CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 1st day of April, 2006, by
and between RAINIER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT MUTUAL FUNDS, a
Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing
under the laws of the United States of America with its principal place of
business at Cincinnati, Ohio (the “Custodian”).
WHEREAS,
the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company, and is
authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with
each
such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and
other assets;
WHEREAS,
the Custodian is a bank having the qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(1)
of the 1940 Act;
WHEREAS,
the Trust desires to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of the cash and
securities of each series of the Trust listed on Exhibit C hereto (as
amended from time to time) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”);
and
WHEREAS,
the Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated to the Custodian the
responsibilities set forth in Rule 17f-5(c) under the 1940 Act and the Custodian
is willing to undertake the responsibilities and serve as the foreign custody
manager for the Company.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein
contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which
is
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do
hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS
Whenever
used in this Agreement, the
following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below unless
the
context otherwise requires:
1.1
|
“Authorized
Person” means any Officer or other person duly authorized by
resolution of the Board of Trustees to give Oral Instructions and
Written
Instructions on behalf of the Fund and named in Exhibit A hereto or
in such resolutions of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer,
as
may be received by the Custodian from time to
time.
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1.2
|
“Board
of Trustees” shall mean the trustees from time to time serving under
the Trust’s declaration of trust, as amended from time to
time.
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1.3
|
“Book-Entry
System” shall mean a federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart
O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFR
Part
350, or in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are
substantially in the form of such Subpart
O.
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1
1.4
|
“Business
Day” shall mean 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 the
Fund.
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1.5
|
“Eligible
Securities Depository” shall mean a system for the central handling of
securities as that term is defined in Rule 17f-4 and 17f-7 under
the 1940
Act.
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1.6
|
“Fund
Custody Account” shall mean any of the accounts in the name of the
Trust, which is provided for in Section 3.2
below.
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1.7
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“IRS”
shall mean the Internal Revenue
Service.
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1.8
|
“NASD” shall
mean The National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
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1.9
|
“Officer”
shall mean the Chairman, President, any Vice President, any Assistant
Vice
President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer,
or any
Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
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1.10
|
“Oral
Instructions” shall mean instructions orally transmitted to and
accepted by the Custodian because such instructions are: (i)
reasonably believed by the Custodian to have been given by any two
Authorized Persons, (ii) recorded and kept among the records of the
Custodian made in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) orally
confirmed by the Custodian. The Trust shall cause all Oral
Instructions to be confirmed by Written Instructions prior to the
end of
the next Business Day. If such Written Instructions confirming
Oral Instructions are not received by the Custodian prior to a
transaction, it shall in no way affect the validity of the transaction
or
the authorization thereof by the Trust. If Oral Instructions
vary from the Written Instructions that purport to confirm them,
the
Custodian shall notify the Trust of such variance but such Oral
Instructions will govern unless the Custodian has not yet
acted.
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1.11
|
“Proper
Instructions” shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions.
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1.12
|
“SEC”
shall mean the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
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1.13
|
“Securities”
shall include, without limitation, common and preferred stocks, bonds,
call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities or 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 interests
therein,
or any similar property or assets that the Custodian or its agents
have
the facilities to clear and
service.
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1.14
|
“Securities
Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company and any other
clearing agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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.
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2
1.15
|
“Shares”
shall mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest
issued by the Trust on account of the
Fund.
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1.16
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“Sub-Custodian”
shall mean and include (i) any branch of a “U.S. bank,” as that term is
defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, and (ii) any “eligible foreign
custodian,” as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act,
having a contract with the Custodian which the Custodian has determined
will provide reasonable care of assets of the Fund based on the standards
specified in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall be in
writing and shall include provisions that provide: (i) for indemnification
or insurance arrangements (or any combination of the foregoing) such
that
the Fund will be adequately protected against the risk of loss of
assets
held in accordance with such contract; (ii) that the Fund’s assets will
not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim
of
any kind in favor of the Sub-Custodian or its creditors except a
claim of
payment for their safe custody or administration, in the case of
cash
deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of the Sub-Custodian
arising under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws; (iii) that
beneficial ownership for the Fund’s assets will be freely transferable
without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody
or
administration; (iv) that adequate records will be maintained identifying
the assets as belonging to the Fund or as being held by a third party
for
the benefit of the Fund; (v) that the Fund’s independent public
accountants will be given access to those records or confirmation
of the
contents of those records; and (vi) that the Fund will receive periodic
reports with respect to the safekeeping of the Fund’s assets, including,
but not limited to, notification of any transfer to or from a Fund's
account or a third party account containing assets held for the benefit
of
the Fund. Such contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of
the provisions specified in (i)-(vi) above, such other provisions
that the
Custodian determines will provide, in their entirety, the same or
a
greater level of care and protection for Fund assets as the specified
provisions.
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1.17
|
“Written
Instructions” shall mean (i) written communications actually received
by the Custodian and signed by any an Authorized Person, (ii)
communications by telex or any other such system from one or more
persons
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons, or
(iii)
communications between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided
that the use of such devices and the procedures for the use thereof
shall
have been approved by resolutions of the Board of Trustees, a copy
of
which, certified by an Officer, shall have been delivered to the
Custodian.
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3
ARTICLE
II
APPOINTMENT
OF CUSTODIAN
2.1
|
Appointment. The
Trust hereby appoints the Custodian as custodian of all Securities
and
cash owned by or in the possession of the Fund at any time during
the
period of this Agreement, on the terms and conditions set forth in
this
Agreement, and the Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and
agrees to
perform the services and duties set forth in this
Agreement. The services and duties of the Custodian shall be
confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied
duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the Custodian
hereunder.
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2.2
|
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:
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(a)
|
A
copy of the Trust’s declaration of trust, certified by the
Secretary;
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(b)
|
A
copy of the Trust’s bylaws, certified by the
Secretary;
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(c)
|
A
copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust appointing
the Custodian, certified by the
Secretary;
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(d)
|
A
copy of the current prospectus of the Fund (the
“Prospectus”);
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(e)
|
A
certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary
of the
Trust setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers
of
the Trust and other Authorized Persons;
and
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(f)
|
An
executed authorization required by the Shareholder Communications
Act of
1985, attached hereto as Exhibit
E.
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2.3
|
Notice
of Appointment of Transfer Agent. The Trust agrees to
notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or
change
in appointment of any transfer agent of the
Fund.
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ARTICLE
III
CUSTODY
OF CASH AND SECURITIES
3.1
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Segregation. All
Securities and non-cash property held by the Custodian for the account
of
the Fund (other than Securities maintained in a Securities Depository,
Eligible Securities 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 series of the Trust) and shall be identified as subject to
this
Agreement.
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3.2
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Fund
Custody Accounts. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall open
and maintain in its trust department a custody account in the name
of the
Trust coupled with the name of the Fund, subject only to draft or
order of
the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry all
Securities, cash and other assets of such Fund which are delivered
to
it.
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4
3.3
|
Appointment
of Agents.
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(a)
|
In
its discretion, the Custodian may appoint one or more Sub-Custodians
to
establish and maintain arrangements with (i) Eligible Securities
Depositories or (ii) members of the Sub-Custodian’s network to hold
Securities and cash of the Fund and to carry out such other provisions
of
this Agreement as it may determine; provided, however, that the
appointment of any such agents and maintenance of any Securities
and cash
of the Fund shall be at the Custodian's expense and shall not relieve
the
Custodian of any of its obligations or liabilities under this
Agreement. The Custodian shall be liable for the actions of any
Sub-Custodians (regardless of whether assets are maintained in the
custody
of a Sub-Custodian, a member of its network or an Eligible Securities
Depository) appointed by it as if such actions had been done by the
Custodian.
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(b)
|
If,
after the initial approval of Sub-Custodians by the Board of Trustees
in
connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes to appoint other
Sub-Custodians to hold property of the Fund, it will so notify the
Trust
and provide it with information reasonably necessary to determine
any such
new Sub-Custodian's eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act,
including a copy of the proposed agreement with such
Sub-Custodian. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees next
following receipt of such notice and information, the Trust shall
give its
written approval or disapproval of the proposed
action.
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(c)
|
The
agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting hereunder
shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule 17f-5(c)(2)
under
the 1940 Act.
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(d)
|
At
the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide written
reports notifying the Board of Trustees of the placement of the Securities
and cash of the Fund with a Sub-Custodian and of any material changes
in
the Fund’s arrangements. Such reports shall include an analysis
of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with any
Eligible
Securities Depositories. The Custodian shall promptly take such
steps as may be required to withdraw assets of the Fund from any
Sub-Custodian arrangement that has ceased to meet the requirements
of Rule
17f-5 or Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act, as
applicable.
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(e)
|
With
respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.3, the Custodian
hereby warrants to the Trust that it agrees to exercise reasonable
care,
prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for
the
safekeeping of property of the Fund. The Custodian further
warrants that the Fund's assets will be subject to reasonable care
if
maintained with a Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant
to
the safekeeping of such assets, including, without
limitation: (i) the Sub-Custodian's practices, procedures, and
internal controls for certificated securities (if applicable), its
method
of keeping custodial records, and its security and data protection
practices; (ii) whether the Sub-Custodian has the
requisite financial strength to provide reasonable care for Fund
assets;
(iii) the Sub-Custodian's general reputation and standing and,
in the case of a Securities Depository, the Securities Depository's
operating history and number of participants; and (iv) whether
the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments
against the Sub-Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of
any
offices of the Sub-Custodian in the United States or the Sub-Custodian's
consent to service of process in the United
States.
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5
(f)
|
The
Custodian shall establish a system or ensure that its Sub-Custodian
has
established a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining
the
Fund’s assets with a Sub-Custodian or members of a Sub-Custodian’s
network; (ii) the performance of the contract governing the Fund’s
arrangements with such Sub-Custodian or members of a Sub-Custodian’s
network; and (iii) the custody risks of maintaining assets with an
Eligible Securities Depository.
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(g)
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The
Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all
income
and other payments with respect to foreign Securities to which the
Fund
shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to
the
Trust. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to
collect such income, the Trust and Custodian shall consult as to
the
measurers and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian
relating to such measures.
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3.4
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Delivery
of Assets to Custodian. The Trust shall deliver, or cause
to be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Fund's Securities, cash
and
other investment assets, including (i) all payments of income, payments
of
principal and capital distributions received by the Fund with respect
to
such Securities, cash or other assets owned by the Fund at any time
during
the period of this Agreement, and (ii) all cash received by the Fund
for
the issuance of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible
for such Securities, cash or other assets until actually received
by
it.
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3.5
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Securities
Depositories and Book-Entry Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Fund in a Securities Depository
or in a Book-Entry System, subject to the following
provisions:
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(a)
|
The
Custodian, on an on-going basis, shall deposit in a Securities Depository
or Book-Entry System all Securities eligible for deposit therein
and shall
make use of such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the
extent
possible and practical in connection with its performance hereunder,
including, without limitation, in connection with settlements of
purchases
and sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and
returns
of collateral consisting of
Securities.
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6
(b)
|
Securities
of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository
shall be
kept in an account (“Depository Account”) of the Custodian in such
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository which includes only assets
held
by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers.
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(c)
|
The
records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of the Fund maintained
in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall, by book-entry,
identify such Securities as belonging to the
Fund.
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(d)
|
If
Securities purchased by the Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry System
or
Securities Depository, the Custodian shall pay for such Securities
upon
(i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository
that such Securities have been transferred to the Depository Account,
and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund. If
Securities sold by the Fund are held in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such Securities upon (i)
receipt
of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that
payment
for such Securities has been transferred to the Depository Account,
and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such transfer and payment for the account of the
Fund.
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(e)
|
The
Custodian shall provide the Trust with copies of any report (obtained
by
the Custodian from a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository in
which
Securities of the Fund are kept) on the internal accounting controls
and
procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in such Book-Entry
System
or Securities Depository.
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(f)
|
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Custodian shall be
liable
to the Trust for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from (i)
the use
of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason of any
negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or
any
Sub-Custodian, or (ii) failure of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian
to
enforce effectively such rights as it may have against a Book-Entry
System
or Securities Depository. At its election, the Trust shall be
subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim
against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository or any other
person
from any loss or damage to the Fund arising from the use of such
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if and to the extent
that the
Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or
damage.
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(g)
|
With
respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.5 and pursuant
to Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, the Custodian hereby warrants to
the Trust that it agrees to (i) exercise due care in accordance with
reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities
intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain such assets,
(ii) provide, promptly upon request by the Trust, such reports as are
available concerning the Custodian’s internal accounting controls and
financial strength, and (iii) require any Sub-Custodian to exercise
due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging
its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain
assets corresponding to the security entitlements of its entitlement
holders.
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7
3.6
|
Disbursement
of Moneys from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the Fund Custody
Account but only in the following
cases:
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(a)
|
For
the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in accordance with
Section 4.1 of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of Securities
(other than options on Securities, futures contracts and options
on
futures contracts), against the delivery to the Custodian (or any
Sub-Custodian) of such Securities registered as provided in Section
3.9
below or in proper form for transfer, or if the purchase of such
Securities is effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section
3.5
above; (ii) in the case of options on Securities, against delivery
to the
Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such receipts as are required
by the
customs prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case
of
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery
to
the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of evidence of title thereto
in favor
of the Fund or any nominee referred to in Section 3.9 below; and
(iv) in
the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements entered into
between the Trust and a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve
System or between the Trust and a primary dealer in U.S. Government
securities, against delivery of the purchased Securities either in
certificate form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's account
at
a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository with such
Securities;
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(b)
|
In
connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth
in
Section 3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the
Fund;
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(c)
|
For
the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions declared
by the
Fund;
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(d)
|
In
payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section
5.1
below;
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(e)
|
For
the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund, including,
but not limited to, the following payments for the account of the
Fund: interest; taxes; administration, investment advisory,
accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian, director and legal
fees;
and other operating expenses of the Fund; in all cases, whether or
not
such expenses are to be in whole or in part capitalized or treated
as
deferred expenses;
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8
(f)
|
For
transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the
Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and
a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with rules of the Options
Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange
(or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow
or
other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
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(g)
|
For
transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the
Trust, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered
under
the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules
of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or
any
similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits
in
connection with transactions by the
Fund;
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(h)
|
For
the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other interest-bearing
account with any banking institution (including the Custodian), which
deposit or account has a term of one year or less;
and
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(i)
|
For
any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt, in addition to Proper
Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees,
certified by an Officer, specifying the amount and purpose of such
payment, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose,
and
naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be
made.
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3.7
|
Delivery
of Securities from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver, or
cause the
Sub-Custodian to release and deliver, Securities from the Fund Custody
Account but only in the following
cases:
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(a)
|
Upon
the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but only against
receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashiers check
or
bank credit;
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(b)
|
In
the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.5
above;
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(c)
|
To
an offeror’s depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for Securities of the Fund; provided that, in any such case,
the
cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
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(d)
|
To
the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of
the
Fund, the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or any nominee or nominees
of
any of the foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number
of
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;
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9
(e)
|
To
the broker selling the Securities, for examination in accordance
with the
“street delivery” custom;
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(f)
|
For
exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation,
recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the issuer of
such
Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in
such
Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement, including surrender
or
receipt of underlying Securities in connection with the issuance
or
cancellation of depository receipts; provided that, in any such case,
the
new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
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(g)
|
Upon
receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse
repurchase agreement entered into by the
Fund;
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(h)
|
In
the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the exercise
thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and
cash, if
any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
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(i)
|
For
delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the Fund,
but only
against receipt of such collateral as the Trust shall have specified
to
the Custodian in Proper
Instructions;
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(j)
|
For
delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Trust, but only against
receipt
by the Custodian of the amounts
borrowed;
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(k)
|
Pursuant
to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger,
consolidation or recapitalization of the
Trust;
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(l)
|
For
delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the
Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and
a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with the rules of the
Options
Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange
(or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow
or
other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
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(m)
|
For
delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the
Trust, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered
under
the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules
of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or
any
similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits
in
connection with transactions by the
Fund;
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(n)
|
For
any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt, in addition
to
Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees,
certified by an Officer, specifying the Securities to be delivered,
setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be made,
declaring
such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person
or
persons to whom delivery of such Securities shall be made;
or
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10
(o)
|
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 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.
|
3.8
|
Actions
Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless otherwise
instructed by the Trust, the Custodian shall with respect to all
Securities held for the Fund:
|
(a)
|
Subject
to Section 9.4 below, collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments to which the Fund is entitled either by law or pursuant
to custom
in the securities business;
|
(b)
|
Present
for payment and, subject to Section 9.4 below, collect on a timely
basis
the amount payable upon all Securities which may mature or be called,
redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become
payable;
|
(c)
|
Endorse
for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts and other
negotiable instruments;
|
(d)
|
Surrender
interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for Securities in
definitive form;
|
(e)
|
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 now or hereafter in effect, and prepare and submit
reports to the IRS and the Trust at such time, in such manner and
containing such information as is prescribed by the
IRS;
|
(f)
|
Hold
for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held
therein,
through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, all rights
and
similar Securities issued with respect to Securities of the Fund;
and
|
(g)
|
In
general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper Instructions,
attend
to all non-discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange,
substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with Securities
and
other assets of the Fund.
|
3.9
|
Registration
and Transfer of Securities. All Securities held for the
Fund that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held
by the
Custodian in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be
held in
a Book-Entry System if eligible therefor. All other Securities
held for the Fund may be registered in the name of the Fund, the
Custodian, a Sub-Custodian or any nominee thereof, or in the name
of a
Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any nominee of either
thereof. The records of the Custodian with respect to foreign
securities of the Fund that are maintained with a Sub-Custodian in
an
account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the
benefit
of its customers shall identify those securities as belonging to
the
Fund. The Trust shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate
instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper
form for
transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees referred
to
above or in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository,
any
Securities registered in the name of the
Fund.
|
11
3.10
|
Records.
|
(a)
|
The
Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect
to
Securities, cash or other property held for the Fund, including (i)
journals or other records of original entry containing an itemized
daily
record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and
all
receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records)
reflecting (A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical
possession, (C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities
loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and
substitutions of such collateral), (D) dividends and interest received,
and (E) dividends receivable and interest receivable; and (iii) canceled
checks and bank records related thereto. The Custodian shall
keep such other books and records of the Fund as the Trust shall
reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including,
but
not limited to, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-2 promulgated
thereunder.
|
(b)
|
All
such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be maintained
in a form acceptable to the Trust and in compliance with the rules
and
regulations of the SEC, (ii) be the property of the Trust and at
all times
during the regular business hours of the Custodian be made available
upon
request for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or
agents of
the Trust and employees or agents of the SEC, and (iii) if required
to be
maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved for the
periods
prescribed in Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the 1940
Act.
|
3.11
|
Fund
Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Trust
with a daily activity statement and a summary of all transfers to
or from
each Fund Custody Account on the day following such
transfers. At least monthly, the Custodian shall furnish the
Trust with a detailed statement of the Securities and moneys held
by the
Custodian and the Sub-Custodians for the Fund under this
Agreement.
|
3.12
|
Other
Reports by Custodian. As the Trust may reasonably request
from time to time, the Custodian shall provide the Trust with reports
on
the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding
Securities which are employed by the Custodian or any
Sub-Custodian.
|
3.13
|
Proxies
and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all proxies
relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of the
Fund to
be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities,
without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and
shall
promptly deliver to the Trust such proxies, all proxy soliciting
materials
and all notices relating to such Securities. With respect to
the foreign Securities, the Custodian will use reasonable commercial
efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder
rights,
subject to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may
exist
in the country where such securities are issued. The Trust
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 the Trust to exercise
shareholder rights.
|
12
3.14
|
Information
on Corporate Actions. The Custodian shall promptly deliver
to the Trust all information received by the Custodian and pertaining
to
Securities being held by the Fund with respect to optional tender
or
exchange offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration
of rights
as described in the Standards of Service Guide attached as Exhibit
B. 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.
|
ARTICLE
IV
PURCHASE
AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
4.1
|
Purchase
of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities
for the Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian,
specifying (i) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities,
and
the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number of shares,
principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased,
(iii) the date of purchase and settlement, (iv) the purchase price
per
unit, (v) the total amount payable upon such purchase, and (vi) the
name
of the person to whom such amount is payable. The Custodian
shall upon receipt of such Securities purchased by the Fund pay out
of the
moneys held for the account of the Fund the total amount specified
in such
Written Instructions 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 the Fund, if in the Fund Custody Account
there
is insufficient cash available to the Fund for which such purchase
was
made.
|
4.2
|
Liability
for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities
Purchased. In any and every case where payment for the
purchase of Securities for the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance
of
receipt of the Securities purchased and in the absence of specified
Written Instructions to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be
liable
to the Fund for such payment.
|
13
4.3
|
Sale
of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by the
Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying
(i) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the
title or
other description thereof, (ii) the number of shares, principal amount
(and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold, (iii) the date
of
sale and settlement, (iv) the sale price per unit, (v) the total
amount
payable upon such sale, and (vi) the person to whom such Securities
are to
be delivered. Upon receipt of the total amount payable to the
Fund as specified in such Written Instructions, the Custodian shall
deliver such Securities to the person specified in such Written
Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the Custodian may
accept payment in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may
deliver Securities and arrange for payment in accordance with the
customs
prevailing among dealers in
Securities.
