Transfer Agency Specialists Still in Demand

I’ve been reading a number of articles over the past couple of years about the potential effect of blockchain technology on the Transfer Agency sector and how funds will be administered in future.  It is said that blockchain could effectively take transfer agents out of the market by conducting and settling transactions without the need of a middle man.  Blockchain creates what are in essence ledger entries for the two sides of a transaction without the transfer agent as intermediary, removing a level of fund administration.

There will be plenty of you out there who understand the technology and its potential use better than me, but doesn’t the Transfer Agent offer much more than recording and storing transactions?  TPA’s in particular are able to provide their management company clients with industry relevant advice, compliance support, investor liaison, accounting services and management information.

Furthermore, looking at new TA service providers entering the market in recent years, the sector seems to be growing.  As recruiters, we see an ongoing demand for TA Administrators, CASS Experts, KYC/AML Specialists, Oversight Analysts etc.

Perhaps I’m over simplifying it – any comments or insight from Transfer Agency stalwarts?