SEI Expands to Asia with New Singapore Office and Appoints Ex-State Street Executive to Lead

Quick Summary

The new SEI Singapore office marks the firm's strategic entry into the Asian market, providing institutional asset servicing and UCITS fund distribution. Led by former State Street executive Connall McGuckian, the expansion targets Singapore's record S$6.7 trillion AUM sector to support global clients and regional growth.

How Does the SEI Singapore Office Support Regional Growth?

The SEI Singapore office serves as a critical hub for the company’s international growth strategy, positioning the firm at the heart of Asia's financial ecosystem. By establishing a physical presence, SEI can better support its global client base that already includes 48 of the world's 100 largest asset managers. The move is timed to capitalize on a 10% year-on-year increase in Singapore-based assets, which reached a record high in 2025.

• Scalable asset servicing for private and public markets.
• UCITS fund distribution to meet local investor demand.
• Professional services tailored to complex regulatory jurisdictions.

Who is Leading SEI’s Asia-Pacific Expansion?

To spearhead the SEI Singapore office, the firm has appointed Connall McGuckian as Managing Director and Head of Singapore. McGuckian brings nearly 14 years of experience from State Street, where he served as COO for Alternatives Investment Solutions in APAC. His deep expertise in fund administration and operations is expected to be instrumental in navigating the complex Asian markets and building new local relationships.

“Singapore's prominence as a global financial center, combined with the continued growth of the region's asset management industry, makes it an ideal location to expand our presence,” said Sanjay Sharma, CEO of SEI International. “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.”

What Results Has SEI Delivered Globally?

SEI enters the region with significant market momentum, currently managing or administering approximately $2.1 trillion in assets globally. As one of the top five administrators of private assets, the firm provides the global infrastructure and technology necessary for firms to scale efficiently. The Singapore launch allows SEI to offer integrated financial technology to a market where 88% of assets are invested globally, requiring sophisticated cross-border support.

“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,” added McGuckian. “I look forward to growing SEI’s client base and bringing the strength of its global platform to clients across the region.”

FF NEWS TAKE:

The opening of the SEI Singapore office is a definitive move that signals SEI is no longer content with Western dominance. By hiring a heavyweight like McGuckian from State Street, they are buying immediate regional credibility and operational depth. In a market where S$6.7 trillion is at stake, SEI’s ability to blend technology with asset servicing moves the needle for institutional players seeking a unified global operating model.