1
[TYPE] EX-99.8
[DESCRIPTION] CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
STAR BANK, N.A.
AND
THE FAIRMONT FUND
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Definitions 1.00
ARTICLE II - Appointment; Acceptance; and Furnishing of Documents
II. A. Appointment of Custodian. 5.00
II. B. Acceptance of Custodian. 5.00
II. C. Documents to be Furnished. 5.00
II. D. Notice of Appointment of Dividend and Transfer Agent. 5.00
ARTICLE III - Receipt of Trust Assets
III. A. Delivery of Moneys. 6.00
III. B. Delivery of Securities. 6.00
III. C. Payments for Shares. 6.00
III. D. Duties Upon Receipt. 6.00
ARTICLE IV - Disbursement of Trust Assets
IV. A. Declaration of Dividends by Trust. 7.00
IV. B. Segregation of Redemption Proceeds. 7.00
IV. C. Disbursements of Custodian. 8.00
IV. D. Payment of Custodian Fees. 8.00
ARTICLE V - Custody of Trust Assets
V. A. Separate Accounts for Each Fund. 8.00
V. B. Segregation of Non-Cash Assets. 9.00
V. C. Securities in Bearer and Registered Form. 9.00
V. D. Duties of Custodian as to Securities. 9.00
V. E. Certain Actions Upon Written Instructions. 10.00
V. F. Custodian to Deliver Proxy Materials. 11.00
V. G. Custodian to Deliver Tender Offer Information. 11.00
V. H. Custodian to Deliver Security and Transaction Information. 11.00
ARTICLE VI - Purchase and Sale of Securities
VI. A. Purchase of Securities. 12.00
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VI. B. Sale of Securities. 13.00
VI. C. Delivery Versus Payment for Purchases and Sales. 14.00
VI. D. Payment on Settlement Date. 14.00
VI. E. Segregated Accounts. 15.00
VI. F. Advances for Settlement. 16.00
ARTICLE VII - Trust Indebtedness
VII. A. Borrowings. 17.00
VII. B. Advances. 18.00
ARTICLE VIII - Concerning the Custodian
VIII. A. Limitations on Liability of Custodian. 18.00
VIII. B. Actions not Required by Custodian. 20.00
VIII. C. No Duty to Collect Amounts Due From Dividend and Transfer Agent. 21.00
VIII. D. No Enforcement Actions. 21.00
VIII. E. Authority to Use Agents and Sub-Custodians. 21.00
VIII. F. No Duty to Supervise Investments. 22.00
VIII. G. All Records Confidential. 22.00
VIII. H. Compensation of Custodian. 22.00
VIII. I. Reliance Upon Instructions. 23.00
VIII. J. Books and Records. 23.00
VIII. K. Internal Accounting Control Systems. 24.00
VIII. L. No Management of Assets by Custodian. 24.00
VIII. M. Assistance to Trust. 24.00
ARTICLE IX - Termination
IX. A. Termination. 26.00
IX. B. Failure to Designate Successor Trustee. 27.00
ARTICLE X - Force Majeure
ARTICLE XI - Miscellaneous
XI. A. Designation of Authorized Persons. 28.00
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XI. B. Limitation of Personal Liability. 28.00
XI. C. Authorization By Board. 28.00
XI. D. Custodian's Consent to Use of Its Name. 29.00
XI. E. Notices to Custodian. 29.00
XI. F. Notices to Trust. 29.00
XI. G. Amendments In Writing. 29.00
XI. H. Successors and Assigns. 30.00
XI. I. Governing Law. 30.00
XI. J. Jurisdiction. 30.00
XI. K. Counterparts. 30.00
XI. L. Headings. 30.00
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX E
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CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the _____ day
of __________, 1995, by and between THE FAIRMONT FUND, a Kentucky business
trust (the "Trust") and Star Bank, National Association, (the "Custodian"), a
national banking association having its principal office at 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx, 00000.
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Custodian desire to enter into this
Agreement to provide for the custody and safekeeping of the assets of the Trust
as required by the Act (as hereafter defined).
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set
forth, the Trust and the Custodian agree as follows: DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases, when used in this Agreement, unless
the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
Act - the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
1934 Act - the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Authorized Person - any person, whether or not any such person is an
officer or employee of the Trust, who is duly authorized by the Board of
Trustees of the Trust to give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions on
behalf of the Trust or any Fund, and named in Appendix A attached hereto and as
amended from time to time by
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resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, and received by
the Custodian.
Board of Trustees - the Trustees from time to time serving under the
Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as from time to time amended.
Book-Entry System - a federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart
O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFT Part 350, or
in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are substantially in the
form of Subpart O.
Business Day - any day recognized as a settlement day by The New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Trust computes the net
asset value of Shares of any fund.
Depository - The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), a limited purpose
trust company, its successor(s) and its nominee(s). Depository shall include
any other clearing agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the 1934
Act which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where all
Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within the
system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping
entry without physical delivery of the Securities provided that the Custodian
shall have received a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified
by an Officer, specifically approving the use of such clearing agency as a
depository for the Funds.
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Dividend and Transfer Agent - the dividend and transfer agent
appointed, from time to time, pursuant to a written agreement between the
dividend and transfer agent and the Trust.
Foreign Securities - a) securities issued and sold primarily outside
of the United States by a foreign government, a national of any foreign
country, or a trust or other organization incorporated or organized under the
laws of any foreign country or; b) securities issued or guaranteed by the
government of the United States, by any state, by any political subdivision or
agency thereof, or by any entity organized under the laws of the United States
or of any state thereof, which have been issued and sold primarily outside of
the United States.
Fund - each series of the Trust listed in Appendix B and any
additional series added pursuant to Proper Instructions. A series is
individually referred to as a "Fund" and collectively referred to as the
"Funds."
Money Market Security - debt obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and/or interest by the government of the United States or agencies or
instrumentalities thereof, commercial paper, obligations (including certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase
agreements with respect to the same), and time deposits of domestic banks and
thrift institutions whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, and short-term corporate obligations where the purchase and sale of
such securities normally
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require settlement in federal funds or their equivalent on the same day as such
purchase and sale, all of which mature in not more than thirteen (13) months.
NASD - the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Officer - the Chairman, President, Secretary, Treasurer, any Vice
President, Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
Oral Instructions - instructions orally transmitted to and received by
the Custodian from an Authorized Person (or from a person that the Custodian
reasonably believes in good faith to be an Authorized Person) and confirmed by
Written Instructions in such a manner that such Written Instructions are
received by the Custodian on the Business Day immediately following receipt of
such Oral Instructions.
Proper Instructions - Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.
Proper Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when deemed
appropriate by both parties.
Prospectus - the Trust's then currently effective prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as filed with and declared effective from
time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Security or Securities - Money Market Securities, common stock,
preferred stock, options, financial futures, bonds, notes, debentures,
corporate debt securities, mortgages, bank certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances, mortgage-backed securities or
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other obligations and any certificates, receipts, warrants, or other
instruments or documents representing rights to receive, purchase, or subscribe
for the same or evidencing or representing any other rights or interest
therein, or any similar property or assets, including securities of any
registered investment company, that the Custodian has the facilities to clear
and to service.
SEC - the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of
America.
Shares - with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest
issued by the Trust on account of such Fund.
Trust - the BUSINESS TRUST organized under the laws of KENTUCKY which
is an OPEN-END investment company registered under the Act.
Written Instructions - communications in writing actually received by
the Custodian from an Authorized Person. A communication in writing includes a
communication by facsimile, telex or between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices (where the use of such devices have been approved by resolution of the
Board of Trustees and the resolution is certified by an Officer and delivered
to the Custodian). All written communications shall be directed to the
Custodian, attention: Mutual Fund Custody Department.
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ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT; ACCEPTANCE; AND FURNISHING OF DOCUMENTS
II. A. Appointment of Custodian. The Trust hereby constitutes and
appoints the Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by the
Trust at any time during the term of this Agreement.
II. B. Acceptance of Custodian. The Custodian hereby accepts
appointment as such custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as
hereinafter set forth.
II. C. Documents to be Furnished. The following documents, including
any amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution
of the Agreement, to the Custodian by the Trust:
1. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust
certified by the Secretary.
2. A copy of the By-Laws of the Trust certified by the
Secretary.
3. A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of
the Trust appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary.
4. A copy of the then current Prospectus.
5. A Certificate of the President and Secretary of the
Trust setting forth the names and signatures of all Authorized Persons.
II. D. Notice of Appointment of Dividend and Transfer Agent. The
Trust agrees to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination
or change in appointment of any Dividend and Transfer Agent.
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ARTICLE III
RECEIPT OF TRUST ASSETS
III. A. Delivery of Moneys. During the term of this Agreement, the
Trust will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all moneys to be
held by the Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian shall be
entitled to reverse any deposits made on any Fund's behalf where such deposits
have been entered and moneys are not finally collected within 30 days of the
making of such entry.
III. B. Delivery of Securities. During the term of this Agreement,
the Trust will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all Securities
to be held by the Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian will
not have any duties or responsibilities with respect to such Securities until
actually received by the Custodian. The Custodian is hereby authorized by the
Trust, acting on behalf of the Fund, to actually deposit any assets of the Fund
in the Book-Entry System or in a Depository, provided, however, that the
Custodian shall always be accountable to the Trust for the assets of the Fund
so deposited. Assets deposited in the Book-Entry System or the Depository will
be represented in accounts which include only assets held by the Custodian for
customers, including but not limited to accounts in which the Custodian acts in
a fiduciary or representative capacity.
