SEI (NASDAQ: SEIC) and WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) have announced an expansion of their strategic relationship aimed at developing private markets solutions for the 401(k) and broader U.S. defined contribution market, according to a press release issued Aug. 4, 2026.

The collaboration combines WTW Investments' investment research and portfolio implementation capabilities with SEI's trust and platform services through SEI Trust Company, which provides trustee, operational, and administrative services for collective investment trusts (CITs).

WTW will provide investment and operational due diligence and research support for private markets strategies used in retirement-focused CIT and evergreen solutions. WTW selected SEI Trust Company to support the delivery of certain WTW retirement solutions through CIT structures.

The firms said they are also collaborating on the design of new products and structures intended to broaden access to private markets through vehicles suited to the needs of defined contribution plans. WTW has been integrating private markets into DC solutions since 2018.

Christy Loop, Head of U.S. Wealth and Strategic Initiatives at WTW, said: "A key challenge for defined contribution plans is ensuring sponsors have the right wrapper, structure and terms to integrate diversifying exposures like private credit."

Sean Lawlor, Head of Public Markets for SEI's Investment Managers business, noted that SEI has operated as an independent CIT trustee for more than 30 years.

As of June 30, 2026, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. WTW Investments reported assets under advisory of over $4.7 trillion and $178.8 billion of assets under management.