Welcome to the investment operations content channel sponsored by SEI. Here you will find frequently updated features on future industry trends and operational issues for asset managers globally, with a focus on private equity, private debt, real estate and hedge fund managers.
Founded in 1968, SEI became a US public company in 1981 and is listed on the U.S. NASDAQ stock market under the ticker symbol SEIC. With our corporate headquarters based in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a significant presence in London and Dublin, our 3800+ employees serve asset managers, institutional investors and financial institutions around the globe.
To help investment managers compete and succeed in an environment of escalating challenges, risks and complexity, SEI Investment Manager Services division provides the sophisticated operating capabilities and services needed to optimise their business performance across key product structures, asset classes and domiciles. Alternative and traditional asset managers worldwide currently entrust over USD1 trillion in assets with us.
When it comes to technology adoption and innovation, compared to other industries financial services is merely scratching the surface. Dipping its toe in. Engaging in proofs of concept but rarely integrating new solutions across multiple geographies.
Technology continues to infiltrate every aspect of global business. Not a day goes by where the impact of platforms like Amazon, Facebook etc, isn’t felt by those in the asset management industry. The fact is, investor habits are rapidly changing and the way they choose to invest is beginning to mirror the way they use technology to support all other aspects of their lives, from shopping online to algorithms providing recommendations, personally curated to them, on Netflix.
In mid-March, we published the first of a two-part article series with SEI Investment Manager Services on how a top-down, bottom-up solution can go some way towards helping fund managers grapple with regulatory compliance demands as efficiently as possible.
Global regulation has developed like a slow growing but increasingly powerful storm system over the last five years. And whereas big wave surfers welcome such conditions thanks to the epic waves it produces, there are, it could be argued, precious few C-suite executives relishing the equivalent regulatory waves being cast ashore.
Attend almost any financial industry event today and the chances are a panel discussion will refer to blockchain and the transformation opportunities it could afford the industry. It has become a buzzword, a term that one has to pretend to understand and nod sagely whenever it comes up in conversation. If you don't understand blockchain, you're not in the club, cast aside as a technological Luddite.