CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
This Agreement between COMMONWEALTH CASH RESERVE FUND, INC. a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of Virginia (the "Fund"), and WACHOVIA
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association (the "Custodian"),
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities
and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund intends that this Agreement be applicable to three
series, COMMONWEALTH CASH RESERVE FUND, CCRF FEDERAL PORTFOLIO, AND SNAP(R) FUND
(such series together with all other series subsequently established by the Fund
and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 16, be referred to
herein as the "Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. EMPLOYMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND PROPERTY TO BE HELD BY IT
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of the
Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio, desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic securities"). The Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio(s), agrees to
deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all
payments of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by
it with respect to all securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time,
and the cash consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of the
Portfolios ("Shares") as may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian
shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio held or received by the
Portfolio and not delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (as such term is defined in Section 4
hereof), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time
to time employ one or more sub-custodians located in the United States, but only
in accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Directors of the Fund (the
"Board") on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s). The Custodian shall have no
more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any actions
or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to
the Custodian.
SECTION 2. DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY OF THE FUND HELD BY
THE CUSTODIAN IN THE UNITED STATES
SECTION 2.1 HOLDING SECURITIES. The Custodian shall hold and physically
segregate for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by
it in the United States, including all domestic securities owned by such
Portfolio other than securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.8 in
a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry
system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (each, a "U.S.
Securities System").
SECTION 2.2 DELIVERY OF SECURITIES. The Custodian shall release and
deliver domestic securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a
U.S. Securities System account of the Custodian only upon receipt of Proper
Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following
cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called,
redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of
the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the
Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
pursuant to Section 2.7 or into the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1; or for exchange for a
different number of bonds, certificates or other evidence
representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio,
to the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for
examination in accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided
that in any such case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or
liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such securities
prior to receiving payment for such securities except as may arise
from the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of
the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to
provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant
to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new
securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
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9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender
thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar
securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary
securities for definitive securities; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to
the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the
Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed
upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio, which may be in the form of cash or obligations
issued by the United States government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, except that in connection with any loans for
which collateral is to be credited to the Custodian's account in the
book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury,
the Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for the
delivery of securities owned by the Portfolio prior to the receipt
of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowing by the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts
borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Exchange Act") and a member of The National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("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 Portfolio of the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, 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 ("CFTC") and/or any contract market, or any
similar organization or organizations, regarding account deposits in
connection with transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent for the Fund
(the "Transfer Agent") for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to the
holders of Shares in connection with distributions in kind, as may
be described from time to time in the currently effective prospectus
and statement of additional information of the Fund related to the
Portfolio (the "Prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by holders
of Shares for repurchase or redemption;
15) For delivery as initial or variation margin in connection with
futures or options on futures contracts entered into by the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio; and
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16) For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions
from the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio specifying the
securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and naming the person or
persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
SECTION 2.3 REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES. Domestic securities held by the
Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
or of any nominee of the Custodian [which nominee shall be assigned exclusively
to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a
nominee to be used in common with other registered investment companies having
the same investment advisor as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of
any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.7 or in the name or nominee name of
any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1]. All securities accepted by
the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement shall
be in "street name" or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund directs
the Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the Custodian shall
utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such
securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant
corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities,
tender or exchange offers.
SECTION 2.4 BANK ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall open and maintain a
separate bank account or accounts in the United States in the name of each
Portfolio of the Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall hold in such account or
accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for
the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a
bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Funds held by the
Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in
the banking department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust
companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided,
however, that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a
custodian under the 1940 Act and that each such bank or trust company and the
funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of
each applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a majority of the Board. Such
funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall
be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
SECTION 2.5 COLLECTION OF INCOME. Subject to the provisions of Section
2.3, the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder to which each
Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment
by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof
and shall credit such income, as collected, to such Portfolio's custodian
account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall
detach and present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring
presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on
securities held hereunder. Income due each Portfolio on securities loaned
pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of
the Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection
therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may
be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the
Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled.
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SECTION 2.6 PAYMENT OF FUND MONIES. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies of a
Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures contracts
or options on futures contracts for the account of the Portfolio but
only (a) against the delivery of such securities or evidence of
title to such options, futures contracts or options on futures
contracts to the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm or trust
company doing business in the United States or abroad which is
qualified under the 1940 Act to act as a custodian and has been
designated by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose)
registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee
of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form
for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a U.S.
Securities System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in
Section 2.8 hereof; (c) in the case of repurchase agreements entered
into between the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the Custodian,
or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i)
against delivery of the securities either in certificate form or
through an entry crediting the Custodian's account at the Federal
Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii) against delivery of the
receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of securities owned by
the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by the
Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Portfolio; or (d)
for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,
whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to
receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank
pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund as defined herein;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities
owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued as set forth in
Section 3 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments for
the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes, management,
accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and operating expenses of
the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or part
capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares declared pursuant to the
governing documents of the Fund;
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6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For delivery as initial or variation margin in connection with
futures or options on futures contracts entered into by the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio;
8) For delivery to one or more co-custodians appointed by the Fund and
communicated to the Custodian by Proper Instructions, including
Schedule A (as may be amended from time to time) attached to this
Agreement, duly executed by two authorized officers of the Fund, for
the purpose of engaging in repurchase agreement transactions (each,
a "Repo Custodian"), which delivery may be made without
contemporaneous receipt by the Custodian of assets in exchange
therefor, and upon which delivery to such Repo Custodian in
accordance with Proper Instructions from the Fund, the Custodian
shall have no further responsibility or obligation to the Fund as a
custodian for the Fund with respect to the monies so delivered (each
such delivery, a "free trade"); and
9) For any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions
from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio specifying the amount of
such payment and naming the person or persons to whom such payment
is to be made.
SECTION 2.7 APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS. The Custodian may at any time or times
in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the 1940 Act to act as a custodian, as
its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Section 2 as the Custodian
may from time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities
hereunder.
SECTION 2.8 DEPOSIT OF FUND ASSETS IN U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEMS. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a U.S.
Securities System in compliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 of the 1940
Act, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 2.9 SEGREGATED ACCOUNT. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions on behalf of each applicable Portfolio establish and maintain a
segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such Portfolio, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities, including
securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.8
hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Exchange 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 CFTC or any registered contract market), or of any
similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by the Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating
cash or government securities in connection with options purchased, sold or
written by the Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon
purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the
Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No.
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10666, or any subsequent release of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC"), or interpretative opinion of the staff of the SEC, relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies, and (iv)
for any other purpose upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio.
SECTION 2.10 OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATES FOR TAX PURPOSES. The Custodian shall
execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and
state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection
with transfers of securities.
SECTION 2.11 PROXIES. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic
securities held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered
holder of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in
the name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Portfolio such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials
and all notices relating to such securities.
SECTION 2.12 COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Subject to
the provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund
for each Portfolio all written information (including, without limitation,
pendency of calls and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of
rights in connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures
contracts purchased or sold by the Portfolio) received by the Custodian from
issuers of the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect to tender
or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Portfolio all
written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities
whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or its agents) making the
tender or exchange offer. If the Portfolio desires to take action with respect
to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the
Portfolio shall notify the Custodian at least three business days prior to the
date on which the Custodian is to take such action.
SECTION 3. PAYMENTS FOR SALES OR REPURCHASES OR REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from the
Transfer Agent and deposit into the account of the appropriate Portfolio such
payments as are received for Shares thereof issued or sold from time to time by
the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to the Fund on behalf
of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments
for Shares of such Portfolio.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for
payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request
for redemption or repurchase of their Shares in accordance with such procedures
and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and
the Custodian.
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SECTION 4. PROPER INSTRUCTIONS
Proper Instructions, which may also be standing instructions, as used throughout
this Agreement, shall mean instructions received by the Custodian from the Fund,
the Fund's investment manager, or a person or entity duly authorized by either
of them. Such instructions may be in writing signed by the authorized person or
persons or may be in a tested communication or in a communication utilizing
access codes effected between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or may be
by such other means and utilizing such intermediary systems and utilities as may
be agreed to from time to time by the Custodian and the person or entity giving
such instructions, provided that the Fund has followed any security procedures
agreed to from time to time by the Fund and the Custodian. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them
to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect
to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be
confirmed in writing. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall
include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any multi-party
agreement which requires a segregated asset account in accordance with Section
2.9 of this Agreement. The Fund or the Fund's investment manager shall cause its
duly authorized officer to certify to the Custodian in writing the names and
specimen signatures of persons authorized to give Proper Instructions. The
Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon the identity and authority of such
persons until it receives notice from the Fund to the contrary.
SECTION 5. ACTIONS PERMITTED WITHOUT EXPRESS AUTHORITY
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the Fund on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this
Agreement, provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other
dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as
otherwise directed by the Board.
SECTION 6. EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it to be
genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the Fund. The
Custodian may receive and accept a copy of a resolution certified by the
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Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Fund ("Certified Resolution") as
conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person to act in accordance with
such resolution or (b) of any determination or of any action by the Board as
described in such resolution, and such resolution may be considered as in full
force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the
contrary.
SECTION 7. RECORDS
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all
records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement in such
manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the 1940 Act, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder.
All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during
the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of
the SEC. The Custodian shall, at the Fund's request, supply the Fund with a
tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and
shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be
agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in
such tabulations.
SECTION 8. OPINION OF FUND'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to year
favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect to its
activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A,
and Form N-CSR or other annual reports to the SEC and with respect to any other
requirements thereof.
SECTION 9. REPORTS TO FUND BY INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios at
such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by independent
public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained in a U.S. Securities
System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement;
such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as may
reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any
material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are
no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
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SECTION 10. COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its services and expenses as
Custodian, as detailed in Schedule B attached hereto. The fee schedule may be
changed upon written agreement between the parties.
SECTION 11. RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care, the
Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any
property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant
to this Agreement and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice, request,
consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to be genuine
and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any futures
commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party futures or
options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable
care in carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, but shall be kept
indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any action taken
or omitted by it in good faith without negligence, including, without
limitation, acting in accordance with any Proper Instruction. It shall be
entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for
the Fund) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action
reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
Except as may arise from the Custodian's own bad faith, negligence or willful
misconduct or the bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct of a sub-custodian
or agent, the Custodian shall be without liability to the Fund for any loss,
liability, claim or expense resulting from or caused by; (i) events or
circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian or any
sub-custodian or Securities System or any agent or nominee of any of the
foregoing, including, without limitation, the interruption, suspension or
restriction of trading on or the closure of any securities market, power or
other mechanical or technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or
communications disruptions, work stoppages, natural disasters, or other similar
events or acts; (ii) errors by the Fund or its duly-authorized investment
manager or investment advisor in their instructions to the Custodian provided
such instructions have been given in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) the
insolvency of or acts or omissions by a Securities System; (iv) any delay or
failure of any broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or other commercially
prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian's sub-custodian
or agent securities purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection
with securities sold; (v) any delay or failure of any company, corporation, or
other body in charge of registering or transferring securities in the name of
the Custodian, the Fund, the Custodian's sub-custodians, nominees or agents or
any consequential losses arising out of such delay or failure to transfer such
securities including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other
accretions or benefits; (vi) delays or inability to perform its duties due to
any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security or
Securities System; and (vii) any provision of any present or future law or
regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or
any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent
jurisdiction.
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If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any action
with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or which
action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its
nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment of
money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action,
shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to
it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents, to
advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited to
securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) or in
the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Agreement, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall
be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly,
the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such
Portfolio's assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or consequential
damages.
SECTION 12. EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
This Agreement shall become effective as of February 28, 2005, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than sixty (60) days
after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however, that the Fund
shall not amend or terminate this Agreement in contravention of any applicable
federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation, and further provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of
the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board (i) substitute another
bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as described above to
the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Agreement in the event of the
appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of
the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an
appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Agreement, the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for its
costs, expenses and disbursements.
SECTION 13. SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN
If a successor custodian for one or more Portfolios shall be appointed by the
Board, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor
custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for
transfer, all securities of each applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder
and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the
securities of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System.
