TRANSFER AGENT SERVICING AGREEMENT
Exhibit (k)(2)
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the last day written on the signature page by and between OXFORD PARK INCOME FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (the “Fund”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC d/b/a U.S. BANK GLOBAL FUND SERVICES, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBGFS”).
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a closed-end management investment company; and
WHEREAS, USBGFS is, among other things, in the business of administering transfer and dividend disbursing agent functions for the benefit of its customers; and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain USBGFS to provide transfer and dividend disbursing agent services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. | Appointment of USBGFS as Transfer Agent |
The Fund hereby appoints USBGFS as transfer agent of the Fund on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and USBGFS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of USBGFS shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against USBGFS hereunder.
2. | Services and Duties of USBGFS |
USBGFS shall provide the following transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent services to the Fund:
A. | Receive and process orders for the purchase and/or repurchase of shares in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
B. | Process investor applications received from prospective holders of the shares. |
C. | Process purchase and redemption orders with prompt delivery, where appropriate, of payment and supporting documentation to the Fund’s custodian, and issue the appropriate number of shares being held in the appropriate shareholder account. |
X. | Xxx proceeds upon receipt from the Fund's custodian, where relevant, in accordance with the instructions of shareholders. |
E. | Process tender offers and related repurchase requests received in good order and, where relevant, deliver appropriate documentation to the Fund. |
F. | Process transfers of shares in accordance with the shareholder's instructions, after receipt of appropriate documentation from the shareholder as specified in the Prospectus. |
G. | Prepare and transmit payments and/or shares for dividends and distributions declared by the Fund with respect to a Fund, after deducting any amount required to be withheld by any applicable laws, rules and regulations and in accordance with shareholder instructions. |
X. | Xxxxx as the Fund’s agent in connection with systematic plans including, but not limited to, systematic investment plans, systematic withdrawal plans, and systematic exchange plans. |
I. | Make changes to shareholder records, including, but not limited to, address changes in plans (e.g., systematic withdrawal, automatic investment, dividend reinvestment). |
J. | Handle load processing. |
K. | Record the issuance of shares of the Fund and maintain, pursuant to Rule 17Ad-10(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), a record of the total number of shares of each Fund which are authorized, issued and outstanding. |
L. | Prepare ad-hoc reports as necessary at prevailing rates. |
M. | Mail shareholder reports and Prospectuses to current shareholders. |
X. | Xxxxxxx and file U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate information returns required with respect to dividends and distributions for all shareholders. |
O. | Provide shareholder account information upon shareholders or Fund requests and prepare and mail confirmations and statements of account to shareholders for all purchases, redemptions and other confirmable transactions as agreed upon with the Fund. |
P. | Mail and/or shareholders’ certifications under penalties of perjury and pay on a timely basis to the appropriate federal authorities any taxes to be withheld on dividends and distributions paid by the Fund, all as required by applicable federal tax laws and regulations. |
Q. | Provide the total number of shares of the Fund sold in each state to enable the Fund to monitor such sales for blue sky purposes; provided that the Fund, not USBGFS, is responsible for ensuring that shares are not sold in violation of any requirement under the securities laws or regulations of any state. |
X. | Xxxxxx correspondence from shareholders, securities brokers and others relating to USBGFS’s duties hereunder within required time periods established by applicable regulation. |
S. | Reimburse the Fund each month for all material losses resulting from “as of” processing errors for which USBGFS is responsible in accordance with the “as of” processing guidelines set forth on Exhibit A hereto. |
T. | Provide service and support to financial intermediaries including but not limited to trade placements, settlements and corrections. |
U. | Perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications reasonably requested by the Fund in connection with any certification required of the Fund pursuant to the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 or any rules or regulations promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) thereunder, provided the same shall not be deemed to change USBGFS’ standard of care as set forth herein. |
V. | In order to assist the Fund in satisfying the requirements of Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, USBGFS will provide the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer with reasonable access to USBGFS’ Fund records relating to the services provided by it under this Agreement, and will provide quarterly compliance reports and related certifications regarding any Material Compliance Matter (as defined in the 1940 Act) involving USBGFS that affect or could affect the Fund. |
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W. | Administer the Fund’s distribution reinvestment plan, including: |
i. | Acceptance and processing of shareholder opt-in and opt-out elections. |
ii. | Tracking of shareholder election statuses, and reporting to the Fund on such statuses, when requested. |
iii. | Completion of the share issuance and purchase transactions in relation to distributions payable to shareholders participating in the distribution reinvestment plan. |
X. | Prepare certified Shareholder lists for the Fund in connection with any special shareholder meetings; provide shareholder account information upon shareholder, intermediary dealer or fund requests. |
3. | Lost Shareholder Due Diligence Searches and Servicing |
The Fund hereby acknowledges that USBGFS has an arrangement with an outside vendor to conduct lost shareholder searches required by Rule 17Ad-17 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Costs associated with such searches will be passed through to the Fund as a miscellaneous expense in accordance with the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit B hereto. If a shareholder remains lost and the shareholder’s account unresolved after completion of the mandatory Rule 17Ad-17 search, the Fund hereby authorizes USBGFS to conduct a more in-depth search in order to locate the lost shareholder before the shareholder’s assets escheat to the applicable state, to enter into agreements with vendors to conduct such additional searches, and to charge the costs of such additional searches to the account of the lost shareholder.
