SEI Investments Company

https://www.seic.com/

SEI Investments Company is a global financial services firm headquartered in Oaks, Pennsylvania, United States. The company's core business revolves around providing financial technology, operations, and asset management services. Its mission is to "build brave futures through the power of connection," emphasizing innovation and collaborative relationships to create opportunities for its clients.

SEI offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including investment processing, investment management, and investment operations solutions. Key offerings include the SEI Wealth Platform (SWP), which provides integrated technology and operational outsourcing, and SEI Access, an marketplace for alternative investments. The company serves a diverse range of market segments, including institutions, private banks, investment advisors, investment managers, corporations, retirement plan sponsors, and ultra-high-net-worth families.

Ryan Hicke serves as the Chief Executive Officer, leading the company's global business strategy. In recent news, SEI reported strong first-quarter 2026 financial results, with revenues up 13% and diluted earnings per share up 20%, alongside record net recurring sales events. The company also announced an enhanced partnership with Carlyle in April 2026 to expand private market access across wealth and retirement channels and launched a Digital Onboarding Solution for Collective Investment Trusts. As of March 31, 2026, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, solidifying its position as a leading global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services.

Latest updates

SEI, Carlyle Expand Private Markets Partnership to Broaden Investor Access

Event summary

  • SEI and Carlyle have expanded their existing partnership to focus on increasing access to private market investments for wealth and retirement channels.
  • The collaboration builds on a multi-year relationship initially centered on fund administration and technology enablement.
  • Carlyle manages $477 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, while SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.9 trillion in assets as of March 31, 2026.
  • The partnership aims to develop model portfolios and private market strategies, particularly for the defined contribution market.

The big picture

The partnership reflects the growing demand for private market exposure among retail investors, driven by the search for higher returns and diversification. SEI’s established position in the wealth and retirement services space, combined with Carlyle’s private market origination capabilities, creates a powerful distribution channel. However, the increased accessibility of private markets also introduces new risks and complexities for both investors and the firms involved.

What we're watching

Client Adoption
The success of this partnership hinges on SEI’s ability to translate Carlyle’s private market expertise into accessible and appealing solutions for its client base, and whether those clients will actually adopt them.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Increased retail access to private markets will likely draw greater regulatory attention, potentially impacting the partnership’s operational flexibility and requiring adjustments to product offerings.
Fee Pressure
As private market strategies become more widely available, competition will intensify, potentially putting downward pressure on fees and requiring both firms to demonstrate added value.

SEI's Margin Expansion Masks Investment Business Slowdown

Event summary

  • SEI reported Q1 2026 results showing a 20% EPS increase, 13% revenue growth, and 21% operating income growth year-over-year.
  • Adjusted operating margins expanded to 32%, a 281 basis point increase, driven primarily by Private Banking and Investment Advisors.
  • Net sales events reached record levels at $67.2 million, with $57.1 million being recurring.
  • The Investments in New Businesses segment reported an operating loss of $1.2 million, a significant decline from the $1.996 million loss in the prior year.

The big picture

SEI's strong Q1 results highlight the continued demand for outsourced financial services and technology solutions, particularly within Private Banking and Investment Advisors. However, the slowdown in the Investments in New Businesses segment and the slight margin decline in Investment Managers suggest potential challenges ahead. The company's focus on AI and automation aims to address these challenges, but execution will be critical to maintaining its growth trajectory in a competitive landscape.

What we're watching

Growth Sustainability
Whether SEI can sustain the momentum in Investment Managers, particularly given the slight margin decline compared to the previous quarter, will be crucial for overall performance.
New Business Traction
The pace at which SEI can turn its Investments in New Businesses segment into a profitable contributor will determine the long-term success of its innovation strategy.
Client Retention
How SEI manages client relationships, particularly with Institutional Investors who annuitized plans, will be a key indicator of its ability to maintain AUM and recurring revenue.

