Founded in 1937, Waddell & Reed Inc. is an asset management and financial planning firm. It provides investment and planning services across the United States. It serves as a mutual fund complex and distributes its investment products through various channels. These include the Waddell & Reed Advisors channel, its network of financial advisors, broker/dealer, retirement and registered investment advisors. It offers defined benefit/pension plans, endowments and subadvisory partnerships. Waddell & Reed Inc. is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corp (SIPC). Waddell & Reed Advisory Funds is a recipient of 'Best Mutual Fund Families' in Barron's annual ranking list.