Fintech and managed accounting provider SEI is partnering with global alternative asset manager Carlyle to expand access to private markets investing across the wealth and retirement channels.
The collaboration will include development of new joint products including model portfolio. SEI and Carlyle will also partner to provide private-market strategies for the defined contribution market.
“The most common question we hear from clients is how to allocate to private markets,” Michael Lane, head of asset management at SEI, said in a statement. “Our aim with Carlyle is to help simplify that decision by providing more streamlined access to a broader range of strategies.
last March, SEI launches a new alternative investment market as part of SEI Access. This tool provides research on strategies and funds and subscription processing functionality. The firm has also served as asset manager for long-term defined contribution plans.
As the Trump Administration continues its effort to include private markets as an option in DC plans, plan administrators have shown strong interest in alternative investments. 2025 survey by research firm Ceruli Association found that 37% of retirement plan sponsors said they were very interested in learning how to incorporate private market assets Through target-date funds or managed accounts.
During this time, Carlyle is working on a partnership with State Street Corp. that will combine public and private market investments For individual investors. this is also worked with Alternative investment platform CAIS will bring a private-markets model to its market, including strategies focused on private equity and private debt.
“This partnership reflects the growing role of private markets in the wealth and retirement landscape,” Jeff Nedelman, Carlyle co-chairman and global head of client business, said in a statement.
“SEI brings a deep understanding of this ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing our work together to support greater participation in private markets for individual investors.”
Alternative asset managers, traditional asset managers, fintech firms, and managed account providers are increasingly partnering to bring private-markets strategies to individual investors. These range from evergreen funds, SMAs and model portfolios to public and private market exposure on the private wealth side. CIT and target-date funds Towards retirement.
For example, in January, BlackRock and Partners Group Launched an SMA investing across multiple private asset classes through evergreen funds. In February, bitwise Launches model portfolio focusing on crypto ETFs. Other high-profile partnerships include Blackstone, Vanguard Group and Wellington Management Co. are working on funds that would combine public equities and bonds with private-market exposure. And KKR and Capital Group are working on public-private fixed income investment products.