4. | Anti-Money Laundering and Red Flag Identity Theft Prevention Programs |
The Fund acknowledges that it had an opportunity to review and consider the written procedures provided by USBGFS describing various processes used by USBGFS which are designed to promote the detection and reporting of potential money laundering activity and identity theft by monitoring certain aspects of shareholder activity as well as written procedures for verifying a customer’s identity (collectively, the “Procedures”). UBGFS shall, as a service provider to the Fund, perform checks of the Fund’s shareholders against Office of Foreign Assets Control lists to the extent legally required. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that USBGFS is a service provider to the Fund and the Fund is and remains ultimately responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations with respect to anti-money laundering, customer identification, identity theft prevention, economic sanctions, and terrorist financing, whether under the applicable provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, and the implementing regulations thereunder, or otherwise.
The Fund further acknowledges and agrees that certain portions of the Procedures are applicable to certain products, entities, structures, or geographies and, accordingly, certain portions of the Procedures may not be implemented with respect to the Fund. The Fund has had the opportunity to discuss the Procedures with USBGFS, and the Fund understands and agrees which portions of the Procedures may not be implemented on behalf of the Fund. Without limitation of the foregoing, USBGFS shall not be responsible for providing anti-money laundering or customer identification services with respect to certain intermediary or dealer-controlled customer accounts (i.e., level 0 sub-accounts through the Fund/SERV system operated by the National Securities Clearing Corporation) and other fund client relationships where there is a sub-transfer agency or similar arrangement between the Fund and the intermediary.
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The Fund hereby directs, and USBGFS acknowledges, that USBGFS shall (i) permit federal regulators access to such information and records maintained by USBGFS in connection with such services on behalf of the Fund, as they may request.
5. | Compensation |
USBGFS shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit B hereto (as amended from time to time). USBGFS shall also be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses set forth in Exhibit B as are reasonably incurred and duly documented by USBGFS in performing its duties hereunder. The Fund shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Fund shall notify USBGFS in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Fund is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Fund shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee or expense the Fund is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices shall accrue a finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date.
6. | Representations and Warranties |
A. | The Fund hereby represents and warrants to USBGFS, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; |
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement; |
(4) | To the extent required, a notification of registration under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A will be filed by the Fund with the SEC prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will not be withdrawn during the term of this Agreement, and appropriate state securities law filings will be made prior to the effective date of this Agreement and will continue to be made during the term of this Agreement as necessary to enable the Fund to make a public offering of its shares; and |
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(5) | All records of the Fund provided to USBGFS by the Fund or by a prior service provider of the Fund are accurate and complete and USBGFS is entitled to rely on all such records in the form provided. |
B. | USBGFS hereby represents and warrants to the Fund, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by USBGFS in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of USBGFS, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. |
7. | Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability |
A. | USBGFS shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Neither USBGFS nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any error of judgment; mistake of law; fraud or misconduct by the Fund, the adviser or any other service provider to the Fund, or any employee of the foregoing; or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with USBGFS’ duties under this Agreement, including losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns or the failure of communication or power supplies beyond USBGFS’ reasonable control, except a loss arising out of or relating to USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (other than where such compliance would violate applicable law) or from its bad faith, fraud, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if USBGFS has exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless USBGFS and its affiliates and suppliers from and against any and all actual claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that USBGFS or its affiliates may sustain or incur by any third party arising out of (X) any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reliance upon any written or oral instruction provided to USBGFS by any duly authorized officer of the Fund, as approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, or (Y) the Data, or any information, service, report, analysis or publication derived therefrom, except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (other than where such compliance would violate applicable law) or from its bad faith, fraud, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Fund, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. USBGFS shall act in a commercially reasonable manner to mitigate any losses, expenses or liabilities it may suffer. As used in this paragraph, the term “USBGFS” shall include USBGFS’ directors, officers and employees. |
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The Fund acknowledges that the Data is intended for use as an aid to institutional investors, registered brokers or professionals of similar sophistication in making informed judgments concerning securities. The Fund accepts responsibility for, and acknowledges it exercises its own independent judgment in, its selection of the Data, its selection of the use or intended use of such, and any results obtained. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver of any rights existing under applicable law for the protection of investors.
