Institutions Back Sei as DeFi-Traditional Finance Bridge

SEI, the native token of the Sei Network, has emerged as a focal point for investors as institutional adoption accelerates and price forecasts grow increasingly bullish. With over $10 billion in decentralized exchange (DEX) volume and partnerships with major firms like BlackRock and Hamilton Lane, a CaptainAltcoin article says the blockchain's infrastructure is gaining traction as a settlement layer for real-world assets (RWAs). Analysts and market observers are now turning their attention to where the token's price might go next, with predictions ranging from short-term consolidation to long-term multi-year growth scenarios, according to Cryptopolitan.

Sei's institutional appeal stems from its role in tokenizing traditional assets. In October 2025, Hamilton Lane — a $1 trillion asset manager — launched a tokenized private-credit fund on the Sei Network, signaling a shift in how RWAs are integrated into blockchain ecosystems. This follows earlier partnerships with Apollo, Ondo, and Securitize, all of which have deployed tokenization projects on Sei. The network's DEX volume, now among the top three in active users, underscores its growing utility beyond speculative trading.

Regulatory developments also bolster the narrative. Two ETFs with SEI exposure launched in the U.S. in October 2025, exploiting a regulatory loophole during the government shutdown, and filings of multiple SEI-related ETF proposals suggest continued institutional interest.

Sei Investments Co., the parent entity, reported robust third-quarter 2025 financials, according to its SEC 10-Q report. Total revenues reached $578.5 million, driven by asset management and operations fees, with net income hitting $164.2 million. The company's strategic focus on governance improvements and new product launches, including a platform for investment managers, positions it to capitalize on market expansion. While SEI's price performance is tied to the broader crypto market, the company's operational strength provides a foundation for long-term value.

Short-term price targets for SEI remain mixed. As of October 2025, the token traded at $0.1934, with a 24-hour decline of 1.12% aligning with broader market trends. Technical indicators show a bearish bias, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 41.32 and moving averages (SMA/EMA) suggesting sell pressure. However, analysts highlight potential for a rebound. A move back to $0.21–$0.24 could signal renewed bullish momentum, with a breakout above $0.27 potentially testing $0.30 resistance.

Long-term forecasts are more optimistic. Cryptopolitan projects SEI to reach $0.38 by year-end 2025, with a gradual climb to $0.73 in 2027 and a projected high of $2.08 by 2030. These estimates hinge on sustained institutional adoption and the network's ability to maintain its position as a bridge between DeFi and traditional finance. More ambitious predictions, such as a $1.21 target in 2028 and $3.51 by 2031, depend on macroeconomic conditions and regulatory clarity.

Despite the bullish outlook, risks persist. The token's volatility — 30-day price swings of 17.55% — reflects its sensitivity to broader crypto sentiment. Regulatory hurdles, such as the SEC's ongoing review of SEI ETF applications, could delay institutional inflows. Additionally, competition from other Layer 1 blockchains and the potential for market-wide corrections remain key challenges.

SEI's trajectory is shaped by a confluence of institutional adoption, strategic development, and speculative demand. While technical indicators suggest near-term consolidation, the long-term narrative — driven by RWAs and DeFi integration — positions the token for growth. Investors will need to balance optimism with caution, particularly given the sector's inherent volatility. As Merlijn The Trader, a prominent crypto analyst, noted: "The institutional pipeline isn't coming. It's already on Sei."