DISTRIBUTION
AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as of April 16, 2018, between USCF Mutual Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust
(the “Trust”), and ALPS Distributors, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ALPS”).
WHEREAS,
the Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940
Act”), presently consisting of one or more portfolios (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”);
WHEREAS,
ALPS is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and a member of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority, Inc.;
WHEREAS,
the Trust and ALPS are parties to a distribution agreement, as amended, attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (“Prior Distribution
Agreement”);
WHEREAS,
on January 11, 2018, DST Systems, Inc. (“DST”), the ultimate parent company of ALPS (as of that date), announced that
it had entered into a definitive agreement under which SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (“SS&C”) will acquire
all of the outstanding common stock of DST (the “Transaction”);
WHEREAS,
upon completion of the Transaction, SS&C will have indirect controlling interest in ALPS and, as such, the Transaction may
result in an “assignment” (as such term is defined under the 0000 Xxx) of the Prior Distribution Agreement;
WHEREAS,
under the 1940 Act, an assignment includes any direct or indirect transfer of a controlling block of an entity’s voting
securities and, as a result of an assignment, the Prior Distribution Agreement may be deemed terminated; and
WHEREAS,
in light of the possible assignment and change in control of ALPS in connection with the Transaction, ALPS and the Trust wish
to enter into this Agreement effective upon close of the Transaction.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows.
| 1. | Appointment.
The Trust hereby appoints ALPS to provide the distribution services set forth in the
Prior Distribution Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit 1. |
| 2. | Incorporation.
Except as provided below in Section 3, all terms, conditions, representations, warranties
and covenants contained in the Prior Distribution Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit
1, are incorporated herein by reference. |
| (a) | To
the extent any defined term within the main body of this Agreement (“Main Body”;
for the avoidance of doubt, the term “Main Body” excludes Exhibit 1
and any future exhibit to this Agreement (each, a “Future Exhibit”)) conflicts
with a defined term provided in Exhibit 1, the defined term included in the Main
Body shall control and the conflicting defined term within Exhibit 1 is hereby
replaced with the defined term contained within the Main Body. |
| (b) | To
the extent there is any other conflict between the Main Body and Exhibit 1, the
Main Body shall control. |
| (c) | To
the extent there is a conflict between Exhibit 1 and a Future Exhibit, the Future
Exhibit shall control. |
| 4. | Duration
and Termination of this Agreement. |
| (a) | Initial
Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above (the
“Start Date”) and shall continue thereafter throughout the period that ends
two (2) years after the Start Date (the “Initial Term”). |
| (b) | Renewal
Term. If not sooner terminated, this Agreement shall renew at the end of the Initial
Term and shall thereafter continue for successive annual periods, provided such continuance
is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Trust’s Board of Trustees
or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant
Fund of the Trust, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by
the majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons (as defined
in the 0000 Xxx) of any party to this Agreement by vote cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval. If a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act
is in effect (where applicable), continuance of the plan and this Agreement must be approved
at least annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons
(as defined in the 0000 Xxx) and have no financial interest in the operation of such
plan or in any agreements related to such plan, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval. |
| (c) | This
Agreement is terminable on sixty (60) days’ written notice by the Trust’s
Board of Trustees, by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the relevant Fund of the Trust, or by ALPS. |
| (d) | Deliveries
Upon Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement, ALPS agrees to cooperate in
the orderly transfer of distribution duties and shall deliver to the Trust or as otherwise
directed by the Trust (at the expense of the Trust) all records and other documents made
or accumulated in the performance of its duties for the Trust hereunder. In the event
ALPS gives notice of termination under this Agreement, it will continue to provide the
services contemplated hereunder after such termination at the contractual rate for up
to 120 days, provided that the Trust uses all reasonable commercial efforts to appoint
such replacement on a timely basis. |
| 5. | Assignment.
This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined
in the 1940 Act). This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust without the prior
written consent of ALPS. |
| 6. | Amendments.
This Agreement may only be amended by the parties in writing. |
| 7. | Governing
Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance
with the laws of the State of Colorado and the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. To
the extent that the laws of the State of Colorado conflict with the 1940 Act or such
rules, the latter shall control. |
| 8. | Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of counterparts, and
all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same
instrument. |
| 9. | Entire
Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding among the
parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject
matter hereof; provided, however, that ALPS may embody in one or more separate documents
its agreement, if any, with respect to delegated duties and oral instruction. |
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
|
USCF
MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST |
|
|
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By: |
/s/
Xxxx Xxxx |
|
Name:
Xxxx Xxxx |
|
Title:
President |
|
|
|
ALPS
DISTRIBUTORS, INC. |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Name: Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx |
|
Title:
Senior Vice President & Director of
Distribution Services |
EXHIBIT
1
[Prior
Distribution Agreement]
DISTRIBUTION
AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT is made as of November 8, 2016, between USCF Mutual Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”),
and ALPS Distributors, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ALPS”).
