SEI names Kristie Edling-Day as Chief Information Officer

SEI has appointed Kristie Edling-Day as Chief Information Officer, reporting to Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hicke.

The hire comes as SEI expands internationally and updates core technology across the firm.

Edling-Day will lead SEI's enterprise technology and product strategy and operations. Her remit includes digital transformation, platform modernisation, cybersecurity governance, the responsible use of artificial intelligence and data initiatives.

She will oversee the technology and product organisation and manage a multi-year roadmap designed to align investment with business objectives, client needs and regulatory expectations. The role also includes cross-functional work with senior management on operational and product priorities.

Edling-Day joins from LPL Financial, where she was Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Advisor Technology and Enterprise Production Operations. There, she oversaw technology supporting about 32,000 financial advisers and helped define and implement the firm's enterprise AI strategy.

Before joining LPL, she spent 17 years at Vanguard in senior roles including Chief Information Officer of Intermediary Technology and Chief Product and Information Officer for Financial Advisor Services. That experience included work on large modernisation programmes and management of globally distributed teams.

Expansion push

The appointment comes amid a broader international expansion by the financial technology and asset servicing group. SEI recently opened an office in Singapore offering asset servicing, professional services and distribution of its UCITS funds, adding to operations in London, Dublin and Luxembourg.

SEI already provides asset servicing for 48 of the world's 100 largest asset managers. Edling-Day's responsibilities will include the technology platforms supporting that international footprint.

The group operates across financial technology, operations and asset management services. As of the end of June, it managed, advised or administered about $2.1 trillion in assets.

Hicke linked the appointment to changes in the financial services market and the company's investment plans.

"The future of financial services will be shaped by firms that can connect technology, innovation, and expertise to help clients navigate an increasingly complex environment. At SEI, we're investing in the talent, infrastructure, and technology that will strengthen our competitive advantages, support sustained growth, and deliver greater value for clients.

"Kristie brings an exceptional combination of technology expertise, strategic vision, operational discipline, and deep financial services experience. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our technology and product strategy, accelerating responsible AI and data innovation across the enterprise, and helping us build the capabilities that will define what's next for SEI," said Ryan Hicke, Chief Executive Officer of SEI.

Technology remit

The role places Edling-Day at the centre of SEI's efforts to modernise systems while responding to tighter operational and regulatory demands across wealth and asset management. Financial firms have increased spending on cyber controls, data governance and AI oversight as they seek to improve resilience and reduce operational risk.

For SEI, that agenda spans both internal systems and client-facing products. Edling-Day will work across the organisation to translate strategic priorities into technology and product decisions.

Her background suggests a focus on adviser platforms, enterprise operations and large-scale transformation projects. At LPL, she was involved not only in technology delivery but also in presenting strategic priorities to the board.

Edling-Day said the role offered an opportunity to strengthen SEI's platforms and governance framework as client requirements evolve.

"SEI is at an exciting point in its evolution, with a strong foundation, differentiated capabilities, and a clear vision for the future. As client needs and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, I see a meaningful opportunity to strengthen SEI's technology platforms, product capabilities, and data governance to enable the firm to operate with speed and resilience while delivering greater value to clients. I look forward to partnering across the organization to translate strategic priorities into meaningful business outcomes, building technology and product capabilities that help our clients better serve theirs and create lasting value for SEI," said Edling-Day.