EX-99.(G)(A) 8 d420200dex99ga.htm AMENDED RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT WITH STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST CO. EXECUTION VERSION AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

EX-99.(G)(A) 8 d420200dex99ga.htm AMENDED RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT WITH STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST CO.

EXECUTION VERSION

AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made as of January 1, 2013 by and among each management investment company identified on Appendix A hereto (each such investment company and each management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 18.5 below, shall hereinafter be referred to as a “Fund”), and STATE STREET BANK and TRUST COMPANY, a Massachusetts trust company (the “Custodian”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Series Fund, Inc. (predecessor to Metropolitan Series Fund) (“MSF”) and the Custodian entered into a Custodian Contract dated as of December 31, 1986 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “MSF Custodian Contract”), and Met Investors Series Trust (“MIST”) and the Custodian entered into a Custodian Agreement dated as of October 1, 2001 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “MIST Custodian Agreement”);

WHEREAS, each of MSF and MIST and the Custodian desire that this Agreement amend and restate, as of the date hereof, each of the MSF Custodian Contract and the MIST Custodian Agreement, respectively;

WHEREAS, each Fund may or may not be authorized to issue shares of common stock or shares of beneficial interest in separate series (“Shares”), with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;

WHEREAS, each Fund so authorized intends that this Agreement be applicable to each of its series set forth on Appendix A hereto (such series together with all other series subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 18.6 below, shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Portfolio(s)”); and

WHEREAS, each Fund not so authorized intends that this Agreement be applicable to it and all references hereinafter to one or more Portfolios shall be deemed to refer to such Funds;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND PROPERTY TO BE HELD BY IT.

Each Fund hereby employs the Custodian as a custodian of assets of the Portfolios, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, desires to be held in places within the United States (“domestic securities”) and securities it desires to be held outside the United States (“foreign securities”). Each Fund, on behalf of its Portfolio(s), agrees to deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to all securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash consideration received by it for such Shares as may be issued or sold from time to time.

Master Custodian Agreement

The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio which is not received by it or which is delivered out in accordance with Proper Instructions (as such term is defined in Section 7 hereof) including, without limitation, Portfolio property (i) held by brokers, private bankers or other entities on behalf of the Portfolio (each a “Local Agent”), (ii) held by Special Sub-Custodians (as such term is defined in Section 5 hereof), (iii) held by entities which have advanced monies to or on behalf of the Portfolio and which have received Portfolio property as security for such advance(s) (each a “Pledgee”), or (iv) delivered or otherwise removed from the custody of the Custodian (a) in connection with any Free Trade (as such term is defined in Sections 2.2(14) and 2.6(7) hereof) or (b) pursuant to Special Instructions (as such term is defined in Section 7 hereof). With respect to uncertificated shares (the “Underlying Shares”) of registered “investment companies” (as defined in Section 3(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time (the “1940 Act”)), whether in the same “group of investment companies” (as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(G)(ii) of the 0000 Xxx) or otherwise, including pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Underlying Portfolios”), the holding of confirmation statements that identify the Underyling Shares as being recorded in the Custodian’s name on behalf of the Portfolios will be deemed custody for purposes hereof.

Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians located in the United States, but only in accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Trustees or the Board of Directors of the Fund (as appropriate, and in each case, the “Board”) on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less responsibility or liability to any Fund or Portfolio on account of any actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Custodian may place and maintain each Fund’s foreign securities with foreign banking institution sub-custodians employed by the Custodian and/or foreign securities depositories, all as designated in Schedules A and B hereto, but only in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 3 and 4 hereof.

SECTION 2. DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE PORTFOLIOS TO BE HELD IN THE UNITED STATES.

SECTION 2.1 HOLDING SECURITIES. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by it in the United States, including all domestic securities owned by such Portfolio other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.8 hereof 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 (each, a “U.S. Securities System”) and (b) Underlying Shares owned by each Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof in an account with State Street Bank and Trust Company or such other entity which may from time to time act as a transfer agent for the Underlying Portfolios and with respect to which the Custodian is provided with Proper Instructions (the “Underlying Transfer Agent”).

SECTION 2.2 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian, in a U.S. Securities System account of the Custodian or in an account at the Underlying Transfer Agent, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio and receipt of payment therefor;

Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase agreement related to such securities entered into by the Portfolio;

In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities System, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 hereof;

To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;

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;

To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the Portfolio 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 2.7 hereof or into the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1 hereof; 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;

Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio, 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;

For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of 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;

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 or 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;

10)

For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the Portfolio (a) against receipt of collateral as agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, 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 Portfolio prior to the

receipt of such collateral or (b) to the lending agent, or the lending agent’s custodian, in accordance with written Proper Instructions (which may not provide for the receipt by the Custodian of collateral therefor) agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund;

11)

For delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio;

12)

For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time (the “Exchange Act”) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA,” formerly known as The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”) 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 on behalf of the Portfolio;

13)

For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among a Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended from time to time (the “CEA”), relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and/or any contract market, or any similar organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;

14)

Upon the sale or other delivery of such investments (including, without limitation, to one or more (a) Special Sub-Custodians (as such term is defined in Section 5 hereof) or (b) additional custodians appointed by the Fund, and communicated to the Custodian from time to time via a writing duly executed by an authorized officer of the Fund, for the purpose of engaging in repurchase agreement transactions(s), each a “Repo Custodian”), and prior to receipt of payment therefor, as set forth in written Proper Instructions (such delivery in advance of payment, along with payment in advance of delivery made in accordance with Section 2.6(7), as applicable, shall each be referred to herein as a “Free Trade”), provided that such Proper Instructions shall set forth (a) the securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and (b) the person(s) to whom delivery of such securities shall be made;

15)

Upon receipt of instructions from the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) 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 currently effective prospectus and statement of additional information of the Fund related to the Portfolio (the “Prospectus”), in satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption;

16)

In the case of a sale of Underlying Shares processed through the Underlying Transfer Agent, in accordance with Section 2.10 hereof;

17)

For delivery as initial or variation margin in connection with futures or options on futures contracts entered into by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio; and

18)

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from a Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio specifying (a) the securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and (b) the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

SECTION 2.3 REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES. Domestic securities held by the Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of a Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of a Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other registered management investment companies having the same investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1 hereof. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement shall be in “street name” or other good delivery form. If, however, a Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities in “street name”, the Custodian shall utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.

SECTION 2.4 BANK ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio of each Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, 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 Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the 1940 Act. Funds held by the Custodian for a Portfolio 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 1940 Act and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a majority of the Board. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.

SECTION 2.5 COLLECTION OF INCOME. Except with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(14) hereof or purchased pursuant to Section 2.6(7) hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 2.3 hereof, the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder to which each Portfolio 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 domestic 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 such Portfolio’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 each Portfolio on securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2(10) hereof shall be the responsibility of the

applicable 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 Portfolio is properly entitled.

SECTION 2.6 PAYMENT OF FUND MONIES. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:

Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures contracts or options on futures contracts for the account of the Portfolio 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 1940 Act to act as a custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered in the name of the Portfolio 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 U.S. Securities System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.8 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase of Underlying Shares, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (d) in the case of repurchase agreements entered into between the applicable Fund on behalf of a Portfolio and the Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of FINRA, (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 Portfolio of securities owned by the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Portfolio; or (e) for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank but only pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund as defined herein;

In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;

For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued as set forth in Section 6 hereof;

For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments for the account of the Portfolio: 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;

For the payment of any dividends on Shares declared pursuant to the Fund’s articles of incorporation or organization and by-laws or agreement or declaration of trust, as applicable, and Prospectus (collectively, “Governing Documents”);

For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of securities sold short;

Upon the purchase of domestic investments, including, without limitation, repurchase agreement transactions involving delivery of Portfolio monies to Repo Custodian(s), and prior to receipt of such investments, as set forth in written Proper Instructions (such payment in advance of delivery, along with delivery in advance of payment made in accordance with Section 2.2(14), as applicable, shall each be referred to herein as a “Free Trade”), provided that such Proper Instructions shall also set forth (a) the amount of such payment and (b) the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made;

For payment as initial or variation margin in connection with futures or options on futures contracts entered into by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio; and

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio specifying (a) the amount of such payment and (b) the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.

SECTION 2.7 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 1940 Act to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Section 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. The Underlying Transfer Agent shall not be deemed to be an agent or sub-custodian of the Custodian for purposes of this Section 2.7 or any other provision of this Agreement.

SECTION 2.8 DEPOSIT OF FUND ASSETS IN U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEMS. The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a U.S. Securities System in compliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.

SECTION 2.9 SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.8 hereof, (a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the applicable Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of FINRA (or any futures commission merchant registered under the CEA), relating to compliance with the rules of the OCC and of any registered national securities exchange (or the CFTC or any registered contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Portfolio, (b) for purposes of segregating cash or government securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (c) for the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or interpretative opinion of the staff of the SEC, relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered management investment companies, and (d) for any other purpose in accordance with Proper Instructions.

SECTION 2.10 DUTIES WITH RESPECT TO UNDERLYING SHARES HELD AT AN UNDERLYING TRANSFER AGENT. Underlying Shares beneficially owned by a Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, shall be deposited and/or maintained in an account or accounts maintained with an Underlying Transfer Agent and the Custodian’s only responsibilities with respect thereto shall be limited to the following:

Upon receipt of a confirmation or statement from an Underlying Transfer Agent that such Underlying Transfer Agent is holding or maintaining Underlying Shares in the name of the Custodian (or a nominee of the Custodian) for the benefit of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall identify by book-entry that such Underlying Shares are being held by it as custodian for the benefit of such Portfolio.

In respect of the purchase of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall pay out monies of such Portfolio as so directed, and record such payment from the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records.

In respect of the sale or redemption of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall transfer such Underlying Shares as so directed, record such transfer from the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records and, upon the Custodian’s receipt of the proceeds therefor, record such payment for the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records.

The Custodian shall not be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund or any Portfolio resulting from the maintenance of Underlying Shares with an Underlying Transfer Agent except for losses resulting directly from the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any of its or their employees.

SECTION 2.11 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 domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection with transfers of securities.

SECTION 2.12 PROXIES. Except with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(14) hereof, or purchased pursuant to Section 2.6(7) hereof, the Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic 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 Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, 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.

SECTION 2.13 COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Except with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(14) hereof, or purchased pursuant to Section 2.6(7) hereof, and subject to the provisions of Section 2.3 hereof, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options written by the Fund on behalf

of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio) received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or its agents) making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with domestic securities or other property of the Portfolios at any time held by it unless (i) the Custodian is in actual possession of such domestic securities or property and (ii) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such tender, exchange or other right or power, and both (i) and (ii) occur at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise such tender, exchange or other right or power. The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian regarding any class action or other litigation in connection with Portfolio securities or other assets issued in the United States and then held, or previously held, during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian for the account of the Fund for such Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim forms. For avoidance of doubt, upon and after the effective date of any termination of this Agreement, with respect to a Fund or its Portfolio(s), as may be applicable, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to so transmit any information under this Section 2.13.

SECTION 2.14 LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT IN ADVANCE OF RECEIPT OF SECURITIES PURCHASED. Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Agreement, in any and every case where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the account of a Portfolio is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio 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.

SECTION 3. PROVISIONS RELATING TO RULES 17F-5 AND 17F-7.

SECTION 3.1. DEFINITIONS. As used throughout this Agreement, the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the indicated meanings:

“Country Risk” means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of holding Foreign Assets in a particular country including, but not limited to, such country’s political environment, economic and financial infrastructure (including any Eligible Securities Depository operating in the country), prevailing or developing custody and settlement practices, insolvency of a Foreign Sub-Custodian, and laws and regulations applicable to the safekeeping and recovery of Foreign Assets held in custody in that country.

“Eligible Foreign Custodian” has the meaning set forth in section (a)(1) of Rule 17f-5, including a majority-owned or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank (as defined in Rule 17f-5), a bank holding company meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian (as set forth in Rule 17f-5 or by other appropriate action of the SEC), or a foreign branch of a Bank (as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 0000 Xxx) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act; the term does not include any Eligible Securities Depository.

“Eligible Securities Depository” has the meaning set forth in section (b)(1) of Rule 17f-7.

“Foreign Assets” means any of the Portfolios’ investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolios’ transactions in such investments.

“Foreign Custody Manager” has the meaning set forth in section (a)(3) of Rule 17f-5.

“Rule 17f-5” means Rule 17f-5 promulgated under the 1940 Act.

“Rule 17f-7” means Rule 17f-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act.

SECTION 3.2. THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER.

3.2.1 DELEGATION TO THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER. Each Fund, by resolution adopted by its Board, hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Section (b) of Rule 17f-5, the responsibilities set forth in this Section 3.2 with respect to Foreign Assets of the Portfolios held outside the United States, and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to the Portfolios.

3.2.2 COUNTRIES COVERED. The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated responsibilities defined below only with respect to the countries and custody arrangements for each such country listed on Schedule A to this Agreement, which list of countries may be amended from time to time by any Fund with the agreement of the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager shall list on Schedule A the Eligible Foreign Custodians selected by the Foreign Custody Manager to maintain the assets of the Portfolios, which list of Eligible Foreign Custodians may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager will provide amended versions of Schedule A in accordance with Section 3.2.5 hereof.

Upon the receipt by the Foreign Custody Manager of Proper Instructions to open an account or to place or maintain Foreign Assets in a country listed on Schedule A, and the fulfillment by each Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), of the applicable account opening requirements for such country, the Foreign Custody Manager shall be deemed to have been delegated by such Fund’s Board on behalf of such Portfolio(s) responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to that country and to have accepted such delegation. Execution of this Agreement by each Fund shall be deemed to be a Proper Instruction to open an account, or to place or maintain Foreign Assets, in each country listed on Schedule A. Following the receipt of Proper Instructions directing the Foreign Custody Manager to close the account of a Portfolio with the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in a designated country, the delegation by the Board on behalf of such Portfolio to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager for that country shall be deemed to have been withdrawn and the Custodian shall immediately cease to be the Foreign Custody Manager with respect to such Portfolio with respect to that country.

The Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of delegated responsibilities with respect to a designated country upon written notice to the Fund. Sixty (60) calendar days (or such longer period to which the parties agree in writing) after receipt of any such notice by the Fund, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility in its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager to the Fund with respect to the country as to which the Custodian’s acceptance of delegation is withdrawn.

3.2.3 SCOPE OF DELEGATED RESPONSIBILITIES:

(a) SELECTION OF ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS. Subject to the provisions of this Section 3.2, the Foreign Custody Manager may place and maintain the Foreign Assets in the care of the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in each country listed on Schedule A, as amended from time to time. In performing its delegated responsibilities as Foreign Custody Manager to place or maintain Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the Foreign Assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Foreign Assets will be held by that Eligible Foreign Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1).

(b) CONTRACTS WITH ELIGIBLE FOREIGN CUSTODIANS. The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the contract governing the foreign custody arrangements with each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager will satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f-5(c)(2).

(c) MONITORING. In each case in which the Foreign Custody Manager maintains Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager, the Foreign Custody Manager shall establish a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Foreign Assets with such Eligible Foreign Custodian and (ii) the contract governing the custody arrangements established by the Foreign Custody Manager with the Eligible Foreign Custodian. In the event the Foreign Custody Manager determines that the custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian it has selected are no longer appropriate, the Foreign Custody Manager shall notify the Board in accordance with Section 3.2.5 hereunder.

3.2.4 GUIDELINES FOR THE EXERCISE OF DELEGATED AUTHORITY. For purposes of this Section 3.2, the Board shall be deemed to have considered and determined to accept such Country Risk as is incurred by placing and maintaining the Foreign Assets in each country for which the Custodian is serving as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios.

3.2.5 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The Foreign Custody Manager shall report the withdrawal of the Foreign Assets from an Eligible Foreign Custodian and the placement of such Foreign Assets with another Eligible Foreign Custodian by providing to the Board an amended Schedule A at the end of the calendar quarter in which an amendment to such Schedule has occurred. The Foreign Custody Manager shall make written reports notifying the Board of any other material change in the foreign custody arrangements of the Portfolios described in this Section 3.2 after the occurrence of the material change.

3.2.6 STANDARD OF CARE AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER OF A PORTFOLIO. In performing the responsibilities delegated to it, the Foreign Custody Manager agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of assets of management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act would exercise.

3.2.7 REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO RULE 17F-5. The Foreign Custody Manager represents to each Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as defined in section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5. Each Fund represents to the Custodian that its Board has determined that it is reasonable for such Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios.

3.2.8 EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION OF THE CUSTODIAN AS FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER. Each Board’s delegation to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios shall be effective as of the date hereof and shall remain in effect until terminated at any time, without penalty, by written notice from the terminating party to the non-terminating party. Termination will become effective thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the non-terminating party of such notice. The provisions of Section 3.2.2 hereof shall govern the delegation to and termination of the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios with respect to designated countries.

SECTION 3.3 ELIGIBLE SECURITIES DEPOSITORIES.

3.3.1 ANALYSIS AND MONITORING. The Custodian shall (a) provide each Fund (or its duly-authorized investment manager or investment adviser) with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Eligible Securities Depositories set forth on Schedule B hereto in accordance with section (a)(1)(i)(A) of Rule 17f-7, and (b) monitor such risks on a continuing basis, and promptly notify the Fund (or its duly-authorized investment manager or investment adviser) of any material change in such risks, in accordance with section (a)(1)(i)(B) of Rule 17f-7.

3.3.2 STANDARD OF CARE. The Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence in performing the duties set forth in Section 3.3.1.

SECTION 4. DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE PORTFOLIOS TO BE HELD OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

SECTION 4.1 DEFINITIONS. As used throughout this Agreement, the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the indicated meanings:

“Foreign Securities System” means an Eligible Securities Depository listed on Schedule B hereto.

“Foreign Sub-Custodian” means an Eligible Foreign Custodian.

SECTION 4.2. HOLDING SECURITIES. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Portfolios the foreign securities held by each Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities System. The Custodian may hold foreign securities for all of its customers, including the Portfolios, with any Foreign Sub-Custodian in an account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect to foreign securities of the Portfolios which are maintained in such account shall identify those securities as belonging to the Portfolios and (ii), to the extent permitted and customary in the market in which the account is maintained, the Custodian shall require that securities so held by the Foreign Sub-Custodian be held separately from any assets of such Foreign Sub-Custodian or of other customers of such Foreign Sub-Custodian.

SECTION 4.3. FOREIGN SECURITIES SYSTEMS. Foreign securities shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities System in a designated country through arrangements implemented by the Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian, as applicable, in such country.

SECTION 4.4. TRANSACTIONS IN FOREIGN CUSTODY ACCOUNT.

4.4.1. DELIVERY OF FOREIGN ASSETS. The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall release and deliver foreign securities of the Portfolios held by the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian, or in a Foreign Securities System account, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:

(i)

Upon the sale of such foreign securities for the Portfolio in accordance with commercially reasonable market practice in the country where such foreign securities are held or traded, including, without limitation: (A) delivery against expectation of receiving later payment; or (B) in the case of a sale effected through a Foreign Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the operation of the Foreign Securities System;

(ii)

In connection with any repurchase agreement related to foreign securities;

(iii)

To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for foreign securities of the Portfolios;

(iv)

To the issuer thereof or its agent when such foreign securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;

(v)

To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the Custodian (or the name of the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or of any nominee of the Custodian or such Foreign Sub-Custodian) or for exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;

(vi)

To brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination or trade execution in accordance with market custom; provided that in any such case, the Foreign Sub-Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such foreign securities prior to receiving payment for such foreign securities except as may arise from the Foreign Sub-Custodian’s own negligence or willful misconduct;

(vii)

(viii)

In the case of warrants, rights or similar foreign securities, the surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive securities;

(ix)

For delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio;

(x)

In connection with trading in options and futures contracts, including delivery as original margin and variation margin;

(xi)

Upon the sale or other delivery of such foreign securities (including, without limitation, to one or more Special Sub-Custodians or Repo Custodians) as a Free Trade, provided that applicable Proper Instructions shall set forth (A) the foreign securities to be delivered and (B) the person or persons to whom delivery shall be made;

(xii)

In connection with the lending of foreign securities; and

(xiii)

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying (A) the foreign securities to be delivered and (B) the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

4.4.2. PAYMENT OF PORTFOLIO MONIES. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out, or direct the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities System to pay out, monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:

(i)

Upon the purchase of foreign securities for the Portfolio, unless otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, by (A) delivering money to the seller thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such seller or dealer) against expectation of receiving later delivery of such foreign securities; or (B) in the case of a purchase effected through a Foreign Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the operation of such Foreign Securities System;

(ii)

In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender of foreign securities of the Portfolio;

(iii)

For the payment of any expense or liability of the Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments: interest, taxes, investment advisory fees, transfer agency fees, fees under this Agreement, legal fees, accounting fees, and other operating expenses;

(iv)

For the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or foreign exchange contracts for the Portfolio, including transactions executed with or through the Custodian or its Foreign Sub-Custodians;

(v)

In connection with trading in options and futures contracts, including delivery as original margin and variation margin;

(vi)

Upon the purchase of foreign investments, including, without limitation, repurchase agreement transactions involving delivery of Portfolio monies to Repo Custodian(s), as a Free Trade, provided that applicable Proper Instructions shall set forth (A) the amount of such payment and (B) the person or persons to whom payment shall be made;

(vii)

For payment of part or all of the dividends received in respect of foreign securities sold short;

(viii)

In connection with the borrowing or lending of foreign securities; and

(ix)

For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying (A) the amount of such payment and (B) the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.

4.4.3. MARKET CONDITIONS. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, settlement and payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of the Portfolios and delivery of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of the Portfolios may be effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing practices and procedures in the country or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering Foreign Assets to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) with the expectation of receiving later payment for such Foreign Assets from such purchaser or dealer.

The Custodian shall provide to each Board the information with respect to custody and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian described on Schedule C hereto at the time or times set forth on such Schedule. The Custodian may revise Schedule C from time to time, provided that no such revision shall result in a Board being provided with substantively less information than had been previously provided hereunder.

SECTION 4.5. REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN SECURITIES. The foreign securities maintained in the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of the Custodian or in the name of any Foreign Sub-Custodian or in the name of any nominee of the foregoing, and the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such foreign securities. The Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall not be obligated to accept foreign securities on behalf of a Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement unless the form of such foreign securities and the manner in which they are delivered are in accordance with reasonable market practice.

SECTION 4.6 BANK ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the applicable Fund cash (including cash denominated in foreign currencies) deposited with the Custodian. Where the Custodian is unable to maintain, or market practice does not facilitate the maintenance of, cash on the books of the Custodian, a bank account or bank accounts shall be opened and maintained outside the United States on behalf of a Portfolio with a Foreign Sub-Custodian. All bank accounts referred to in this Section 4.6 shall be subject only to draft or order by the Custodian (or, if applicable, such Foreign Sub-Custodian) acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to hold cash received by or from or for the account of the Portfolio. Cash maintained on the books of the Custodian (including its branches, subsidiaries and affiliates), regardless of currency denomination, is maintained in bank accounts established under, and subject to the laws of, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

SECTION 4.7. COLLECTION OF INCOME. The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder to which the Portfolios shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to the applicable Portfolio. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such income, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures.

SECTION 4.8 SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS. With respect to the foreign securities held pursuant to this Section 4, the Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject always to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such securities are issued. Each Fund acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of such Fund to exercise shareholder rights.

SECTION 4.9. COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials received by the Custodian via the Foreign Sub-Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities being held for the account of the Portfolios (including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of foreign securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith). With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials so received by the Custodian from issuers of the foreign securities whose tender or exchange is sought or from the party (or its agents) making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with foreign securities or other property of the Portfolios at any time held by it unless (i) the Custodian or the respective Foreign Sub-Custodian is in actual possession of such foreign securities or property and (ii) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such tender, exchange or other right or power, and both (i) and (ii) occur at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise such tender, exchange or other right or power. The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the applicable Fund all written information received by the Custodian via the Foreign Sub-Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities being held for the account of the Portfolios regarding any class action or other litigation in connection with Portfolio foreign securities or other assets issued outside the United States and then held, or previously held, during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian via a Foreign Sub-Custodian for the account of the Fund for such Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim forms. For avoidance of doubt, upon and after the effective date of any termination of this Agreement, with respect to a Fund or its Portfolio(s), as may be applicable, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to so transmit any information under this Section 4.9.

SECTION 4.10. LIABILITY OF FOREIGN SUB-CUSTODIANS. Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall, to the extent possible, require the Foreign Sub-Custodian to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties, and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the Foreign Sub-Custodian’s performance of such obligations. At a Fund’s election, the Portfolios shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a Foreign Sub-Custodian as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that the Portfolios have not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.

SECTION 4.11 TAX LAW. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now or hereafter imposed on any Fund, the Portfolios or the Custodian as custodian of the Portfolios by the tax law of the United States or of any state or political subdivision thereof. It shall be the responsibility of each Fund to notify the Custodian of the obligations imposed on such Fund with respect to the Portfolios or the Custodian as custodian of the Portfolios by the tax law of countries other than those mentioned in the above sentence, including responsibility for withholding and other taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the tax law of countries for which such Fund has provided such information.

SECTION 4.12. LIABILITY OF CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a Foreign Sub-Custodian to the same extent as set forth with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Agreement and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a Foreign Sub-Custodian or a Foreign Securities System, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism, or any other loss where the Sub-Custodian has otherwise acted with reasonable care.

SECTION 5. SPECIAL SUB-CUSTODIANS.

Upon receipt of Special Instructions (as such term is defined in Section 7 hereof), the Custodian shall, on behalf of one or more Portfolios, appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities designated in such Special Instructions to act as a sub-custodian for the purposes of effecting such transaction(s) as may be designated by a Fund in Special Instructions. Each such designated sub-custodian is referred to herein as a “Special Sub-Custodian.” Each such duly appointed Special Sub-Custodian shall be listed on Schedule D hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by a Fund, with the acknowledgment of the Custodian. In connection with the appointment of any Special Sub-Custodian, and in accordance with Special Instructions, the Custodian shall enter into a sub-custodian agreement with the Fund and the Special Sub-Custodian in form and substance approved by such Fund, provided that such agreement shall in all events comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 6. PAYMENTS FOR SALES OR REPURCHASES OR REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES.

The Custodian shall receive from the distributor of the Shares or from the Transfer Agent and deposit into the account of the appropriate Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares thereof issued or sold from time to time by the applicable Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to such Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.

From such funds as may be available for the purpose, 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, 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, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by a Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between such Fund and the Custodian.

SECTION 7. PROPER INSTRUCTIONS AND SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

“Proper Instructions,” which may also be continuing instructions, as such term is used throughout this Agreement shall mean instructions received by the Custodian from a Fund, a Fund’s duly authorized investment manager or investment adviser, or a person or entity duly authorized by either of them. Such instructions may be in writing signed by the authorized person or persons or may be in a tested communication or in a communication utilizing access codes effected between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or may be by such other means and utilizing such intermediary systems and utilities as may be agreed from time to time by the Custodian and the person(s) or entity giving such instruction, provided that the Fund has followed any security procedures agreed to from time to time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian, including, but not limited to, the security procedures selected by the Fund via the form of Funds Transfer Addendum hereto, the terms of which are hereby agreed to. Oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to provide such instructions with respect to the transaction involved; the Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any multi-party agreement which requires one or more segregated accounts in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof.

“Special Instructions,” as such term is used throughout this Agreement, means Proper Instructions countersigned or confirmed in writing by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the applicable Fund or any other person designated in writing by the Treasurer of such Fund, which countersignature or confirmation shall be (a) included on the same instrument containing the Proper Instructions or on a separate instrument clearly relating thereto and (b) delivered by hand, by facsimile transmission, or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian agree in writing.

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, duly certified by such Fund’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, a certificate setting forth: (i) the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund and (ii) the names, titles and signatures of those persons authorized to give Special Instructions. Such certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of a certificate superceding in whole or in part any previously delivered certificate.

SECTION 8. EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY.

The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the applicable Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of any Fund as conclusive evidence (a)

of the authority of any person to act in accordance with such resolution or (b) of any determination or of any action by the applicable Board as described in such resolution, and such resolution may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.

SECTION 9. ACTIONS PERMITTED WITHOUT EXPRESS AUTHORITY.

The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the applicable Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:

Make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Agreement; provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;

Surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive form;

Endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and

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 Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the applicable Board.

SECTION

10. DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE BOOKS OF ACCOUNT AND CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND NET INCOME.

The Custodian shall keep the books of account of each Portfolio and compute the net asset value per Share of the outstanding Shares. The Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as described in the Prospectus and shall advise the applicable 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 each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time to time in the Prospectus. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that, with respect to investments maintained with an Underlying Transfer Agent, the Underlying Transfer Agent is the sole source of information regarding the number of Underyling Shares of an Underlying Portfolio held by it on behalf of a Portfolio and that the Custodian has the right to rely on holdings information furnished by the Underlying Transfer Agent to the Custodian in performing its duties under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the duties set forth in this Section 10 and in Section 11 hereof; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be obligated to reconcile information as to purchases and sales of Underlying Shares contained in trade instructions and confirmations received by the Custodian and to report promptly any discrepancies to the Underlying Transfer Agent. Each Fund acknowledges that, in keeping the books of account of the Portfolio and/or making the calculations described herein with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(14) hereof, or purchased pursuant to Section 2.6(7) hereof, the Custodian is authorized and instructed to rely upon information provided to it by the Fund, the Fund’s counterparty(ies), or the agents of either of them.

SECTION 11. RECORDS.

The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement in such manner as will meet the obligations of each Fund under the 1940 Act, with particular attention to section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. 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 authorized officers, employees or agents of such Fund and employees and agents of the SEC. The Custodian shall, at a Fund’s request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations. Each Fund acknowledges that, in creating and maintaining the records as set forth herein with respect to Portfolio property released and delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(14) hereof, or purchased pursuant to Section 2.6(7) hereof, the Custodian is authorized and instructed to rely upon information provided to it by the Fund, the Fund’s counterparty(ies), or the agents of either of them.

SECTION 12. OPINION OF FUND’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as a Fund with respect to a Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm with respect to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund’s Form N-1A or Form N-2, as applicable, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements thereof.

SECTION 13. REPORTS TO FUND BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.

The Custodian shall provide the applicable Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios at such times as such 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 U.S. Securities System or a Foreign Securities System (either, a “Securities System”), relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement; 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.

SECTION 14. COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN.

The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between each Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.

SECTION 15. 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 Agreement and 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, including any futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to any Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, acting in accordance with any Proper Instruction. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. The Custodian shall be without liability to any Fund or Portfolio for any loss, liability, claim or expense resulting from or caused by anything that is part of Country Risk (as defined in Section 3 hereof), including without limitation nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, insolvency of a Foreign Sub-custodian, acts of war, revolution, riots or terrorism.

Except as may arise from the Custodian’s own bad faith, negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations hereunder, or the the bad faith, negligence,willful misconduct or reckless disregard of duties and obligations of a sub-custodian or agent, the Custodian shall be without liability to any Fund for any loss, liability, claim or expense resulting from or caused by; (i) events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian or any sub-custodian or Securities System or any agent or nominee of any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the closure of any securities market, power or other mechanical or technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications disruptions, work stoppages, natural disasters, or other similar events or acts; (ii) errors by any Fund or its duly authorized investment manager or investment adviser in their instructions to the Custodian provided such instructions have been in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a Securities System; (iv) any act or omission of a Special Sub-Custodian including, without limitation, reliance on reports prepared by a Special Sub-Custodian; (v) any delay or failure of any broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian’s sub-custodian or agent securities purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with securities sold; (vi) any delay or failure of any company, corporation, or other body in charge of registering or transferring securities in the name of the Custodian, any Fund, the Custodian’s sub-custodians, nominees or agents or any consequential losses arising out of such delay or failure to transfer such securities including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits; (vii) delays or inability to perform its duties due to any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security or Securities System; and (viii) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction.

If a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, such Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to it.

If a Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents, to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement), 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 Agreement, except such as may arise from its or its nominee’s own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, or if a Fund fails to compensate the Custodian pursuant to Section 14 hereof, any property at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio 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 such Portfolio’s assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.

Except as may arise from the Custodian’s own bad faith, negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations hereunder, each Fund shall indemnify and hold the Custodian harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, damages, charges, counsel fees, payments and liabilities which may be asserted against the Custodian (a) acting in accordance with any Proper Instruction or Special Instruction including, without limitation, any Proper Instruction with respect to Free Trades including, but not limited to, cost, expense, loss, damage, liability, tax, charge, assessment or claim resulting from (i) the failure of the applicable Fund to receive income with respect to purchased investments, (ii) the failure of the applicable Fund to recover amounts invested on maturity of purchased investments, (iii) the failure of the Custodian to respond to or be aware of notices or other corporate communications with respect to purchased investments, or (iv) the Custodian’s reliance upon information provided by the applicable Fund, such Fund’s counterparty(ies) or the agents of either of them with respect to Fund property released, delivered or purchased pursuant to either of Section 2.2(14) or Section 2.6(7) hereof; (b) for the acts or omissions of any Special Sub-Custodian; or (c) for the acts or omissions of any Local Agent or Pledgee.

In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or consequential damages.

SECTION 16. EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT.

This Agreement 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) calendar days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Agreement in contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Fund’s Governing Documents, and further provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Agreement 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 Agreement, each applicable Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio 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.

Termination of this Agreement with respect to any one particular Fund or Portfolio shall in no way affect the rights and duties under this Agreement with respect to any other Fund or Portfolio. The provisions of Sections 4.11, 14 and 15 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement for any reason.

This Agreement may be amended at any time in writing by mutual agreement of the parties hereto.

SECTION 17. SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN.

If a successor custodian for one or more Portfolios shall be appointed by the applicable Board, the Custodian shall, upon termination and receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of each applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent.

If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like manner, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such Proper Instructions.

In the event that no Proper Instructions designating a successor custodian or alternative arrangements 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 1940 Act, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts or New York, New York, of its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Agreement on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in any Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Agreement.

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 any Fund to provide Proper Instructions as aforesaid, 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 Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 18. GENERAL.

SECTION 18.1 MASSACHUSETTS LAW TO APPLY. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

SECTION 18.2 PRIOR AGREEMENTS. This Agreement supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior agreements between each Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the Custodian relating to the custody of such Fund’s assets.

SECTION 18.3 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by (a) any Fund without the written consent of the Custodian or (b) by the Custodian without the written consent of each applicable Fund.

SECTION 18.4 INTERPRETIVE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and each Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by all 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 a Fund’s Governing Documents. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.

SECTION 18.5 ADDITIONAL FUNDS. In the event that any management investment company in addition to those listed on Appendix A hereto desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such management investment company shall become a Fund hereunder and be bound by all terms and conditions and provisions hereof including, without limitation, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 18.7 below.

SECTION 18.6 ADDITIONAL PORTFOLIOS. In the event that any Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in addition to those set forth on Appendix A hereto with respect to which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.

SECTION 18.7 THE PARTIES. All references herein to the “Fund” are to each of the management investment companies listed on Appendix A hereto, and each management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 18.5 above, individually, as if this Agreement were between such individual Fund and the Custodian. In the case of a series corporation, trust or other entity, all references herein to the “Portfolio” are to the individual series or portfolio of such corporation, trust or other entity, or to such corporation, trust or other entity on behalf of the individual series or portfolio, as appropriate. Any reference in this Agreement to “the parties” shall mean the Custodian and such other individual Fund as to which the matter pertains. Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is duly incorporated or organized and is validly existing in good standing in its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization; (b) it has the requisite power and authority under applicable law and its Governing Documents to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid, binding and enforceable agreement; and (e) its entrance into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Fund or any law or regulation applicable to it.

SECTION 18.8 REMOTE ACCESS SERVICES ADDENDUM. The Custodian and each Fund agree to be bound by the terms of the Remote Access Services Addendum attached hereto.

SECTION 18.9 NOTICES. Any notice, instruction or other instrument required to be given hereunder may be delivered in person to the offices of the parties as set forth herein during normal business hours or delivered prepaid registered mail or by telex, cable or telecopy to the parties at the following addresses or such other addresses as may be notified by any party from time to time.


To any Fund:		[Name of Fund] c/o MetLife Advisers, LLC 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, XX 00000 Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx Telephone: 000-000-0000 Telecopy: N/A Email: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx

To the Custodian:		State Street Bank and Trust Company 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, XX 00000 Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Senior Vice President Telephone: 000-000-0000 Telecopy: 000-000-0000

Such notice, instruction or other instrument shall be deemed to have been served in the case of a registered letter at the expiration of five business days after posting, in the case of cable twenty-four hours after dispatch and, in the case of telex, immediately on dispatch and if delivered outside normal business hours it shall be deemed to have been received at the next time after delivery when normal business hours commence and in the case of cable, telex or telecopy on the business day after the receipt thereof. Evidence that the notice was properly addressed, stamped and put into the post shall be conclusive evidence of posting.

SECTION 18.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

SECTION 18.11 SEVERABILITY. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

SECTION 18.12 CONFIDENTIALITY. The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially all information provided by each party to the other party regarding its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering or receiving services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information (i) that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Agreement, (ii) that is independently derived by any party hereto without the use of any information provided by the other party hereto in connection with this Agreement, (iii) that is required in any legal or regulatory proceeding, investigation, audit, examination, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other similar process, or by operation of law or regulation, or (iv) where the party seeking to disclose has received the prior written consent of the party providing the information, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Custodian and its affiliates may report and use nonpublic portfolio holdings information of its clients, including a Fund or Portfolio, on an aggregated basis with all or substantially all other client information and without specific reference to any Fund or Portfolio.

SECTION 18.13 REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS. This Agreement and all schedules, addenda, exhibits, appendices, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto all/each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

SECTION 18.14 REGULATION GG. Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that it does not engage in an “Internet gambling business,” as such term is defined in Section 233.2(r) of Federal Reserve Regulation GG (12 CFR 233) (“Regulation GG”). Each Fund hereby covenants and agrees that it shall not engage in an Internet gambling business. In accordance with Regulation GG, each Fund is hereby notified that “restricted transactions,” as such term is defined in Section 233.2(y) of Regulation GG, are prohibited in any dealings with the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise between or among any party hereto.

SECTION 18.15 DATA PRIVACY. The Custodian shall implement and maintain a written information security program that contains appropriate security measures to safeguard the personal information of the Funds’ shareholders, employees, directors and/or officers that the Custodian receives, stores, maintains, processes or otherwise accesses in connection with the provision of services hereunder. For these purposes, “personal information” shall mean (i) an individual’s name (first initial and last name or first name and last name), address or telephone number plus (a) social security number, (b) drivers license number, (c) state identification card number, (d) debit or credit card number, (e) financial account number or (f) personal identification number or password that would permit access to a person’s account or (ii) any combination of the foregoing that would allow a person to log onto or access an individual’s account. Notwithstanding the foregoing “personal information” shall not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.

SECTION 18.16 SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS ELECTION. SEC Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with the rule, the Custodian needs each Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide such Fund’s name, address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund owns. If a Fund tells the Custodian “no,” the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If a Fund tells the Custodian “yes” or does not check either “yes” or “no” below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund. For a Fund’s protection, the Rule prohibits the requesting company from using the Fund’s name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.


YES [ ]		The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

NO [X]		The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

SECTION 19A. LOAN SERVICING PROVISIONS.

SECTION 19A.1 GENERAL. The provisions of Section 19A shall apply with respect to investments, property or assets in the nature of loans, or interests or participations in loans, including without limitation interests in syndicated bank loans and bank loan participations, whether in the U.S. or outside the U.S. (collectively, “Loans”) entered into by a Fund on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios.

SECTION 19A.2 SAFEKEEPING. Instruments, certificates, agreements and/or other documents which the Custodian may receive with respect to Loans, if any (collectively “Financing Documents”), from time to time, shall be held by the Custodian at its offices in Boston, Massachusetts.

SECTION 19A.3 DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall accept such Financing Documents, if any, with respect to Loans as may be delivered to it from time to time by a Fund on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios. The Custodian shall be under no obligation to examine the contents or determine the sufficiency of any such Financing Documents or to provide any certification with respect thereto, whether received by the Custodian as original documents, photocopies, by facsimile or otherwise. Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian is under no duty to examine any such Financing Documents to determine whether necessary steps have been taken or requirements met with respect to the assignment or transfer of the related Loan or applicable interest or participation in such Loan. The Custodian shall be entitled to assume the genuineness, sufficiency and completeness of any Financing Documents received, and the genuineness and due authority of any signature appearing on such documents. Notwithstanding any term of this Agreement to the contrary, with respect to any Loans, (i) the Custodian shall be under no obligation to determine, and shall have no liability for, the sufficiency of, or to require delivery of, any instrument, document or agreement constituting, evidencing or representing such Loan, other than to receive such Financing Documents, if any, as may be delivered or caused to be delivered to it by a Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf), (ii) without limiting the foregoing, delivery of any such Loan (including without limitation, for purposes of Section 2.6 above) may be made to the Custodian by, and may be represented solely by, delivery to the Custodian of a facsimile or photocopy of an assignment agreement (an “Assignment Agreement”) or a confirmation or certification from the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) to the effect that it has acquired such Loan and/or has received or will receive, and will deliver to the Custodian, appropriate Financing Documents constituting, evidencing or representing such Loan (such confirmation or certification, together with any Assignment Agreement, collectively, an “Assignment Agreement or Confirmation”), in any case without delivery of any promissory note, participation certificate or similar instrument (collectively, an “Instrument”), (iii) if an original Instrument shall be or shall become available with respect to any such Loan, it shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) to make or cause delivery thereof to the Custodian, and the Custodian shall be under no obligation at any time or times to determine whether any such original Instrument has been issued or made available with respect to

such Loan, and shall not be under any obligation to compel compliance by the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio to make or cause delivery of such Instrument to the Custodian, and (iv) any reference to Financing Documents appearing in this Section 19A shall be deemed to include, without limitation, any such Instrument and/or Assignment Agreement or Confirmation.

If payments with respect to a Loan (“Loan Payment”) are not received by the Custodian on the date on which they are due, as reflected in the Payment Schedule (as such term is defined in Section 19A.4 below) of the Loan (“Payment Date”), or in the case of interest payments, not received either on a scheduled interest payable date, as reported to the Custodian by a Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) for the Loan (the “Interest Payable Date”), or in the amount of their accrued interest payable, the Custodian shall (1) promptly, but in no event later than one business day after the Payment Date or the Interest Payable Date, give telephonic notice to the party obligated under the Financing Documents to make such Loan Payment (the “Obligor”) of the Obligor’s failure to make timely payment, and (2) if such Loan Payment is not received within three business days of its due date, shall notify the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) of such Obligor’s failure to make the Loan Payment. The Custodian shall have no responsibility with respect to the collection of Loan Payments which are past due, other than the duty to notify the Obligor and the applicable Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) as provided herein.

The Custodian shall have no responsibilities or duties whatsoever under this Agreement, with respect to Loans or the Financing Documents, except for such responsibilities as are expressly set forth herein. Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall have no obligation to preserve any rights against prior parties or to exercise any right or perform any obligation in connection with the Loans or any Financing Documents (including, without limitation, no obligation to take any action in respect of or upon receipt of any consent solicitation, notice of default or similar notice received from any bank agent or Obligor, except that the Custodian shall undertake reasonable efforts to promptly forward any such notice to the applicable Fund on behalf of its Portfolio or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf). In case any question arises as to its duties hereunder, the Custodian may request instructions from the applicable Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) and shall be entitled at all times to refrain from taking any action unless it has received Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) and the Custodian shall in all events have no liability, risk or cost for any action taken, with respect to a Loan, pursuant to and in compliance with the Proper Instructions of such parties.

The Custodian shall be only responsible and accountable for Loan Payments actually received by it and identified as for the account of the applicable Portfolio; any and all credits and payments credited to such Portfolio, with respect to Loans, shall be conditional upon clearance and actual receipt by the Custodian of final payment thereon.

The Custodian shall promptly, upon the request of a Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf), release to any party as the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) may specify, any Financing Documents being held by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio. Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall not be deemed to have or be charged with knowledge of the sale of any Loan, unless and except to the extent it shall have received written notice and instruction from the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) with respect thereto, and except to the extent it shall have received the sale proceeds thereof.

In no event shall the Custodian be under any obligation or liability to make any advance of its own funds with respect to any Loan.

SECTION 19A.4 RESPONSIBILITY OF A FUND. With respect to each Loan held by the Custodian hereunder in accordance with the provisions hereof, the applicable Fund on behalf of its Portfolio shall (a) cause the Financing Documents evidencing such Loan to be delivered to the Custodian; (b) include with such Financing Documents an amortization schedule of payments (the “Payment Schedule”) identifying the amount and due dates of scheduled principal payments, the Interest Payable Date(s) and related payment amount information, and such other information with respect to the related Loan and Financing Documents as the Custodian reasonably may require in order to perform its services hereunder (collectively, “Loan Information”), in such form and format as the Custodian reasonably may require; (c) take, or cause the investment adviser to take, all actions necessary to acquire good title to such Loan (or the participation in such Loan, as the case may be), as and to the extent intended to be acquired; and (d) cause the Custodian to be named as its nominee for payment purposes under the Financing Documents or otherwise provide for the direct payment of the Loan Payments to the Custodian. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon the Loan Information provided to it by the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio (or any investment adviser acting on the Portfolio’s behalf) without any obligation on the part of the Custodian independently to verify, investigate, recalculate, update or otherwise confirm the accuracy or completeness thereof; and the Custodian shall have no liability for any delay or failure on the part of the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio in providing necessary Loan Information to the Custodian, or for any inaccuracy therein or incompleteness thereof. With respect to each such Loan, the Custodian shall be entitled to rely on any information and notices it may receive from time to time from the related bank agent, Obligor or similar party with respect to the Loan, and shall be entitled to update its records on the basis of such information or notices received, without any obligation on its part independently to verify, investigate or recalculate such information.

SECTION 19A.5 INSTRUCTIONS; AUTHORITY TO ACT. The certificate of the Fund’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer pursuant to Section 7 hereof, identifying the individuals authorized to give Proper Instructions with respect to Loans, may be received and accepted as conclusive evidence of the incumbency and authority of such individuals to act and may be considered by the Custodian to be in full force and effect until it receives written notice to the contrary from the Fund’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to ensure that any investment by a Fund on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios with respect to Loans has been authorized.

SECTION 19A.6 ATTACHMENT. In case any portion of the Loans or the Financing Documents shall be attached or levied upon pursuant to an order of any court, or the delivery or disbursement thereof shall be stayed or enjoined by an order of any court, or any other order, judgment or decree shall be made or entered by any court affecting the property of a Fund or its applicable Portfolio or any act of the Custodian relating thereto, the Custodian is hereby expressly authorized in its sole discretion to obey and comply with all orders, judgments or decrees so entered or issued, without the necessity of inquiring whether such court had jurisdiction, and, in case the Custodian obeyed or complied with any such order, judgment or decree, it shall not be liable to anyone by reason of such compliance.

SECTION 19B. SECURITY INTEREST.

The provisions of this Section 19B shall apply with respect to Loans entered into by a Fund on behalf of one or more of its Portfolios. The provisions of this Section 19B shall constitute a security agreement. Terms used in this Section 19B which are defined or otherwise set forth in the Uniform Commercial Code of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall have the same meanings in this Section 19B as in the Uniform Commercial Code of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If a term is defined or otherwise set forth in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in another Article as well, the term as defined or otherwise set forth in Article 9 shall control.

SECTION 19B.1 COLLATERAL. To secure the due and punctual payment of all liabilities, whether actual or contingent (“Liabilities”), of a Fund on behalf of its Portfolios to the Custodian now or hereafter arising or incurred under or in connection with this Agreement, the Fund on behalf of its Portfolios hereby grants to the Custodian a security interest in the following, whether now existing or hereafter acquired or created (collectively, the “Collateral”):

(i)

all of the applicable Portfolio’s cash, deposit accounts, securities and other investment property, promissory notes and other instruments, chattel paper and other assets in the possession or under the control of any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians;

(ii)

all of the applicable Portfolio’s promissory notes and chattel paper (A) copies of which are in the possession or under the control of any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians, (B) assigned to the Portfolio and for which originals or copies of confirmations or other evidences of the assignment are in the possession or under the control of any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians, (C) in which the Portfolio holds participations and for which originals or copies of the participation agreements or certificates are in the possession or under the control of any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians, or (D) assigned to the Portfolio or in which such Portfolio holds participations and for which instructions have been given to make payments of principal, interest or other amounts thereon to any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians;

(iii)

all of the applicable Portfolio’s payment intangibles (A) evidenced by or created under written or electronic agreements originals or copies of which are in the possession or under the control of any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians, (B) assigned to the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio and for which originals or copies of confirmations or other evidences of the assignment are in the possession or under the control of any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians, (C) in which the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio holds participations and for which originals or copies of the participation agreements or certificates are in the possession or under the control of any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians, or (D) assigned to the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio or in which the Fund on behalf of its Portfolio holds participations and for which instructions have been given to make payments of principal, interest or other amounts thereon to any of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians; and

(iv)

any and all proceeds of any thereof.

The Liabilities include, without limitation, (a) the obligations of the Fund on behalf of its Portfolios to the Custodian in relation to any overdraft or other advance of cash or securities for any purpose including in connection with any pre-determined income or assumed settlements; (b) the obligations of the Fund on behalf of its Portfolios to the Custodian (in its capacity as foreign exchange provider or otherwise) in relation to any spot or forward foreign exchange contracts or any other foreign exchange contract or facility entered into with the Fund on behalf of its Portfolios; and (c) the obligations of the Fund on behalf of its Portfolios to reimburse the Custodian for any taxes, interest, charges, expense, assessments, or other liabilities that may be assessed against or imposed on the Custodian under or in connection with this Agreement for the Fund.

SECTION 19B.2 FAILURE TO SATISFY LIABILITIES. In the event that a Fund on behalf of its Portfolio fails to satisfy any of the Liabilities as and when due and payable, the failure shall constitute a default under this Section 19B, and the Custodian shall then have with respect to the Collateral, in addition to all other rights and remedies arising hereunder or under applicable law, the rights and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Without prejudice to the Custodian’s rights under applicable law, the Custodian shall be entitled, without notice to the applicable Fund, to withhold delivery of any Collateral, sell or otherwise realize on any Collateral and to apply the money or other proceeds and any other monies credited to the cash accounts in satisfaction of such Liabilities. Each Fund on behalf of its Portfolio acknowledges that, in the Custodian exercising any such rights or remedies against any Collateral, it will be commercially reasonable for the Custodian (i) to accelerate or cause the acceleration of the maturity of any fixed term deposits comprised in the Collateral and (ii) to effect such currency conversions as may be necessary at its current rates for the sale and purchase of the relevant currencies.

SECTION 19B.3 UCC FILINGS. Each Fund on behalf of its Portfolio hereby irrevocably authorizes the Custodian at any time and from time to time to file in any filing office in any Uniform Commercial Code jurisdiction any initial financing statements and amendments thereto that (a) indicate the Collateral as described in Section 19B.1 or (ii) as being of an equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, and (b) provide any other information required by part 5 of Article 9 of any applicable Uniform Commercial Code jurisdiction for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including whether the Fund or a Portfolio is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to the Fund or a Portfolio. Each Fund agrees to furnish any such information to the Custodian promptly upon the Custodian’s request. Each Fund also ratifies its authorization for the Custodian to have filed in any Uniform Commercial Code jurisdiction any like initial financing statements or amendments thereto if filed prior to the date hereof.

SECTION 19B.4 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE. Each Fund represents and warrants to the Custodian that the Fund’s chief executive office is located at the address set forth in Section 18.9 of the Agreement. Each Fund covenants to provide to the Custodian at least thirty (30) calendar days’ prior written notice of any change of location of the chief executive office.

SECTION 19B.5 PERFECTED SECURITY INTEREST. Each Fund on behalf of its Portfolios agrees to take such actions as the Custodian may from time to time request in order to insure that the Custodian has a first perfected security interest in the Collateral and that the Custodian has the ability to enforce its security interest. Without limitation upon the foregoing, for such purposes the Fund (a) shall promptly deliver to the possession or control of the Custodian or its designee originals of any instruments (including promissory notes) and chattel paper comprised in the Collateral and not already in the possession or under the control of the Custodian and its agents, affiliates and subcustodians, (b) shall promptly obtain termination amendments of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements or terminations or subordinations of security interests or other liens, in form and substance satisfactory to Custodian, where the failure to take such action could result in a competing security in or other lien on any of the Collateral having priority over the security interest of the Custodian in the Collateral, and (c) shall promptly execute and file such notices and registrations and take such other actions, including actions required under the law of any foreign jurisdiction, which are, in the opinion of the Custodian, necessary or advisable to assure the attachment, perfection, priority and ability of the Custodian to enforce the security interest and (d) further authorizes the Custodian to take such action as in the opinion of the Custodian may be necessary or advisable under any foreign law including making an appropriate entry in any security interest, charge or lien registry in the country whose laws the Fund is organized or in which the Fund maintains an office.

SECTION 20. TRUST NOTICE.

Each Fund is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and notice is hereby given that a copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of each Fund is on file at the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. This Agreement is executed by an officer of each Fund, as an officer and not individually, on behalf of the trustees of the Fund, as trustees and not individually, and the oblgiations of this Agreement with respect to such Fund shall be binding upon the assets and properties of such Fund only and shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Fund individually. Moreover, the obligations of this Agreement with respect to a Portfolio shall be binding upon the assets and properties of such Portfolio only and shall not be binding upon any other Portfolio of the Fund or any Portfolio of another Fund.

[remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

SIGNATURE PAGE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative under seal as of the date first above-written.


EACH OF THE ENTITIES
SET FORTH ON APPENDIX A HERETO

By:		/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
		Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
		Treasurer


STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

By:		/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
		Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
		Executive Vice President

Master Custodian Agreement

APPENDIX A

MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES REGISTERED WITH THE SEC AND PORTFOLIOS THEREOF, IF ANY

Met Investor Series Trust

AllianceBernstein Global Dynamic Allocation Portfolio

American Funds® Balanced Allocation Portfolio

American Funds® Growth Allocation Portfolio

American Funds® Growth Portfolio

American Funds® International Portfolio

American Funds® Moderate Allocation Portfolio

AQR Global Risk Balanced Portfolio

BlackRock Global Tactical Strategies Portfolio

BlackRock High Yield Portfolio

BlackRock Large Cap Core Portfolio

Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio

Dreman Small Cap Value Portfolio

Xxxxxxx Sachs Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Xxxxxx Oakmark International Portfolio

Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Portfolio

Invesco Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Janus Forty Portfolio

Xxxxxxxx Large Cap Equity Portfolio

JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio

JPMorgan Global Active Allocation Portfolio

Xxxx Xxxxx ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio

Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Global Markets Portfolio

Lord Xxxxxx Bond Debenture Portfolio

Lord Xxxxxx Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Met/Xxxxx Xxxxx Floating Rate Portfolio

Met/Franklin Income Portfolio

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio

Met/Franklin Mutual Shares Portfolio

Met/Franklin Xxxxxxxxx Founding Strategy Portfolio

Met/Templeton Growth Portfolio

Met/Xxxxxxxxx International Bond Portfolio

MetLife Aggressive Strategy Portfolio

MetLife Balanced Plus Portfolio

MetLife Balanced Strategy Portfolio

MetLife Defensive Strategy Portfolio

MetLife Growth Strategy Portfolio

MetLife Multi-Index Targeted Portfolio

MetLife Moderate Strategy Portfolio

MFS® Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

Appendix A-1

MFS® Research International Portfolio

MLA Mid Cap Portfolio

Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio

Pioneer Fund Portfolio

Pioneer Strategic Income Portfolio

Pyramis Government Income Portfolio

RCM Technology Portfolio

Schroders Global Multi-Asset Portfolio

SSgA Growth and Income ETF Portfolio

SSgA Growth ETF Portfolio

X. Xxxx Price Large Cap Value Portfolio

X. Xxxx Price Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Third Avenue Small Cap Value Portfolio

Xxxxxx Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Xxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Portfolio

Metropolitan Series Fund

Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx International Stock Portfolio

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

BlackRock Diversified Portfolio

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

BlackRock Legacy Large Cap Growth Portfolio

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Xxxxx Venture Value Portfolio

FI Value Leaders Portfolio

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Xxxxxxxx Growth Portfolio

Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Small Cap Core Portfolio

Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

MetLife Conservative Allocation Portfolio

MetLife Conservative to Moderate Allocation Portfolio

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

MetLife Moderate Allocation Portfolio

MetLife Moderate to Aggressive Allocation Portfolio

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

MFS® Total Return Portfolio

MFS® Value Portfolio

MSCI EAFE® Index Portfolio

Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Genesis Portfolio

Xxxxxxxxxxx Global Equity Portfolio

Xxxxxxx 2000® Index Portfolio

X. Xxxx Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

X. Xxxx Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Appendix A-2

Xxx Xxx Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Zenith Equity Portfolio

Appendix A-3

SUBCUSTODIANS – SCHEDULE A


MARKET		SUBCUSTODIAN

Argentina		Citibank, N.A.

Australia		Citigroup Pty. Limited
		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Austria		UniCredit Bank Austria AG

Bahrain		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Bangladesh		Standard Chartered Bank

Belgium		Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating through its Amsterdam branch with support from
		its Brussels branch)

Benin		via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Bermuda		HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited

Federation of		UniCredit Bank d.d.
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana		Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Limited

Brazil		Citibank, N.A.

Bulgaria		ING Bank N.V.
		UniCredit Bulbank AD

Burkina Faso		via Standard Charted Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Canada		State Street Trust Company Canada

Chile		Banco Itaú Chile

People’s Republic		HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited

of China		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)
		China Construction Bank Corporation (for A-share market only)

Colombia		Cititrust Colombia S.A. Sociedad Fiduciaria

Costa Rica		Banco BCT S.A.

Croatia		Privredna Banka Zagreb d.d.
		Zagrebacka Banka d.d.

Cyprus		BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A., Greece (operating through its Athens branch)

Czech Republic		Československá obchodní banka, a.s.
		UniCredit Bank Czech Republic a.s.

LIMITED ACCESS


Denmark		Skandinaviska Enskilda Xxxxxx XX (publ), Sweden (operating through its Copenhagen
		branch)

Ecuador		Banco de la Producción S.A. PRODUBANCO

Egypt		HSBC Bank Egypt S.A.E.
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Estonia		AS SEB Pank

Finland		Skandinaviska Enskilda Xxxxxx XX (publ), Sweden (operating through its Helsinki branch)

France		Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating through its Amsterdam branch with support from
		its Paris branch)

Republic of Georgia		JSC Bank of Georgia

Germany		Deutsche Bank AG

Ghana		Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited

Greece		BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A.

Guinea-Bissau		via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Hong Kong		Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

Hungary		UniCredit Bank Hungary Zrt.

Iceland		Landsbankinn hf.

India		Deutsche Bank AG
		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Indonesia		Deutsche Bank AG

Ireland		State Street Bank and Trust Company, United Kingdom branch

Israel		Bank Hapoalim B.M.

Italy		Deutsche Bank S.p.A.

Ivory Coast		Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A.

Japan		Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited
		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Jordan		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Kazakhstan		SB HSBC Bank Kazakhstan JSC
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Kenya		Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited

Republic of Korea		Deutsche Bank AG
		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Kuwait		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

LIMITED ACCESS



Latvia		AS SEB banka

Lebanon		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Lithuania		AB SEB bankas

Malaysia		Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad

Mali		via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Malta		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
		(operating through its subsidiary HSBC Bank Malta Plc., Valletta)

Mauritius		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Mexico		Banco Nacional de México, S.A.

Morocco		Citibank Maghreb

Namibia		Standard Bank Namibia Limited

Netherlands		Deutsche Bank AG

New Zealand		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Niger		via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Nigeria		Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc.

Norway		Skandinaviska Enskilda Xxxxxx XX (publ), Sweden (operating through its Oslo branch)

Oman		HSBC Bank Oman S.A.O.G.
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Pakistan		Deutsche Bank AG

Palestine		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Peru		Citibank del Perú, S.A.

Philippines		Deutsche Bank AG

Poland		Bank Handlowy w Warszawie S.A.

Portugal		BNP Paribas Securities Services, S.C.A., Paris (operating through its Lisbon branch with
		support from its Paris branch)
		Deutsche Bank AG, Netherlands (operating through its Amsterdam branch with support from
		its Lisbon branch)

Puerto Rico		Citibank N.A.

Qatar		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Romania		ING Bank N.V.

Russia		ING Bank (Eurasia) ZAO

LIMITED ACCESS



Saudia Arabia		HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited
		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

Senegal		via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Serbia		UniCredit Bank Serbia JSC

Singapore		Citibank N.A.
		United Overseas Bank Limited

Slovak Republic		Československá obchodná banka, a.s.
		UniCredit Bank Slovakia a.s.

Slovenia		UniCredit Banka Slovenija d.d.

South Africa		FirstRand Bank Limited
		Standard Bank of South Africa Limited

Spain		Deutsche Bank S.A.E.

Sri Lanka		The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Republic of Srpska		UniCredit Bank d.d.

Swaziland		Standard Bank Swaziland Limited

Sweden		Skandinaviska Enskilda Xxxxxx XX (publ)

Switzerland		Credit Suisse AG
		UBS AG

Taiwan - R.O.C.		Deutsche Bank AG
		Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Limited

Thailand		Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited

Togo		via Standard Chartered Bank Côte d’Ivoire S.A., Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Trinidad & Tobago		Republic Bank Limited

Tunisia		Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie

Turkey		Citibank, A.S.

Uganda		Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited

Ukraine		ING Bank Ukraine

United Arab Emirates –		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Dubai Financial Market		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

United Arab Emirates –		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Dubai International		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)
Financial Center

United Arab Emirates –		HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Abu Dhabi		(as delegate of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)

United Kingdom		Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx branch

LIMITED ACCESS



Uruguay		Banco Itaú Uruguay S.A.

Venezuela		Citibank, N.A.

Vietnam		HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Limited

Zambia		Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc.

Zimbabwe		Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Limited (as delegate of Standard Bank of South Africa Limited)

LIMITED ACCESS

DEPOSITORIES OPERATING IN NETWORK MARKETS – SCHEDULE B


MARKET		DEPOSITORY

Argentina		Caja de Valores S.A.

Australia		Austraclear Limited

Austria		Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG (Wertpapiersammelbank Division)

Bahrain		Clearing, Settlement, Depository and Registry System of the Bahrain Bourse

Bangladesh		Central Depository Bangladesh Limited

Belgium		Euroclear Belgium
		National Bank of Belgium

Benin		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

Bermuda		Bermuda Securities Depository

Federation of		Registar vrijednosnih papira u Federaciji Bosne i Hercegovine, d.d.
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana		Bank of Botswana
		Central Securities Depository Company of Botswana Ltd.

Brazil		Central de Custódia e de Liquidação Financeira de Títulos Privados (CETIP)
		Companhia Brasileira de Liquidação e Custódia
		Sistema Especial de Liquidação e de Custódia (SELIC)

Bulgaria		Bulgarian National Bank
		Central Depository AD

Burkina Faso		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

Canada		The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited

Chile		Depósito Central de Valores S.A.

People’s Republic		China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited, Shanghai Branch
of China		China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited, Shenzhen Branch

Colombia		Depósito Central de Valores
		Depósito Centralizado de Valores de Colombia S.A. (DECEVAL)

Costa Rica		Central de Valores S.A.

Croatia		Središnje klirinško depozitarno društvo d.d.

Cyprus		Central Depository and Central Registry

Czech Republic		Centrální depozitář cenných papírů, a.s.
		Czech National Bank

Denmark		VP Securities A/S

LIMITED ACCESS



Egypt		Central Bank of Egypt
		Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry S.A.E.

Estonia		AS Eesti Väärtpaberikeskus

Finland		Euroclear Finland

France		Euroclear France

Republic of Georgia		Georgian Central Securities Depository
		National Bank of Georgia

Germany		Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx XX, Xxxxxxxxx

Xxxxx		Central Securities Depository (Ghana) Limited
		GSE Securities Depository Company Limited

Greece		Bank of Greece, System for Monitoring Transactions in Securities in Book-Entry Form
		Kentriko Apothetirio Aksion, a department of Hellenic Exchanges S.A. Holding

Guinea-Bissau		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

Hong Xxxx		Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
		Xxxx Xxxx Securities Clearing Company Limited

Hungary		Központi Elszámolóház és Értéktár (Budapesti) Zrt. (KELER)

Iceland		Icelandic Securities Depository Limited

India		Central Depository Services (India) Limited
		National Securities Depository Limited
		Reserve Bank of India

Indonesia		Bank Indonesia
		PT Kustodian Sentral Efek Indonesia

Ireland		Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited *
		Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.

Israel		Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Clearing House Ltd. (TASE Clearing House)

Italy		Monte Titoli S.p.A.

Ivory Coast		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

Japan		Bank of Japan – Financial Network System
		Japan Securities Depository Center (JASDEC) Incorporated

Jordan		Securities Depository Center

Kazakhstan		Central Securities Depository

Kenya		Central Bank of Kenya
		Central Depository and Settlement Corporation Limited

Republic of Korea		Korea Securities Depository

Kuwait		Kuwait Clearing Company

Latvia		Latvian Central Depository

LIMITED ACCESS


Lebanon		Banque du Liban
		Custodian and Clearing Center of Financial Instruments
		for Lebanon and the Middle East (Midclear) X.X.X.

Lithuania		Central Securities Depository of Lithuania

Malaysia		Bank Negara Malaysia
		Bursa Malaysia Depository Sdn. Bhd.

Mali		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

Malta		Central Securities Depository of the Malta Stock Exchange

Mauritius		Bank of Mauritius
		Central Depository and Settlement Co. Limited

Mexico		S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V.

Morocco		Maroclear

Namibia		Bank of Namibia

Netherlands		Euroclear Nederland

New Zealand		New Zealand Central Securities Depository Limited

Niger		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

Nigeria		Central Bank of Nigeria
		Central Securities Clearing System Limited

Norway		Verdipapirsentralen

Oman		Muscat Clearing & Depository Company S.A.O.C.

Pakistan		Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited
		State Bank of Pakistan

Palestine		Clearing, Depository and Settlement system, a department of the Palestine Securities
		Exchange

Peru		CAVALI S.A. Xxxxxxxxxxx xx Xxxxxxxxxxxx x Xxxxxxxxxxx xx Xxxxxxx

Xxxxxxxxxxx		Philippine Depository & Trust Corporation
		Registry of Scripless Securities (XXXX) of the Bureau of the Treasury

Poland		Rejestr Papierów Wartościowych
		Krajowy Depozyt Papierów Wartościowych, S.A.

Portugal		INTERBOLSA - Sociedad Gestora de Sistemas
		de Liquidação e de Sistemas Centralizados de Valores Mobiliários, S.A.

Qatar		Central Clearing and Registration (CCR), a department of the Qatar Exchange

Romania		National Bank of Romania
		S.C. Depozitarul Central S.A.

Russia		National Settlement Depository

Senegal		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

LIMITED ACCESS


Serbia		Central Registrar, Depository and Clearinghouse

Singapore		Monetary Authority of Singapore
		The Central Depository (Pte.) Limited

Slovak Republic		Centrálny depozitár cenných papierov SR, a.s.

Slovenia		KDD—Centralna klirinško depotna xxxxxx x.x.

South Africa		Strate Limited

Spain		IBERCLEAR

Sri Lanka		Central Bank of Sri Lanka
		Central Depository System (Pvt) Limited

Republic of Srpska		Central Registry of Securities in the Republic of Srpska JSC

Sweden		Euroclear Sweden

Switzerland		SIX SIS AG

Taiwan - R.O.C.		Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
		Taiwan Depository and Clearing Corporation

Thailand		Thailand Securities Depository Company Limited

Togo		Dépositaire Central – Banque de Règlement

Trinidad and Tobago		Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago
		Trinidad and Tobago Central Depository Limited

Tunisia		Société Tunisienne Interprofessionelle pour la
		Compensation et le Dépôt des Valeurs Mobilières (STICODEVAM)

Turkey		Central Bank of Turkey
		Central Registry Agency

Uganda		Bank of Uganda
		Securities Central Depository

Ukraine		All-Ukrainian Securities Depository

United Arab Emirates -		Clearing, Settlement, Depository and Registry department
Abu Dhabi		of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange

United Arab Emirates -		Clearing and Depository System, a department of the Dubai Financial Market
Dubai Financial Market

United Arab Emirates -		Central Securities Depository, owned and operated by NASDAQ Dubai Limited
Dubai International
Financial Center

United Kingdom		Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited *

Uruguay		Banco Central del Uruguay

Venezuela		Banco Central de Venezuela
		Caja Venezolana de Valores

LIMITED ACCESS


Vietnam		Vietnam Securities Depository

Zambia		Bank of Zambia
		XxXX Central Shares Depository Limited

TRANSNATIONAL

Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.
Clearstream Banking, S.A.

**	Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited (EUI) serves as depository for GBP - and EUR-denominated money market instruments. Also, EUI utilizes its CREST system to facilitate settlement for eligible securities in the UK and Ireland, with securities ownership recorded at the relevant issuer’s registrar.

LIMITED ACCESS

SCHEDULE C


Publication/Type of Information		Brief Description
(scheduled frequency)

The Guide to Custody in World Markets (hardcopy annually and regular website updates)		An overview of settlement and safekeeping procedures, custody practices and foreign investor considerations for the markets in which State Street offers custodial services.

Global Custody Network Review (annually)		Information relating to Foreign Sub-Custodians in State Street’s Global Custody Network. The Review stands as an integral part of the materials that State Street provides to its U.S. mutual fund clients to assist them in complying with SEC Rule 17f-5. The Review also gives insight into State Street’s market expansion and Foreign Sub-Custodian selection processes, as well as the procedures and controls used to monitor the financial condition and performance of our Foreign Sub-Custodian banks.

Securities Depository Review (annually)		Custody risk analyses of the Foreign Securities Depositories presently operating in Network markets. This publication is an integral part of the materials that State Street provides to its U.S. mutual fund clients to meet informational obligations created by SEC Rule 17f-7.

Global Legal Survey (annually)		With respect to each market in which State Street offers custodial services, opinions relating to whether local law restricts (i) access of a fund’s independent public accountants to books and records of a Foreign Sub- Custodian or Foreign Securities System, (ii) a fund’s ability to recover in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities System, (iii) a fund’s ability to recover in the event of a loss by a Foreign Sub-Custodian or Foreign Securities System, and (iv) the ability of a foreign investor to convert cash and cash equivalents to U.S. dollars.

Subcustodian Agreements (annually)		Copies of the contracts that State Street has entered into with each Foreign Sub-Custodian that maintains U.S. mutual fund assets in the markets in which State Street offers custodial services.

Global Market Bulletin (daily or as necessary)		Information on changing settlement and custody conditions in markets where State Street offers custodial services. Includes changes in market and tax regulations, depository developments, dematerialization information, as well as other market changes that may impact State Street’s clients.

Foreign Custody Advisories (as necessary)		For those markets where State Street offers custodial services that exhibit special risks or infrastructures impacting custody, State Street issues market advisories to highlight those unique market factors which might impact our ability to offer recognized custody service levels.

Material Change Notices (presently on a quarterly basis or as otherwise necessary)		Informational letters and accompanying materials confirming State Street’s foreign custody arrangements, including a summary of material changes with Foreign Sub-Custodians that have occurred during the previous quarter. The notices also identify any material changes in the custodial risks associated with maintaining assets with Foreign Securities Depositories.

LIMITED ACCESS

SCHEDULE D

Master Custodian Agreement

Special Sub-Custodians:

None

FUNDS TRANSFER ADDENDUM

OPERATING GUIDELINES

1. OBLIGATION OF THE SENDER: State Street is authorized to promptly debit Client’s account(s) upon the receipt of a payment order in compliance with the selected Security Procedure chosen for funds transfer and in the amount of money that State Street has been instructed to transfer. State Street shall execute payment orders in compliance with the Security Procedure and with the Client’s instructions on the execution date provided that such payment order is received by the customary deadline for processing such a request, unless the payment order specifies a later time. All payment orders and communications received after this time will be deemed to have been received on the next business day.

2. SECURITY PROCEDURE: The Client acknowledges that the Security Procedure it has designated on the Selection Form was selected by the Client from Security Procedures offered by State Street. The Client agrees that the Security Procedures are reasonable and adequate for its wire transfer transactions and agrees to be bound by any payment orders, amendments and cancellations, whether or not authorized, issued in its name and accepted by State Street after being confirmed by any of the selected Security Procedures. The Client also agrees to be bound by any other valid and authorized payment order accepted by State Street. The Client shall restrict access to confidential information relating to the Security Procedure to authorized persons as communicated in writing to State Street. The Client must notify State Street immediately if it has reason to believe unauthorized persons may have obtained access to such information or of any change in the Client’s authorized personnel. State Street shall verify the authenticity of all instructions according to the Security Procedure.

3. ACCOUNT NUMBERS: State Street shall process all payment orders on the basis of the account number contained in the payment order. In the event of a discrepancy between any name indicated on the payment order and the account number, the account number shall take precedence and govern. Financial institutions that receive payment orders initiated by State Street at the instruction of the Client may also process payment orders on the basis of account numbers, regardless of any name included in the payment order. State Street will also rely on any financial institution identification numbers included in any payment order, regardless of any financial institution name included in the payment order.

4. REJECTION: State Street reserves the right to decline to process or delay the processing of a payment order which (a) is in excess of the collected balance in the account to be charged at the time of State Street’s receipt of such payment order; (b) if initiating such payment order would cause State Street, in State Street’s sole judgment, to exceed any volume, aggregate dollar, network, time, credit or similar limits upon wire transfers which are applicable to State Street; or (c) if State Street, in good faith, is unable to satisfy itself that the transaction has been properly authorized.

5. CANCELLATION OR AMENDMENT: State Street shall use reasonable efforts to act on all authorized requests to cancel or amend payment orders received in compliance with the Security Procedure provided that such requests are received in a timely manner affording State Street reasonable opportunity to act. However, State Street assumes no liability if the request for amendment or cancellation cannot be satisfied.

6. ERRORS: State Street shall assume no responsibility for failure to detect any erroneous payment order provided that State Street complies with the payment order instructions as received and State Street complies with the Security Procedure. The Security Procedure is established for the purpose of authenticating payment orders only and not for the detection of errors in payment orders.

7. INTEREST AND LIABILITY LIMITS: State Street shall assume no responsibility for lost interest with respect to the refundable amount of any unauthorized payment order, unless State Street is notified of the unauthorized payment order within thirty (30) days of notification by State Street of the acceptance of such payment order. In no event shall State Street be liable for special, indirect or consequential damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages and even for failure to execute a payment order.

8. AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE (“ACH”) CREDIT ENTRIES/PROVISIONAL PAYMENTS: When a Client initiates or receives ACH credit and debit entries pursuant to these Guidelines and the rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association and the New England Clearing House Association, State Street will act as an Originating Depository Financial Institution and/or Receiving Depository Institution, as the case may be, with respect to such entries. Credits given by State Street with respect to an ACH credit entry are provisional until State Street receives final settlement for such entry from the Federal Reserve Bank. If State Street does not receive such final settlement, the Client agrees that State Street shall receive a refund of the amount credited to the Client in connection with such entry, and the party making payment to the Client via such entry shall not be deemed to have paid the amount of the entry.

9. CONFIRMATION STATEMENTS: Confirmation of State Street’s execution of payment orders shall ordinarily be provided within 24 hours. Notice may be delivered through State Street’s proprietary information systems, such as, but not limited to Horizon and GlobalQuest®, account statements, advices, or by facsimile or callback. The Client must report any objections to the execution of a payment order within 30 days.


FUNDS TRANSFER ADDENDUM

10. LIABILITY ON FOREIGN ACCOUNTS: State Street shall not be required to repay any deposit made at a non-U.S. branch of State Street, or any deposit made with State Street and denominated in a non-U.S. dollar currency, if repayment of such deposit or the use of assets denominated in the non-U.S. dollar currency is prevented, prohibited or otherwise blocked due to: (a) an act of war, insurrection or civil strife; (b) any action by a non-U.S. government or instrumentality or authority asserting governmental, military or police power of any kind, whether such authority be recognized as a defacto or a dejure government, or by any entity, political or revolutionary movement or otherwise that usurps, supervenes or otherwise materially impairs the normal operation of civil authority; or(c) the closure of a non-U.S. branch of State Street in order to prevent, in the reasonable judgment of State Street, harm to the employees or property of State Street. The obligation to repay any such deposit shall not be transferred to and may not be enforced against any other branch of State Street.

The foregoing provisions constitute the disclosure required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 167D, Section 36.

While State Street is not obligated to repay any deposit made at a non-U.S. branch or any deposit denominated in a non-U.S. currency during the period in which its repayment has been prevented, prohibited or otherwise blocked, State Street will repay such deposit when and if all circumstances preventing, prohibiting or otherwise blocking repayment cease to exist.

11. MISCELLANEOUS: State Street and the Client agree to cooperate to attempt to recover any funds erroneously paid to the wrong party or parties, regardless of any fault of State Street or the Client, but the party responsible for the erroneous payment shall bear all costs and expenses incurred in trying to effect such recovery. These Guidelines may not be amended except by a written agreement signed by the parties.

FUNDS TRANSFER ADDENDUM

Security Procedure(s) Selection Form

Please select one or more of the funds transfer security procedures indicated below.

¨ SWIFT

SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is a cooperative society owned and operated by member financial institutions that provides telecommunication services for its membership. Participation is limited to securities brokers and dealers, clearing and depository institutions, recognized exchanges for securities, and investment management institutions. SWIFT provides a number of security features through encryption and authentication to protect against unauthorized access, loss or wrong delivery of messages, transmission errors, loss of confidentiality and fraudulent changes to messages. SWIFT is considered to be one of the most secure and efficient networks for the delivery of funds transfer instructions.

Selection of this security procedure would be most appropriate for existing SWIFT members.

¨ Standing Instructions

Standing Instructions may be used where funds are transferred to a broker on the Client’s established list of brokers with which it engages in foreign exchange transactions. Only the date, the currency and the currency amount are variable. In order to establish this procedure, State Street will send to the Client a list of the brokers that State Street has determined are used by the Client. The Client will confirm the list in writing, and State Street will verify the written confirmation by telephone. Standing Instructions will be subject to a mutually agreed upon limit. If the payment order exceeds the established limit, the Standing Instruction will be confirmed by telephone prior to execution.

¨ Remote Batch Transmission

Wire transfer instructions are delivered via Computer-to-Computer (CPU-CPU) data communications between the Client and State Street. Security procedures include encryption and or the use of a test key by those individuals authorized as Automated Batch Verifiers.

Clients selecting this option should have an existing facility for completing CPU-CPU transmissions. This delivery mechanism is typically used for high-volume business.

¨ Global Horizon Interchangesm Funds Transfer Service

Global Horizon Interchange Funds Transfer Service (FTS) is a State Street proprietary microcomputer-based wire initiation system. FTS enables Clients to electronically transmit authenticated Fedwire, CHIPS or internal book transfer instructions to State Street.

This delivery mechanism is most appropriate for Clients with a low-to-medium number of transactions (5-75 per day), allowing Clients to enter, batch, and review wire transfer instructions on their PC prior to release to State Street.

¨ Telephone Confirmation (Callback)

Telephone confirmation will be used to verify all non-repetitive funds transfer instructions received via untested facsimile or phone. This procedure requires Clients to designate individuals as authorized initiators and authorized verifiers. State Street will verify that the instruction contains the signature of an authorized person and prior to execution, will contact someone other than the originator at the Client’s location to authenticate the instruction.

Selection of this alternative is appropriate for Clients who do not have the capability to use other security procedures.

¨ Repetitive Wires

For situations where funds are transferred periodically (minimum of one instruction per calendar quarter) from an existing authorized account to the same payee (destination bank and account number) and only the date and currency amount are variable, a repetitive wire may be implemented. Repetitive wires will be subject to a mutually agreed upon limit. If the payment order exceeds the established limit, the instruction will be confirmed by telephone prior to execution. Telephone confirmation is used to establish this process. Repetitive wire instructions must be reconfirmed annually.

This alternative is recommended whenever funds are frequently transferred between the same two accounts.

¨ Transfers Initiated by Facsimile

The Client faxes wire transfer instructions directly to State Street Mutual Fund Services. Standard security procedure requires the use of a random number test key for all transfers. Every six months the Client receives test key logs from State Street. The test key contains alpha-numeric characters, which the Client puts on each document faxed to State Street. This procedure ensures all wire instructions received via fax are authorized by the Client.

We provide this option for Clients who wish to batch wire instructions and transmit these as a group to State Street Mutual Fund Services once or several times a day.

FUNDS TRANSFER ADDENDUM

¨ Instruct

Instruct is a State Street web-based application designed to provide internet-enabled remote access that allows for the capturing, verification and processing of various instruction types, including securities, cash and foreign exchange transactions. Instruct is designed using industry standard formats to facilitate straight-through processing. Instruct provides a number of security features through user entitlements, industry standard encryption protocols, digital security certificates and multiple tiers of user authentication requirements.

¨ Secure Transport

Secure Transport is a file transfer application based upon the Secure File Transfer Protocol standard that is designed to enable State Street clients/ investment managers to send file based transfer and transaction instructions over the internet. Secure Transport features multi-factor authenticators such as SecurID and digital certificates, and incorporates industry-standard encryption protocols.

¨ Automated Clearing House (ACH)

State Street receives an automated transmission or a magnetic tape from a Client for the initiation of payment (credit) or collection (debit) transactions through the ACH network. The transactions contained on each transmission or tape must be authenticated by the Client. Clients using ACH must select one or more of the following delivery options:

¨ Global Horizon Interchange Automated Clearing House Service

Transactions are created on a microcomputer, assembled into batches and delivered to State Street via fully authenticated electronic transmissions in standard NACHA formats.

¨ Transmission from Client PC to State Street Mainframe with Telephone Callback

¨ Transmission from Client Mainframe to State Street Mainframe with Telephone Callback

¨ Transmission from DST Systems to State Street Mainframe with Encryption

¨ Magnetic Tape Delivered to State Street with Telephone Callback

¨ Email with Enforced Transport Layer Security Combined with Telephone Callback

Transport Layer Security is a communication method that allows clients to electronically deliver financial transaction instructions to State Street using an enforced (encrypted) connection. The communication method features use of enforced network connections which include industry-standard transport layer cryptography to effect point-to-point encryption. Please note that such point-to-point encryption is performed at the domain level and not at the individual user level or email gateway within the client’s organization. Telephone confirmation will be used to verify transaction instructions received via email with enforced TLS. This procedure requires clients to designate individuals as authorized initiators and authorized verifiers. State Street will contact the client’s designees to authenticate instructions received by this method.

¨ Email “Send Secure” Feature Available in Outlook with Telephone Callback

“Send Secure” is a communication method that allows clients to electronically deliver financial transaction instructions to State Street using an enforced (encrypted) connection by responding to a secure email received from State Street. The communication method features use of enforced network connections which include industry-standard transport layer cryptography to effect point-to-point encryption at the desktop. Telephone confirmation will be used to verify transaction instructions received via email using the “send secure” feature. This procedure requires clients to designate individuals as authorized initiators and authorized verifiers. State Street will contact the client’s designees to authenticate instructions received by this method.

¨ State Street Cash Manager® Global Funds Transfer (GFT)

State Street’s proprietary web-based system that enables clients to originate and electronically transmit authenticated repetitive and non-repetitive Fed wires, CHIPS, internal book transfers, drawdowns, and international payments to State Street. Instructions received by State Street via Cash Manager® constitute funds transfer instructions originated by the Client and can either be in U.S. dollar or other currencies supported by the system. The State Street Cash Manager® GFT is a web-based system utilizing the Internet and employs the use of ID and password security, two factor token authentication and encryption to protect the integrity of transmissions to Xxxxx Xxxxxx.

Xxxxx Xxxxxx is hereby instructed to accept funds transfer instructions only via the delivery methods and security procedures indicated. The selected delivery methods and security procedure(s) will be effective for payment orders initiated by our organization.

FUNDS TRANSFER ADDENDUM

Key Contact Information

Whom shall we contact to implement your selection(s)?


CLIENT OPERATIONS CONTACT				ALTERNATE CONTACT


Name				Name


Address				Address


City/State/Zip Code				City/State/Zip Code


Telephone Number				Telephone Number


Facsimile Number				Facsimile Number


SWIFT Number


Telex Number

FUNDS TRANSFER ADDENDUM

INSTRUCTION(S)

TELEPHONE CONFIRMATION


Fund		_________________________________________________________________



Investment Adviser		_____________________________________________________

Authorized Initiators

Please Type or Print

Please provide a listing of Fund officers or other individuals who are currently authorized to INITIATE wire transfer instructions to State Street:



NAME	TITLE (Specify whether position is with Fund or Investment Adviser)	SPECIMEN SIGNATURE

Authorized Verifiers

Please Type or Print

Please provide a listing of Fund officers or other individuals who will be CALLED BACK to verify the initiation of repetitive wires of $10 million or more and all non-repetitive wire instructions:



NAME	CALLBACK PHONE NUMBER	DOLLAR LIMITATION (IF ANY)

REMOTE ACCESS SERVICES ADDENDUM

TO AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

ADDENDUM to that certain Amended and Restated Master Custodian Contract dated as of January 1, 2013 (the “Custodian Agreement”) between each management investment company identified on Appendix A thereto and each management investment company made subject to the Custodian Agreement in accordance with Section 18.5 thereof (each, a “Customer”) and State Street Bank and Trust Company, including its subsidiaries and affiliates (“State Street”).

State Street has developed and/or utilizes proprietary or third-party accounting and other systems in conjunction with the services that State Street provides to the Customer. In this regard, State Street maintains certain information in databases under its ownership and/or control that it makes available to its customers (the “Remote Access Services”).

The Services

State Street agrees to provide the Customer, and its designated investment advisors, consultants or other third parties who agree to abide by the terms of this Addendum (“Authorized Designees”) with access to State Street proprietary and third-party systems as may be offered by State Street from time to time (each, a “System”) on a remote basis.

Security Procedures

The Customer agrees to comply, and to cause its Authorized Designees to comply, with remote access operating standards and procedures and with user identification or other password control requirements and other security devices and procedures as may be issued or required from time to time by State Street or its third-party vendors for use of the System and access to the Remote Access Services. The Customer is responsible for any use and/or misuse of the System and Remote Access Services by its Authorized Designees. The Customer agrees to advise State Street immediately in the event that it learns or has reason to believe that any person to whom it has given access to the System or the Remote Access Services has violated or intends to violate the terms of this Addendum and the Customer will cooperate with State Street in seeking injunctive or other equitable relief. The Customer agrees to discontinue use of the System and Remote Access Services, if requested, for any security reasons cited by State Street and State Street may restrict access of the System and Remote Access Services by the Customer or any Authorized Designee for security reasons or noncompliance with the terms of this Addendum at any time.

Fees

Fees and charges for the use of the System and the Remote Access Services and related payment terms shall be as set forth in the fee schedule in effect from time to time between the parties. The Customer shall be responsible for any tariffs, duties or taxes imposed or levied by any government or governmental agency by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Addendum, including, without limitation, federal, state and local taxes, use, value added and personal property taxes (other than income, franchise or similar taxes which may be imposed or assessed against State Street). Any claimed exemption from such tariffs, duties or taxes shall be supported by proper documentary evidence delivered to State Street.

Proprietary Information/Injunctive Relief

The System and Remote Access Services described herein and the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, formulae, processes, systems, software, knowhow, algorithms, programs, training aids, printed materials, methods, books, records, files, documentation and other information made available to the Customer by State Street as part of the Remote Access Services and through the use of the System and all copyrights, patents, trade secrets and other proprietary and intellectual property rights of State Street and third-party vendors related thereto are the exclusive, valuable and confidential proprietary property of State Street and its relevant licensors and third-party vendors (the “Proprietary Information”). The Customer agrees on behalf of itself and its Authorized Designees to keep the Proprietary Information confidential and to limit access to its employees and Authorized Designees (under a similar duty of confidentiality) who require access to the System for the purposes intended. The foregoing shall not apply to Proprietary Information in the public domain or required by law to be made public.

The Customer agrees to use the Remote Access Services only in connection with the proper purposes of this Addendum. The Customer will not, and will cause its employees and Authorized Designees not to, (i) permit any third party to use the System or the Remote Access Services, (ii) sell, rent, license or otherwise use the System or the Remote Access Services in the operation of a service bureau or for any purpose other than as expressly authorized under this Addendum, (iii) use the System or the Remote Access Services for any fund, trust or other investment vehicle without the prior written consent of State Street, or (iv) allow or cause any information transmitted from State Street’s databases, including data from third-party sources, available through use of the System or the Remote Access Services, to be published, redistributed or retransmitted for other than use for or on behalf of the Customer, as State Street’s customer.

The Customer agrees that neither it nor its Authorized Designees will modify the System in any way; enhance, copy or otherwise create derivative works based upon the System; nor will the Customer or Customer’s Authorized Designees reverse engineer, decompile or otherwise attempt to secure the source code for all or any part of the System.

The Customer acknowledges that the disclosure of any Proprietary Information, or of any information which at law or equity ought to remain confidential, will immediately give rise to continuing irreparable injury to State Street or its third-party licensors and vendors inadequately compensable in damages at law and that State Street shall be entitled to obtain immediate injunctive relief against the breach or threatened breach of any of the foregoing undertakings, in addition to any other legal remedies which may be available.

Limited Warranties

State Street represents and warrants that it is the owner of and/or has the right to grant access to the System and to provide the Remote Access Services contemplated herein. Because of the nature of computer information technology, including but not limited to the use of the Internet, and the necessity of relying upon third-party sources, and data and pricing information obtained from third parties, the System and Remote Access Services are provided “AS IS” without warranty express or implied including as to availability of the System, and the Customer and its Authorized Designees shall be solely responsible for the use of the System and Remote Access Services and investment decisions, results obtained, regulatory reports and statements produced using the Remote Access Services. State Street and its relevant licensors and third-party vendors will not be liable to the Customer or its Authorized Designees for any direct or indirect, special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the System or the Remote Access Services, nor shall any party be responsible for delays or nonperformance under this Addendum arising out of any cause or event beyond such party’s control.

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS ADDENDUM, STATE STREET, FOR ITSELF AND ITS RELEVANT LICENSORS AND THIRD-PARTY VENDORS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE SYSTEM AND THE SERVICES TO BE RENDERED HEREUNDER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Infringement

State Street will defend or, at its option, settle any claim or action brought against the Customer to the extent that it is based upon an assertion that access to or use of State Street proprietary systems by the Customer under this Addendum constitutes direct infringement of any United States patent or copyright or misappropriation of a trade secret, provided that the Customer notifies State Street promptly in writing of any such claim or proceeding, cooperates with State Street in the defense of such claim or proceeding and allows State Street sole control over such claim or proceeding. Should the State Street proprietary system or any part thereof become, or in State Street’s opinion be likely to become, the subject of a claim of infringement or the like under any applicable patent, copyright or trade secret laws, State Street shall have the right, at State Street’s sole option, to (i) procure for the Customer the right to continue using the State Street proprietary system (ii) replace or modify the State Street proprietary system so that the State Street proprietary system becomes noninfringing, or (iii) terminate this Addendum without further obligation. This section constitutes the sole remedy available to the Customer for the matters described in this section.

Termination

Either party to the Custodian Agreement may terminate this Addendum (i) for any reason by giving the other party at least one-hundred and eighty (180) days’ prior written notice in the case of notice of termination by State Street to the Customer or thirty (30) days’ notice in the case of notice from the Customer to State Street of termination, or (ii) immediately for failure of the other party to comply with any material term and condition of the Addendum by giving the other party written notice of termination. This Addendum shall in any event terminate within ninety (90) days after the termination of any service agreement applicable to the Customer. The Customer’s use of any third-party System is contingent upon its compliance with any terms and conditions of use of such System imposed by such third party and State Street’s continued access to, and use of, such third-party System. In the event of termination, the Customer will return to State Street all copies of documentation and other confidential information in its possession or in the possession of its Authorized Designees and immediately cease access to the System and Remote Access Services. The foregoing provisions with respect to confidentiality and infringement will survive termination for a period of three (3) years.

Miscellaneous

This Addendum constitutes the entire understanding of the parties to the Custodian Agreement with respect to access to the System and the Remote Access Services. This Addendum cannot be modified or altered except in a writing duly executed by each of State Street and the Customer and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

By its execution of the Custodian Agreement, the Customer: (a) confirms to State Street that it informs all Authorized Designees of the terms of this Addendum; (b) accepts responsibility for its and its Authorized Designees’ compliance with the terms of this Addendum; and (c) indemnifies and holds State Street harmless from and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, damages, charges, counsel fees, payments and liabilities arising from any failure of the Customer or any of its Authorized Designees to abide by the terms of this Addendum.

iii

Document Metadata

Table of Contents

EX-99.(G)(A) 8 d420200dex99ga.htm AMENDED RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT WITH STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST CO. EXECUTION VERSION AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

Document Metadata