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Investment philosophy and process

Investment manager selection

Seeking a competitive edge.

SEI is a manager of managers. We build investment strategies by hiring specialist managers known for their expertise in specific markets or with specific investment styles.

Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research, we identify managers that have demonstrated an ability to provide exposure to the portfolio’s selected sources of return and that have a sustainable competitive advantage.

After we hire a manager, our ongoing monitoring either validates our initial conclusions or identifies signs that the manager no longer meets our criteria. We don’t have to wait for poor performance to remove managers from a portfolio; we do it when we believe they have lost their competitive edge.

Shortlist of recommended managers Quantitative analytics Qualitative review SEI & investor-specific filters Asset manager universe

Asset manager universe

  • Hundreds of managers with varying firm structures and cultures, applying diverse investment approaches 

SEI & investor-specific filters

  • Asset-class and SEI alpha source filters
  • Investor filter—for example, socially responsible, boutique manager

Qualitative review

  • Manager interviews and on-site visits
  • Firm overview—stability, culture and alignment
  • Team analysis—structure, experience and resources
  • Comprehensive process review—understanding the “edge”

Quantitative analytics 

  • Historical holdings review
  • Factor analysis
  • Forensic attribution and risk analysis
  • Portfolio characteristics

Source: SEI. 

Important Information

SEI’s Investment Management Unit (“IMU”) is a team within SEI Investments Management Corp (“SIMC”) which serves as investment advisor. SIMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI.

This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security. The reader should consult with their financial professional for more information.

Statements that are not factual in nature, including opinions, projections and estimates, assume certain economic conditions and industry developments and constitute only current opinions that are subject to change without notice.  Nothing herein is intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. 

There are risks involved with investing, including loss of principal. There is no assurance the goals of the strategies discussed will be met. Diversification may not protect against market risk. The value of an investment and any income from it can go down as well as up. Investors may get back less than the original amount invested. Returns may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Investment may not be suitable for everyone.

This material is not directed to any persons where (by reason of that person's nationality, residence or otherwise) the publication or availability of this material is prohibited. Persons in respect of whom such prohibitions apply must not rely on this information in any respect whatsoever.

Information issued in the UK by SEI Investments (Europe) Limited, 1st Floor, Alphabeta, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1BR which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Investments in SEI Funds are generally medium- to long-term investments.

SIEL has appointed SEI Investments (Asia) Limited (SEIAL) of Suite 904, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3 Jackson Road, Central, Hong Kong as the sub-distributor of the SEI UCITS funds. SEIAL is licensed for Type 4 and 9 regulated activities under the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC")

This information is being made available in Hong Kong by SEIAL. The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. You are advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer. If you are in any doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice.

This information is made available in Latin America and the Middle East FOR PROFESSIONAL (non-retail) USE ONLY by SIEL.

SIEL is not licensed under Israel’s Regulation of Investment Advising, Investment Marketing and Portfolio Management Law, 5755-1995 (the “Advice Law”) and does not carry insurance pursuant to the Advice Law. No action has been or will be taken in Israel that would permit a public offering or distribution of the SEI Funds mentioned in this email to the public in Israel.

Issued in South Africa by SEI Investments (South Africa) (Pty) Limited FSP No. 13186 which is a financial services provider authorised and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Registered office: 3 Melrose Boulevard, 1st Floor, Melrose Arch 2196, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Any questions you may have in relation to its contents should solely be directed to your Distributor. If you do not know who your Distributor is, then you cannot rely on any part of this document in any respect whatsoever.