CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
BETWEEN
ADVANTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND, INC.
AND
NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It ..........................................1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held by the
Custodian.......................................................................................1
2.1 Holding Securities.....................................................................1
2.2 Delivery of Securities.................................................................1
2.3 Registration of Securities.............................................................4
2.4 Bank Accounts..........................................................................4
2.5 Payments for Shares....................................................................4
2.6 Availability of Federal Funds..........................................................4
2.7 Collection of Income...................................................................5
2.8 Payment of Fund Monies.................................................................5
2.9 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased....................6
2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemption of Shares of the Fund...........................6
2.11 Appointment of Agents..................................................................7
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems...........................................7
2.13 Segregated Account.....................................................................8
2.14 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes................................................9
2.15 Proxies................................................................................9
2.16 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities...................................9
2.17 Proper Instructions....................................................................9
2.18 Actions Permitted Without Express Authority...........................................10
2.19 Evidence of Authority.................................................................10
2.20 Class Actions.........................................................................10
2.21 Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Fund Property Held Outside
of the United States..................................................................11
2.21(a) Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodian........................................11
2.21(b) Assets to be Held...........................................................11
2.21(c) Segregation of Securities...................................................11
2.21(d) Agreement with Foreign Banking Institution..................................12
2.21(e) Access of Independent Accountants of the Company............................12
2.21(f) Repots by Custodian.........................................................12
2.21(g) Foreign Securities Transactions.............................................13
2.21(h) Foreign Securities Lending..................................................14
2.21(i) Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodian..........................................15
2.21(j) Monitoring Responsibilities.................................................15
2.21(k) Branches of United States Banks.............................................15
2.21(l) Expropriation Insurance.....................................................15
3. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of
Net Asset Value and Net Income.................................................................16
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4. Records........................................................................................16
5. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant.......................................................17
6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants..............................................17
7. Compensation of Custodian......................................................................17
8. Responsibility of Custodian....................................................................17
9. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment....................................................18
10. Successor Custodian............................................................................19
11. Interpretive and Additional Provisions.........................................................20
12. Minnesota Law to Apply.........................................................................20
13. Prior Contracts................................................................................20
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CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract is between the Advantus Real Estate Securities Fund, Inc., a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota,
having its principal place of business at 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xx. Xxxx,
Xxxxxxxxx 00000, attached hereto (hereinafter called the "Fund") and Norwest
Bank Minnesota, N.A., a national banking association having its principal place
of business at Sixth and Marquette, Xxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000 (hereinafter
called the "Custodian")
WITNESSETH, that in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND PROPERTY TO BE HELD BY IT
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of its assets
pursuant to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation. The Fund agrees to
deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash owned by it, and all payments
of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with
respect to all securities owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital stock
("Shares") of the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian
shall not be responsible for any property of the Fund held or received by the
Fund and not delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Section 2.17),
the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians, but
only in accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Directors of the
Fund, and provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less responsibility
or liability to the Fund on account of any actions or omissions of any
sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to the Custodian.
2. DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD BY THE
CUSTODIAN
2.1 HOLDING SECURITIES
The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for the account of
the Fund all non-cash property, including all securities owned by the fund,
other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.12 in
a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry
system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, collectively
referred to herein as a "Securities System."
2.2 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES
The Custodian shall release and deliver securities owned by the Fund
held by the Custodian or in a Securities System account of the Custodian
only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the
following cases:
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1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.12 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for portfolio securities of the Fund;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided
that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name
of the Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the
Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
pursuant to Section 2.11 or into the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange
for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence
representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;
PROVIDED that, in any such case, the new securities are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Fund, to
the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for
examination in accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided
that in any such case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility
or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such
securities prior to receiving payment for such securities except
as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan or merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment
of the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant
to provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or
pursuant to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to
the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or
similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts of
temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that, in
any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
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10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities, made by
the Fund, BUT ONLY against receipt of adequate collateral as
agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund,
which may be in the form of cash or obligations issued by the
United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
except that in connection with any loans for which collateral is
to be credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry
system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the
Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for the delivery
of securities owned by the Fund prior to the receipt of such
collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, BUT ONLY against
receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")
and a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. ("NASD"), relating to the compliance with the rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
securities exchange, or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission and/or any Contract Market, or any similar
organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in
connection with transactions by the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer
Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to
the holders of shares in connection with distributions in kind,
as may be described from time to time in the Fund's currently
effective prospectus and statement of additional information
("prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares
for repurchase or redemptions; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, BUT ONLY upon receipt of,
in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Directors or of the Executive
Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities to
be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery
is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate
purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of
such securities shall be made.
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2.3 REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
Securities held by the Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall
be registered in the name of the Fund or in the name of any nominee of the
Fund or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be assigned
exclusively to the Fund, UNLESS the Fund has authorized in writing the
appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other registered
investment companies having the same investment adviser as the Fund, or in
the name of nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.11 or
in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to
Article 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund
under the terms of this Contract shall be in "street name" or other good
delivery form.
2.4 BANK ACCOUNTS
The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank account or
accounts in the name of the Fund, subject only to draft or order by the
Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in
such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash
received by it from or for the account of the Fund, other than cash
maintained by the Fund in a bank account established and used in accordance
with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the
Custodian for the Fund may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in
the Banking Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust
companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable;
PROVIDED, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified
to act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that
each bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such
bank or trust company shall be approved by vote of a majority of the Board
of Directors of the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in
its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only
in that capacity.
2.5 PAYMENTS FOR SHARES
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Fund's Shares
or from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the Fund's account
such payments as are received for Shares of the Fund issued or sold from
time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to
the Fund and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares
of the Fund.
2.6 AVAILABILITY OF FEDERAL FUNDS
Upon mutual agreement between the Fund and the Custodian, the
Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions, make federal
funds available to the Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to
time by the Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received in
payment for Shares of the Fund which are deposited into the Fund's account.
2.7 COLLECTION OF INCOME
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The Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments with respect to registered securities held hereunder to which the
Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments with respect to bearer securities if, on the date of payment
by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent
thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Fund's custodian
account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian
shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other income items
requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect
interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income due the Fund on
securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2(10) shall be
the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or
responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund with
such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in
arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which
the Fund is properly entitled.
2.8 PAYMENT OF FUND MONIES
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall
pay out monies of the fund in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of securities, options, futures contracts or
options on futures contracts for the account of the Fund but only
(a) against the delivery of such securities or evidence of title
to such options, futures contracts or options on futures
contracts, to the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm or trust
company doing business in the United States or abroad which is
qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940 to act as a
custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as its agent
for this purpose) registered in the name of the Fund or in the
name of a nominee of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3
hereof or in proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of a
purchase effected through a Securities System, in accordance with
the conditions set forth in Section 2.12 hereof or (c) in the
case of the repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund
and the Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a
member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the securities either in
certificate form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's
account at the Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii)
against delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Fund
of securities owned by the Custodian along with written evidence
of the agreement by the Custodian to repurchase such securities
from the Fund.
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Fund as
set forth in Section 2.10 hereof;
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4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund,
including but not limited to the following payments for the
account of the Fund: interest, taxes, management, accounting,
transfer agent and legal fees, and operating expenses of the Fund
whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or part
capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant to the
governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, BUT ONLY upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution
of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee of the
Fund signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by its
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of
such payment, setting forth the purpose for which such payment is
to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and
naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.9 LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT OF SECURITIES PURCHASED
The Custodian shall not make payment for the purchase of domestic
securities for the account of the Fund in advance of receipt of the
securities purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from
the Fund to so pay in advance. In any and every case where payment for
purchase of domestic securities of the account of the Fund is made by the
Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased in the absence
of specific written instructions from the Fund to so pay in advance, the
Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the
same extent as if the securities had been received by the Custodian.
2.10 PAYMENTS FOR REPURCHASES OR REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES OF THE FUND
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and any applicable votes of
the Board of Directors of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall,
upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available
for payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a
request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with
the redemption or repurchase of Shares of the fund, the Custodian is
authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire
funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming
shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of
the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a
holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the
holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such
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procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
between the Fund and the Custodian.
2.11 APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS
The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion appoint (and
may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company which is itself
qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940 to act as a custodian,
as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the
Custodian may from time to time direct; PROVIDED, however, that the
appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.12 DEPOSIT OF FUND ASSETS IN SECURITIES SYSTEMS
The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by
any Fund in a clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under Section 17A of the Exchange Act, which acts as a
securities depository, or in a Federal Reserve Bank, as Custodian or
Custodian's agent or nominee on the records of such Federal Reserve Bank or
such registered clearing agency or the nominee of either (collectively
referred to herein as "Securities System") in accordance with applicable
Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and
regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep domestic securities of the Fund in a
Securities System provided that such securities are represented
in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities
System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other
than assets held as a fiduciary custodian or otherwise for
customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to domestic securities
of the Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for domestic securities purchased for the
account of the Fund upon (i) the simultaneous receipt of advice
from the Securities System that such securities have been
transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on
the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer
for the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer
domestic securities sold for the account of the Fund upon (a) the
simultaneous receipt of advice from the Securities System that
payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account,
and (b) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund.
Copies of all advises from the Securities System of transfers of
securities for the account of a Fund shall identify the Fund, be
maintained for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to the
Fund at its request. Upon request, the Custodian shall furnish
the Fund
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confirmation of each transfer to or from the account in the form
of a written advice or notice and shall furnish to the Fund
copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's
transactions in the Securities System for the account.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by
the Custodian on the Securities System's accounting system
internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities deposited in the Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received the initial or annual
certificate, as the case may be, required by Article 9 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to
the Fund resulting from use of the Securities System by reason of
any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any
of its agents or of any of its or their employees or from failure
of the Custodian or any such agent or employee to enforce
effectively such rights as it may have against the Securities
System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be
subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any
claim against the Securities System or any other person which the
Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss or damage if
and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any
such loss or damage.
2.13 SEGREGATED ACCOUNT
The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund,
into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities,
including securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to
Section 2.12 hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Exchange Act and a member of NASD (or any futures commission merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with
the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
or any registered contract market), or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Fund, (ii) for the purpose of segregating cash or
government securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written
by the Fund or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or
sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purpose of compliance by the Fund with the
procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any
subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, BUT ONLY, in the
case of the clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper
Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors or
of the Executive
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Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such
segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate
purposes.
2.14 OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATES FOR TAX PURPOSES
The Custodian shall execute ownership and other certificates and
affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in connection with
receipt of income or other payments with respect to securities of the Fund
held by it and in connection with transfers of securities.
2.15 PROXIES
The Custodian shall, with respect to the securities held hereunder,
cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such securities,
if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the Fund or
a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication of the manner in
which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Fund
such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to
such securities.
2.16 COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO FUND PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written
information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and
maturities of securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith
and notices of exercise of call and put options written by the Fund and the
maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Fund) received by
the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for the Fund. With
respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly
to the Fund all written information received by the Custodian from issuers
of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or
his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Fund desires to
take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other
similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least three (3)
business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action.
2.17 PROPER INSTRUCTIONS
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Article 2 means a writing
signed or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of
Directors shall have from to time authorized. Each such writing shall set
forth the specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a
specific statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral
instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian
reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to give
such instructions with respect to the transaction involved. The Fund shall
cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to the
authorization by the Board of Directors of the Fund
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accompanied by a detailed description of procedures approved by the Board
of Directors, Proper Instructions may include communications effected
directly between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the
Board of Directors and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures
afford adequate safeguards for the Fund's assets.
2.18 ACTIONS PERMITTED WITHOUT EXPRESS AUTHORITY
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from
the Fund;
1) Make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities PROVIDED that all such payments shall be accounted for
to the Fund;
2) Surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and
4) In general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and
other dealings with the securities and property of the Fund
except as otherwise directed by the Board of Directors of the
Fund.
2.19 EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument of paper believed
by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of
the Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote
of the Board of Directors of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the
authority of any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) or any
determination or of any action by the Board of Directors pursuant to the
Articles of Incorporation as described in such vote, and such vote may be
considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of
written notice to the contrary.
2.20 CLASS ACTIONS
The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all notices or other
communications received by it in connection with any class action lawsuit
relating to securities currently or previously held for the Fund. Upon
being directed by the Fund to do so, the Custodian shall furnish to the
Fund any and all written materials which establish the holding/ownership,
amount held/owned, and period of holding/ownership of the securities in
question.
