I wonder how registrars in general are doing.
Not very well, in my estimation. As for SAI Global, their 2013 FY results can be
viewed here. Because of their publicly traded status, they have to disclose a lot of financial information. The registrar business of SAI Global represents about 35% of their business. And, while SAI Global's primary financial woes had to do with a problem with their Compliance Division in 2013, the whole organization seems to be in turmoil, with the previous CEO being sacked by the Board after a few months in place.
Rumor has it that the Board sacked the CEO because of his desire to implement significant cost cutting measures to improve short term financial results. Shareholders can not be unhappy for too long, after all.
The dilemma is the obvious fact that, if the organization is sold to an investment/equity company, focus on profitability can only get higher.
As the certification market remains highly competitive, with dwindling profit margins, continual price pressure and lack of differentiation by providers of certification services, it will only get harder.
Instead of developing the sector into a confidence-delivery market, registrars and accreditation bodies dilute their importance day after day by making themselves less relevant. So, if a certificate is the deliverable, the cheaper, faster and easier path to the certificate will be the choice of most.
Attempts to create new accredited certification schemes, result, for the most part in minimal, unsustainable programs. The list of ANAB schemes include:
Aerospace
Body Armor
Counterfeits
Energy
Environmental
Event Sustainability
Food Safety
Forestry
HSPM
Info Security
IT Service
Medical Devices
OHSMS
Preparedness
Private Security
Quality
Recycling
Responsible Care
Snow
Supply Chain
Telecommunications