SEI Thought Leadership Series Outlines Strategies, Opportunities For Competing In Multi-Trillion Dollar DCIO Market

Product Packaging, Sales Structure Key to Successfully Tapping Defined Contribution Investment Only Market

OAKS, Pa., April 30, 2009 – The Defined Contribution Investment Only (DCIO) space, traditionally dominated by large firms with well-known brands, is an increasingly attractive opportunity for investment managers, as plans broaden their fund selections to include specialized managers and strategies to satisfy their fiduciary responsibilities. According to a four-part research series by SEI (NASDAQ: SEIC), with more than a trillion dollars in DCIO assets up for grabs over the next five years, managers with the strongest products, distribution strategies and sales support will be the ones that capture assets and maintain profit margins. The DCIO series, which was done in partnership with Sway Research, examines the opportunities in the DCIO market while providing insights to help managers best position themselves for success.

“Historically, investment managers have been reluctant to enter this market because it was tough to compete with the brand recognition and funds affiliated with record keepers. Today, with the right packaging, strong track record and distribution model, managers can successfully compete for DCIO assets,” said Phil Masterson, Managing Director for SEI’s Investment Manager Services division. “This series was developed to help give managers the insights that will start them on the right path.”

“The continued shift to open-architecture platforms, and the rising use of asset allocation models and multi-manager portfolios, have expanded opportunities for investment managers of all sizes to gain share of the DCIO market,” says Chris J. Brown, Principal of Sway Research.

The briefs and an accompanying video presentation explore the key challenges for managers seeking to build and maintain successful DCIO efforts. Specifically they explore DCIO distribution strategy, structure and staffing; DCIO product strategy; and maintaining profit margins on existing DCIO businesses.

The series serves as a resource for investment manager clients addressing the critical aspects of building and maintaining a successful DCIO business. To download highlights of the research or to watch the video presentation, visit www.seic.com/ims/DCIO.

About SEI's Investment Manager Services Division

SEI's Investment Manager Services division provides total operations outsourcing solutions to global investment managers focused on mutual funds, hedge and private equity funds, exchange traded funds, collective trusts, separately managed accounts and institutional and private client services. The division applies operating services, technologies, and business and regulatory knowledge to each client’s business objectives. Its resources enable clients to meet the demands of the marketplace and sharpen business strategies by focusing on their core competencies.

About SEI

SEI has been a leading provider of defined contribution investment management since 1996 and today offers a variety of target date portfolio strategies for institutional plan sponsors. The company provides investment management for over 340 defined contribution plans ranging from under $25 million to over $500 million in assets.

SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) is a leading global provider of outsourced asset management, investment processing and investment operations solutions. The company’s innovative solutions help corporations, financial institutions, financial advisors, and affluent families create and manage wealth. As of March 31, 2009, through its subsidiaries and partnerships in which the company has a significant interest, SEI administers $354 billion in mutual fund and pooled assets and manages $123 billion in assets. SEI serves clients, conducts or is registered to conduct business and/or operations, from numerous offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.seic.com.