Why the Transfer Agent Market Is Finally Changing
In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Caitlyn Van Valin, Vice President at Odyssey Trust, explains why the transfer agent and trust industry is undergoing a long-overdue transformation and why SPACs have been a major catalyst.
For nearly a decade, one incumbent controlled 99% of the market. SPACs were considered “too risky,” and innovation stalled. That all began to change in 2020. Caitlyn shares how Odyssey broke into the U.S. SPAC space by winning over a marquee client and how that opened the floodgates for sponsors and legal teams looking for better service, execution, and pricing.
This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Odyssey’s client-first approach is driving competition and reshaping expectations across the SPAC ecosystem.
Connect with the Guest:
Caitlyn Van Valin – Vice President, Odyssey Trust
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlyn-van-valin-10963664/
View all of their episodes here:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/guests/caitlyn-van-valin/
Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast:
Michael Blankenship LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@Thespacpodcast
Contact The SPAC Podcast:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/contact/
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The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Disclaimers:
The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.
Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn:
👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
👉 ...
Michael Blankenship:
I’m seeing a lot more activity in the SPAC space this year. Why are we seeing a shift in the transfer agent and trust landscape now and how has that evolved in recent years?
Caitlyn Van Valin:
For almost 10 years, the incumbent had 99% of the SPAC market. That was partly because SPACs used to be viewed as “risky” or “unattractive,” and a lot of larger transfer agents simply didn’t want to touch them.
That perception began to shift in 2020, as the SPAC boom accelerated and the opportunity became too big to ignore. That’s when firms like Odyssey Trust entered the conversation. When we landed our first major U.S. SPAC, it gave credibility and comfort to corporate counsel and sponsors that we had the experience and operational depth to compete.
We built that trust by offering great service, real execution, and pricing that made sense. The result? Explosive growth and a massive shift in sponsor preferences across the market.
Caitlyn Van Valin
EVP
Caitlyn Van Valin is a principal member leading the U.S. sales expansion for Odyssey Trust Company. In this role, she is responsible for profitably growing market share for Odyssey’s Transfer Agent and Trust business by partnering with executive management teams at domestic and multinational corporations. Caitlyn delivers tailored shareowner service solutions and complex transactional support designed to meet the needs of clients and their investors.
With more than 15 years of experience in the private equity and financial services industry, Caitlyn has developed deep expertise in navigating sophisticated corporate transactions. She is recognized for her ability to simplify the complex and deliver exceptional results for her clients and their shareholders.
Caitlyn holds a graduate degree from the London School of Economics and has built her career on a foundation of strategic insight, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to client success.