We provide technology solutions to financial services firms that are generally subject to extensive regulation globally. As a provider of products and services to financial institutions and issuers of securities, our products and services are provided in a manner designed to assist our clients in complying with the laws and regulations to which they are subject. Changes in laws and regulations could require changes in the services we provide, the manner in which we provide our services, and the fees we charge for our services, or they could result in a reduction or elimination of the demand for our services. Such changes in laws or regulations could result in a material negative impact on our business and financial results. Some of our services and related fees, such as our proxy communications, shareholder report and prospectus distribution, and other regulatory or customer communications services, are particularly sensitive to changes in laws and regulations, including those governing the financial services industry and the securities markets such as applicable SEC or stock exchange rules, regulations or interpretations. For example, the SEC’s recently proposed Regulation E-Delivery would permit our clients to change the default delivery method for certain communications required under the federal securities laws from paper to electronic delivery. If the rule is adopted as proposed, the volume of physically delivered communications we process would decrease. While the volume of electronic delivery of communications we process is expected to increase, our recurring revenue growth and distribution revenues will decrease, which could result in a decrease in our earnings and the potential restructuring of our physical distribution operations.
The regulatory framework governing tokenized securities and other digital assets continues to evolve in the U.S. and internationally. Currently, there is no uniform approach to the regulatory treatment of these assets, and changes in their classification or regulation, or in broader regulatory positions regarding such assets, could affect the pace of market adoption, alter the obligations of our clients, intermediaries, and service providers, and require us to modify our business model, products, or services in ways that are difficult to predict. This uncertainty could adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
In addition, new regulations governing our clients could result in significant expenditures that could cause them to reduce their use of our services, seek to renegotiate existing agreements, cease or curtail their operations, or otherwise alter their business relationship with us, all of which could adversely impact our business. Further, an adverse regulatory action that changes a client’s business or adversely affects its financial condition could decrease their ability to purchase, or their demand for our products and services. The loss, or significant reduction, of business from any of our larger clients could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations.