To bolster its efforts to build out an RIA custody business, Oaks, Pa.-based SEI announced that it has hired industry veteran Gabriel Garcia as head of RIA client experience.

Garcia joins SEI after a multi-decade career at Schwab, Pershing and E*Trade working with the RIA community.

“Facing the challenges of a rapidly changing financial services landscape, RIAs need choice with support more than ever to drive growth—choice in business model, choice in technology and investments, and choice in the marketplace,” said Wayne Withdrow head of SEI’s advisor business, in a released staatement. “Our dedicated RIA team provides a holistic ecosystem of support, and paired with technology and investment flexibility, we provide the value-added services that result in a truly personalized and connected experience for advisors and their clients to make confident decisions about the future.”

SEI’s advisor business currently supports about $29 billion in RIA assets custodied via the SEI Private Trust Company.

Garcia will focus on practice management and growth for RIAs via SEI’s custody, technology and service offerings, the release said.

“We meet our clients where they are, understanding that independent advice has the power to help individual investors achieve and sustain financial freedom,” Garcia said in released comment. “From integrated technology and investment flexibility to custody and business services, we help advisors power wealth, build community, and protect futures—all in a complete experience. We’re excited to partner with our clients to understand their unique needs and ultimately be the destination of choice to help them scale their businesses and grow.”