INVESTMENT MANAGERS

Meet Our Experts

Join Our Mailing List
Receive periodic articles and event invitations on current topics facing the investment management industry.

SEI Knowledge Partnership

Insights for Investment Managers

The SEI Knowledge Partnership is an ongoing source of actionable business intelligence and guidance for SEI’s investment manager clients. Through the Partnership, we engage clients and industry experts to analyze the trends and issues that will shape business conditions in the years to come, enabling them to keep abreast of changing best practices, and craft more competitive business strategies.

You’ll interact with a wide range of industry experts from both within and outside SEI – together, we’ll elevate the discussion of key developments beyond the industry norm through:

  • Interactive web seminars on timely top-of-mind issues
  • Concise briefing papers on emerging developments and new areas of business opportunity
  • An online knowledge center
  • Conferences that put a shifting industry landscape into perspective and look ahead to changes on the horizon
  • The Global Asset Management Product Guide, which addresses the requirements of specific products and their key features and helps investment managers make important decisions about their product and distribution strategy

Addressing key issues

We understand that information is available everywhere, at all times and in all formats. Rather than adding to information overload, we help decision-makers cut through the noise with focused analysis and new ways of understanding the issues related to:

  • Developing and maintaining an increasingly complex compliance program
  • Benefiting from, and adjusting to, recent regulatory changes
  • Creating a state-of-the-art operational solution
  • Meeting the changing demands of institutional and retail investors
  • Delivering the client experience sophisticated investors demand
  • Measuring business performance

Explore the research materials below from the SEI Knowledge Partnership.

The SEI Knowledge Partnership is an initiative of the Investment Manager Services unit, an internal business unit of SEI Investments Company.

Filter By:

  • Apr
    30
    2013

    2013 SEI Executive Conference Summary

    The theme for the 2013 SEI Executive Conference refers to the idea that both artistic and scientific approaches may be needed to succeed long-term in the investment management industry. Read more key insights and guidance from the 2013 SEI Executive Conference.

    [... More]

  • Apr
    22
    2013

    Getting a Grasp on Actively Managed ETFs Before the Boom

    Many regard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as purely passive, beta-indexing tools for basic market exposure. To date, this has been generally true, but...

    [... More]

  • Mar
    26
    2013

    6 Ways Hedge Funds Need to Adapt Now

    In SEI's sixth annual hedge fund survey, institutional investors and fund managers speak out on what it takes to succeed in a tough climate.  Hedge funds may be facing challenges, but investors still need them and want them in their portfolios.

    [... More]

  • Feb
    5
    2013

    SEI Knowledge Partnership: H2 2012 Industry Update

    The SEI Knowledge Partnership explores a traditional and alternative look at the second half of 2012

    . [... More]

  • Feb
    5
    2013

    2012 SEI Global Private Equity Report

    The private equity market is finally exhibiting some vital signs, several years after activity came to a virtual standstill when cheap credit evaporated amid the global financial crisis. Fund managers and investors alike are relieved to see unmistakable signs of a recovery.  [... More]

  • Feb
    5
    2013

    Remuneration Rules: What Should European Alternative Fund Managers Expect?

    SEI hosted a joint forum with AIMA in London which included legal and regulatory specialists providing an update on the issues of Remuneration Under the AIFMD.

    [... More]

  • Dec
    17
    2012

    2012 US CFO Conference Summary

    The SEI Knowledge Partnership hosted the annual US CFO and COO Forum for senior executives of SEI’s alternative investment management firm clients and industry partners. In addition, we surveyed the audience throughout the session and have compiled the results in the conference summary. 

    [... More]

  • Dec
    4
    2012

    Seven Ways to Reinvention: Evolving and Enhancing the Funds of Hedge Funds Model

    While predictions of the fund of hedge funds (FoHFs) industry’s demise appear to be off the mark, the need for innovation is undeniable. Request our 20-page paper to find out more about the headwinds facing the FoHF industry, and where investor/consultant and manager responses diverge on key issues. [... More]

  • Dec
    3
    2012

    Top 10 Operational Risks

    Operational risk is a grave concern not only to investment management firms, but also to their clients, investors, regulators and trading partners.   We believe effective risk management is the foundation of operational excellence. [... More]

  • Oct
    19
    2012

    Webinar: Cross Border Distribution

    Industry experts discuss the critical issues alternative investment managers face in distributing their products outside their home countries. [... More]

  • Aug
    29
    2012

    Q&A with Karrie McMillan, Investment Company Institute (ICI)

    The SEI Knowledge Partnership, as part of our ongoing thought leadership initiative, interviewed Karrie McMillan, General Counsel at the Investment Company Institute about recent events and the role the ICI is playing in advancing the investment management industry. [... More]

  • Aug
    6
    2012

    Ten Common Fund Distribution Missteps

    Distributing investment products into the retail intermediary channel can be challenging, resource-intensive, and highly competitive. An effective distribution strategy can yield significant and longstanding rewards but there are some common and simple missteps that managers should work to avoid. While many of these are well-known and obvious to those already active in the market, these ten common missteps should nevertheless act as a refresher. [... More]

  • Jul
    25
    2012

    Analyzing the Complexities of Bank Debt Investments: Operational, Legal & Accounting Best Practices

    SEI partnered with HFMWeek to host a best practice panel on bank debt investments. [... More]

  • Apr
    23
    2012

    2012 SEI Executive Conference Summary

    Key insights and guidance from the 2012 SEI Executive Conference. [... More]

  • Apr
    16
    2012

    Getting Ahead of the CIT Boom - Aligning Capabilities to Capture DC Market Share

    CITs' share of the DC market doubled in the five years since 2006, increasing from 10% in 2006 to 20% in 2011 and the number of CIT portfolios tracked by Morningstar from mid-year 2006 to mid-year 2011 increased by 55%. SEI's latest report, Getting Ahead of the CIT Boom, helps managers evaluate the market potential and success factors for CITs. [... More]

  • Jan
    23
    2012

    2012 SEI Global Hedge Fund Survey

    SEI's fifth annual survey of institutional hedge fund investors focuses on hedge fund allocations, objectives, performance, vehicle and strategy preferences. [... More]

  • Nov
    30
    2011

    Regulated Alternatives: The New Conventional

    The evolution of investment philosophies and strategies is causing previously distinct investor segments and products to converge.  The trend of packaging alternative investment strategies within mutual funds and UCITS continues unabated, with new products being introduced regularly and asset flows gaining momentum. [... More]

  • Nov
    15
    2011

    2011 Annual CFO Forum for Alternative Managers

    Insights from SEI's Annual CFO Forum for Alternative Managers. [... More]

  • Apr
    7
    2011

    Investment Managers Optimistic But Remain Focused on Increasing Efficiency

    A recent SEI poll of approximately 60 senior investment management operations, distribution, and investment professionals revealed that investment managers felt overwhelmingly optimistic (88%) about their business prospects. They also identified their most daunting challenges, including new regulatory requirements. [... More]

  • Jan
    17
    2011

    Institutional Hedge Fund Investing Comes of Age: A New Perspective on the Road Ahead

    SEI's white paper on insights from our fourth annual survey of institutional investors highlighting their concerns, challenges and expectations. [... More]

  • Oct
    14
    2010

    Webinar: Product Distribution Update

    The SEI Knowledge Partnership recently held a Product/Distribution webinar hosted by Phil Masterson with panelists Loren Fox of Strategic Insight and T. Neil Bathon of FUSE. The webinar covered the transition to fee-based & growing influence of platforms, growth of passives, convergence, DCIO trends and RIA trends. [... More]

  • Oct
    8
    2010

    Webinar: Product Packaging Update

    The SEI Knowledge Partnership recently held a Product Packaging Update webinar hosted by Phil Masterson with panelists Jack Swift of Northern Lights Capital and Tim Levin of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. [... More]

  • Sep
    24
    2010

    Webinar: SMA Industry Overview

    The SEI Knowledge Partnership recently hosted an SMA Industry Overview presented by Jean Sullivan of Dover Financial Research. [... More]

  • May
    24
    2010

    Exotic to Mainstream: Growth of Alternative Mutual Funds in the U.S. and Europe

    The financial crisis caused investors to reconsider several fundamental investment tenets – with some even questioning the legitimacy of modern portfolio theory and its diversification underpinning. Nonetheless, respected investment strategists have concluded that diversification remains a valid approach, although it has become more difficult to achieve and warrants incorporation of a broader set of risk exposures and asset classes, both long and short, in investor portfolios. [... More]

  • Apr
    7
    2010

    Jones v. Harris Implications

    In light of the landmark Jones v. Harris  case, the SEI Knowledge Partnership recently hosted a webinar to discuss the case and its impact on the mutual fund industry. [... More]

  • Mar
    16
    2010

    Alternative Investment CFO Forum Executive Summary

    In the Fall of 2009, the SEI Knowledge Partnership gathered top alternative investment researchers and executives to review the alternative investment management landscape and regulatory environment. The key insights from the Forum are detailed in this executive summary. [... More]

  • Mar
    15
    2010

    Operational Assessment: An Essential Step in Establishing an Efficient Operational Infrastructure

    From rising investor expectations to new regulatory requirements, more and more is being demanded from a manager’s operating infrastructure. How well do your firm’s current systems and personnel meet your business requirements? [... More]

  • Jan
    18
    2010

    The Era of the Investor

    What are institutional investors' thoughts on hedge fund investing?  How do investors view their hedge fund investments after having a year to reflect on their performance and liquidity (or lack thereof), not to mention the Madoff scandal? [... More]

  • Dec
    7
    2009

    What are Institutional Investors Saying About Private Equity?

    SEI Knowledge Partnership's research report, "Private Equity Investors – Committed Yet Concerned," provides valuable information for private equity managers about institutional investors’ current behaviors, motivations, and concerns.
    [... More]

  • Aug
    24
    2009

    Current ETF Landscape

    There are nearly 800 ETFs traded in the United States with approximately $600 billion in assets.  ETFs have experienced tremendous growth in recent years and have attracted the interest of asset managers.  In order to help our clients understand the ETF landscape, the SEI Knowledge Partnership leveraged third party research and our own analysis to explore ETF features and product trends.  [... More]

  • Aug
    2
    2009

    Strategy Brief: Actively Managed Exchange Traded Funds

    ETFs have a history of product innovation, and this Strategy Brief explores the latest innovation – actively managed ETFs. This brief outlines the key features of ETFs, describes the current classifications, addresses whether a mutual fund can convert to an ETF, discusses the active ETFs currently available, and analyzes the impediments to widespread adoption of active ETFs. The first brief in this series provides an overview of the ETF landscape, compares ETFs to index mutual funds and addresses current and future product usage. [... More]

  • Jun
    10
    2009

    Impacts of the Summary Prospectus Rule Changes

    On March 31, 2009, SEC rules adopting new mutual fund disclosure and prospectus delivery requirements became effective. SEI panelists discussed the new rules and how we plan to assist our clients with compliance. [... More]

  • Mar
    12
    2009

    Hedge Fund Regulatory Update: The Regulatory Wagons are Circling

    Regulators around the globe are circling the wagons. Some form of hedge fund and hedge fund advisor regulation appears inevitable in most major jurisdictions. This web seminar replay examines the current regulatory climate facing alternative investments. [... More]

  • Dec
    31
    2008

    Measuring DCIO Profitability

    This Strategy Brief is the final in our series of insights regarding the defined contribution investment only (DCIO) market opportunity for investment managers.  In this brief we benchmark profitability, review sources of margin pressure, and examine payments to defined contribution recordkeepers. [... More]

  • Dec
    31
    2008

    DCIO Product Trends

    This Strategy Brief is the third in our series of insights regarding the defined contribution investment only (DCIO) market opportunity for investment managers.In this Brief, we consider the assets classes in demand in the DCIO channel and examine the impact of regulations on the DCIO marketplace, product structure options and the importance of platform placements in gathering DCIO assets. [... More]

  • Dec
    19
    2008

    Distribution Wrap-Up

    SEI panelists weighed in on distribution issues and highlighted the details that should not be overlooked.

