SEI Business Audit Tool Reveals Financial Advisors' Focus on Significant Business Transitions

Rhea-AI Summary

SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) released data from its business audit tool revealing significant trends in the financial advisory industry. The study, based on 240 financial advisors' responses, shows that 40% of advisors are planning major business transitions within 18 months, including selling practices or merging with other firms. Key findings indicate that 92% of advisors prioritize business expansion, 80% focus on business planning, 51% emphasize operational efficiency, and 43% are investing in people and culture. The tool provides advisors with insights into business health and growth opportunities. According to Shauna Mace, Head of Practice Management at SEI, the industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing client expectations, technology, and demographics.

Positive

• 40% of advisors planning business transitions shows strong industry consolidation and growth opportunities
• 92% of advisors focusing on business expansion indicates robust growth potential
• High adoption of business planning (80%) suggests strategic approach to growth
• Tool demonstrates SEI's value proposition beyond investment management

Negative

• Industry transformation may create operational challenges and uncertainty
• High percentage of business transitions could indicate market saturation or competitive pressures
• Succession planning concerns highlight potential industry stability risks

Industry Prepares for Substantial Evolution,
Advisors Focused on Business Planning, Growth, and Scalability

OAKS, Pa., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SEI^® (NASDAQ:SEIC) today announced that advisors are actively seeking strategies intended to refine and future-proof their practice, according to data collected from its business audit tool.* Within the next 18 months, 40% of respondents are considering a significant business transition, including selling their practices, acquiring or merging with another firm, or navigating key changes in their strategic partnerships. Succession planning and continuity planning remain top concerns, highlighting the need for structured exit strategies.

From business transitions to scaling operations, SEI's business audit tool provides advisors with personalized insights into their business health and areas of opportunity, spotlighting critical areas of focus and enabling them to strategically prioritize next steps.

Commenting on the tool, Brian Trugman, CFP® of Attitude Financial Advisors and SEI client since 2013, said:

"SEI's business audit tool is a quick, clear way for financial advisors to assess key areas of their businesses. It's a great starting point, and SEI's strategic partnership extends beyond investment management to truly understanding our needs."

The data uncovered several other prominent trends among financial advisors:

• Growth and scalability remain paramount, with 92% of advisors prioritizing expanding their businesses.
  
  
• An overwhelming 80% identified business planning, which includes defining the firm's vision, setting strategic direction and improving management structures, as a top priority.
  
  
• More than half (51%) cite operational efficiency as a top priority, aiming to strengthen their firm's foundation for scalable growth.
  
  
• 43% of respondents are investing in people and culture as a core strategy for talent acquisition, retention, and long-term team development.

Shauna Mace, Head of Practice Management at SEI, said:

"The financial advisory industry is currently navigating a period of profound transformation, driven by evolving client expectations, technological advancements, and shifting demographic trends. Advisors clearly recognize the landscape is shifting, and they are taking decisive steps to not only navigate the now, but to strategically build for a resilient and successful tomorrow.

"The data shows a clear impetus toward fortifying business fundamentals, as many advisors prepare for significant long-term transitions. Transformative forces pushing on advisors from every direction make this a pivotal time to assess their practice and help ensure the right strategies and partners are in place."

This data underscores the imperative for advisors—and the industry—to proactively embrace change and plan for the future. Advisors looking to refine their strategy, scale their operations, or prepare for transition can benefit from gaining a clearer picture of their business priorities in an effort to make informed and confident decisions for long-term success.

*Data based on 240 financial advisors who completed SEI's business audit.

About SEI^®
SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) is a leading global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services within the financial services industry. SEI tailors its solutions and services to help clients more effectively deploy their capital—whether that's money, time, or talent—so they can better serve their clients and achieve their growth objectives. As of March 31, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.6 trillion in assets. For more information, visit seic.com.

Company Contact:	Media Contact:
Leslie Wojcik	Eric Hazard
SEI	Vested
+1 610-676-4191	+1 917-765-8720
lwojcik@seic.com	eric@fullyvested.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sei-business-audit-tool-reveals-financial-advisors-focus-on-significant-business-transitions-302471101.html

SOURCE SEI Investments Company

FAQ

What percentage of financial advisors are planning business transitions according to SEI's audit tool?

According to SEI's business audit tool, 40% of advisors are considering significant business transitions within the next 18 months, including selling practices, merging, or changing strategic partnerships.

What are the main priorities for financial advisors according to SEI's study?

The main priorities are business expansion (92% of advisors), business planning (80%), operational efficiency (51%), and investing in people and culture (43%).

How many financial advisors participated in SEI's business audit?

The data is based on responses from 240 financial advisors who completed SEI's business audit.

What is the purpose of SEI's business audit tool?

SEI's business audit tool provides advisors with personalized insights into their business health and areas of opportunity, helping them identify critical focus areas and strategically prioritize next steps.

Why are financial advisors focusing on business transitions according to SEI?

According to SEI, advisors are preparing for industry transformation driven by evolving client expectations, technological advancements, and shifting demographic trends.