2.21 DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO FUND PROPERTY HELD OUTSIDE OF
THE UNITED STATES
2.21(a) APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIAN
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The Custodian is authorized and instructed, either directly or
indirectly (through one or more sub-custodian U.S. banks), to employ as
sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and other assets maintained
outside of the United States the foreign institutions, foreign securities
depositories and foreign clearing agencies, if any, designated on Schedule
A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"); provided, however, that,
notwithstanding the contents of Schedule A hereto, the Custodian (including
any of its agents and sub-custodians) is authorized to directly or
indirectly employ or retain any sub-custodian, depository or clearing
agency only if said employed or retained institution qualifies as either
(a) an "eligible foreign custodian," as defined in Rule 17f-5 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, or (b) a "bank," as defined in Section
2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, that in turn qualifies as an
eligible domestic custodian under Section 17(f) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940; and provided further that the Custodian shall be liable to the
Fund for any loss of any Fund assets custodied with any institution
directly or indirectly employed or retained by the Custodian (or any of its
agents or sub-custodians) that does not meet the qualifications of either
clause (a) or (b) of the preceding proviso.
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, together with a certified
resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors, the Custodian and the Fund may
agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate additional
or alternative foreign banking institutions, foreign securities
depositories and foreign clearing agencies to act as sub-custodian. Each
foreign banking institution shall be authorized to deposit securities in
foreign securities depositories and foreign clearing agencies authorized
pursuant to Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund the Custodian shall promptly
cease the employment of any one or more of such sub-custodians for
maintaining custody of the assets of the application Fund(s).
2.21(b) ASSETS TO BE HELD
The Custodian shall limit the securities and other assets maintained
in the custody of the foreign sub-custodian to: (a) "foreign securities,"
as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such amounts as the
Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably necessary to effect
the foreign securities transactions of the Fund.
2.21(c) SEGREGATION OF SECURITIES
The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Fund,
the foreign securities of the Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian. Each
agreement pursuant to which the Custodian or its duly appointed U.S.
sub-custodian employs a foreign banking institution shall require that such
institution establish a custody account for the Custodian (or its U.S.
sub-custodian, as the case may be) on behalf of its customers and
physically segregate in that account securities and other assets of the
Custodian's customers, and, in the event that such institution deposits the
Fund's securities in a foreign securities depository, the sub-custodian
shall identify on its books as belonging to the Custodian (or
-11-
is U.S. sub-custodian, as the case may be), as agent for the Custodian's
customers, the securities so deposited (all collectively referred to as the
"Account").
2.21(d) AGREEMENT WITH FOREIGN BANKING INSTITUTION
Each agreement with a foreign banking institution shall provide that:
(a) the Fund's assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim or any kind in favor of the foreign banking
institution or its creditors, except a claim of payment for their safe
custody or administration; (b) beneficial ownership for the Fund's assets
will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other
than for custody or administration, which may include payment of stamp
duties or government taxes; (c) adequate records will be maintained
identifying the assets as belonging to the customers of Custodian; (d)
officers of or auditors employed by, or other representatives of the
Custodian, including independent public accountants for the Fund, will be
given access to the books and records of the foreign banking institution
relating to its actions given under its agreement with the Custodian or
shall be given confirmation of the contents of such books and records; and
(e) assets of the Fund held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject
only to the instructions of the Fund, the Custodian or their agents.
2.21(e) ACCESS OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF THE FUND
Upon request of the Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to
arrange for the independent accountants of the Fund to be afforded access
to the books and records of any foreign banking institution employed as a
foreign sub-custodian insofar as such books and records relate to the
performance of such foreign banking institutions under its agreement with
the Custodian (or its U.S. sub-custodian, as the case may be).
2.21(f) REPORTS BY CUSTODIAN
The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time to time, as mutually
agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and other assets of
the Fund held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not limited to an
identification of entities having possession of the Fund's securities and
other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers of securities to
or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign sub-custodian for
the Custodian and Fund indicating, as to securities acquired for the Fund,
the identity of the entity having physical possession of such securities.
