#United States #Oaks #Alternative Investments #SEI Access #Wealth Managers

SEI's New Marketplace for Alternative Investments

SEI, a prominent player in the investment management sector, has recently introduced its alternative investment product marketplace through SEI Access. This innovative platform aims to streamline the investment experience for wealth managers and financial advisors aiming to access diverse investment opportunities.

The SEI Access is designed to be used broadly by registered investment advisors, wealth managers, and broker-dealers across the United States, ensuring that as many professionals as possible can tap into this expansive marketplace, contingent upon relevant regulatory requirements.

Rising Demand for Alternatives

As demand for tailored investment solutions continues to rise, wealth managers and advisors are turning increasingly towards alternative investments, which offer various asset classes and strategies beyond traditional equities and fixed income. The marketplace helps fill this gap by offering a wide range of alternative investment options from reputable fund managers. Notable new entries include Constitution Capital Partners, Golub, Neuberger Berman, OpenVC, StepStone Group, and Tall Trees Capital Management. Additionally, established players such as Cantor Fitzgerald and Capital Square have also integrated their services into this platform.

A Comprehensive Digital Experience

SEI Access is more than just a marketplace; it comprises a complete suite of tools that enhances accessibility and transparency for financial professionals. Key features of the platform include an intuitive design that allows for easy navigation among various funds. Advisors can evaluate different offerings based on consistent and easily comparable attributes, making informed decisions more manageable.

The platform also boasts integrated subscription processing capabilities that streamline the execution and management of investments. By combining digital subscription documents, proprietary firm paperwork, custodian forms, and electronic signature capabilities, SEI Access promises rapid and accurate transaction processing.

Value for Fund Managers

Furthermore, fund managers benefit significantly from the expanded distribution opportunities provided by SEI Access. Being one of the top five administrators of U.S. private assets, SEI facilitates what may be a laborious process for fund managers, enabling them to achieve increased engagement and adoption among advisors across its extensive network.

Kevin Crowe, Senior Vice President and Head of SEI Access, articulated the purpose of this digital platform, stating that access to alternative investments has been predominantly limited to institutions and high-net-worth clients. This marketplace aims to democratize alternative investment opportunities, overcoming long-standing challenges regarding disclosures, fee structures, and valuation reporting, thus arming advisors with robust educational tools to help them make choices that align with their clients' financial objectives.

Strategic Innovations and Growth

Behind SEI Access is SEI’s commitment to innovative technology solutions that propel growth and enhance the client experience. The platform is built on SEI’s extensive experience in private markets, bolstered by the acquisition of Altigo, a technology that automates subscription processes efficiently. Recently, SEI also announced its acquisition of LifeYield, further positioning itself at the forefront of delivering automated unified managed household capabilities that are cost-efficient and comprehensive.

By the end of 2024, SEI Access had gone live with over 250 wealth management firms and 165 fund managers, providing access to around 300 alternative investment funds. The platform has processed approximately $4.9 billion in transactions – a testament to its acceptance and utility in the marketplace.

Conclusion

The launch of SEI Access represents a significant advancement in the quest for wider access to alternative investments, empowering financial advisors with greater choice and aiding them in crafting customized financial solutions for their clients. SEI's innovative approach has the potential to reshape how alternatives are integrated into investment strategies, promising a more inclusive and informed investment landscape for the future.