About Us

Global Fund Services (GFS) is an organisation dedicated to supporting the Asset Servicing industry by driving positive change and improving operational efficiencies. With a commitment to excellence, GFS constantly strives to enhance industry standards and ensure optimal outcomes for all stakeholders involved.

Our Story

Global Fund Services (GFS) originated from The TA Forum, a renowned industry group established in 2010 to excel in the Transfer Agency sector with a specific focus on the UK market. Building on the tremendous success achieved by The TA Forum and in alignment with our members’ operational models, we rebranded as Global Fund Services (‘GFS’) in 2024. This transition allowed us to broaden our scope and extend our services to other major international markets.

Advocating change whilst improving efficiency which we strive to achieve through our mission, vision, and well-structured approach.

Mission

Global Fund Services aims to foster positive change and advancement in the industry by promoting open dialogue and knowledge sharing among its members and wherever possible ensure that the views of Transfer Agents are represented. We are committed to provide a centre of excellence for the development of knowledge and understanding of the Asset Servicing industry.

APPROACH

The GFS Governance Group, a team of respected leaders, meets on a quarterly basis to set objectives for the year and oversee various crucial aspects including subgroups, financial reporting, regulatory and industry relations, and strategy. Composed of C Suite executives or those with equivalent executive management status within their organisations, the Governance Group is represented by a primary and secondary member from each member firm.

Each key initiative is assigned a subgroup consisting of representatives from all member firms, with a dedicated Chair leading the initiative and ensuring regular updates are provided to the Governance Group.

GFS: Empowering and Nurturing Knowledge

TA Administration & Oversight Exam

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), with support from the TA Forum (now known as GFS), introduced a new exam in 2021 on Transfer Agency Administration and Oversight.

The exam is designed to be the new global standard for Transfer Agency professionals and those in associated areas such as Operations, Compliance and Audit as well as Fund managers exercising responsibility for the oversight of outsourcing services and providers.

The exam will benchmark your knowledge in key areas, such as:
•             The Transfer Agency Framework
•             The Regulatory Framework
•             Products (such as Collective investments, Unit Trusts, OEICs, Investment Trusts and Wrappers)
•             Managing the risk of financial crime
•             Managing TA Operations
•             Distribution, Front and Ongoing Charges
•             Customer and Investor Relations
•             Compliance and Oversight
The exam is part of the CISI’s long-established and globally recognised Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

For more information on the exam and the CISI’s Operations Pathway, please visit the CISI’s website.