SEI Releases 2008 Update of FAS 87 Disclosure Assumptions Research for Pension Plan Sponsors

Findings Can Be Used by Plan Sponsors in Calculation of Pension Expense and Obligations

OAKS, Pa., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Next year will require the implementation of compliance changes, new funding rules and continued accounting scrutiny, resulting in the need for plan sponsors to more diligently select discount rates and expected return on asset (ROA) assumptions, according to SEI's 2008 update of an annual research study on Financial Accounting Standards No. 87 (FAS 87). The study, released today by SEI (Nasdaq: SEIC), offers plan sponsors guidance for selecting assumptions when providing pension related disclosures in their 2007 annual statements.

The current update of SEI's research can be used by companies in the calculation of pension expense and obligations. Specifically, it provides guidance for the discount rate and ROA assumptions plan sponsors should use for 2007 year-end calculations. Data is derived from the 2007 SEI Plan Sponsor Accounting Database, which consists of data from Standard & Poor's Institutional Market Services database as well as proprietary analysis created by SEI's Institutional Group.

"The changes in spreads and in the shape of applicable yield curves require a close examination of the data and a clear process for selection of these assumptions," said Jon Waite, Chief Actuary for SEI's Institutional Group. "When combined with all of the other changes in pension rules, plan sponsors are in need of transparent and understandable guidance on these and other pension financial management issues."

Now in its sixth year, this research series has drawn on SEI's industry leading knowledge around FAS 87 and defined benefit accounting to provide assumptions that can serve as a barometer in this complicated area. A copy of the research is available by emailing seiresearch@seic.com.

About SEI's Institutional Group

SEI's Institutional Group delivers integrated retirement, nonprofit and healthcare solutions to over 490 institutional clients in seven different countries (330 U.S. institutional clients). SEI enables clients to meet financial objectives, reduce business risk, and fulfill their due diligence requirements through implemented strategies for the management of defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, endowments, foundations and other balance sheet assets. For more information, visit http://www.seic.com/institutions.

About SEI

SEI (Nasdaq: SEIC) is a leading global provider of outsourced asset management, investment processing and investment operations solutions. The company's innovative solutions help corporations, financial institutions, financial advisors, and affluent families create and manage wealth. As of September 30, 2007, through its subsidiaries and partnerships in which the company has a significant interest, SEI administers $423 billion in mutual fund and pooled assets and manages $202 billion in assets. SEI serves clients, conducts or is registered to conduct business and/or operations from more than 20 offices in over a dozen countries. For more information, visit www.seic.com.

    Contact:
    Frank Wilkinson               Elisabeth Behr
    SEI                           Braithwaite Communications
    610-676-1483                  215-564-3200 x 113
    fwilkinson@seic.com           ebehr@braithwaitepr.com

SOURCE SEI

Released December 19, 2007