    [... More]

  • Dec
    18
    2008

    Practical Considerations for Managers Launching Long-Short Strategies

    As investors continue to search for higher risk-adjusted returns and investment managers continue their quest to generate alpha, long-short strategies have seen significant asset growth.  This strategy brief explains long/short funds and some of the operational issues which a manager should note when opening a long/short strategy as compared to long only strategy. [... More]

  • Dec
    15
    2008

    An SEC Primer: Steps Towards Improving the Outcome

    If you are a registered mutual fund adviser, there is sure to be an SEC examination in your future. But, it’s hard to know what to expect or where the pitfalls might lie.

    [... More]

  • Dec
    8
    2008

    Countdown to Hedge Fund Adviser Registration

    A recent SEI Web seminar laid out the key issues to address in the registration process and a strategy for getting it all done.

    [... More]

  • Dec
    8
    2008

    Top 7 Compliance Issues

    The SEC has put a number of changes before investment advisors and more mandates and challenges lie ahead.  An SEI Web seminar offered guidance on priority issues.

    [... More]

  • Dec
    2
    2008

    How to Make Sure Your Compliance Program is Ready

    The SEC has taken on a number of new issues, again raising the possibility of more intense regulatory scrutiny and the trend suggests that compliance programs may need additional bolstering before their next annual review.

    [... More]

  • Dec
    2
    2008

    Assessing the Impact of UCITS III

    Implementation of UCITS III is reshaping the marketplace for all retail investment funds sold cross-border in the European Union.  For SEI's web seminar and presentation, top international legal and regulatory experts provide their insights on the legislation's far-reaching impacts on traditional and alternative fund managers alike. 

    [... More]

  • Dec
    1
    2008

    Compliance Program Countdown

    Four years ago funds and advisors were required to have a comprehensive compliance program documented and implemented. SEI made sure to help get you ready.
    [... More]

  • Nov
    17
    2008

    Making Risk Assessments More Effective

    These days, systematic, formal risk assessment and related testing of compliance risk areas is a must-have to design and monitor effective compliance programs and to satisfy the SEC. An SEI Web seminar offered some guidelines and interpretation from regulatory experts.

    [... More]

  • Nov
    10
    2008

    CITs: The New Wave in Retirement Investing

    Until recently the popularity and availability of Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) had been limited. However, the tide has now reversed and CITs are quickly becoming a popular investment vehicle.  It is clear that asset managers will need CIT capabilities to compete in the retirement market and CITs present a major opportunity for asset managers, regardless of their size. [... More]

  • Nov
    7
    2008

    What Should Funds Boards Be Doing to Advance Compliance Efforts?

    As the SEC deadline for the first mandated annual evaluation of adopted compliance programs looms closer, the role of mutual fund boards is coming under a spotlight. An SEI Web seminar helped to fill the gap with recommendations on how fund boards and CCOs should be working together. [... More]

  • Oct
    9
    2008

    Exchange Traded Products: A Look Ahead

    Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) have experienced phenomenal growth by almost every measure.  Are there still opportunities for newcomers on this increasingly crowded playing field? [... More]

  • Dec
    15
    2007

    Five Critical Challenges for Hedge Funds

    To help hedge fund managers understand the competitive requirements of the institutional landscape, SEI analyzed industry trends and sponsored a survey of more than 100 institutional investors. Our comprehensive review of the hedge fund industry gives you the insights you won’t find anywhere else.

    [... More]

  • Feb
    20
    2007

    Asset Management and Technology Operations Survey

    Technology provides a critical lever for improving overall business economics and increasing quality across nearly all functional areas and asset managers are continuing to increase their investment in technology and deal with the complexities accompanying technological advancement.

    [... More]