USBGFS shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from and against any and all actual claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that the Fund may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Fund by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by USBGFS as a result of USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or from USBGFS’ bad faith, fraud, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of USBGFS, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Fund” shall include the Fund’s directors, officers and employees.
In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its reasonable control, USBGFS shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues. USBGFS will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of USBGFS. USBGFS agrees that it shall, at all times, have reasonable business continuity and disaster contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. Representatives of the Fund shall be entitled to inspect USBGFS’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of USBGFS, upon reasonable notice to USBGFS. Moreover, USBGFS shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent auditors on the internal controls and procedures of USBGFS relating to the services provided by USBGFS under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the above, USBGFS reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense.
In no case shall either party be liable to the other for (i) any special, indirect or consequential damages, loss of profits or goodwill (even if advised of the possibility of such); (ii) any delay by reason of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdown, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its reasonable control of transportation or power supply; or (iii) any claim that arose more than one year prior to the institution of suit therefor.
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B. | In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek indemnification under this section. The indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with the indemnitor’s prior written consent. |
C. | The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 7 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
D. | If USBGFS is acting in another capacity for the Fund pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve USBGFS of any of its obligations in such other capacity. |
8. | Data Necessary to Perform Services |
The Fund or its agent shall furnish to USBGFS the data necessary to perform the services described herein at such times and in such form as mutually agreed upon.
9. | Proprietary and Confidential Information |
A. | USBGFS agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund, all records and other information relative to the Fund and its affiliates that are clients of USBGFS and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Fund (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where USBGFS may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, provided that USBGFS will promptly notify the Fund of such request if permitted by applicable law or (iii) when so requested by the Fund. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of USBGFS or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of USBGFS prior to receipt thereof from the Fund or its agents or service providers, shall not be subject to this paragraph. |
Further, USBGFS will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Fund pursuant to Title V of the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, USBGFS shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Fund and/or its shareholders. USBGFS will reasonably comply with applicable privacy and data security laws when processing information relating to the Fund and its shareholders.
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B. | The Fund agrees on behalf of itself, its affiliates, directors, officers, members and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of USBGFS, all non-public information relative to USBGFS (including, without limitation, the Data and information regarding USBGFS’ pricing, products, services, customers, suppliers, financial statements, processes, know-how, trade secrets, market opportunities, past, present or future research, development or business plans, affairs, operations, systems, computer software in source code and object code form, documentation, techniques, procedures, designs, drawings, specifications, schematics, processes and/or intellectual property), and not to use such information for any purpose other than in connection with the services provided under this Agreement, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by USBGFS, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Fund may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the USBGFS. Information which has become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Fund or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of the Fund prior to receipt thereof from USBGFS, shall not be subject to this paragraph. |
C. | Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Fund shall be permitted to disclose the identity of USBGFS as a service provider, and file redacted copies of this Agreement, and such other information as may be required in the Fund’s registration or offering documents, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, rule, or regulation, and (ii) USBGFS shall be permitted to include the name of the Fund in lists of representative clients in due diligence questionnaires, RFP responses, presentations, and other marketing and promotional purposes |
10. | Records |
USBGFS shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Fund, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. USBGFS agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by USBGFS relating to the services to be performed by USBGFS hereunder are the property of the Fund and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Fund or its designee on and in accordance with its request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, USBGFS may retain such copies of such records in such form as may be required to comply with any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order of any governmental, regulatory, or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction.
11. | Compliance with Laws |
A. | The Fund has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Funds, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Code, the SOX Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its current prospectus and statement of additional information (or similar disclosure documents) included in its registration statement on Form N-2 filed with the SEC. USBGFS’ services hereunder shall not relieve the Fund of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Director’s oversight responsibility with respect thereto. |
B. | The Fund shall immediately notify USBGFS if (i) the investment strategy of the Fund materially changes or deviates from the investment strategy disclosed in the current prospectus, or if it becomes subject to any new law, rule, regulation, or order of a governmental or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that materially impacts the operations of the Fund or the services provided under this Agreement. |
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C. | If, and to the extent that, the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679, as amended (“GDPR”) or the Cayman Islands Data Protection Law, 2017, as amended (“DPL”), are applicable to USBGFS and the Fund the following provisions shall apply: |
a. | The parties agree USBGFS is a “Data Processor” under GDPR and DPL, as applicable, in the performance of its services under this the Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree USBFS is a “Data Controller” under GDPR and DPL, as applicable, solely for the purpose of fulfilling its own pre-contractual AML/KYC new fund client onboarding obligations. In either case, the Fund shall ensure that all necessary and appropriate consents, disclosures and notices, including data subject consents, are in place to enable the processing of “Personal Data” (as defined by GDPR and DPL) by USBGFS, the transfer of Personal Data to USBGFS, and the transfer of Personal Data by USBGFS to third countries or regulatory organizations. |
b. | The parties further agree the Fund is a “Data Controller” under GDPR and DPL, as applicable. The Fund, either alone or jointly with others, determines or controls the content, use, purpose and means of processing the Personal Data. |
c. | USBGFS shall process the Personal Data: (i) in accordance with instructions of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement and any authorized persons list executed pursuant thereto, for the purpose of discharging USBGFS’ obligations under the Agreement; and (ii) when required by law or regulation, or required or requested by any court or regulator (each a “Processing Order”) to which USBGFS is subject. In the event USBGFS receives a request to process Personal Data pursuant to any Processing Order, it shall, to the extent legally permissible and reasonably practicable under the circumstances, notify the Fund prior to processing. |
d. | The Fund is solely responsible for developing and implementing its internal policies and procedures with respect to GDPR and DPL. |
e. | USBGFS shall: |
i. | ensure that persons handling Personal Data on its behalf are subject to confidentiality obligations similar to those contained in this Agreement; |
ii. | implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect Personal Data including against unauthorized or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, damage or destruction; |
iii. | only appoint sub-processors with the prior written consent of the Fund (standing instructions or general written authorization are sufficient), and only if the sub-processors provide sufficient guarantees in writing to USBGFS that they have implemented appropriate technical and organizational measures in such a manner that processing will comply with GDPR and DPL, as applicable1; |
1 For the avoidance of doubt, USBGFS’ affiliates and third party software providers will be used as sub-processors under this Agreement, and the Fund hereby authorizes such use.
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iv. | beyond the initial appointment, inform the Fund of any intended material changes concerning the addition or replacement of sub-processors, thereby giving the Fund the opportunity to object; |
v. | taking into account the nature of the processing, reasonably assist the Fund by appropriate technical and organizational measures, insofar as possible, to enable the Fund to comply with its obligation to respond to requests for exercising a data subject’s rights under GDPR or DPL; |
vi. | provide reasonable assistance to the Fund in ensuring their compliance with obligations regarding Personal Data breaches, data protection impact assessments and prior consultation subject to the nature of the processing and the information reasonably available to USBGFS, and inform the Fund of Personal Data breaches without undue delay; |
vii. | at the written direction of the Fund, delete or return all Personal Data to the Fund after the end of the provision of services under the Agreement relating to processing, and delete existing copies of Personal Data unless applicable law or internal data retention or backup procedures require the storage of such Personal Data; and |
viii. | make available to the Fund all information reasonably necessary to demonstrate compliance with GDPR or DPL, as applicable, and allow for and reasonably cooperate with audits, including inspections, conducted by the Fund or its auditor; and immediately inform the Fund if, in its opinion, the Fund’s instructions regarding this subsection infringes on GDPR or DPL. |
f. | Each party shall comply with any other applicable law or regulation which implements GDPR and DPL in relation to the Personal Data. Nothing in the Agreement shall be construed as preventing either party from taking such other steps as are necessary to comply with GDPR, DPL or any other applicable data protection laws. |
12. | Term of Agreement; Amendment |
A. | This Agreement shall become effective as of the last date written on the signature page and will continue in effect for a period of one (1) year. Following the initial term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term (or such shorter period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties) that it will not be renewing the Agreement. |