III. C. Payments for Shares. As and when received, the Custodian
shall deposit to the account(s) of a Fund any and all
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payments for Shares of that Fund issued or sold from time to time as they are
received from the Trust's distributor or Dividend and Transfer Agent or from
the Trust itself.
III. D. Duties Upon Receipt. The Custodian shall not be responsible
for any Securities, moneys or other assets of any Fund until actually received.
ARTICLE IV
DISBURSEMENT OF TRUST ASSETS
IV. A. Declaration of Dividends by Trust. The Trust shall furnish to
the Custodian a copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust,
certified by the Trust's Secretary, either (i) setting forth the date of the
declaration of any dividend or distribution in respect of Shares of any Fund of
the Trust, the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which the Fund
shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount payable per
share to Fund shareholders of record as of that date, and the total amount to
be paid by the Dividend and Transfer Agent on the payment date, or (ii)
authorizing the declaration of dividends and distributions in respect of Shares
of a Fund on a daily basis and authorizing the Custodian to rely on Written
Instructions setting forth the date of the declaration of any such dividend or
distribution, the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which the Fund
shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount payable per
share to Fund shareholders of
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record as of that date, and the total amount to be paid by the Dividend and
Transfer Agent on the payment date.
On the payment date specified in the resolution or Written
Instructions described above, the Custodian shall segregate such amounts from
moneys held for the account of the Fund so that they are available for such
payment.
IV. B. Segregation of Redemption Proceeds. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions so directing it, the Custodian shall segregate amounts necessary
for the payment of redemption proceeds to be made by the Dividend and Transfer
Agent from moneys held for the account of the Fund so that they are available
for such payment.
IV. C. Disbursements of Custodian. Upon receipt of a Certificate
directing payment and setting forth the name and address of the person to whom
such payment is to be made, the amount of such payment, the name of the Fund
from which payment is to be made, and the purpose for which payment is to be
made, the Custodian shall disburse amounts as and when directed from the assets
of that Fund. The Custodian is authorized to rely on such directions and shall
be under no obligation to inquire as to the propriety of such directions.
IV. D. Payment of Custodian Fees. Upon receipt of Written
Instructions directing payment, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the
assets of the Trust in payment of the Custodian's fees and expenses as provided
in Article VIII hereof.
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ARTICLE V
CUSTODY OF TRUST ASSETS
V. A. Separate Accounts for Each Fund. As to each Fund, the
Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the
United States in the name of the Trust coupled with the name of such Fund,
subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement, and shall hold all cash received by it from or for the account
of the Fund, other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account
established and used by the Fund in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Act.
Moneys held by the Custodian on behalf of a Fund may be deposited by the
Custodian to its credit as Custodian in the banking department of the
Custodian. Such moneys shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as
such, and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in such capacity.
V. B. Segregation of Non-Cash Assets. All Securities and non-cash
property held by the Custodian for the account of a Fund (other than Securities
maintained in a Depository or Book-entry System) shall be physically segregated
from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian
(including the Securities and non-cash property of the other Funds) and shall
be identified as subject to this Agreement.
V. C. Securities in Bearer and Registered Form. All Securities held
which are issued or issuable only in bearer form, shall be held by the
Custodian in that form; all other Securities
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held for the Fund may be registered in the name of the Custodian, any
sub-custodian appointed in accordance with this Agreement, or the nominee of
any of them. The Trust agrees to furnish to the Custodian appropriate
instruments to enable the Custodian to hold, or deliver in proper form for
transfer, any Securities that it may hold for the account of any Fund and which
may, from time to time, be registered in the name of a Fund.
V. D. Duties of Custodian as to Securities. Unless otherwise
instructed by the Trust, with respect to all Securities held for the Trust, the
Custodian shall on a timely basis (concerning items 1 and 2 below, as defined
in the Custodian's Standards of Service Guide, as amended from time to time,
annexed hereto as Appendix D):
1.) Collect all income due and payable with respect to such
Securities;
2.) Present for payment and collect amounts payable upon
all Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, or retired, or
otherwise become payable;
3.) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary
form for Securities in definitive form; and
4.) Execute, as Custodian, any necessary declarations or
certificates of ownership under the Federal income tax laws or the laws
or regulations of any other taxing authority, including any foreign
taxing authority, now or hereafter in effect.
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V. E. Certain Actions Upon Written Instructions. Upon receipt of a
Written Instructions and not otherwise, the Custodian shall:
1.) Execute and deliver to such persons as may be
designated in such Written Instructions proxies, consents,
authorizations, and any other instruments whereby the authority of the
Trust as beneficial owner of any Securities may be exercised;
2.) Deliver any Securities in exchange for other Securities
or cash issued or paid in connection with the liquidation,
reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation, or recapitalization
of any corporation, or the exercise of any conversion privilege;
3.) Deliver any Securities to any protective committee,
reorganization committee, or other person in connection with the
reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization,
or sale of assets of any corporation, and receive and hold under the
terms of this Agreement such certificates of deposit, interim receipts
or other instruments or documents as may be issued to it to evidence
such delivery;
4.) Make such transfers or exchanges of the assets of any
Fund and take such other steps as shall be stated in the Written
Instructions to be for the purpose of effectuating
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any duly authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger,
consolidation or recapitalization of the Trust; and
5.) Deliver any Securities held for any Fund to the
depository agent for tender or other similar offers.
V. F. Custodian to Deliver Proxy Materials. The Custodian shall
promptly deliver to the Trust all notices, proxy material and executed but
unvoted proxies pertaining to shareholder meetings of Securities held by any
Fund. The Custodian shall not vote or authorize the voting of any Securities
or give any consent, waiver or approval with respect thereto unless so directed
by Written Instructions.
V. G. Custodian to Deliver Tender Offer Information. The Custodian
shall promptly deliver to the Trust all information received by the Custodian
and pertaining to Securities held by any Fund with respect to tender or
exchange offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration of rights as
described in the Standards of Service Guide attached as Appendix D. If the
Trust desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer
or other similar transaction, the Trust shall notify the Custodian at least
five Business Days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action. The Trust will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all
relevant information for any Security which has unique put/option provisions at
least five Business Days prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
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V. H. Custodian to Deliver Security and Transaction Information. On
each Business Day that the Federal Reserve Bank is open, the Custodian shall
furnish the Trust with a detailed statement of monies held for the Fund under
this Agreement and with confirmations and a summary of all transfers to or from
the account of the Fund. At least monthly and from time to time, the Custodian
shall furnish the Trust with a detailed statement of the Securities held for
the Fund under this Agreement. Where Securities are transferred to the account
of the Fund without physical delivery, the Custodian shall also identify as
belonging to the Fund a quantity of Securities in a fungible bulk of Securities
registered in the name of the Custodian (or its nominee) or shown on the
Custodian's account on the books of the Book-Entry System or the Depository.
With respect to information provided by this section, it shall not be necessary
for the Custodian to provide notice as described by Article XI Section F.
Notices to Trust; it shall be sufficient to communicate by such means as shall
be mutually agreeable to the Trust and the Custodian.
ARTICLE VI
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES
VI. A. Purchase of Securities. Promptly after each purchase of
Securities by the Trust, the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with
respect to each purchase of Securities which are not Money Market Securities,
Written Instructions, and (ii) with
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respect to each purchase of Money Market Securities, Proper Instructions,
specifying with respect to each such purchase the;
1.) name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2.) the number of shares, principal amount purchased (and
accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased,
3.) date of purchase and settlement,
4.) purchase price per unit,
5.) total amount payable,
6.) name of the person from whom, or the broker through
which, the purchase was made,
7.) the name of the person to whom such amount is payable,
and
8.) the Fund for which the purchase was made.
The Custodian shall, against receipt of Securities purchased by or for the
Trust, pay out of the moneys held for the account of such Fund the total amount
specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if applicable, to
the person named therein. The Custodian shall not be under any obligation to
pay out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of Securities for a Fund, if in
the relevant Fund custody account there is insufficient cash available to the
Fund for which such purchase was made. With respect to any repurchase
agreement transaction for the Funds, the Custodian shall
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assure that the collateral reflected on the transaction advice is received by
the Custodian.
VI. B. Sale of Securities. Promptly after each sale of Securities by
a Fund, the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale
of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, Written Instructions, and
(ii) with respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, Proper Instructions,
specifying with respect to each such sale the:
1.) name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2.) number of shares, principal amount sold (and accrued
interest, if any) or other units sold,
3.) date of sale and settlement,
4.) sale price per unit,
5.) total amount receivable,
6.) name of the person to whom, or the broker through
which, the sale was made,
7.) name of the person to whom such Securities are to be
delivered, and
8.) Fund for which the sale was made.
The Custodian shall deliver the Securities against receipt of the total amount
specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if applicable.
VI. C. Delivery Versus Payment for Purchases and Sales. Purchases
and sales of Securities effected by the Custodian will be
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made on a delivery versus payment basis. The Custodian may, in its sole
discretion, upon receipt of Written Instructions, elect to settle a purchase or
sale transaction in some other manner, but only upon receipt of acceptable
indemnification from the Fund.
VI. D. Payment on Settlement Date. On contractual settlement date,
the account of the Fund will be charged for all purchased Securities settling
on that day, regardless of whether or not delivery is made. Likewise, on
contractual settlement date, proceeds from the sale of Securities settling that
day will be credited to the account of the Fund, irrespective of delivery.
VI. E. Segregated Accounts. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of
Proper Instructions so directing it, establish and maintain a segregated account
or accounts for and on behalf of a Fund. Cash and/or Securities may be
transferred into such account or accounts for specific purposes, to-wit:
1.) in accordance with the provision of any agreement among
the Trust, the Custodian, and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act, and also a member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance
with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any
registered national securities exchange, the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission, any registered contract market, or any similar organization
or organizations requiring escrow or other
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similar arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
2.) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in
connection with options purchased, sold, or written by the Fund or
commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by the
Fund;
3.) for the purpose of compliance by the Fund with the
procedures required for reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment
agreements, standby commitment agreements, short sales, or any other
securities by Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or
releases or rule of the SEC relating to the maintenance of segregated
accounts by registered investment companies;
4.) for the purpose of segregating collateral for loans of
Securities made by the Fund; and
5.) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon
receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a copy of a resolution
of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, setting forth the
purposes of such segregated account.
Each segregated account established hereunder shall be established and
maintained for a single Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a
segregated account shall specify the Fund involved.
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VI. F. Advances for Settlement. Except as otherwise may be agreed
upon by the parties hereto, the Custodian shall not be required to comply with
any Written Instructions to settle the purchase of any Securities on behalf of
a Fund unless there is sufficient cash in the account(s) pertaining to such
Fund at the time or to settle the sale of any Securities from such an
account(s) unless such Securities are in deliverable form. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the purchase price of such Securities exceeds the amount of cash
in the account(s) at the time of such purchase, the Custodian may, in its sole
discretion, advance the amount of the difference in order to settle the
purchase of such Securities. The amount of any such advance shall be deemed a
loan from the Custodian to the Trust payable on demand and bearing interest
accruing from the date such loan is made up to but not including the date such
loan is repaid at the rate per annum customarily charged by the Custodian on
similar loans.
ARTICLE VII
TRUST INDEBTEDNESS
VII. A. Borrowings. In connection with any borrowings by the Trust,
the Trust will cause to be delivered to the Custodian by a bank or broker
requiring Securities as collateral for such borrowings (including the Custodian
if the borrowing is from the Custodian), a notice or undertaking in the form
currently employed by such bank or broker setting forth the amount of
collateral. The Trust shall promptly deliver to the Custodian Written
Instructions
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specifying with respect to each such borrowing: (a) the name of the bank or
broker, (b) the amount and terms of the borrowing, which may be set forth by
incorporating by reference an attached promissory note duly endorsed by the
Trust, or a loan agreement, (c) the date, and time if known, on which the loan
is to be entered into, (d) the date on which the loan becomes due and payable,
(e) the total amount payable to the Trust on the borrowing date, and (f) the
description of the Securities securing the loan, including the name of the
issuer, the title and the number of shares or other units or the principal
amount. The Custodian shall deliver on the borrowing date specified in the
Written Instructions the required collateral against the lender's delivery of
the total loan amount then payable, provided that the same conforms to that
which is described in the Written Instructions. The Custodian shall deliver,
in the manner directed by the Trust, such Securities as additional collateral,
as may be specified in Written Instructions, to secure further any transaction
described in this Article VII. The Trust shall cause all Securities released
from collateral status to be returned directly to the Custodian and the
Custodian shall receive from time to time such return of collateral as may be
tendered to it.
The Custodian may, at the option of the lender, keep such collateral
in its possession, subject to all rights therein given to the lender because of
the loan. The Custodian may require such
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reasonable conditions regarding such collateral and its dealings with
third-party lenders as it may deem appropriate.
VII. B. Advances. With respect to any advances of cash made by the
Custodian to or for the benefit of a Fund for any purpose which results in the
Fund incurring an overdraft at the end of any Business Day, such advance shall
be repayable immediately upon demand made by the Custodian at any time.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
VIII. A. Limitations on Liability of Custodian. Except as otherwise
provided herein, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss or damage,
including counsel fees, resulting from its action or omission to act or
otherwise, except for any such loss or damage arising out of its negligence or
willful misconduct. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund and only from assets of
the Fund (or insurance purchased by the Trust with respect to its liabilities on
behalf of the Fund hereunder), shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and its directors, officers, employees and agents with respect to any
loss, claim, liability or cost (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising or
alleged to arise from or relating to the Trust's duties hereunder or any other
action or inaction of the Trust or its Trustees, officers, employees or agents,
except such as may arise from the negligent action, omission, willful misconduct
or breach of this Agreement by the Custodian, its directors, officers, employees
or agents.. The
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Custodian shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and its trustees,
officers, employees or agents with respect to any loss, claim, liability or
cost (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising or alleged to arise from or
relating to the Custodian's duties as specifically set forth in this agreement
with respect to the Fund hereunder or any other action or inaction of the
Custodian or its directors, officers, employees, agents, nominees, or
Sub-Custodians as to the Fund, except such as may arise from the negligent
action, omission or willful misconduct of the Trust, its trustees, officers,
employees, or agents. The Custodian may, with respect to questions of law
apply for and obtain the advice and opinion of counsel to the Trust at the
expense of the Fund, or of its own counsel at its own expense, and shall be
fully protected with respect to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in
conformity with the advice or opinion of counsel to the Trust, and shall be
similarly protected with respect to anything done or omitted by it in good
faith in conformity with advice or opinion of its counsel, unless counsel to
the Fund shall, within a reasonable time after being notified of legal advice
received by the Custodian, have a differing interpretation of such question of
law. The Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any proximate loss or
damage resulting from the use of the Book-Entry System or any Depository
arising by reason of any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct on the part of
the Custodian or any of its employees, agents, nominees or Sub-Custodians, but
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not for any special, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages; provided,
however, that nothing contained herein shall preclude recovery by the Trust, on
behalf of the Fund, of principal and of interest to the date of recovery on
Securities incorrectly omitted from the Fund's account or penalties imposed on
the Trust, in connection with the Fund, for any failures to deliver Securities.
In any case in which one party hereto may be asked to indemnify the
other or hold the other harmless, the party from whom indemnification is sought
(the "Indemnifying Party") shall be advised of all pertinent facts concerning
the situation in question, and the party claiming a right to indemnification
(the "Indemnified Party") will use reasonable care to identify and notify the
Indemnifying Party promptly concerning any situation which presents or appears
to present a claim for indemnification against the Indemnifying Party. The
Indemnifying Party shall have the option to defend the Indemnified Party
against any claim which may be the subject of the indemnification, and in the
event the Indemnifying Party so elects, such defense shall be conducted by
counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and satisfactory to the Indemnified
Party and the Indemnifying Party will so notify the Indemnified Party and
thereupon such Indemnifying Party shall take over the complete defense of the
claim and the Indemnifying Party shall sustain no further legal or other
expenses in such situation for which indemnification has been sought under this
paragraph,
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except the expenses of any additional counsel retained by the Indemnified
Party. In no case shall any party claiming the right to indemnification
confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party
has been asked to indemnify such party (unless such confession or compromise is
made with such other party's prior written consent. The provisions of this
section VIII. A. shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
VIII. B. Actions not Required by Custodian. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Custodian, acting in the capacity of Custodian
hereunder, shall be under no obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable
for:
1.) The validity of the issue of any Securities purchased
by or for the account of any Fund, the legality of the purchase
thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid therefor;
2.) The legality of the sale of any Securities by or for
the account of any Fund, or the propriety of the amount for which the
same are sold;
3.) The legality of the issue or sale of any Shares of
any Fund, or the sufficiency of the amount to be received therefor;
4.) The legality of the redemption of any Shares of any
Fund, or the propriety of the amount to be paid therefor;
5.) The legality of the declaration or payment of any
dividend by the Trust in respect of Shares of any Fund;
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6.) The legality of any borrowing by the Trust on behalf
of the Trust or any Fund, using Securities as collateral;
7.) Whether the Trust or a Fund is in compliance with the
1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the Trust's
charter documents or by-laws, or its investment objectives and policies
as then in effect.
VIII. C. No Duty to Collect Amounts Due From Dividend and Transfer
Agent. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action
to effect collection of any amount due to the Trust from any Dividend and
Transfer Agent of the Trust nor to take any action to effect payment or
distribution by any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust of any amount paid
by the Custodian to any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust in accordance
with this Agreement.
VIII. D. No Enforcement Actions. Notwithstanding Section D of Article
V, the Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action, by
legal means or otherwise, to effect collection of any amount, if the Securities
upon which such amount is payable are in default, or if payment is refused after
due demand or presentation, unless and until (i) it shall be directed to take
such action by Written Instructions and (ii) it shall be assured to its
satisfaction (including prepayment thereof) of reimbursement of its costs and
expenses in connection with any such action.
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VIII. E. Authority to Use Agents and Sub-Custodians. The Trust
acknowledges and hereby authorizes the Custodian to hold Securities through its
various agents described in Appendix C annexed hereto.
In addition, the Trust acknowledges that the Custodian may appoint one
or more financial institutions, as agent or agents or as sub-custodian or
sub-custodians, including, but not limited to, banking institutions located in
foreign countries, for the purpose of holding Securities and moneys at any time
owned by the Fund. The Custodian shall not be relieved of any obligation or
liability under this Agreement in connection with the appointment or activities
of such agents or sub-custodians. Any such agent or sub-custodian shall be
qualified to serve as such for assets of investment companies registered under
the Act. The Funds shall reimburse the Custodian for all costs incurred by the
Custodian in connection with opening accounts with any such agents or
sub-custodians. Upon request, the Custodian shall promptly forward to the
Trust any documents it receives from any agent or sub-custodian appointed
hereunder which may assist trustees of registered investment companies to
fulfill their responsibilities under Rule 17f-5 of the Act.
VIII. F. No Duty to Supervise Investments. The Custodian shall not be
under any duty or obligation to ascertain whether any Securities at any time
delivered to or held by it for the account
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31
of the Trust are such as properly may be held by the Trust under the provisions
of the Declaration of Trust and the Trust's By-Laws.
VIII. G. All Records Confidential. The Custodian shall treat all
records and other information relating to the Trust and the assets of all Funds
as confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any
other person unless (i) the Trust shall have consented thereto in writing or
(ii) such disclosure is compelled by law.
VIII. H. Compensation of Custodian. The Custodian shall be entitled
to receive and the Trust agrees to pay to the Custodian, for the Fund's account
from the Fund's assets only, such compensation as shall be determined pursuant
to Appendix E attached hereto, or as shall be determined pursuant to amendments
to Appendix E as approved by the Custodian and the Trust. The Custodian shall
be entitled to charge against any money held by it for the accounts of the Fund
the amount of any loss, damage, liability or expense, including counsel fees,
for which it shall be entitled to reimbursement under the provisions of this
Agreement as determined by agreement of the Custodian and the Trust or by the
final order of any court or arbitrator having jurisdiction and as to which all
rights of appeal shall have expired. The expenses which the Custodian may charge
against the account of a Fund include, but are not limited to, the expenses of
agents or Sub-Custodians incurred in settling transactions involving the
purchase and sale of Securities of the Fund.
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32
VIII. I. Reliance Upon Instructions. The Custodian shall be entitled
to rely upon any Proper Instructions if such reliance is made in good faith. The
Trust agrees to forward to the Custodian Written Instructions confirming Oral
Instructions in such a manner so that such Written Instructions are received by
the Custodian, whether by hand delivery, telex, facsimile or otherwise, on the
same Business Day on which such Oral Instructions were given. The Trust agrees
that the failure of the Custodian to receive such confirming instructions shall
in no way affect the validity of the transactions or enforceability of the
transactions hereby authorized by the Trust. The Trust agrees that the
Custodian shall incur no liability to the Trust for acting upon Oral
Instructions given to the Custodian hereunder concerning such transactions.
VIII. J. Books and Records. The Custodian will (i) set up and
maintain proper books of account and complete records of all transactions in
the accounts maintained by the Custodian hereunder in such manner as will meet
the obligations of the Fund under the Act, with particular attention to Section
31 thereof and Rules 3la-1 and 3la-2 thereunder and those records are the
property of the Trust, and (ii) preserve for the periods prescribed by
applicable Federal statute or regulation all records required to be so
preserved. All such books and records shall be the property of the Trust, and
shall be available, upon request, for inspection by duly authorized officers,
employees or agents of the Trust and employees of the SEC.
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33
VIII. K. Internal Accounting Control Systems. The Custodian shall
send to the Trust any report received on the systems of internal accounting
control of the Custodian, or its agents or sub-custodians, as the Trust may
reasonably request from time to time.
VIII. L. No Management of Assets by Custodian. The Custodian performs
only the services of a custodian and shall have no responsibility for the
management, investment or reinvestment of the Securities or other assets from
time to time owned by any Fund. The Custodian is not a selling agent for Shares
of any Fund and performance of its duties as custodian shall not be deemed to be
a recommendation to any Fund's depositors or others of Shares of the Fund as an
investment. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations whatsoever except
such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Agreement, and
no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement against the
Custodian.
VIII. M. Assistance to Trust. The Custodian shall take all reasonable
action, that the Trust may from time to time request, to assist the Trust in
obtaining favorable opinions from the Trust's independent accountants, with
respect to the Custodian's activities hereunder, in connection with the
preparation of the Fund's Form N-IA, Form N-SAR, or other annual reports to the
SEC.
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34
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION
IX. A. Termination. Either party hereto may terminate this
Agreement for any reason by giving to the other party a notice in writing
specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less than ninety
(90) days after the date of giving of such notice. If such notice is given by
the Trust, it shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary of the Trust, electing to
terminate this Agreement and designating a successor custodian or custodians
each of which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than
$100,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits. In the event
such notice is given by the Custodian, the Trust shall, on or before the
termination date, deliver to the Custodian a copy of a resolution of the Board
of Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary, designating a successor
custodian or custodians to act on behalf of the Trust. In the absence of such
designation by the Trust, the Custodian may designate a successor custodian
which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than $100,000,000
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits. Upon the date set forth in
such notice this Agreement shall terminate, and the Custodian, provided that it
has received a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, shall deliver,
on that date, directly to the successor custodian all Securities and monies
then owned by the Fund and held
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35
by it as Custodian. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Trust shall pay to
the Custodian on behalf of the Trust such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination. The Trust agrees on behalf of the Trust that the
Custodian shall be reimbursed for its reasonable costs in connection with the
termination of this Agreement.
IX. B. Failure to Designate Successor Trustee. If a successor
custodian is not designated by the Trust, or by the Custodian in accordance
with the preceding paragraph, or the designated successor cannot or will not
serve, the Trust shall, upon the delivery by the Custodian to the Trust of all
Securities (other than Securities held in the Book-Entry System which cannot be
delivered to the Trust) and moneys then owned by the Trust, be deemed to be the
custodian for the Trust, and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all
duties and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement, other than the duty
with respect to Securities held in the Book-Entry System, which cannot be
delivered to the Trust, which shall be held by the Custodian in accordance with
this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without
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36
limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars; civil or military
disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; labor disputes; acts of
civil or military authority; governmental actions; or inability to obtain
labor, material, equipment or transportation; provided, however, that the
Custodian, in the event of a failure or delay, shall use its best efforts to
ameliorate the effects of any such failure or delay.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
XI. A. Designation of Authorized Persons. Appendix A sets forth the
names and the signatures of all Authorized Persons as of this date, as
certified by the Secretary of the Trust. The Trust agrees to furnish to the
Custodian a new Appendix A in form similar to the attached Appendix A, if any
present Authorized Person ceases to be an Authorized Person or if any other or
additional Authorized Persons are elected or appointed. Until such new
Appendix A shall be received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in acting
under the provisions of this Agreement upon Oral Instructions or signatures of
the then current Authorized Persons as set forth in the last delivered Appendix
A.
XI. B. Limitation of Personal Liability. No recourse under any
obligation of this Agreement or for any claim based thereon shall be had
against any organizer, shareholder, officer, trustee, past, present or future
as such, of the Trust or of any predecessor or successor, either directly or
through the Trust or any such
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37
predecessor or successor, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or
rule of law or equity, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or
otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that this Agreement and the
obligations thereunder are enforceable solely against the assets of the Trust,
and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be
incurred by, the organizers, shareholders, officers, or trustees of the Trust
or of any predecessor or successor, or any of them as such, because of the
obligations contained in this Agreement or implied therefrom and that any and
all such liability is hereby expressly waived and released by the Custodian as
a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Agreement.
XI. C. Authorization By Board. The obligations set forth in this
Agreement as having been made by the Trust have been made by the Board of
Trustees, acting as such Trustees for and on behalf of the Trust, pursuant to
the authority vested in them under the laws of the State of KENTUCKY, the
Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws of the Trust. This Agreement has been
executed by Officers of the Trust as officers, and not individually, and the
obligations contained herein are not binding upon any of the Trustees,
Officers, agents or holders of shares, personally, but bind only the Trust and
then only to the extent of the assets of the Trust.
XI. D. Custodian's Consent to Use of Its Name. The Trust shall
obtain the Custodian's consent prior to the publication and/or dissemination or
distribution, of the Prospectus and any
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38
other documents (including advertising material) specifically mentioning the
Custodian (other than merely by name and address).
XI. E. Notices to Custodian. Any notice or other instrument in
writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian,
shall be sufficiently given if addressed to the Custodian and mailed or
delivered to it at its offices at Star Bank Center, 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X. X.
0000, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, attention Mutual Fund Custody Department, or at
such other place as the Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
XI. F. Notices to Trust. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Trust shall be
sufficiently given when delivered to the Trust or on the second Business Day
following the time such notice is deposited in the U.S. mail postage prepaid
and addressed to the Trust at its office at 0000 XXXXX 0XX XXXXXX, XXXXXXXXXX,
XXXXXXXX 00000 or at such other place as the Trust may from time to time
designate in writing.
XI. G. Amendments In Writing. This Agreement, with the exception of
the Appendices, may not be amended or modified in any manner except by a
written agreement executed by both parties with the same formality as this
Agreement, and authorized and approved by a resolution of the Board of Trustees
of the Trust.
XI. H. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall extend to and
shall be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and
assigns; provided, however, that this
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39
Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust or by the Custodian, and no
attempted assignment by the Trust or the Custodian shall be effective without
the written consent of the other party hereto.
XI. I. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
XI. J. Jurisdiction. Any legal action, suit or proceeding to be
instituted by either party with respect to this Agreement shall be brought by
such party exclusively in the courts of the State of Ohio or in the courts of
the United States for the Southern District of Ohio, and each party, by its
execution of this Agreement, irrevocably (i) submits to such jurisdiction and
(ii) consents to the service of any process or pleadings by first class U.S.
mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by any other means from
time to time authorized by the laws of such jurisdiction.
XI. K. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such
counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
XI. L. Headings. The headings of paragraphs in this Agreement are
for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.
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40
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective Officers, thereunto duly authorized as of the
day and year FIRST above written.
ATTEST: TRUST: THE FAIRMONT FUND
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx By:/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Treasurer Title: Chairman
ATTEST: CUSTODIAN: STAR BANK, N.A.
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx By:/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President & Trust Officer
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