|
4.4
|
Delivery
of Securities Sold. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or
any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed
to
deliver Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance
with generally accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities
prior
to actual receipt of final payment therefor. In any such case,
the Fund shall bear the risk that final payment for such Securities
may
not be made or that such Securities may be returned or otherwise
held or
disposed of by or through the person to whom they were delivered,
and the
Custodian shall have no liability for any for the
foregoing.
|
4.5
|
Payment
for Securities Sold. In its sole discretion and from time
to time, the Custodian may credit the Fund Custody Account, prior
to
actual receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the
sale
of Securities which it has been instructed to deliver against payment,
(ii) proceeds from the redemption of Securities or other assets of
the
Fund, and (iii) income from cash, Securities or other assets of the
Fund. Any such credit shall be conditional upon actual receipt
by Custodian of final payment and may be reversed if final payment
is not
actually received in full. The Custodian may, in its sole
discretion and from time to time, permit the Fund to use funds so
credited
to the Fund Custody Account in anticipation of actual receipt of
final
payment. Any such funds shall be repayable immediately upon
demand made by the Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt
of
all final payments in anticipation of which funds were credited to
the
Fund Custody Account.
|
4.6
|
Advances
by Custodian for Settlement. The Custodian may, in its sole
discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Trust to facilitate
the settlement of a Fund's transactions in the Fund Custody
Account. Any such advance shall be repayable immediately upon
demand made by Custodian.
|
ARTICLE
V
REDEMPTION
OF FUND SHARES
5.1
|
Transfer
of Funds. From such funds as may be available for the
purpose in the relevant Fund Custody Account, and upon receipt of
Proper
Instructions specifying that the funds are required to redeem Shares
of
the Fund, the Custodian shall wire each amount specified in such
Proper
Instructions to or through such bank or broker-dealer as the Trust
may
designate.
|
14
5.2
|
No
Duty Regarding Paying Banks. Once the Custodian has wired
amounts to a bank or broker-dealer pursuant to Section 5.1 above, the
Custodian shall not be under any obligation to effect any further
payment
or distribution by such bank or
broker-dealer.
|
ARTICLE
VI
SEGREGATED
ACCOUNTS
Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain
a
segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account
or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including Securities
maintained in a Depository Account:
(a)
|
in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust,
the
Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and 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 (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered
contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions
by
the Fund;
|
(b)
|
for
purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with securities
options purchased or written by the Fund or in connection with financial
futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or sold by the
Fund;
|
(c)
|
which
constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by the
Fund;
|
(d)
|
for
purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under the 1940
Act
for the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies in connection with reverse repurchase agreements and
when-issued, delayed delivery and firm commitment transactions;
and
|
(e)
|
for
other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of, in addition
to
Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board
of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, setting forth the purpose or purposes
of such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be
proper corporate purposes.
|
Each
segregated account established under this Article VI shall be established and
maintained for the Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a
segregated account shall specify the Fund.
15
ARTICLE
VII
COMPENSATION
OF CUSTODIAN
The
Custodian shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this
Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit D
hereto (as amended from time to time). The Custodian shall also be
compensated for such out-of-pocket expenses as are described on Exhibit D
and as are reasonably incurred by the Custodian in performing its duties
hereunder. The Trust shall pay all such fees and reimbursable
expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the billing notice, except
for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Trust
shall notify the Custodian in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt
of each invoice if the Trust is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Trust
shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which
the
parties agree to the amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee
or expense the Trust is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid
invoices shall accrue a finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Trust to the
Custodian shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the particular
Fund involved.
ARTICLE
VIII
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
8.1
|
Representations
and Warranties of the Trust. The Trust hereby represents
and warrants to the Custodian, which representations and warranties
shall
be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement,
that:
|
(a)
|
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction
of its
organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder;
|
(b)
|
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Trust in
accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and
legally
binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable in accordance with its
terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
other
laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors
and secured parties; and
|
(c)
|
It
is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects
with all
applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has
obtained
all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now
conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment
binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract
binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution
or
performance of this Agreement.
|
8.2
|
Representations
and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian hereby
represents and warrants to the Trust, which representations and warranties
shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement,
that:
|
16
(a)
|
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction
of its
organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder;
|
(b)
|
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Custodian in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes
a valid
and legally binding obligation of the Custodian, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights
and
remedies of creditors and secured parties;
and
|
(c)
|
It
is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects
with all
applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has
obtained
all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now
conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment
binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract
binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution
or
performance of this Agreement.
|
ARTICLE
IX
CONCERNING
THE CUSTODIAN
9.1
|
Standard
of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in
the performance of its duties under this Agreement. The
Custodian shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake
of law
or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with its duties
under
this Agreement, except a loss arising out of or relating to the
Custodian’s (or a Sub-Custodian’s) refusal or failure to comply with the
terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement) or from its
(or a
Sub-Custodian’s) bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the
performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody
agreement). The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may
act upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability
for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such
advice. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Trust of any
action taken or omitted by the Custodian pursuant to advice of
counsel.
|
9.2
|
Actual
Collection Required. The Custodian shall not be liable for,
or considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to the Fund
or
any money represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the
payment of money, until the Custodian or its agents actually receive
such
cash or collect on such instrument.
