But an impact it will surely have. “Technology can be especially useful to firms that rely on intermediaries," said Alisson Andrade, senior analyst at Corporate Insight.

Such technology, usually in the area of blockchain, can reduce or eliminate intermediary costs over time, along with certain back office functionality. But foundational technologies take years or even decades to become thoroughly integrated.

Blockchain is already pushing increased interaction between private banks and transnational corporations. These are very large entities that may only survive intact via increased and specific regulation. But even specialized regulation may not do the trick. Intermediaries are likely on the way down no matter what.

Banks basically perform intermediary functions. Some of what large corporations do is also intermediary-like. Likewise, central banks with their monopoly-style money and large nation-states are going to have difficulties.

Financial planners who specialize in certain kinds of intermediation would do well to change over time. Additionally those who are trying to work with less well-off individuals and those who are trying to work with younger people may wish to investigate further automation.

But further automation is coming anyway, from a blockchain and cryptocurrency perspective. Profits that are being made today within the context of intermediation will shrink over time. And various kinds of cryptocurrencies will generate revenue that the alert planner can take advantage of.

Trade finance is being affected right now by blockchain. A recent article at Zerohedge explained how, because of the blockchain, Mercuria, ING, and Société Générale took advantage of real-time data. The original source documents were not necessary past the initial transaction which had already taken place.

The article explains:

They were able to “auto-check” documents on a computer rather than doing it manually. That makes for a smooth process. There’s a huge incentive to move to the blockchain.

Santander estimates the blockchain will cut trade finance costs up to $20 billion. Venture capital firms and financial institutions are pouring millions of investment dollars into the blockchain. Right now, over 50 major financial institutions have in-house blockchain projects or relationships with blockchain startups.