-12-
2.21(g) FOREIGN SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
1) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
Custodian shall make or cause its foreign sub-custodian to
transfer, exchange, or deliver foreign securities owned by the
Fund, but except to the extent explicitly provided herein only in
any of the cases specified in Section 2.2.
2) Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties the Custodian
shall pay out or cause its foreign sub-custodian to pay out
monies of the Fund, but except to the extent explicitly provided
herein only in any of the cases specified in Section 2.8.
3) Settlement and payment for securities received for the account of
the Fund and delivery of securities maintained for the account of
the Fund may, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, be effected in
accordance with the customary or established securities trading
or securities processing practices and procedures in the
jurisdiction or market in which the transaction occurs,
including, without limitation, delivering securities to the
purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such
purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of
receiving later payment for such securities from such purchaser
or dealer.
4) With respect to any transaction involving foreign securities, the
Custodian or any sub-custodian in its discretion may cause the
Fund's account to be credited on either the contractual
settlement date or the actual settlement date with the proceeds
of any sale or exchange of foreign securities from the account of
the Fund and to be debited on either the contractual settlement
date or the actual settlement date for the cost of foreign
securities purchased or acquired for the Fund according to
Custodian's then current internal policies and procedures
pertaining to securities settlement, which policies and
procedures may change from time to time. Custodian shall advise
the Fund of any changes to such policies and procedures. The
Custodian may reverse any such credit or debit made on the
contractual settlement date if the transaction with respect to
which such credit or debit was made fails to settle within a
reasonable period, determined by Custodian in its reasonable
discretion, after the contractual settlement date except that if
any foreign securities delivered pursuant to this section are
returned by the recipient thereof, the Custodian may cause any
such credits and debits to be reversed at any time.
5) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian
may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the
same extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract and the
Fund agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability
as a holder of record of such securities.
-13-
6) Until the Custodian receives written instructions to the
contrary, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the sub-custodian
to collect all interest and dividends paid on securities held in
each applicable Fund's account, unless such payment is in
default. Unless otherwise instructed, the Custodian shall convert
interest, dividends and principal received with respect to
securities in the Fund's account into United States dollars, and
the Custodian shall perform foreign exchange contracts for the
conversion of United States dollars to foreign currencies for the
settlement of trades whenever it is practicable to do so through
customary banking channels. Customary banking channels may vary
based upon industry practice in each jurisdiction, and shall
include the banking facilities of the Custodian's affiliates, in
accordance with such affiliate's then prevailing internal policy
on funds repatriation. All risk and expense incident to such
foreign collection and conversions is the responsibility of the
Fund's account, and Custodian shall have no responsibility for
fluctuation in exchange rates affecting collections or
conversions.
2.21(h) FOREIGN SECURITIES LENDING
Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this Contract, the
Custodian and any sub-custodian shall deliver and receive securities loaned
or returned in connection with securities lending transactions only upon
and in accordance with Proper Instructions; provided, if the Custodian is
not the lending agent in connection with such securities lending, then
neither the Custodian or any sub-custodian shall undertake, or otherwise be
responsible for,
(i) marking to market values for such loaned securities,
(ii) collection of dividends, interest or other disbursements or
distributions made with respect to such loaned securities,
(iii) receipt of corporate action notices, communications, proxies or
instruments with respect to such loaned securities, and
(iv) custody, safekeeping, valuation or any other actions or services
with respect to any collateral securing any such securities
lending transactions.
In the event that the Custodian is the applicable Fund's lending agent
in connection with a specific securities loan, the Custodian shall
undertake to perform all of the above duties with regard to such loan,
except that the Fund shall not receive, nor be enabled to vote, proxies in
connection with such loaned security.
-14-
2.21(i) LIABILITY OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIAN
Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian (or its U.S.
sub-custodian bank, as applicable) employs a foreign banking institution as
a foreign sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise
reasonable care in performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold
harmless, the Custodian and Custodian's customers from and against any
loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of such
sub-custodian's negligence, fraud, bad faith, willful misconduct or
reckless disregard of its duties. At the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the right of the Custodian with respect to any
claims against the Custodian's U.S. sub-custodian bank (if any) or a
foreign banking institution as a consequence of any such loss, damage,
cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that the Fund has
not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claims.