|
9.3
|
No
Responsibility for Title, etc. 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 or delivered by it pursuant to
this
Agreement.
|
9.4
|
Limitation
on Duty to Collect. Custodian shall not be required to
enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or
property
due and payable with respect to Securities held for the Fund if such
Securities are in default or payment is not made after due demand
or
presentation.
|
17
9.5
|
Reliance
Upon Documents and Instructions. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument
in
writing received by it and reasonably believed by it to be
genuine. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral
Instructions and any Written Instructions actually received by it
pursuant
to this Agreement.
|
9.6
|
Cooperation. The
Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to
the
entity or entities appointed by the Trust to keep the books of account
of
the Fund and/or compute the value of the assets of the
Fund. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as
the Trust may from time to time request to enable the Trust to obtain,
from year to year, favorable opinions from the Trust's independent
accountants with respect to the Custodian's activities hereunder
in
connection with (i) the preparation of the Trust's reports on Form
N-1A
and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by the SEC, and (ii)
the
fulfillment by the Trust of any other requirements of the
SEC.
|
ARTICLE
X
INDEMNIFICATION
10.1
|
Indemnification
by Trust. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian, any Sub-Custodian and any nominee thereof (each, an
“Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and
against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses and liabilities
of
any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that
an
Indemnified Party may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against
an
Indemnified Party by any person arising directly or indirectly (i)
from
the fact that Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee,
(ii) from any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Custodian
or such
Sub-Custodian (a) at the request or direction of or in reliance on
the
advice of the Trust, or (b) upon Proper Instructions, or (iii) from
the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any sub-custody
agreement, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such Sub-Custodian
shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such
claim,
demand, loss, expense or liability arising out of or relating to
its
refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or
any
sub-custody agreement), or from its bad faith, negligence or willful
misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement
(or any
sub-custody agreement). This indemnity shall be a continuing
obligation of the Trust, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding
the
termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the
terms “Custodian” and “Sub-Custodian” shall include their respective
directors, officers and employees.
|
10.2
|
Indemnification
by Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Trust from and against any and all claims, demands,
losses,
expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable
attorneys’ fees) that the Trust may sustain or incur or that may be
asserted against the Trust by any person arising out of any action
taken
or omitted to be taken by an Indemnified Party as a result of the
Indemnified Party’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this
Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement), or from its bad faith,
negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties
under
this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity
shall be a continuing obligation of the Custodian, its successors
and
assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As
used in this paragraph, the term “Trust” shall include the Trust’s
directors, officers and employees.
|
18
10.3
|
Security. If
the Custodian advances cash or Securities to the Fund for any purpose,
either at the Trust's request or as otherwise contemplated in this
Agreement, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee incurs,
in
connection with its performance under this Agreement, any claim,
demand,
loss, expense or liability (including reasonable attorneys' fees)
(except
such as may arise from its or its nominee's bad faith, negligence
or
willful misconduct), then, in any such event, any property at any
time
held for the account of the Fund shall be security therefor, and
should
the Fund fail promptly to repay or indemnify the Custodian, the Custodian
shall be entitled to utilize available cash of such Fund and to dispose
of
other assets of such Fund to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement
or indemnification.
|
10.4
|
Miscellaneous.
|
(a)
|
Neither
party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for
consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of
this
Agreement.
|
(b)
|
The
indemnity provisions of this Article shall indefinitely survive the
termination and/or assignment of this
Agreement.
|
(c)
|
In
order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article
shall
apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be
asked to
indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be
fully
and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation
in
question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use
all
reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any
situation
that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim
for
indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the
indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this
indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it
will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall
take over
complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation
initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek
indemnification under this section. The indemnitee shall in no
case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which
the
indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with
the
indemnitor’s prior written consent.
|
19
ARTICLE
XI
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 limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; acts of terrorism; sabotage; strikes; epidemics;
riots; power failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its
reasonable control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that in the event of a failure or delay,
the
Custodian (i) shall not discriminate against the Fund in favor of any other
customer of the Custodian in making computer time and personnel available to
input or process the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii)
shall
use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such failure or
delay.
ARTICLE
XII
PROPRIETARY
AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The
Custodian agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees
to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust, all records
and other information relative to the Trust and prior, present, or potential
shareholders of the Trust (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use
such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of
its
responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification
to
and approval in writing by the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld and may not be withheld where the Custodian may be exposed to civil
or
criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to
divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so
requested by the Trust. Records and other information which have
become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Custodian or any
of
its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already
in
the possession of the Custodian prior to receipt thereof from the Trust or
its
agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
Further,
the Custodian will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Trust pursuant
to Title V of the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, as may be modified from time to
time. In this regard, the Custodian shall have in place and maintain
physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect
the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized
access to or use of, records and information relating to the Trust and its
shareholders.
ARTICLE
XIII
EFFECTIVE
PERIOD; TERMINATION
13.1
|
Effective
Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of the
date first written above and will continue in effect for a period
of two
(2) years, which may be extended for an additional three (3) year
term at
the election of the Trust..
|
20
13.2
|
Termination. Subsequent
to the initial two-year term (and any three-year extension), this
Agreement may be terminated by either party upon giving 180 days’ prior
written notice to the other party or such shorter period as is mutually
agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this
Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other
party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not
cured
within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching
party. This Agreement may also be terminated by the Trust at
any time upon giving 180 days’ prior written notice to USBFS after either
USBFS or Rainier Investment Management, Inc. has agreed to effect
a
transaction (subject to customary closing conditions) that would
result in
its change of control within the meaning of the 1940 Act. In
addition, the Trust may, at any time, immediately terminate this
Agreement
in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for
the
Custodian by regulatory authorities or upon the happening of a like
event
at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of
competent
jurisdiction.
|
13.3
|
Appointment
of Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian shall have
been appointed by the Board of Trustees, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt
of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, on such specified
date of termination (i) deliver directly to the successor custodian
all
Securities (other than Securities held in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the Fund and held by
the
Custodian as custodian, and (ii) transfer any Securities held in
a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to an account of or for
the
benefit of the Fund at the successor custodian, provided that the
Trust
shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts
to
the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be
entitled. In addition, the Custodian shall, at the expense of
the Trust, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records,
correspondence, and other data established or maintained by the Custodian
under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Trust
(if such
form differs from the form in which the Custodian has maintained
the same,
the Trust shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the
data to
such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and
responsibilities, including provision for assistance from the Custodian’s
personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data
by such
successor. Upon such delivery and transfer, the Custodian shall
be relieved of all obligations under this
Agreement.
|
13.4
|
Failure
to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian is
not designated by the Trust on or before the date of termination
of this
Agreement, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to
a bank or
trust company of its own selection, which bank or trust company (i)
is a
“bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, and (ii) has aggregate capital, surplus
and undivided profits as shown on its most recent published report
of not
less than $25 million, all Securities, cash and other property held
by
Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer to an account of or
for the
Fund at such bank or trust company all Securities of the Fund held
in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such delivery
and transfer, such bank or trust company shall be the successor custodian
under this Agreement and the Custodian shall be relieved of all
obligations under this Agreement. In addition, under these
circumstances, all books, records and other data of the Trust shall
be
returned to the Trust.
|
21
ARTICLE
XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
14.1
|
Compliance
with Laws. The Trust has and retains primary responsibility
for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not
limited
to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
the
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of 2002 and the policies
and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments
as set
forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional
information. The Custodian’s services hereunder shall not
relieve the Trust of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance
or
the Board of Trustee’s oversight responsibility with respect
thereto.
|
14.2
|
Amendment. This
Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by
written
agreement executed by the Custodian and the Trust, and authorized
or
approved by the Board of Trustees.
|
14.3
|
Assignment. This
Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto
and their
respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement
shall not be assignable by the Trust without the written consent
of the
Custodian, or by the Custodian without the written consent of the
Trust
accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Board of
Trustees.
|
14.4
|
Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to
conflicts
of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of
the State of Ohio, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with
the
applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control,
and
nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the
1940
Act or any rule or order of the SEC
thereunder.
|
14.5
|
No
Agency Relationship. Nothing herein contained shall be
deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the
other
party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for
the
account, of the other party to this
Agreement.
|
14.6
|
Services
Not Exclusive. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or
restrict the Custodian from providing services to other parties that
are
similar or identical to some or all of the services provided
hereunder.
|
14.7
|
Invalidity. Any
provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent
authority
to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to
such
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof,
and
any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall
not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other
jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith
modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original
intent of
the parties.
|
22
14.8
|
Notices. Any
notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the
date
delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent
by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested,
or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission
to
the other party’s address set forth
below:
|
Notice
to
the Custodian shall be sent to:
U.S.
Bank
National Association
000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X. XX-XX-X0XX
Xxxxxxxxxx,
Xxxx 00000
Attention: Mutual
Fund Custody Services
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
and
notice to the Trust shall be sent to:
Rainier
Investment Management,
Inc.
000
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
14.9
|
Multiple
Originals. This Agreement may be executed on two or more
counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original,
but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.
|
14.10
|
No
Waiver. No failure by either party hereto to exercise, and
no delay by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate
as
a waiver thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any
right hereunder shall not preclude the exercise of any other right,
and
the remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of
any
remedies provided at law or in
equity.
|
14.11
|
References
to Custodian. The Trust shall not circulate any printed
matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior
written
approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the
prospectus or statement of additional information for the Fund and
such
other printed matter as merely identifies Custodian as custodian
for the
Fund. The Trust shall submit printed matter requiring approval
to Custodian in draft form, allowing sufficient time for review by
Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline for
printing.
|
23
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
by
a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first
above
written.
U.S.
BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC
|
|
By:
/s/ Xxxx X’Xxxxxxxx
|
By:
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. XxXxx
|
Name:
Xxxx X’Xxxxxxxx
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxx
|
Title:
President
|
Title:
Vice President
|
24
EXHIBIT
A
AUTHORIZED
PERSONS
Set
forth below are the names and
specimen signatures of the persons authorized by the Trust to administer the
Fund Custody Accounts.
Authorized
Persons
|
Specimen
Signatures
|
|
President:
|
/s/
Xxxx X’Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Secretary:
|
||
Treasurer:
|
||
Vice
President:
|
||
Other:
CEO
|
/s/
J. Xxxxx Xxxxx
|
|
A-1
RAINIER
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT
[LOGO]
Effective
October 26, 2006 are the persons authorized to request and approve trade orders
and provide letters of direction on behalf of Rainier Investment Management,
Inc.®
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Principal
|
/s/
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
|
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx, Principal
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Senior Equity Portfolio Manager
|
/s/
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Principal
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxxx, Associate Equity Trader
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Principal
|
/s/
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxxx, Associate Fixed Income Portfolio Manager and
Trader
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxx, Director of Trading
|
/s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx, Operations Manager
|
/s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
|
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx, Principal and CIO
|
/s/
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Principal
|
Rainier
Investment Management, Inc.®
000
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
000-000-0000
FAX
000-000-0000
EXHIBIT
B
U.S.
Bank Institutional Custody Services
Standards
of Service Guide
U.S.
Bank, N.A. (“USBank”) is committed to providing superior quality service to all
customers and their agents at all times. We have compiled this guide
as a tool for our clients to determine our standards for the processing of
security settlements, payment collection, and capital change
transactions. Deadlines recited in this guide represent the times
required for USBank to guarantee processing. Failure to meet these
deadlines will result in settlement at our client's risk. In all
cases, USBank will make every effort to complete all processing on a timely
basis.
USBank
is
a direct participant of the Depository Trust Company, a direct member of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the Bank of New York as its
agent for ineligible and foreign securities.
For
corporate reorganizations, USBank utilizes SEI's Reorg Source, Financial
Information, Inc., XCITEK, DTC Important Notices, Capital Changes Daily (CCH)
and the Wall Street Journal.
For
bond
calls and mandatory puts, USBank utilizes SEI's Bond Source, Xxxxx Information
Systems, Standard & Poor's Corporation, XCITEK, and DTC Important
Notices. USBank will not notify clients of optional put
opportunities.
Any
securities delivered free to USBank or its agents must be received three (3)
business days prior to any payment or settlement in order for the USBank
standards of service to apply.
Should
you have any questions regarding the information contained in this guide, please
feel free to contact your account representative.
The
information contained in this Standards of Service Guide is subject to
change. Should
any changes be made USBank will
provide you with an
updated
copy of its Standards of Service Guide.
B-1
USBank
Payment Standards
Security
Type
|
Income
|
Principal
|
Equities
|
Payable
Date
|
|
Municipal
Bonds*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
Corporate
Bonds*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
Federal
Reserve Bank Book Entry*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
PTC
GNMA's (P&I)
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
CMOs
*
|
||
DTC
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Bankers
Trust
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
SBA
Loan Certificates
|
When
Received
|
When
Received
|
Unit
Investment Trust Certificates*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
Certificates
of Deposit*
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Limited
Partnerships
|
When
Received
|
When
Received
|
Foreign
Securities
|
When
Received
|
When
Received
|
*Variable
Rate Securities
|
||
Federal
Reserve Bank Book Entry
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
DTC
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Bankers
Trust
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
|
NOTE:
|
If
a payable date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment will be
made on
the immediately following business
day.
|
B-3
USBank
Corporate Reorganization Standards
Type
of Action
|
Notification to
Client
|
Deadline
for Client Instructions
to
USBank
|
Transaction
Posting
|
|
Rights,
Warrants,
and
Optional Mergers
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to expiration or receipt of
notice
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Mandatory
Puts with
Option
to Retain
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to expiration or receipt of
notice
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Class
Actions
|
10
business days prior to expiration date
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Voluntary
Tenders,
Exchanges,
and
Conversions
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to expiration or receipt of
notice
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Mandatory
Puts, Defaults, Liquidations, Bankruptcies, Stock Splits, Mandatory
Exchanges
|
At
posting of funds or securities received
|
None
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Full
and Partial Calls
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to expiration or receipt of
notice
|
None
|
Upon
receipt
|
NOTE: Fractional
shares/par amounts resulting from any of the above will be sold.
B-4
EXHIBIT
C
Fund
Names
Separate
Series of Rainier Investment Management Mutual Funds
Name
of Series
|
Date
Added
|
|
Rainier
Balanced Portfolio
|
5-10-1994
|
|
Rainier
Balanced Portfolio I
|
5-2-2002
|
|
Rainier
Core Equity Portfolio
|
5-10-1994
|
|
Rainier
Core Equity Portfolio I
|
5-2-2002
|
|
Rainier
Growth Equity Portfolio
|
5-2-2002
|
|
Rainier
Intermediate Fixed Income Portfolio
|
5-2-2002
|
|
Rainier
Small/Mid Cap Equity Portfolio
|
5-10-1994
|
|
Rainier
Small/Mid Cap Equity Portfolio I
|
5-2-2002
|
|
Rainier
Mid Cap Equity Portfolio
|
on
or about
|
12-7-2005
|
Rainier
Mid Cap Equity Portfolio
|
on
or about
|
12-7-2005
|
C-1
EXHIBIT
D
To
the Custody Agreement
Fee
Schedule
Please
see the Master Annual Fee Schedule effective April 1, 2006.
D-1
EXHIBIT
E
SHAREHOLDER
COMMUNICATIONS ACT AUTHORIZATION
The
Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 requires banks and trust companies to
make an effort to permit direct communication between a company which issues
securities and the shareholder who votes those securities.
Unless
you specifically require us to NOT release your name and address to requesting
companies, we are required by law to disclose your name and
address.
Your
“yes” or “no” to disclosure will apply to all securities U.S. Bank holds for you
now and in the future, unless you change your mind and notify us in
writing.
______
YES
|
U.S.
Bank is authorized to provide the Trust’s name, address and security
position to requesting companies whose stock is owned by the
Trust.
|
|
X NO
|
U.S.
Bank is NOT authorized to provide the Trust’s name, address and security
position to requesting companies whose stock is owned by the
Trust.
|
By:
/s/ Xxxx X’Xxxxxxxx
|
Title:
President
|
Date:
12-11-06
|
E-1