WHEREAS,
the Trust is an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, presently consisting
of the portfolios listed in Appendix A (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”);
WHEREAS,
ALPS is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) and a member of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”); and
WHEREAS,
the Trust wishes to employ the services of ALPS in connection with the promotion and distribution of Fund shares (the “Shares”).
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows.
| 1. | ALPS
Appointment and Duties. |
| (a) | The
Trust hereby appoints ALPS to provide the distribution services set forth in this Agreement
on Appendix B, as amended from time to time, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth. ALPS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such specified
services. ALPS shall for all purposes be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall,
except as otherwise expressly authorized in this Agreement, have no authority to act
for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or
a Fund. |
| (b) | ALPS
may employ or associate itself with a person or persons or organizations as ALPS believes
to be desirable in the performance of its duties hereunder; provided that, in such event,
the compensation of such person or persons or organizations shall be paid by and be the
sole responsibility of ALPS, and the Trust shall bear no cost or obligation with respect
thereto; and provided further that ALPS shall not be relieved of any of its obligations
under this Agreement in such event and shall be responsible for all acts of any such
person or persons or organizations taken in furtherance of this Agreement to the same
extent it would be for its own acts. |
| 2. | ALPS
Compensation; Expenses. |
| (a) | ALPS
will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this
Agreement, except as otherwise provided herein. ALPS will not bear any of the costs of
Fund personnel. Other Fund expenses incurred shall be borne by the Trust or the Fund’s
investment adviser, including, but not limited to, initial organization and offering
expenses; the blue sky registration and qualification of Shares for sale in the various
states in which the officers of the Trust shall determine it advisable to qualify such
Shares for sale (including registering the Fund as a broker or dealer or any officer
of the Trust as agent or salesman in any state); litigation expenses; taxes; costs of
preferred shares; expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing
Fund shares; administration, transfer agency, and custodial expenses; interest; Trust
or trustees’ fees; brokerage fees and commissions; state and federal registration
fees; advisory fees; insurance premiums; fidelity bond premiums; Trust and investment
advisory related legal expenses; costs of maintenance of Trust existence; printing and
delivery of materials in connection with meetings of the Trust’s trustees; printing
and mailing of shareholder reports, prospectuses, statements of additional information,
other offering documents and supplements, proxy materials, and other communications to
shareholders; securities pricing data and expenses in connection with electronic filings
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). |
| 3. | Documents.
The Trust has furnished or will furnish, upon request, ALPS with copies of the Trust’s
Declaration of Trust, advisory agreement, custodian agreement, transfer agency agreement,
administration agreement, current prospectus, statement of additional information, periodic
Fund reports, and all forms relating to any plan, program or service offered by the Trust.
The Trust shall furnish, within a reasonable time period, to ALPS a copy of any amendment
or supplement to any of the above-mentioned documents. Upon request, the Trust shall
furnish promptly to ALPS any additional documents necessary or advisable to perform its
functions hereunder. As used in this Agreement the terms “registration statement,”
“prospectus” and “statement of additional information” shall
mean any registration statement, prospectus and statement of additional information filed
by the Trust with the SEC and any amendments and supplements thereto that are filed with
the SEC. |
| (a) | The
Trust grants to ALPS the right to sell the Shares as agent on behalf of the Trust, during
the term of this Agreement, subject to the registration requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the “1940 Act”), and of the laws governing the sale of securities
in the various states (“Blue Sky Laws”), under the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement. ALPS shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the
Trust, the Shares covered by the registration statement, prospectus and statement of
additional information for the Fund then in effect under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act. |
| (b) | The
rights granted to ALPS shall be exclusive, except that the Trust reserves the right to
sell Shares directly to investors on applications received and accepted by the Fund. |
| (c) | Except
as otherwise noted in the Trust’s current prospectus and/or statement of additional
information, all Shares sold to investors by ALPS or the Trust will be sold at the public
offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the
net asset value per Share, as determined in the manner described in the Fund’s
current prospectus and/or statement of additional information. |
| (d) | The
Trust shall receive the net asset value per Share on all sales. If a fee in connection
with shareholder redemptions is in effect, such fee will be paid to the Fund. The net
asset value of the Shares will be calculated by the Trust or by another entity on behalf
of the Fund. ALPS has no duty to inquire into, or liability for, the accuracy of the
net asset value per Share as calculated. |
| (e) | The
Trust reserves the right to suspend sales and ALPS’ authority to process orders
for Shares on behalf of the Fund if, in the judgment of the Trust, it is in the best
interests of the Fund to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined
by the Trust. |
| (f) | In
consideration of these rights granted to ALPS, ALPS agrees to use its best efforts to
solicit orders for the sale of the Shares at the public offering price and will undertake
such advertising and promotion as it believes is reasonable in connection with such solicitation.
