Press Release - August 8, 2005

Media Contact:
Anne Hebard
Boston Financial Data Services
Phone: 617-483-3158
Fax: 617-483-5952
Email: ahebard@bostonfinancial.com

Jill Metzler
DST Systems, Inc.
(816) 843-9087
jdmetzler@dstsystems.com

Boston Financial Adds WM Group of Funds

WM Cites Technology Platform and Access to DST Vision as Key Reasons for Move

Boston, Mass., August 08, 2005—Boston Financial Data Services has completed the conversion of the WM Group of Funds to its sub-transfer agency business. Boston Financial, with technology provided by DST Systems, Inc., will provide the technology infrastructure and shareholder servicing for WM Shareholder Services (WMSS), and facilitate broader access to third party distribution channels.

The WM Group of Funds has experienced nearly 25 percent growth in assets under management per year for the past three years. WMSS looks to Boston Financial’s customer service team and DST’s TA2000 recordkeeping platform—with its complement of fully integrated products—to help accommodate and foster future growth. One of the key DST products that interested WMSS was DST Vision®, the industry’s leading account management Web site for financial intermediaries.

“Our wholesalers have found that advisors affiliated with independent financial planning firms are most interested in selling funds available on DST Vision,” said Debra Ramsey, senior vice president and chief operating officer, WM Shareholder Services, Inc. “As we continue to grow our business, we must be responsive to the support needs of our distribution partners.”

By participating in Vision, management companies seek to reduce demands on their own customer service resources while providing comprehensive and consolidated information to financial intermediaries. Through the Vision Web site, financial advisors access their books-of-business, establish customized account relationships, access electronic statements and have the ability to conduct a variety of transactions.

“Boston Financial is committed to delivering a technology and service model that fully supports WM Group of Funds’ shareholders and the intermediaries that sell their funds,” said Mark Scovell, senior vice president, Boston Financial. “We look forward to building a long-lasting, collaborative relationship with the WM Group of Funds.”

The WM Group of mutual funds is advised by WM Advisors, Inc., distributed by WM Funds Distributor, Inc., and sold through WM Financial Services, Inc. (all affiliates of Washington Mutual, Inc.) and independent broker/dealers.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. is one of the industry’s premier third-party transfer agents and has been servicing the back-office mutual fund industry since 1973. Boston Financial is a joint venture between DST Systems, Inc. of Kansas City, Mo., and State Street Bank & Trust Co. of Boston, Mass. This joint venture has enabled Boston Financial’s clients to utilize DST’s industry-leading software and technology while benefiting from the institutional support and global reach of State Street.

DST Systems, Inc. provides sophisticated information processing and computer software services and products that help clients improve productivity, increase efficiencies, and provide higher levels of customer service. DST is organized domestically and internationally into two operating segments: Financial Services and Output Solutions. DST operates one of the most advanced data centers in the world, which provides information-processing services to support the products within each operating segment. These products are further enhanced through the integration of DST’s advanced technology and e-commerce solutions.

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