obligations, the surety is responsible for compensating the obligee. This relationship establishes a level of trust and security in financial transactions and agreements, making sure that the obligations are met. The surety thus plays a crucial role in enforcing the terms of the bond and protecting the interests of the obligee.