SEI Enhances SMA and UMA Solutions Offered Through Managed Accounts Program
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The announcement by SEI regarding enhancements to their SMA and UMA offerings could have a positive influence on their market positioning. By introducing cost reductions and improved tax-optimization technology, SEI is likely aiming to attract and retain a broader client base, particularly within the mass-affluent to ultra-high-net-worth segments. The integration of new investment options, including direct indexing, factor investing and individual bond strategies, suggests a strategic move to diversify their product line and enhance customization capabilities.
From a financial standpoint, the move could potentially lead to an increase in assets under management (AUM), as advisors seek more personalized and cost-effective solutions for their clients. The growth of UMAs, at an annual rate of 34%, indicates a strong market trend that SEI is capitalizing on, which could translate into higher revenue streams in the long term. Additionally, the emphasis on tax efficiency through strategies like tax-loss harvesting aligns with the increasing demand for sophisticated wealth management tools that can improve net investment returns.
The enhancements to SEI's tax-optimization technology, particularly the introduction of tax-aware trading and tax-loss harvesting, are significant for advisors and investors focused on maximizing after-tax returns. Tax efficiency is a critical component in wealth management and these improvements could lead to substantial tax savings for clients, which in turn, can enhance the value proposition of advisors who utilize SEI's platforms.
For high-net-worth individuals, the ability to strategically sell securities to offset capital gains is a valuable tool in managing their tax liabilities. The Estimated Taxes Saved Report is a noteworthy addition, as it provides tangible evidence of the benefits of active tax management, which could be a decisive factor for clients when considering SEI's services. This focus on tax optimization is likely to be well-received in the current economic climate where investors are increasingly aware of the impact of taxes on their investment portfolios.
The growth trajectory of UMAs, as reported by Cerulli in their U.S. Managed Account Report, suggests a shift in investor preferences towards more integrated and personalized investment solutions. SEI's enhancements are well-timed to capitalize on this trend. The addition of over 70 specialist managers and 120 unique mandates provides a wide array of choices for advisors, which could be a strong differentiator in the competitive wealth management landscape.
Furthermore, the emphasis on technology upgrades for on-demand access to reports and analytics reflects a growing industry focus on transparency and data-driven decision-making. These enhancements are likely to improve user experience and could be a key factor in attracting advisors who prioritize ease of use and comprehensive reporting capabilities. SEI's strategic enhancements could position them favorably against competitors, potentially leading to market share growth in the managed account space.
New SEI-Managed and Third-Party Investment Options, Cost Reductions, and Improved Tax-Optimization Technology Elevates Experience for Advisors and Investors
UMAs have exhibited strong growth rates over the last half-decade, with assets climbing at an annual rate of
- Diversified investment expertise from SEI and third-party managers with more than 70 specialist managers and 120 unique mandates, including SEI's SMA capabilities in direct indexing, factor investing, and individual bond strategies
- Overlay portfolio management and integration coordination across multiple SMA managers, designed to optimize risk and return, as well as tax-aware trading to improve tax efficiency
- Tax-loss harvesting that aims to strategically sell securities at a loss, offset capital gains, and reduce taxable income, while maintaining exposure to the market and preserving long-term investment objectives
Jim Smigiel, SEI's Chief Investment Officer, said:
"Portfolio customization is key to meeting investors' needs in today's economic environment. We access the entirety of the capital markets through SEI's direct indexing solutions, factor strategies, and individual bond portfolio management, as well as third-party managers we believe have a sustainable competitive advantage. Our solutions give advisors choice in their client recommendations, empowered by SEI's conviction."
SMAs and UMAs are gaining traction for their ability to offer customized investment solutions while optimizing tax efficiency. SMAs offer individualized strategies run by distinct professional managers, while UMAs provide a comprehensive investment solution that combines multiple strategies or investment vehicles within a single account structure. UMAs also offer sophisticated tax optimization that seeks to significantly enhance after-tax returns, not only boosting client outcomes, but also reinforcing an advisor's value proposition.
SEI's technology enhancements enable on-demand access to comprehensive reports and analytics that help foster transparency and facilitate improved decision-making, including SEI's Estimated Taxes Saved Report that shows advisors and investors the amount of taxes saved or deferred through active tax management.
Erich Holland, Head of Client Experience for SEI's Advisor business, said:
"Financial advisors are constantly seeking forward-thinking ways to enhance their clients' portfolios, while simultaneously optimizing tax efficiency. We believe that SMAs and UMAs represent a paradigm shift in how financial advisors can deliver value to their clients.
"SEI has been at the forefront of this trend, offering UMAs for nearly 20 years. Our goal is to offer even better, cost-effective personalization at scale, so advisors can unlock new opportunities for growth, navigate complex environments with confidence, and better align their strategies with the new wealth portfolio—driven by each client's individual needs and objectives."
1SEI's implementation vehicles include mutual funds, ETFs, and SMAs offered through SEI Mutual Fund Strategies and Managed Account Solutions.
2Source: Cerulli
About SEI®
SEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) delivers technology and investment solutions that connect the financial services industry. With capabilities across investment processing, operations, and asset management, SEI works with corporations, financial institutions and professionals, and ultra-high-net-worth families to help drive growth, make confident decisions, and protect futures. As of Dec. 31, 2023, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately
SEI Investments Management Corporation (SIMC) does not represent in any manner that the tax consequences described as part of its tax-management techniques and strategies will be achieved or that any of SIMC's tax-management techniques, or any of its products and/or services, will result in any particular tax consequence. The tax consequences of the tax-management techniques, including those intended to harvest tax losses, and other strategies that SIMC may pursue are complex and uncertain and may be challenged by the IRS. Neither SIMC nor its affiliates provide tax advice. SIMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company (SEI).
Please note that (i) any discussion of
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SOURCE SEI Investments Company
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