The continuing expansion of Waddell & Reed, Inc.’s advisory program offerings has brought a new addition to its Managed Allocation Portfolios lineup. The latest offering, MAPDirect, provides clients and their advisors access to more than 1,800 individual mutual funds and nearly 200 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that they can utilize as they build targeted, personalized investment portfolios.

MAPDirect draws its suite of investment options from more than 30 different mutual fund managers. Waddell & Reed partnered with the Manager Research Team at Wilshire Associates (Wilshire®) to evaluate fund families for inclusion, giving advisors and clients access to institutional-level investment-manager research when building a portfolio to suit their personal needs.

“MAPDirect gives advisors and their clients the flexibility to build an investment portfolio utilizing either mutual funds, ETFs or both, depending on their individual needs and goals,” said Matthew Reeves, Senior Vice President, Wealth Solutions Group, for Waddell & Reed, Inc. “It’s another way we’re helping financial advisors meet a range of client needs and with the guidance of a professional research team.”

Reeves noted that the program is unique in both its combination of industry-leading portfolio managers, and its variety of product choices between mutual funds and ETFs.

Advisors can create diversified portfolios that align with the personalized investment profile designed for each client to help identify financial goals and investment preferences. The program includes allocation recommendations, from conservative to aggressive, but also gives advisors the flexibility to customize the portfolio’s asset allocation. After the allocation has been determined, advisors construct each client’s custom portfolio from specific product options.

“This is another way that we’re responding to what advisors and their clients are telling us: they need flexibility, research and access to a range of quality products as they target their long-term goals,” said Shawn Mihal, President of Waddell & Reed, Inc.

MAPDirect is part of the broadening of Waddell & Reed’s advisory product lineup and providers, and is another step in the evolution of the Waddell & Reed wealth management business. MAPDirect adds to Waddell & Reed’s existing lineup of advisory programs ranging from low account balance ETF model portfolios to full open architecture advisor manage portfolios. This evolution is collectively focused on technological enhancements, product expansion and broadening advisor support.

About Waddell & Reed

Founded in 1937, Waddell & Reed, Inc. is one of the pioneers of the financial planning industry, providing total planning services to clients throughout the United States through a network of independent financial advisors. It is a subsidiary of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. (NYSE: WDR).

Consider all factors. Please remember that an investment in a managed portfolio involves risk. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. ETFs are different than mutual funds in that ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below the ETFs’ net asset value. The portfolios’ risks are directly related to the risks of the underlying investments. Asset allocation strategies do not assure a profit and do not protect against loss.

Financial advisory services are made available through Waddell & Reed, Inc., in its capacity as a registered investment adviser. To determine which Waddell & Reed investment advisory product is most appropriate for you depending on your needs and for a full description of all managed account products and services, including fees and expenses, review the Advisory Services Brochure (Form ADV Part 2) available from your financial advisor or at www.waddell.com.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through Waddell & Reed, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC and Federally Registered Investment Advisor.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the mutual fund or exchange traded fund carefully before investing. This and other important information is contained in the prospectus and, if available, the summary prospectus which may be obtained from the investment company or a financial advisor. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190702005056/en/

Roger Hoadley
VP, Communications
rhoadley@waddell.com