OAKS, Pa., May 5, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- SEI Investments (Nasdaq: SEIC) announced today the launch of a revolutionary life and wealth program that will help advisors answer the demands of today's changing wealthy clients. Utilizing a host of resources and best-of-breed experts, the SEI Wealth Network(R) enables advisors to help affluent clients nationwide use their wealth to realize their true life goals and help solve life problems. With the development of this new business model, SEI has created an entirely new category in the financial advisory marketplace.

The unique franchise agreement enables advisors to deliver a sophisticated end-client experience that changes the very nature of traditional advisory services. Every element has been geared towards what today's end clients want, need and respond to - from the franchise office decor to new life discovery tools and techniques. With expanded capacity and a complete client- focused process and environment, advisors are able to take their practices to the next competitive level of life and wealth advice.

The SEI Wealth Network encompasses an end-to-end offering of life and wealth solutions, as well as a comprehensive business platform for advisors to deliver these solutions. Components of the program include:

1.  Branding and Marketing, which is comprised of a sophisticated lead
        generation program that incorporates direct mail campaigns, referral-
        based partnerships with key influencers (e.g. CPAs and attorneys) and
        specially staged client events.
    2.  Case Management which provides advisors with a broad set of experts to
        help solve client issues such as elder care, career redirection,
        caring for a special needs child - as well as full implementation of
        these life and wealth services.
    3.  Operations and Technology, which includes a solutions platform
        comprised of back office support, financial aggregation, bill pay,
        CRM and other tools critical to advisor business processes.
    4.  Practice Management, which evaluates and monitors progress and growth
        in all areas of advisors' business, including staffing
        recommendations, office space design, and financial management of the
        firm.

"We've developed a solution that independent advisors can seamlessly implement to reach and serve the most desirable clients possible. Although other companies may claim to provide this kind of solution, research has shown that the needs of wealthy clients are still largely unmet," said Carl Guarino, head of the SEI Advisor Network. "As this end-market need increases, it also creates an incredible profit opportunity for advisors if they have the breadth of service and operational capacity to capture it. We've built this model to do just that."

In addition to analysis of third-party studies, SEI examined, evaluated and tested hundreds of financial advisory business models across the country. Unlike other financial services relationships, SEI designed its model so advisors could preserve the independence and objectivity essential to both superior life and wealth planning and close client relationships - an attribute 50% of ultra high-net worth households cite as a key factor in choosing an advisor.(1)

The New Wealth Code

SEI recognizes life-centric advice as one of the primary new demands of the growing wealth marketplace. The SEI Wealth Network was designed around what the company sees as an emerging new "Wealth Code" among the affluent - the intrinsic set of values and beliefs wealthy people have about money. Drawing on an extensive examination of generational trends and proprietary research of the affluent and their advisors, SEI has uncovered a set of six universal principles that define the way today's affluent families view both their wealth and the people who advise them. (See figure)

Old Wealth Code

    1.  True wealth is being rich.
    2.  Money is its own reward.
    3.  Be an expert in your financial field.
    4.  Deliver great products.
    5.  Offer great service.
    6.  Give me a great deal.

    Success Measure:  ROI
    (Return on Investment - Market Driven)

    New Wealth Code

    1.  True wealth is well-being.
    2.  Money helps to realize a rewarding life.
    3.  Become the expert on my life goals.
    4.  Align my wealth with my life changes.
    5.  Help me solve my life problems.
    6.  Create value with me.

    Success Measure:  ROL
    (Return on Life - Goal Driven)

This new wealth code is not being satisfied by traditional advisory approaches. Recent studies among the affluent show that clients believe they have more complex needs than their advisors are currently capable of handling. In one survey of high-net worth individuals, only 59 percent said they were pleased with their advisors' performance - a sharp decrease from 79 percent just two years prior.(2) Another study showed that while nearly half of wealthy clients stated they were considering switching advisors, 31 percent of that group hadn't switched because of a lack of viable alternatives.(3)

SEI developed the franchise model to close these gaps between what wealthy clients seek and what advisors can offer.

"By becoming an SEI Wealth Network advisor, I can offer clients a new approach and vastly different resources than I ever could on my own," said Richard Donnelly, president and CEO of Donnelly Wealth Advisors, one of the first three SEI franchises. "For years, wealthy clients have been urging advisors like me to delve well beyond investment discussions, and into their life issues. I was trying to take my firm in this direction, but it was a daunting challenge to take on by myself. With this solution, SEI has enabled me to truly redirect my business to more fully serve my clients."

SEI is currently transforming several advisors from various geographic regions around the country into SEI Wealth Network franchisees. The company is helping these advisors attract new business through innovative approaches such as the SEI Wealth Network Play, a theatrical discovery event in which live actors dramatize the real-life situations and challenges that influence how individuals and couples manage their wealth.

A number of other advisors are in the process of completing the franchise course, which begins with an extensive business assessment program aimed at identifying opportunities for transformation and growth. SEI estimates it will roll out approximately 200 franchises over the next four to five years.

About the SEI Advisor Network

The SEI Advisor Network provides independent advisors with outsourced wealth management platforms that are designed to meet the demands of a new generation of wealthy clients. In an evolving wealth management industry, the group offers an end-to-end process for successfully transforming their clients' businesses in every critical area, including lead generation, practice management, investment strategy and client relationship platforms.

About SEI

SEI Investments (Nasdaq: SEIC) is a leading global provider of asset management and investment technology solutions. The company's innovative solutions help corporations, financial institutions, financial advisors, and affluent families create and manage wealth. As of the period ending March 31, 2005, through our subsidiaries and partnerships in which we have a significant interest, SEI administers $291.1 billion in mutual fund and pooled assets, manages $123.9 billion in assets, and operates 22 offices in 12 countries. For more information, visit http://www.seic.com.

Many of our responses may be considered "forward looking statements" and include discussions about future operations, strategies and financial results. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control or are subject to change. Although we believe our assumptions are reasonable, they could be inaccurate. Our actual future revenues and income could differ materially from our expected results. We have no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

(1) "Centering on Trust: Profiting from Trusted Advisory Relationships,"
         VIP Forum, March 2005.
    (2) "Wealthy Clients Growing Disenchanted with Advisors," Spectrem Group.
    (3) "Wealth Management at a Crossroads," PricewaterhouseCoopers.

        Company Contact:                  Media Contact:
        Dana Grosser                      Caralyn Gilotti
        SEI Investments                   Braithwaite Communications
        610.676.2459                      215.564.3200 x12
        dgrosser@seic.com                 cgilotti@braithwaitepr.com

SOURCE SEI Investments

Dana Grosser, SEI Investments, +1-610-676-2459, dgrosser@seic.com; or Caralyn
Gilotti, Braithwaite Communications, +1-215-564-3200 x12, cgilotti@braithwaitepr.com
for SEI Investments

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