SEI Investments
SEI Investments Company is a global investment management and technology company headquartered in Oaks, Pennsylvania, in the Philadelphia suburbs. Founded in 1968 by Alfred P. West Jr., SEI provides investment processing, investment management, and investment operations solutions*** to financial institutions, private banks, wealth managers, and individual investors. The company manages, advises, or administers over $1 trillion in assets*** and is known for its distinctive open-office campus culture and innovative approach to both investing and workplace design. SEI remains one of the Philadelphia region's most innovative financial services companies.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Origins (1968)
[edit | edit source]SEI was founded in 1968:
Beginning:
- Alfred P. West Jr.*** founded company
- Started with computer services for banks
- Investment processing focus
- Technology-driven
Early Business
[edit | edit source]Technology services:
- Bank trust department automation
- Back-office processing
- Investment operations
- Technology innovation
Expansion
[edit | edit source]Growth:
- Added investment management
- Wealth management platform
- Institutional services
- Global expansion
Modern Era
[edit | edit source]Today:
- $1+ trillion in assets
- Multi-platform company
- Global operations
- Technology and investing combined
Business Model
[edit | edit source]Investment Management
[edit | edit source]Asset management:
- Mutual funds (SEI Investments)
- Managed accounts
- Multi-manager strategies
- Goals-based investing
Investment Processing
[edit | edit source]Technology platform:
- Wealth management platforms
- Trust accounting
- Operations technology
- Client reporting
Investment Operations
[edit | edit source]Outsourcing:
- Back-office services
- Fund administration
- Trading operations
- Compliance support
Wealth Platforms
[edit | edit source]Advisor technology:
- Turnkey platforms
- Technology for RIAs
- Integration services
- Practice management
Platforms
[edit | edit source]SEI Wealth Platform
[edit | edit source]For advisors:
- Comprehensive wealth platform
- Trading and rebalancing
- Client portal
- Practice management
Private Banks
[edit | edit source]Institutional:
- Trust processing
- Private banking technology
- Operations outsourcing
- Multi-currency
Investment Managers
[edit | edit source]For asset managers:
- Fund administration
- Operational services
- Regulatory support
- Distribution
Philadelphia Region
[edit | edit source]Oaks Campus
[edit | edit source]Corporate headquarters:
- Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks
- Montgomery County
- Unique campus design
- Open workspace concept
Workplace Innovation
[edit | edit source]Distinctive environment:
- No private offices
- Collaborative spaces
- "Pythons" (moving desks on wheels)
- Flat organization
Employment
[edit | edit source]Regional impact:
- 4,500+ employees
- Significant local employer
- Technology and finance careers
- Innovative culture
Culture
[edit | edit source]Open Office Pioneer
[edit | edit source]Workspace philosophy:
- No private offices for anyone
- Collaborative environment
- Pythons (desk configurations)
- Communication focus
Al West Leadership
[edit | edit source]Founder-led:
- Al West still involved
- Long-term thinking
- Culture emphasis
- Innovation focus
Employee Ownership
[edit | edit source]Alignment:
- Significant employee ownership
- Equity incentives
- Long-term retention
- Alignment with shareholders
Industry Position
[edit | edit source]Competition
[edit | edit source]Rivals:
- Fidelity Institutional
- Schwab Advisor Services
- Pershing (BNY Mellon)
- SS&C Technologies
Differentiation
[edit | edit source]Unique positioning:
- Combined technology and investment
- Outsourcing model
- Platform approach
- Innovation culture
Financial Performance
[edit | edit source]Revenue
[edit | edit source]Scale:
- $2+ billion revenue
- Recurring revenue model
- Asset-based fees
- Technology fees
Assets
[edit | edit source]Scale:
- $1+ trillion managed/administered
- Multiple business lines
- Global client base
- Diversified
Innovation
[edit | edit source]Technology
[edit | edit source]Development:
- Proprietary platforms
- Continuous investment
- Cloud evolution
- Digital capabilities
Investment Approach
[edit | edit source]Goals-based:
- Goals-based investing philosophy
- Risk management
- Manager selection
- Multi-asset solutions
Challenges
[edit | edit source]Competition
[edit | edit source]Market dynamics:
- Large competitors
- Fee pressure
- Technology investment required
- Market consolidation
Market Sensitivity
[edit | edit source]Asset-based model:
- Market impact on fees
- Volatility effects
- Flow sensitivity
- Economic cycles
Future
[edit | edit source]Strategy
[edit | edit source]Direction:
- Platform expansion
- Technology investment
- Global growth
- Service innovation
Trends
[edit | edit source]Opportunities:
- Outsourcing growth
- Advisor technology needs
- Wealth transfer
- Digital transformation