B. | Subject to Section 13, this Agreement may be terminated by either party upon giving 90 days’ prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties, provided that in such event, USBGFS shall, to the extent it is legally permitted and able to do so and at reasonable, mutually agreed upon compensation, provide reasonable assistance to transition the Fund to a successor service provider. |
C. | USBGFS may terminate this Agreement immediately if the continued service of the Fund would cause USBGFS or any of its affiliates to be in violation of any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order of any governmental, regulatory or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction, or if the Fund commits any act, or becomes involved in any situation or occurrence, tending to bring itself into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, or ridicule, or such that the continued association with the Fund would reflect unfavorably upon USBGFS’ reputation, provided that in such event USBGFS shall, to the extent it is legally permitted and able to do so, provide reasonable assistance to transition the Fund to a successor service provider. |
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D. | This Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such breach. |
E. | This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by USBGFS and the Fund, and authorized or approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. |
13. | Early Termination |
In the absence of any material breach of this Agreement, should the Fund elect to terminate this Agreement prior to the end of the then current term, the Fund agrees to pay the following fees :
a. | all monthly fees through the remaining term of the Agreement, including the repayment of any negotiated discounts (provided that no such fees shall be paid following the liquidation of the Fund); |
b. | all reasonable, mutually agreed upon fees associated with converting services to successor service provider; |
c. | all reasonable, mutually agreed upon fees associated with any record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that may not be eliminated due to the conversion to a successor service provider; |
d. | all miscellaneous reasonable costs associated with a. to c. above. |
14. | Duties in the Event of Termination |
In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of USBGFS’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Fund by written notice to USBGFS, USBGFS will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense (which shall include only reasonable and documented costs) of the Fund, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence and other data established or maintained by USBGFS under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Fund (if such form differs from the form in which USBGFS has maintained the same, the Fund shall pay any reasonable and documented expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from USBGFS’ personnel in the establishment of books, records and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Fund. The Fund shall also pay any fees associated with record retention and/or tax reporting obligations arising under this Agreement that USBGFS is obligated under applicable law, regulation, or rule to continue following the termination.
15. | Assignment |
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the written consent of USBGFS, or by USBGFS without the written consent of the Fund accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.
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16. | Governing Law |
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Wisconsin, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.
17. | No Agency Relationship |
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.
18. | Services Not Exclusive |
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict USBGFS from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
19. | Invalidity |
Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
20. | Notices |
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date sent by email or delivered personally or by courier service, or upon receipt after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below:
Notice to USBGFS shall be sent to:
U.S. Bancorp USBGFS, LLC
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Attn: President
and
Notice to the Fund shall be sent to:
0 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx
Suite 255
Greenwich, CT 06830
Email: xxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
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21. | No Third Party Rights |
Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any third party (including, without limitation, shareholders of the Fund) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement.
22. | Multiple Originals |
This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date last written below.
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx | |
Name: | Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx | |
Title: | CEO | |
Date: | 2/22/2023 |
U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
Name: | Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
Title: | Sr. Vice President | |
Date: | 2/22/2023 |
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Exhibit A to the
Fund Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement
As of Processing Policy
USBGFS will reimburse each Fund for any Net Material Loss that may exist on the Fund’s books and for which USBGFS is responsible, at the end of each calendar month. “Net Material Loss” shall be defined as any remaining loss, after netting losses against any gains, which impacts a Fund’s net asset value per share by at least ½ cent. Gains and losses will be reflected on the Fund’s daily share sheet, and the Fund will be reimbursed for any net material loss on a monthly basis. USBGFS will reset the as of ledger each calendar month so that any losses which do not exceed the materiality threshold of ½ cent will not be carried forward to the next succeeding month. USBGFS will notify the adviser to the Fund on the daily share sheet of any losses for which the adviser may be held accountable.
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Exhibit B to the
Fund Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement
Transfer Agency/Investor Services Fee Schedule
[Intentionally Omitted]
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