2.21(j) MONITORING RESPONSIBILITIES
The Custodian shall furnish annually to the Fund information
concerning the foreign sub-custodian employed by the Custodian (or its U.S.
sub-custodian bank, as applicable). Such information shall be similar in
kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Contract (and any contracts with U.S. and foreign
sub-custodians entered into pursuant hereto). In addition, the Custodian
will promptly inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a
material adverse change in the financial condition of a foreign
sub-custodian or is notified by the Custodian's U.S. sub-custodian bank (if
any) or a foreign banking institution employed as foreign sub-custodian
that there appears to be a substantial likelihood that its shareholders'
equity will decline below $200 million (United States dollars or the
equivalent thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below
$200 million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted
United States accounting principles).
2.21(k) BRANCHES OF UNITED STATES BANKS
Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract, the provisions hereof
shall not apply where the custody of the Fund's assets maintained in a
foreign branch of a banking institution which is a "bank" as defined by
Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 which meets the
qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act. The appointment of
any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be governed by Article 1 of this
Contract.
2.21(l) EXPROPRIATION INSURANCE
The Custodian represents that it does not intend to obtain any
insurance for the benefit of the Fund which protects against the imposition
of exchange control restrictions or the transfer from any foreign
jurisdiction of the proceeds of sale of any securities or against
confiscation, expropriation or nationalization of any securities or the
assets of the issuer of such securities is organized or in which securities
are held for safekeeping either
-15-
by Custodian or any sub-custodians in such country. The Custodian
represents that its understanding of the position of the Staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission is that any investment company investing
in securities of foreign issuers has the responsibility for reviewing the
possibility of the imposition of exchange control restrictions which would
affect the liquidity of such investment company's assets and the
possibility of exposure to political risk, including the appropriateness of
insuring against such risk.
3. DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND CALCULATION OF
NET ASSET VALUE AND NET INCOME
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund to keep the
books of account of the Fund and/or compute the net asset value per share of the
outstanding shares of the Fund or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund,
shall itself keep such books of account and/or computer such net asset value per
share. If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income
of the Fund as described in the Fund's currently effective prospectus and shall
advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net
income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall
advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among
its various components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and
the daily income of the Fund shall be made at the time or times described from
time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus.
4. RECORDS
The Custodian shall create and maintain all records relating to its
activities and obligations under this Contract in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rule 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder.
The Custodian shall also maintain records as directed by the Fund in connection
with applicable federal and state tax laws and any other law or administrative
rules or procedures which may be applicable to the Fund. With respect to
securities and cash deposited with a Securities System, a sub-custodian or an
agent of the Custodian, the Custodian shall identify on its books all such
securities and cash as belonging to the Fund. All such records shall be the
property of the Fund and shall at all times during the regular business hours of
the Custodian be open for inspection by duly authority officers, employees or
agents of the Fund or its agents. Such records shall be made available to the
Fund for review by employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Custodian shall furnish to the Fund, and its agents, as of the
close of business on the last day of each month a statement showing all
transactions and entries for the account of the Fund during that month, and all
holdings as of month-end.
All records so maintained in connection with the performance of its duties
under this Contract shall remain the property of the Fund and, in the event of
termination of this Contract, shall be delivered to the Fund. Subsequent to such
delivery, and surviving the termination of this Contract, the Fund shall provide
the Custodian access to examine and photocopy such records as
-16-
the Custodian, in its discretion, deems necessary, for so long as such records
are retained by the Fund.
5. OPINION OF FUND'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from time
to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's
independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection
with the preparation of the Fund's, Form N-1A, and Form N-SAR or other annual
reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other
requirements of such Commission.
6. REPORTS TO FUND BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may
reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including
securities deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System, relating to the
services provided by the Custodian under this Contract; such reports shall be of
sufficient scope, and in sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the
Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be
disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the
reports shall so state.
7. COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
For performance by the Custodian pursuant to this Contract, the Fund agrees
to pay the Custodian annual asset fees and supplemental charges as set out in
the fee schedule attached hereto.
8. RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care,
the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of
any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it
pursuant to this Contract shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to
be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties. The Custodian shall
be held to the exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of
this Contract, but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability
to the Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and without
negligence. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel
of, or reasonably acceptable to, the Fund or its agents on all matters, and
shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant
to such advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility of the
Custodian with respect to redemptions effected by check shall be in accordance
with a separate Contract entered into between the Custodian and the Fund or its
agent.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the reasonable opinion of the
-17-
Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund being
liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the
Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action, shall
provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form reasonably satisfactory
to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for any
purpose or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be
assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in
connection with the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from
its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful
misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of a Fund shall be
security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of assets
to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss or damage to the Fund
resulting from participation in a securities depository unless such loss or
damage arises by reason of any negligence, misfeasance, or willful misconduct of
officers or employees of the Custodian, or from its failure to enforce
effectively such rights as it may have against any securities depository or from
use of a sub-custodian or agent. Anything in this Contract to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Custodian shall exercise, in the performance of its
obligations undertaken or reasonably assumed with respect to this Contract,
reasonable care, for which the Custodian shall be responsible to the same extent
as if it were performing such duties directly. The Custodian shall be
responsible for the securities and cash held by or deposited with any
sub-custodian or agent to the same extent as if such securities and cash were
directly held by or deposited with the Custodian. The Custodian hereby agrees
that it shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from and against any loss
which shall occur as a result of the failure of a foreign sub-custodian holding
the securities and cash to provide a level of safeguards for maintaining any
Fund's securities and cash not materially different from that provided by a
United States custodian holding such securities and cash in the United States.
The Custodian agrees to indemnify and hold the Fund harmless for any and
all loss, liability and expense, including reasonable legal fees and expenses,
arising out of the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct or that of
its officers, agents, sub-custodian or employees in the performance of the
Custodian's duties and obligations under this Contract.
9. EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
The Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than sixty (60) days
after the date of such delivery or mailing; PROVIDED, however, that the
Custodian shall not act under Section 2.12 hereof in the absence of receipt of
an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board
of Directors of the Fund has approved the initial use of a particular Securities
System and the receipt of an annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Directors has reviewed the use by the Fund of such
Securities System, as required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment
Company
-18-
Act of 1940; PROVIDED FURTHER, however, that the Fund shall not amend or
terminate this Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state
regulations, or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation, and further
provided, that the Fund may at any time be action of its Board of Directors (i)
substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as
described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in
the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian such
compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall likewise
reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
10. SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN
If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of
the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor
custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for
transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the Fund" securities
held in a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, of
its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits,
as shown by its last published report, or not less than $25,000,000, all
securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian and all instruments
held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held by it under
this Contract and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of
the Fund's securities held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or
trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, Funds and other properties and
the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
-19-
11. INTERPRETIVE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed hereto, PROVIDED that no such interpretive or additional provisions
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund. No interpretive or additional
provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an
amendment of this Contract.
12. MINNESOTA LAW TO APPLY
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of the State of Minnesota.
13. PRIOR CONTRACTS
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund and the Custodian relating to the custody of the
Fund's assets.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 1st day of November, 1999.
ADVANTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES
FUND, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------------
ATTEST
By:
-------------------------------------------
NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.
By:
-------------------------------------------
ATTEST
By:
-------------------------------------------
-20-
SCHEDULE A
TO THE
CUSTODIAL CONTRACT
BETWEEN
ADVANTUS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND, INC.
AND
NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.
No Foreign Sub-Custodians at this time.
A - 1
FEE SCHEDULE
ADVANTUS
ANNUAL MARKET VALUE CHARGE: $.000010
-----------------------------------------------------------
DOMESTIC TRANSACTION CHARGES:
DOMESTIC DEPOSITORY SETTLEMENTS - DTC/FED/PTC $6.00
PHYSICAL SETTLEMENTS (NEW YORK, MPLS.) $30.00
MUTUAL FUND SETTLEMENTS $30.00
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS SETTLEMENTS $15.00
OPTIONS/FUTURE SETTLEMENTS $15.00
PRINCIPAL PAYDOWN- NON VARIABLE $8.00
PRINCIPAL PAYDOWNS - CMO's $15.00
REORGANIZATION/CORPORATE ACTIONS $20.00
MONEY MOVEMENTS (WIRES, CHECKS) $5.00
Fee Schedule - 1