ALPS shall review and file such materials with the SEC and/or FINRA to the extent required
by the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and by the
rules of FINRA. This shall not prevent ALPS from entering into like arrangements (including
arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. ALPS
will act only on its own behalf as principal should it choose to enter into selling agreements
with selected dealers or others. |
| (g) | ALPS
is not authorized by the Trust to give any information or to make any representations
other than those contained in the registration statement or prospectus and statement
of additional information, or contained in shareholder reports or other material that
may be prepared by or on behalf of the Trust for ALPS’ use. Consistent with the
foregoing, ALPS may prepare and distribute sales literature or other material as it may
deem appropriate in consultation with the Trust, provided such sales literature complies
with applicable law and regulations. |
| (h) | The
Trust agrees that it will take all action necessary to register the Shares under the
1933 Act and the 1940 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders). The
Trust shall make available to ALPS, at ALPS’ expense, such number of copies of
its prospectus, statement of additional information, and periodic reports as ALPS may
reasonably request. The Trust shall furnish to ALPS copies of all information, financial
statements and other papers, which ALPS may reasonably request for use in connection
with the distribution of Shares of the Fund. |
| (i) | The
Trust agrees to execute any and all documents and to furnish any and all information
and otherwise to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection with
the qualification of the Shares for sale in such states as ALPS may designate. |
| (j) | The
Trust shall not use the name of ALPS, or any of its affiliates, in any prospectus or
statement of additional information, sales literature, and other material relating to
the Trust in any manner without the prior written consent of ALPS (which shall not be
unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that ALPS hereby approves all lawful uses
of the names of ALPS and its affiliates in the prospectus and statement of additional
information of the Trust and in all other materials which merely refer in accurate terms
to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, OCC
or any state securities authority. |
| (k) | Neither
ALPS nor any of its affiliates shall use the name of the Trust in any publicly disseminated
materials, including sales literature, in any manner without the prior consent of the
Trust (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that the Trust hereby
approves all lawful uses of its name in any required regulatory filings of ALPS which
merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of ALPS hereunder, or which are required
by the SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, OCC or any state securities authority. |
| (l) | ALPS
will promptly transmit any orders received by it for purchase, redemption, or exchange
of the Shares to the Fund’s transfer agent. |
| (m) | The
Trust agrees to issue Shares of the Fund and to request The Depository Trust Company
to record on its books the ownership of such Shares in accordance with the book-entry
system procedures described in the prospectus in such amounts as ALPS has requested through
the transfer agent in writing or other means of data transmission, as promptly as practicable
after receipt by the Trust of the requisite deposit securities and cash component (together
with any fees) and acceptance of such order, upon the terms described in the Registration
Statement. |
| (n) | The
Trust agrees that it will take all action necessary to register an indefinite number
of Shares under the 0000 Xxx. The Trust shall make available to ALPS, at ALPS’
expense, such number of copies of its prospectus, statement of additional information,
and periodic reports as ALPS may reasonably request. The Trust will furnish to ALPS copies
of all information, financial statements and other papers, which ALPS may reasonably
request. |
| (o) | The
Trust agrees to execute any and all documents and to furnish any and all information
and otherwise to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection with
the qualification of the Shares for sale in such states as ALPS may designate. The Trust
will keep ALPS informed of the jurisdictions in which Shares of the Fund are authorized
for sale and shall promptly notify ALPS of any change in this information. |
| 5. | Insurance.
