The institute sells its subscription and API/datafeed services as a financial data vendor but provides information to the media as well.

[1][2][3] Incorporated in 2008, it was founded by Michael Maduell and shortly he brought in Carl Linaburg,[4] who then left the organization in 2017.

In late 2022, Lakshmi Narayanan of the Patel Family Office was named Chairman of SWFI.

In 2020, SWFI started to initiate coverage over family office sector and wealth management firms.

[6][7] The SWFI tracks direct deals in sovereign wealth funds, pensions, asset owners, and other entities.