------------------------------------------------------- Becoming Your Own Transfer Agent
Even though most companies outsource the transfer agent function, a few large cap companies and some small to mid-sized companies handle their own shareholders by keeping all or some of the transfer agent functions in-house. Here are some reasons why:
The company knows its stockholders. For a company who wants to give special service to its investors, an employee who knows the holders is valuable. Typically, many utilities and banks perform the transfer agent function in-house.
Support resources are available. There are companies that provide software, legal, insurance, overflow processing, training, and consulting support to companies that want to become their own transfer agents.
Consolidation of the transfer agent industry. Consolidation has meant fewer choices, higher fees and less personalized service. A major argument for being an in-house agent is the ability to control one's own destiny.