Principal Financial has become a force in the fund world following its purchase of Washington Mutual's WM Advisors last year. As a result of the merger, Principal Funds more than doubled in size, now offering 48 funds with $53 billion AUM as of the end of 2006.

The acquisition added infrastructure, scale and established distribution to Principal," Debra Ramsey, president of Principal Funds Distributor, told The MFWire.

Ramsey knows this well as she was president of WM Funds Distributor and WM Shareholder Services before joining Principal following the merger.

Principal's expanded fund line-up from the merger features Strategic Asset Management (SAM) portfolios (target-risk) and LifeTime Funds (target date).

The asset allocation in these portfolios is what makes them special. "What makes Principal Funds different is asset allocation expertise," Ramsey says.

Principal Funds also give investors that may have as little as $1,000 to invest access to institutional classes they typically could not get.

Principal is not just another fund company, though. It has won numerous accolades for its charity work and treatment of its employees. It was recently recognized by Ethisphere Magazine as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies."  

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