11
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like
manner, upon receipt of a Certified Resolution, deliver at the office of the
Custodian and transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance
with such resolution.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
Certified Resolution shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the
date when such termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have
the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in
the 1940 Act, of its own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and
undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than
$25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all instruments held by the Custodian
relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Agreement on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio, and to transfer to an account of such
successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in any
Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor
of the Custodian under this Agreement.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the Certified Resolution to appoint a successor
custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services
during such period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds
and other properties and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties
and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 14. INTERPRETIVE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and the Fund
on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such
provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as
may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this
Agreement. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing
signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no such
interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable federal or
state regulations or any provision of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation. No
interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence
shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.
SECTION 15. ADDITIONAL FUNDS
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in addition
to Commonwealth Cash Reserve Fund, CCRF Federal Portfolio, and SNAP(R) Fund with
respect to which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian
under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the
Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares
shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
12
SECTION 16. VIRGINIA LAW TO APPLY
This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under
and in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
SECTION 17. PRIOR AGREEMENTS
This Agreement supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
Agreements between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the
Custodian relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
SECTION 18. NOTICES.
Any notice, instruction or other instrument required to be given hereunder may
be delivered in person to the offices of the parties as set forth herein during
normal business hours or delivered prepaid registered mail or by telex, cable or
telecopy to the parties at the following addresses or such other addresses as
may be notified by any party from time to time.
To the Fund: COMMONWEALTH CASH RESERVE FUND, INC.
c/o PFM Asset Management LLC
Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
X. Xxxxx and Market Streets
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx
Telephone: 000-000-0000
Telecopy: 000-000-0000
To the Custodian: WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Institutional Trust Services, PA____
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx Street, [8th ]Floor
Xxxxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attention: [Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx]
Telephone: 215-670-[7800]
Telecopy: 215-670-[4797]
Such notice, instruction or other instrument shall be deemed to have been served
in the case of a registered letter at the expiration of five business days after
posting, in the case of cable twenty-four hours after dispatch and, in the case
of telex, immediately on dispatch and if delivered outside normal business hours
it shall be deemed to have been received at the next time after delivery when
normal business hours commence and in the case of cable, telex or telecopy on
the business day after the receipt thereof. Evidence that the notice was
properly addressed, stamped and put into the post shall be conclusive evidence
of posting.
13
SECTION 19. REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS
This Agreement and all schedules, addenda, exhibits, attachments and amendments
hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm,
micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto
all/each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the
original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the
original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a
party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or
further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in
evidence.
SECTION 20. SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS ELECTION
SEC Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold securities for the account of customers
to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and
holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank
unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this
information. In order to comply with the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to
indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide the Fund's name,
address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund
owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian "no", the Custodian will not provide this
information to requesting companies. If the Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or
does not check either "yes" or "no" below, the Custodian is required by the rule
to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all
securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund.
For the Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits the requesting company from using
the Fund's name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications.
Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of
the alternatives below.
YES |_| The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name, address, and
share positions.
NO |X| The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name, address,
and share positions.
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of ___________________, 2005.
COMMONWEALTH CASH RESERVE FUND SIGNATURE ATTESTED TO BY:
FUND, INC.
By: _________________________ By: _________________________
Name: _________________________ Name: _________________________
Title: _________________________ Title: _________________________
WACHOVIA BANK,NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SIGNATURE ATTESTED TO BY:
By: _________________________ By: _________________________
Name: _________________________ Name: _________________________
Title: _________________________ Title: _________________________
SCHEDULE A
to
Custodian Contract dated February 28, 2005
between
Wachovia Bank, National Association and
Commonwealth Cash Reserve Fund, Inc.
TRI-PARTY REPO CUSTODIAN BANKS ACCOUNT NUMBERS
XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx Bank CCRF
The Bank of New York UID# JHU
Authorized Signatures:
By: _________________________ By: _________________________
Name: _________________________ Name: _________________________
Title: _________________________ Title: _________________________
SCHEDULE B
to
Custodian Contract dated February 28, 2005
between
Wachovia Bank, National Association and
Commonwealth Cash Reserve Fund, Inc.
Fee Schedule
Annual Administrative Fee: .4 basis points of market value
Transaction Fee: $10 per security transaction