SEI Automates CIT Onboarding to Address Infrastructure Gap

Event summary

  • SEI launched 'SEI Access for CITs', a digital onboarding solution for Collective Investment Trusts (CITs).
  • CITs surpassed mutual funds in 2025, representing over 50% of total target date assets.
  • The platform automates data capture, streamlines approvals, and provides real-time visibility for stakeholders.
  • SEI acquired Altigo in 2025 and has since expanded capabilities within the SEI Access platform.

The big picture

The rapid growth of CITs within defined contribution plans has exposed a critical infrastructure gap, as legacy onboarding processes struggle to keep pace. SEI’s solution directly addresses this bottleneck, positioning them as a leader in modernizing the CIT ecosystem. This move underscores the increasing importance of technology in facilitating the growth of alternative investment vehicles within retirement plans, a trend likely to accelerate as investors seek higher returns.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The speed at which SEI Access for CITs is adopted by existing clients and new entrants will indicate the true market demand for this solution and its competitive advantage.
Integration
How effectively SEI integrates this new functionality with its broader CIT platform and other services will determine the overall value proposition for clients.
Competitive Response
Other providers in the CIT administration space will likely respond to SEI’s move, potentially leading to a broader industry shift towards digital onboarding solutions.

Huntington Outsources Wealth Management Tech to SEI

Event summary

  • Huntington National Bank has selected SEI’s Wealth Platform (SWP) to unify its wealth management systems.
  • The transition will encompass technology, operations, and asset management functions for Huntington Private Bank.
  • SEI will provide Professional Services to manage integration, data conversion, and transition planning.
  • As of December 31, 2025, SEI manages approximately $1.9 trillion in assets on SWP.
  • SEI serves 8 of the top 20 largest U.S. banks, according to the American Bankers Association.

The big picture

Huntington's decision to outsource its wealth management technology reflects a broader trend among regional banks seeking to modernize operations and compete with larger institutions. By leveraging SEI's platform, Huntington aims to improve efficiency, scale its wealth management business, and enhance the client experience. This move also underscores the growing importance of specialized technology providers in the financial services industry, as banks increasingly rely on external partners to deliver sophisticated wealth management solutions.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
The success of this initiative hinges on SEI’s ability to effectively integrate SWP with Huntington’s existing core banking systems, a complex undertaking that could face delays or cost overruns.
Competitive Response
Other regional banks may accelerate their own outsourcing strategies for wealth management technology, potentially increasing demand for SEI’s platform and putting pressure on pricing.
Client Retention
How Huntington manages the transition for its advisors and high-net-worth clients will be critical; any disruption in service could lead to client attrition and impact AUM.

SEI Wins Ranchland Capital Outsourcing Mandate Amid Alternatives Complexity

Event summary

  • SEI has been selected by Ranchland Capital Partners to provide fund administration and investor services.
  • Ranchland, focused on large ranchland investments, is outsourcing operational capabilities to SEI.
  • SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.9 trillion in assets as of December 31, 2025.
  • The partnership aims to support Ranchland's accelerated growth and expansion of fund distribution.

The big picture

The deal highlights the growing trend of alternative investment managers outsourcing operational functions to specialized providers like SEI to manage complexity and focus on core investment activities. Ranchland’s choice of SEI underscores the importance of institutional-grade infrastructure and transparency for attracting both institutional and retail investors to less-traditional asset classes. This partnership signals a broader shift towards specialization within the alternatives space, where operational expertise is becoming a critical differentiator.

What we're watching

Operational Scale
The success of this partnership hinges on SEI’s ability to effectively integrate Ranchland’s operations and demonstrate tangible efficiency gains, particularly as Ranchland expands its asset class offerings.
Investor Demand
Whether Ranchland’s unique asset class – large ranchlands – can sustain investor interest and drive continued AUM growth will be a key indicator of the partnership’s long-term value for SEI.
Competitive Landscape
The increasing demand for outsourced fund administration services among alternative investment managers will likely intensify competition for SEI, requiring ongoing innovation and pricing pressure.

