SEI launches portal for advisers' succession planning

SEI has launched the SEI Pathfinder Portal for financial advisers, a platform aimed at business planning across the adviser lifecycle.

The launch comes as many advisory firms face succession and ownership questions. About one-third of advisers are expected to retire within the next decade, while 58% lack a fully documented succession plan, according to figures SEI cited from Cerulli and Edward Jones research.

The portal brings together guided support, networking, educational material, valuation tools and planning resources in a single offering. It is intended to help advisers assess their firms, identify opportunities and turn long-term goals into structured business plans.

SEI is positioning it as a tool for advisers dealing with growth, continuity, ownership and transition issues before a major business event forces a decision. The portal is designed to support firms throughout the business lifecycle, rather than only at the point of succession or sale.

Planning focus

Users can estimate firm value, identify value drivers and review future options. The portal is also intended to help advisers strengthen business sustainability, develop continuity and succession plans, and explore growth, acquisition and transition routes.

It also allows advisers to document plans and measurable next steps. Other tools support secure communication, document sharing and anonymous exploration of potential connections before a firm decides whether to engage.

Shauna Mace, Head of Practise Management and Independent Advisor Solutions at SEI, said earlier planning is critical for advisory firms.

"For many advisors, the true value of their firm becomes clear only when a potential buyer comes forward. By then, many of the decisions that shaped that value have already been made. The SEI Pathfinder Portal helps advisors understand the business they are building today, identify opportunities to strengthen it, and plan proactively for growth, continuity, and ownership transitions.

"Our goal is to help advisors make informed, deliberate decisions at every stage of their firm's lifecycle. With greater clarity and earlier planning, advisors can move forward with confidence, maintain control, and preserve the ability to choose what comes next."

Industry pressure

The wealth management sector has been grappling with an ageing adviser base and the question of how firms maintain continuity for clients and staff. Succession planning has often centred on late-stage transactions, but firms are increasingly looking at earlier preparation, internal ownership structures and acquisition options.

SEI is seeking to place the portal within that broader planning process. The product complements its existing practice management work and sits alongside the SEI Growth Lab, another part of its adviser support business.

The group operates in financial technology, operations and asset management services across the financial services industry. It manages, advises or administers about $2tn in assets.

The launch adds to competition among firms offering advisers tools for valuation, succession planning and practice development, as pressure grows on smaller and independently owned businesses to prepare for leadership transitions.

Research cited by SEI suggests many firms have yet to formalise those plans despite retirement expectations across the sector. That gap has increased attention on products that help owners evaluate business value, weigh strategic options and record succession arrangements before a sale or handover becomes urgent.

SEI said the portal is intended to let advisers take those steps on their own timetable while retaining control over sensitive information and potential future transactions.