SEI and WTW Expand Private Markets Push for Defined Contribution Plans — SEI Investments Company

Event summary

SEI and WTW Investments expanded their partnership on August 4, 2026 to develop private markets solutions for U.S. defined contribution plans.
WTW will provide investment research and due diligence support while SEI Trust Company offers operational and administrative services through CIT structures.
The collaboration aims to broaden access to alternative investments in retirement plans with appropriate governance, oversight, and liquidity features.
As of June 30, 2026, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $2.1 trillion in assets.

The big picture

This partnership reflects the growing demand for institutionalized private markets solutions within defined contribution plans. The collaboration leverages SEI's operational expertise in CITs and WTW's investment research capabilities to address challenges around governance, liquidity, and diversification in retirement savings. With $2.1 trillion in assets under management, SEI brings significant scale to this initiative.

What we're watching

Market Adoption: How quickly plan sponsors and participants will embrace private markets solutions within defined contribution frameworks.
Regulatory Compliance: Whether the new structures will meet evolving governance requirements for alternative investments in retirement plans.
Competitive Positioning: The pace at which SEI and WTW can differentiate their offering from other providers entering this space.