Inside The Kore #52
The 52nd issue of Inside The Kore is out!
KoreConX continues supporting the KoreSummit Blockchain Summit, with the next session TOMORROW, April 4th!
As a dedicated supporter of education and innovation, we are thrilled to endorse the KoreSummit Blockchain Summit 2024—an epochal gathering uniting thought leaders, visionaries, and institutions to shape the future of Blockchain and its associated technologies.
In alignment with our core vision, we firmly assert that 2024 is a pivotal year for Blockchain, ushering in transformative developments in Crypto, NFTs, and Tokenization.
The KoreSummit Blockchain Summit 2024, presented by Nuvei and KoreChain, stands as a testament to our commitment to advancing education in the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies.
Save the Date: April 4th (TOMORROW!)
11:30 AM EST to 12:30 PM EST
Dive deep into the fusion of Blockchain & AI with industry experts, engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities!
5 Things You Need to Know About Transfer Agents
When a company issues securities, it is vital to keep the official record of ownership and distribution accurate and up-to-date at all times. This process is managed by transfer agents who in addition to assuming responsibility for maintaining accurate records of security transactions, can also handle shareholder inquiries, distribute shareholder materials, and more. In this blog post, we will discuss the five critical things that companies need to know about transfer agents before embarking on their next capital raise.
1. Protecting Issuers and Investors
Transfer agents protect issuers and investors by ensuring that the issuance of securities maintains a high degree of accuracy and reliability, and is consistent with the applicable regulations, thereby protecting both the issuer and the investor from the risk of disputes and expensive litigation. Transfer agents play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the security issuance process, closely monitoring any changes in ownership or other company-specific details. This helps to prevent fraudulent activities such as double ownership or over-issuance of securities.
2. Issuing and Canceling Certificates
Another crucial function of transfer agents is to issue or cancel certificates reflecting shareholder ownership in the company, to ensure that the shareholders receive accurate documentation of their investment. The certificates are tangible evidence that shareholders own securities in the company and that they have the right to vote or receive dividends. Transfer agents must also cancel and decommission certificates to reflect trades or company-specific events such as stock splits, mergers, or acquisitions. Canceling or decommissioning certificates is a vital task in maintaining a current and accurate representation of who owns what within the company.
3. Managing the Cap Table
Transfer agents play a crucial role in managing the cap table. The cap table is the official record of the ownership structure of the company, including the number of shares held and who holds them. It is essential to manage the cap table effectively to avoid conflicts, confusion, or discrepancies among shareholders. The transfer agent ensures that the cap table stays up to date with any changes that may occur due to equity issuances or mergers and acquisition activity involving the company. The effectiveness of the cap table management is critical for companies raising capital or going through mergers and acquisitions, for helping investors conduct their own due diligence, and for tracking the company’s overall value and growth.
4. Legal Compliance
Another significant responsibility of transfer agents is ensuring the company’s compliance with specific securities laws and regulations. The transfer agent makes sure that the company is aware of and adhering to the legislative guidelines and rules governing the issuance and transfer of securities. Transfer agents must comply with both federal and state regulations, making this a complex task. Companies need to work closely with their transfer agents to ensure they are clear on aspects of the legal requirements that affect their business. Navigating the regulatory landscape can be daunting, but a transfer agent can help make it smoother for companies.
5. Investor Relations
Finally, transfer agents are essential for providing service to shareholders. Often, they are the first point of contact when shareholders have questions, concerns, or problems that require resolution. They help to answer any inquiries shareholders may have and maintain a clear line of communication. Excellent customer service is key to maintaining a positive relationship with shareholders. Shareholders who feel valued are more likely to remain invested in the company and can become valuable brand ambassadors. This, in turn, can lead to more significant investments in the company, improving overall shareholder value. A transfer agent plays a critical role in ensuring that securities transactions are processed accurately and reliably, protecting the interests of the issuer and the investor. Using an experienced and knowledgeable transfer agent has many valuable benefits for companies. They provide companies with a comprehensive solution for managing securities issuances, maintaining shareholder relationships, and navigating the complex regulatory landscape. Transfer agents are an essential part of the securities industry, and companies who work with them are better positioned to succeed.
What You Should Know About Investing in Private Capital Markets
领英推荐
Investing in the private market can be a great way to gain returns unavailable elsewhere. With the right research, investments in private companies can yield higher returns than traditional public markets. With the size of the global private markets growing throughout the past two years, notably in North America, investors must know what to consider before investing in a private company. In this blog, we will look at some key considerations for investing in the private market.
Pros & Cons for Non-Accredited Investors
Investing in privately-held businesses can be an exciting way to:
However, non-accredited investors (those who do not meet certain SEC criteria) need to understand the unique regulatory and financial risks associated with private markets before making an investment decision. Consider the cons of divesting in private companies, such as:
Evaluating Potential Investments
Before investing, it is important to conduct due diligence and research a potential investment thoroughly. Consider creating a financial plan and closely examining the deal structure, competitive landscape, and why the company needs your investment. Also, take a look at the company’s management team as well. Do they have experience raising capital? Do they pass a bad actor check?
Comparing Private and Public Investments
Private investments may offer higher potential returns than those found in the public markets, however, they are often riskier. As an investor, you should be aware of the differences between private and publicly-held businesses before deciding to invest. Consider factors such as liquidity, transparency, and financial reporting.
Liquidity: Private investments are sometimes illiquid, meaning that it may be difficult to access your money when needed. However, securities purchased through RegA+ are freely tradeable on a secondary market, which can provide some options for liquidity. In contrast, investments in public companies can be sold on the open market quickly and easily.
Transparency: Public companies must adhere to strict disclosure rules that allow investors to clearly understand the risks and rewards of their investments. In comparison, private companies do not have the same regulatory requirements and may be less transparent with their operations or provide limited information to shareholders. This means that investors should carefully review materials provided by the issuer to get a better understanding of the investment risk to ensure it meets their level of risk tolerance.
Financial Reporting: Public companies are required to report quarterly earnings and provide other financial information to investors regularly. This is not always the case with privately-held businesses which may only provide periodic updates or no financial information at all.
Protecting Your Investment
As an investor in a privately-held business, you may be at the mercy of the majority shareholders and can be subject to financial losses if the company does not succeed. To protect yourself, it is important to conduct background checks on all potential investments and set terms for your investment up front. Be sure to understand what rights you have as an investor and any restrictions on transferring or liquidating your shares. Especially if investing in JOBS Act exemptions, like RegA+ or RegCF, if the company you are looking to invest in offers a third-party option where you can sell your shares, this is a great way to access liquidity options.
Diversify Your Portfolio
The key to success with private investments is diversification. Investing in various companies across different sectors can reduce the risk of investing in a single business or startup that may not succeed. This will help to spread out any potential losses should a particular business not perform as expected.
Investing in the private market can be an exciting and rewarding venture for non-accredited investors. Understanding the risks and potential rewards of each potential investment is essential for any investor looking to make a profit in this sector. Ensure that you are comfortable with the risk associated before investing in any venture. Doing so will help to minimize potential losses and maximize potential gains. With careful planning and research, investors can benefit from private investments and diversify their portfolios.
Additional knowledge sources https://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/08/privately-held-company-investing.asp
We hope you have enjoyed to be Inside The Kore!
Stay tuned for more info on the private markets.