SEI opens Singapore office to expand asset management services across Asia

SEI has opened a Singapore office to support the region’s growing asset management sector, initially offering asset servicing, professional services and distribution of its UCITS funds, with plans to expand its technology and asset management capabilities across Asia Pacific.

As client adoption accelerates, the company expects to expand its regional capabilities, introduce additional locally relevant products, and further expand its enterprise asset management, technology, operations, and professional services offerings across Asia Pacific.

This expansion supports the continued growth and influence of the region’s asset management sector. Sitting at the intersection of technology, operations, fund administration, and asset management, SEI’s launch in Singapore comes at a time of strong growth in the industry. Assets under management (AUM) at Singapore-based firms grew by 10% from the previous year to reach SGD 6.7 trillion ($5.2 trillion) in 2025, their highest ever level. With a global outlook, Singapore-based asset managers source more than three-fifths of AUM outside Singapore and 88% is invested globally.

SEI’s launch in Singapore follows a period of strong business momentum, with demand accelerating across its technology, operations, and investment capabilities. SEI provides asset servicing for 48 of the world’s 100 largest asset managers and is one of the top five largest administrators of private assets globally. The Singapore office will strengthen the company’s ability to support global clients with Asian operations or regional growth ambitions while creating a platform to build new relationships in one of the world’s leading asset management hubs.

Connall McGuckian has been named Managing Director, Head of Singapore, responsible for driving growth in Asia Pacific through SEI’s integrated financial technology, operations, and asset management capabilities. McGuckian joins SEI from State Street Singapore, where he spent close to 14 years, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer for the firm's Alternatives Investment Solutions in Asia Pacific. He joined State Street in 2012 following its acquisition of Goldman Sachs Administration Services. Prior to that, he spent nine years at Goldman Sachs, relocating to Singapore in 2011 to establish Goldman Sachs Administration Services in Asia.

Sanjay Sharma, CEO of SEI International and Global Head of SEI’s Private Banking business, commented: “Singapore is a critical market for SEI's growth in Asia Pacific and an important milestone in the evolution of our international business. As part of our international growth strategy, we're investing in markets where we believe we deliver the greatest value to clients.

“Singapore's prominence as a global financial centre, combined with the continued growth of the region's asset management industry, makes it an ideal location to expand our presence. Clients are increasingly looking for scalable, connected solutions that help them operate more efficiently, navigate complexity, and pursue growth across markets and jurisdictions. Connall's leadership and deep industry experience will be instrumental as we align SEI's capabilities with the evolving needs of clients in Singapore and across the broader Asia-Pacific region.”

McGuckian added: "As Asia-Pacific financial services firms look to expand across markets and asset classes, they need strategic partners that can help them navigate change, facilitate scale, simplify complexity, and position them for long-term growth. SEI brings the global infrastructure, operational expertise, technology capabilities, and professional services to enable clients to operate more efficiently. Establishing a presence in Singapore allows SEI to tap into exceptional local talent while supporting the continued growth and evolution of Asia's asset management industry. I look forward to growing SEI's client base and bringing the strength of its global platform to clients across the region."

 Re-disseminated by Wealth and Society