SEI Partners with IBM to Automate Operations with Agentic AI

Event summary

  • SEI Investments Company has engaged IBM Consulting to implement agentic AI and automation across its operations.
  • The initiative involves a data-driven review of SEI's workflows and systems, aiming to improve productivity and client experience.
  • SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.9 trillion in assets as of December 31, 2025.
  • IBM's Enterprise Advantage platform will be leveraged to accelerate operating model transformation.

The big picture

SEI's partnership with IBM signals a broader trend among established financial services firms to leverage agentic AI for operational efficiency and client service improvements. The move is a direct response to the increasing pressure to automate routine tasks and free up human capital for higher-value activities. While AI adoption offers significant potential, it also introduces execution risks and requires substantial investment, particularly within a highly regulated environment like asset management.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
The success of this transformation hinges on SEI's ability to integrate IBM's solutions effectively and manage the organizational change required for widespread adoption of agentic AI.
Cost Impact
The initial investment in IBM's services and the ongoing costs of maintaining and scaling the AI infrastructure could pressure SEI's margins if productivity gains are not realized as anticipated.
Competitive Response
Other financial services providers will likely observe SEI's progress and may accelerate their own AI adoption strategies, potentially intensifying competition for clients and talent.

SEI CEO to Address Investors at Raymond James Conference

Event summary

  • SEI CEO Ryan Hicke will present at the Raymond James Institutional Investors Conference on March 2, 2026.
  • The presentation will be webcast live at 3:25 p.m. Eastern time.
  • A replay of the webcast will be available on SEI's Investor Relations website.
  • As of December 31, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.9 trillion in assets.

The big picture

SEI’s participation in the Raymond James conference signals a continued focus on investor relations and transparency. The presentation provides an opportunity to articulate the company’s strategy for navigating a complex financial services environment, particularly as clients increasingly seek specialized technology and operational support. With nearly $2 trillion in assets under management, SEI's performance is a bellwether for the broader outsourced services market.

What we're watching

Growth Strategy
The presentation will likely detail SEI’s plans for continued asset growth, given the current AUM and competitive landscape within the financial services sector.
Technology Investment
How SEI balances investment in its financial technology platform with maintaining profitability will be a key indicator of long-term success.
Client Retention
The conference presentation should reveal whether SEI can sustain its client base and AUM amidst increasing competition for outsourced financial services.

SEI Executives to Address UBS Conference Amid Asset Management Scrutiny

Event summary

  • SEI Investments Company CFO and COO Sean Denham will present at the UBS Financial Services Conference on February 10, 2026.
  • The presentation will be webcast live at 1 p.m. Eastern time.
  • Denham and Head of Investor Relations Brad Burke will host investor meetings during the conference.
  • As of December 31, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.9 trillion in assets.

The big picture

SEI's participation in the UBS conference underscores the ongoing investor focus on asset management firms, particularly those providing technology and operational services. The company's $1.9 trillion AUM places it among the significant players in the industry, making its strategic direction and performance closely watched. The conference provides a platform for SEI to address investor concerns and articulate its growth strategy in a challenging market.

What we're watching

Capital Allocation
The conference presentation will likely be scrutinized for any signals regarding SEI's capital deployment strategy, particularly given the current macroeconomic environment and pressure on asset managers to return value to shareholders.
Operational Efficiency
With Denham holding both CFO and COO roles, investors will be looking for updates on operational efficiency initiatives and how they contribute to overall profitability.
Fee Pressure
The presentation should reveal how SEI is navigating ongoing fee pressure within the asset management industry and whether its technology and service offerings are proving competitive.

Mackenzie Taps SEI for U.S. CIT Expansion, Signals Quantitative Strategy Push

Event summary

  • Mackenzie Investments partnered with SEI Investments Company to launch four Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) targeting U.S. institutional investors.
  • The new CITs offer Mackenzie's Global Quantitative Equity strategies, including International Large Cap, International Small Cap, US Small Cap, and Emerging Markets All Cap.
  • SEI Trust Company will serve as the trustee for the CITs, leveraging SEI's $260 billion in CIT AUM as of September 30, 2025.
  • Mackenzie manages approximately $244 billion CAD in assets as of December 31, 2025, and is part of IGM Financial Inc.

