The Evolution and Resurgence of SEI with Ryan Hicke and Sean Denham

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with SEI’s CEO, Ryan Hicke, and CFO, Sean Denham, about SEI’s strategy and vision for the future. Ryan, who has been with SEI for 26 years, discusses the company’s renewed focus on innovation, re-engagement with the market, and the importance of client experience. He highlights three major trends SEI is focusing on: alternatives, industry consolidation, and digital assets.

Sean, new to SEI, talks about his transition from public accounting to his role as CFO and his focus on growth. He stresses the importance of using data to educate clients and drive business decisions. Sean also touches on SEI’s unique market position, combining technology, operations, and asset management.

In this episode:

• (02:54) - SEI’s market engagement and internal culture
• (05:19) - Trends and innovations in wealth management
• (08:10) - Building a winning team at SEI
• (10:17) - SEI’s future vision and market positioning
• (13:51) - Challenges and opportunities in the financial industry
• (20:25) - Sean Denham’s journey to SEI
• (22:36) - Growth mindset and strategies
• (26:56) - Leveraging data for market education
• (34:10) - Tax efficiency and future plans​

Quotes

“If you believe that talent is going to win the day, you can’t just focus internally. There’s arrogance if we think we have all the answers ourselves. I think if we can truly create a diverse team, both in terms of experience and perspective, we won’t end up with group think.” ~ Ryan Hicke

“People ask me a lot how I measure engagement at SEI. And I sincerely answer, by how many people walk the halls with a smile on their face.” ~ Ryan Hicke

“When I think opportunity, it’s not just earnings per share opportunity, it’s really growth. The opportunity to really maximize, to become more efficient as an organization. That’s what I’m really focused on—top-line revenue growth, optimizing the business, and really that return to investors.” ~ Sean Denham

“No one in today’s society wants to be sold to. They want to be educated. So how do we use data? How do we craft storytelling around that to go educate the market? Not just with us, but also our competitors. That’s the opportunity sitting in front of us.” ~ Sean Denham

Links 

• SEI
• Ryan Hicke on LinkedIn
• Sean Denham on LinkedIn
• BlackRock
• LifeYield
• Grant Thornton

Connect with our hosts

• LifeYield
• Jack Sharry on LinkedIn
• Jack Sharry on Twitter

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