Custody, Asset & Securities Services

Risky Business?

Although the industry has been buoyed by a relatively strong economy and robust growth in mutual funds, retirement fund assets and assets under custody, its nest egg is by no means hatched. There is a generalized tightening in credit standards which may lead to a credit crunch: potential aggressive regulatory responses by state and federal agencies could cause a decrease in credit provision and a deepening of the ongoing contraction in residential construction and stagnation in house prices.

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acting as agents or brokers (except securities brokerages and commodity contracts brokerages) in buying and selling financial contracts providing financial investment activities (except securities and commodity exchanges, portfolio management, and investment advice). This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.