Aquiline's Strategic Acquisition of SEI's Family Office Services Enhances Market Position
Aquiline's Acquisition of SEI's Family Office Services
In a significant strategic move, Aquiline Capital Partners, a private investment firm with a focus on financial services and technology, has confirmed the acquisition of SEI's Family Office Services business. This acquisition is set to bolster Aquiline's capabilities in a market that serves ultra-high-net-worth families and investment professionals. Following the completion of the transaction, this branch will be branded as the Archway Platform, a name synonymous with reliability and excellence in family office management.
The Family Office Services segment of SEI has been widely recognized for its ability to efficiently connect essential functions such as accounting, investment management, and reporting for family offices. With approximately $723 billion in assets managed on the Archway Platform as of the end of 2024, it stands as a testament to the platform's robustness and appeal among wealthy families seeking sophisticated financial solutions.
The operational transition will see key employees from SEI's offices in Indianapolis, Denver, and Oaks, accompanying the business to Aquiline. This retention of talent underscores Aquiline's commitment to maintaining the quality and reliability of service that has been established in the family office space.
Vincenzo La Ruffa, Managing Partner at Aquiline, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that the Archway Platform has been a leader in offering accounting and reporting solutions tailored to family offices across the country. He emphasized the firm's excitement about investing in and further developing the platform, highlighting its sophisticated general ledger capabilities that cater to complex family structures.
Sandy Ewing, who heads SEI's Family Office Services, shared her thoughts on the sale, noting the longstanding commitment of SEI to invest in growing its Family Office segment. Under her guidance, the business has thrived, thanks to a dedicated team focused on enhancing technology solutions and client service. Ewing acknowledged Aquiline as a respected player in the financial realm, one that is poised to facilitate accelerated growth and broaden the reach of the Archway Platform within the private wealth sector.
The deal, valued at $120 million, is anticipated to close by the end of the second quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. This acquisition not only signifies Aquiline's intent to expand its footprint in the financial services landscape, but also reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the financial technology market, where firms seek to enhance their service offerings through strategic mergers and acquisitions.
As the financial services industry evolves, the integration of technology with traditional wealth management functions becomes increasingly vital. The collaboration between Aquiline and SEI is expected to result in enhanced financial reporting capabilities and streamlined operations for family offices, ultimately benefiting clients as they navigate the complexities of wealth management in today's dynamic economic environment.
As the transaction progresses, stakeholders will be keenly monitoring the impacts of this acquisition on both Aquiline's market position and SEI's operational emphasis following the divestiture of a significant business unit. The Archway brand is well-positioned to leverage this new phase under Aquiline’s stewardship to further innovate and expand its service offerings in the family office sector.