SEI Investments Company began in 1968 when Alfred P. West, Jr. founded Simulated Environments Inc. in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Originally focused on computer-based training systems for bank loan officers, the firm pivoted in 1972 toward developing one of the first automated portfolio accounting systems for bank trust departments. Going public in 1981, SEI steadily expanded throughout the 1980s and ’90s—introducing its “manager-of-managers” investment approach in 1982, entering mutual funds in 1992, and launching a comprehensive wealth management platform in 1995. By the early 2000s, SEI had expanded internationally, setting up offices in Europe, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, and beyond .
The company today delivers a full suite of asset management, investment processing, and operations outsourcing solutions. Clients include banks, institutional investors, investment managers, financial advisors, and ultra high net worth individuals. SEI handles over $1 trillion in client assets—comprising both assets under management and administration—with roughly $420 billion in AUM and $880 billion in AUA as of late 2023. Services range from front end wealth platforms and mutual fund administration to collective investment trust support, investment accounting, and technology-first operations solutions.
SEI is noted for its technology-driven operating model and innovative expansion strategy. Its proprietary SEI Wealth Platform integrates front office to back office workflows, embedding SEI deeply within client ecosystems—creating high switching costs and recurring revenue streams. The firm has grown selectively through acquisitions—such as NorthStar Systems (2003), Huntington Steele (2018), Novus Partners (2021), Finomial (2022), and Altigo (2023)—to bolster its technology offerings and private fund administration capabilities.
SEI continues developing its platform and expanding into alternative investments and operations outsourcing. It recently surpassed $200 billion in collective investment trust assets, reflecting growth in customized, low cost retirement products. The company is enhancing its goals based investing and fintech cloud services, while extending its reach through asset management in family office and private fund sectors. With its long history of fintech integration and recurring-fee model, SEI remains a durable, evolving provider of financial technology infrastructure for institutional wealth and asset management.