The big picture

This partnership represents Mackenzie’s strategic push to expand its presence in the U.S. institutional market, a key growth area for Canadian asset managers. By leveraging SEI’s operational expertise and established CIT infrastructure, Mackenzie aims to offer a cost-efficient and flexible investment solution. The move also highlights the growing demand for quantitative investment strategies among institutional investors seeking to generate alpha and manage risk in a complex market environment.

What we're watching

Market Adoption
The success of these CITs will depend on whether U.S. institutional investors embrace Mackenzie’s quantitative approach within this structure, potentially indicating a shift in preferred investment vehicles.
Regulatory Scrutiny
As CITs operate under exemptions from investment company registration, increased regulatory focus on their structure and operations could impact Mackenzie and SEI’s ability to scale this offering.
Performance Risk
The reliance on quantitative models introduces performance risk; any significant market shifts or model failures could erode investor confidence and impact AUM growth.

SEI Taps Dimensional Vet to Drive Bank Asset Management Growth

Event summary

  • Paul Lehman, formerly Head of the Bank Trust Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors, has joined SEI as Head of Bank Asset Management Distribution.
  • Lehman will report to Michael Lane, Head of SEI's Asset Management business, and focus on expanding SEI’s relationships with banks and affiliated wealth organizations.
  • The appointment aims to deepen SEI’s penetration of the bank asset management market, particularly with its OCIO and Co-CIO offerings.
  • SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.8 trillion in assets as of September 30, 2025.

The big picture

SEI is doubling down on its strategy to serve as a technology and solutions provider for banks seeking to enhance their wealth management offerings. This appointment signals a recognition that banks are increasingly looking to outsource investment management functions to streamline operations and differentiate their platforms. Lehman's experience at Dimensional Fund Advisors suggests a focus on distribution and partnership development within the bank trust space, which has been a key area of growth for SEI.

What we're watching

Distribution Strategy
Lehman’s success will hinge on his ability to integrate SEI’s solutions within banks’ existing workflows and demonstrate a clear ROI, given banks’ desire to consolidate vendor relationships.
Competitive Landscape
The competitive response from other asset management providers targeting the bank wealth management space will be important to monitor, particularly those with established relationships.
Regulatory Headwinds
Increased regulatory scrutiny of outsourced investment solutions and fiduciary responsibilities could impact the adoption rate of SEI’s OCIO and Co-CIO offerings within banks.

SEI Centralizes Product Development with New Chief Product Officer

Event summary

  • SEI appointed Jeff Benfield as Chief Product Officer, effective immediately.
  • Benfield previously held the role of Head of Platform Strategy and Operations for SEI's Asset Management business.
  • He reports to Zach Womack, Chief Technology Officer, and will oversee the full product lifecycle.
  • Benfield has over 18 years of experience in financial services, including roles at Vanguard, BNY Mellon’s Pershing/Albridge, and Axa Advisors.
  • As of September 30, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.8 trillion in assets.

The big picture

SEI’s creation of a Chief Product Officer role signals a strategic shift towards centralized product development, reflecting the increasing importance of technology in the financial services industry. This move aims to accelerate innovation and ensure alignment with evolving client needs and regulatory demands. The appointment underscores the pressure on asset servicing and technology providers to deliver scalable, client-centric solutions in a rapidly changing market.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
Benfield’s success will hinge on his ability to integrate product development across SEI’s diverse business units, potentially requiring significant organizational alignment and process changes.
Client Adoption
The effectiveness of Benfield’s product strategy will be measured by client adoption rates of new solutions and their impact on client retention within SEI's asset management and advisory businesses.
Competitive Response
How SEI’s competitors, particularly those like Vanguard and BNY Mellon, react to SEI’s increased focus on product innovation and client-centric solutions will shape the competitive landscape.
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