SEI Investments Completes First Phase of Stratos Strategic Partnership

SEI Investments Co. SEIC has wrapped up the first stage of its strategic collaboration with Stratos Wealth Holdings. The partnership was first announced in July 2025, when SEIC agreed to invest roughly $527 million for a 57.5% stake in Stratos across two phases. Under the deal structure, a new entity was slated to acquire the operating companies that make up the current Stratos business.Stratos, headquartered in Beachwood, OH, comprises a nationwide network of more than 350 seasoned financial advisors and planning professionals operating in 29 states across the United States.Details of the First Phase of SEIC's CollaborationSEI-Eclipse Holding Company, LLC, the newly formed entity, acquired the U.S.-based Stratos business for roughly $441 million, representing about 81% of the total transaction value.While the July announcement had estimated SEIC’s investment at roughly $527 million, the finalized deal now places its total cash consideration at approximately $544 million for a 57.5% stake in SEI-Eclipse Holding Company. Certain existing Stratos equity holders will retain a 42.5% interest, which is subject to put/call rights that could allow SEI Investments to acquire full ownership.The second phase of the deal, involving the acquisition of the Mexico-based NSC business, is expected to be completed in 2026, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.Per the initial agreement, founder and CEO Jeff Concepcion will continue to lead Stratos, which will maintain its established brand while operating as an affiliated business of SEI Investments. Stratos’ current business operations and client service model, including custodial relationships, will continue unchanged, with SEI Investments’ resources in technology, custody, operations and asset management further enhancing its offerings.Ryan Hicke, CEO of SEI Investments, stated, “There are three core growth opportunities in wealth management: advice, asset management, and administration. We've built world-class administration and asset management platforms that enable the more effective delivery and execution of advice, and Stratos further enhances our ecosystem with an advice platform that respects advisor independence and capitalizes on trends in fee-based wealth management.”Zacks Rank & Price Performance of SEI InvestmentsShares of SEI Investments have declined 7.1% compared with the industry’s decline of 14.1% in the past six months.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchCurrently, SEIC carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Strategic Stake Acquisitions by Other Finance FirmsLast month, Robinhood Markets HOOD and Susquehanna International Group joined forces to acquire a 90% stake in MIAX Derivatives Exchange (a regulated derivatives exchange). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.Through this, HOOD plans to launch a dedicated futures and derivatives exchange and clearinghouse by 2026. The move allows the company to expand its contract offerings and manage clearing and execution internally, positioning prediction markets as a long-term core business.Similarly, LPL Financial LPLA took a minority ownership stake in Private Advisor Group, a leading financial services firm. This will further strengthen its registered investment adviser (RIA) relationships and expand its advisor base.The investment will allow LPL Financial to deepen its strategic alignment with one of its largest RIA partners while expanding the resources it can offer to advisors. By enhancing support in areas such as practice management, technology enablement and succession planning, the company aims to help advisors build more resilient and scalable businesses over the long term.Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA): Free Stock Analysis Report SEI Investments Company (SEIC): Free Stock Analysis Report Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks