A.P. "Skip" Viragh, founder of Rydex Investments in 1993 with the goal to develop products and services for financial advisors, registered investment advisors and sophisticated investors who employed more active trading strategies. Via Rydex, he was the first to offer sophisticated inverse (or "short") and leveraged equity index funds to the general public. Rydex Investments continues to drive change in the financial industry by introducing investment products and services that challenge conventional thinking, empower investors and provide essential new options for uncertain market conditions. Rydex manages $15 billion in assets via nearly 100 mutual funds and exchange traded products.

Investment News named Skip one of the industry's "power elite" in 2001 due to his record of innovation. He also bucked the trend during the last recession when he cut back bonuses and other benefits to avoid firing any staff during downturn. In a September 2003 Newshouse News Service article, he was quoted saying, "Our culture today really is very strong because everybody knows that we came through it as a team."

Skip also made a name for himself with his generous contributions. By giving millions of dollars to Spring Hill College, his alma mater, he became its largest benefactor. Also, he and his four siblings formed the Viragh Family Foundation, a private foundation that donates to medical research programs and other charitable organizations designed to help end hunger, homelessness and domestic violence and to assist individuals with educational goals. Rydex is still active in giving to local Washington, D.C. charities, such as Make-A-Wish ® Foundation, the Salvation Army's Christmas Gift Drive, Red Cross blood drives and the Capital Area Food Bank. The Skip Viragh Charities was also created in his honor to raise money toward the research efforts and public awareness of pancreatic cancer.