The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HANDOVER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
H
A
N
D
O
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R
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Transfer" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case transfer = handover.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HANDOVER mean?
HANDOVER noun- The transference of authority, control, power or knowledge from one agency to another, or from one state to another.
- The information passed on in such a case.
- (cellular telecommunications) the process of transferring an ongoing call or data session from one channel connected to the core network to another channel.
- (satellite telecommunications) the process of transferring satellite control responsibility from one earth station to another without loss or interruption of service.
- The transfer of goods from the dealer to the purchaser, often of illegal goods.