Common use of Custody and Control of Shares and Certificates Clause in Contracts

Custody and Control of Shares and Certificates. Certificates will not be issued except on Shareholder request but shares will be credited to the Shareholder's account in non-certificate form. The Transfer Agent will examine certificates surrendered for transfer or redemption, or requests for transfer or redemption of shares not represented by certificates, for apparent genuineness or alterations; pass upon the apparent validity thereof including endorsements, signature guarantees and (if applicable) tax stamps or waivers, provided that the Transfer Agent shall not be required to compare any such endorsements against other records it maintains except in accordance with written procedures agreed upon between it and the Fund. The Transfer Agent will also: a. Countersign all certificates; b. Prepare, mail, or deliver certificates for original issue, subsequent investments, exchanges, or transfers upon request from the Shareholder or one reasonably believed to be the Shareholder; c. Prepare, mail, or deliver certificates for Shares previously held in non-certificate form; d. Deposit certificate Shares; e. Cancel surrendered certificates; f. Establish and maintain safeguards for cancelled and uncancelled certificates; g. Establish and maintain a system to monitor stop- transfers; h. Replace lost certificates.