SEI Launches Portal for Advisor Succession Planning
The new platform helps financial advisors value their firms as many prepare for retirement.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Financial Planning
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SEI has introduced the Pathfinder Portal to provide financial advisors with tools for valuing their firms and managing succession planning. The platform aims to assist advisors in addressing the significant number of industry professionals expected to retire in the near future.
Why it matters
With a large portion of the advisory industry approaching retirement, having a documented succession plan is essential for business continuity and protecting client assets. This new tool allows firms to formalize their transition strategies rather than leaving them to chance.
One-third of financial advisors expect to retire within the next decade, yet 58% currently lack a fully documented succession plan. This disparity creates a significant need for tools that help firms assess their value and organize transitions.
The players
SEI
A financial services firm that provides investment processing, management, and technology solutions to advisors.
The details
The Pathfinder Portal offers resources for advisors to estimate their firm's value and identify the specific factors that drive that valuation. By integrating educational materials and networking capabilities, the system enables advisors to anonymously explore business connections and evaluate growth or succession strategies. These features are designed to help firms move from informal arrangements to structured, actionable continuity plans.
Timeline
July 2026: Edward Jones conducted a survey on advisor succession plans.
August 2026: Cerulli issued a report on advisor retirement expectations.
October 29, 2026: SEI launched the Pathfinder Portal.
Money Landscape
The advisory industry is facing a significant wave of upcoming retirements, necessitating a shift toward formalized business continuity. This development follows industry-wide research highlighting the prevalence of unprepared firms during this transition cycle.
If you work with an independent financial advisor, you may want to ask how their firm manages long-term business continuity and who would manage your portfolio during a leadership change. Maintaining a conversation with a qualified professional ensures your financial plan remains stable regardless of the firm's ownership status.
The takeaway
Proactive planning is crucial to ensure that your financial advisor has a strategy in place for a smooth transition. Consider reviewing your advisor's business continuity status during your next scheduled portfolio review to ensure your long-term planning remains secure.
Further reading
For broader guidance on organizing your long-term wealth transition, see our Financial Planning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyChesCo.
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Is it a good time for small business owners to document their long-term succession plans?