ALPS agrees to maintain fidelity bond and liability insurance coverages which are, in
scope and amount, consistent with coverages customary for distribution activities relating
to the Trust. ALPS shall notify the Trust upon receipt of any notice of material, adverse
change in the terms or provisions of its insurance coverage. Such notification shall
include the date of change and the reason or reasons therefor. ALPS shall notify the
Trust of any material claims against it, whether or not covered by insurance, and shall
notify the Trust from time to time as may be appropriate of the total outstanding claims
made by it under its insurance coverage. |
| 6. | Right
to Receive Advice. |
| (a) | Advice
of the Trust and Service Providers. If ALPS is in doubt as to any action it should
or should not take, ALPS may request directions, advice, or instructions from the Trust
or, as applicable, the Fund’s investment adviser, custodian, or other service providers. |
| (b) | Advice
of Counsel. If ALPS is in doubt as to any question of law pertaining to any action
it should or should not take, ALPS may, at its expense, request advice from counsel of
its own choosing (who may be counsel for the Trust, the Fund’s investment adviser,
or ALPS, at the option of ALPS). |
| (c) | Conflicting
Advice. In the event of a conflict between directions, advice or instructions ALPS
receives from the Trust or any service provider and the advice ALPS receives from counsel,
ALPS may in its sole discretion rely upon and follow the advice of counsel. ALPS will
provide the Trust with prior written notice of its intent to follow advice of counsel
that is materially inconsistent with directions, advice or instructions from the Trust.
Upon request, ALPS will provide the Trust with a copy of such advice of counsel. |
| 7. | Standard
of Care; Limitation of Liability; Indemnification. |
| (a) | ALPS
shall be obligated to act in good faith and to exercise commercially reasonable care
and diligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. |
| (b) | In
the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard
by ALPS in the performance of its duties, obligations, or responsibilities set forth
in this Agreement, ALPS and its affiliates, including their respective officers, directors,
agents, and employees, shall not be liable for, and the Trust agrees to indemnify, defend
and hold harmless such persons from, all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims,
and liabilities (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and
disbursements and liabilities arising under applicable federal and state laws) arising
directly or indirectly from the following: |
| (i) | the
inaccuracy of factual information furnished to ALPS by the Trust or the Fund’s
investment adviser, custodians, or other service providers; |
| (ii) | any
untrue statement of a material fact or omission of a material fact required to be stated
or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading under the 1933 Act, the 1940
Act, or any other statute or the common law, in any registration statement, prospectus,
statement of additional information, shareholder report, or other information filed or
made public by the Trust (as amended from time to time), except to the extent the statement
or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished
to the Trust by or on behalf of ALPS; |
| (iii) | any
wrongful act of the Trust or any of its employees; |
| (iv) | any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection
with the matters to which this Agreement relates; |
| (v) | losses,
delays, failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring directly or indirectly
by reason of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation,
acts of God, action or inaction of civil or military authority, war, terrorism, riot,
fire, flood, sabotage, labor disputes, elements of nature, or non-performance by a third
party; |
| (vi) | any
liability of ALPS resulting from a representation, covenant or warranty that ALPS makes,
or any indemnification that ALPS provides, on behalf of the Trust or a Fund in an intermediary
agreement relating to a Fund; |
| (vii) | ALPS’
reliance on any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information provided
by the Trust or the Fund’s investment adviser or custodian or any authorized third
party on behalf of the Fund that ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine; |
| (viii) | loss
of data or service interruptions caused by equipment failure other than a failure by
ALPS; or |
| (ix) | any
other action or omission to act which ALPS reasonably and properly takes in connection
with the provision of services to the Trust. |
| (c) | ALPS
shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Fund’s investment adviser and
their respective officers, directors, trustees, agents, and employees from and against
any and all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims, and liabilities (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements and liabilities
arising under applicable federal and state laws) arising directly or indirectly from
ALPS’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard in
the performance of its duties, obligations, or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement. |
| (d) | Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither party shall be liable under this
Agreement to the other party hereto for any punitive, consequential, special or indirect
losses or damages. Any indemnification payable by a party to this Agreement shall be
net of insurance maintained by the indemnified party as of the time the claim giving
rise to indemnity hereunder is alleged to have arisen to the extent it covers such claim. |
| 8. | Activities
of ALPS. The services of ALPS under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive,
and ALPS shall be free to render similar services to others. The Trust recognizes that
from time to time directors, officers and employees of ALPS may serve as directors, officers
and employees of other corporations or businesses (including other investment companies)
and that such other corporations and businesses may include ALPS as part of their name
and that ALPS or its affiliates may enter into distribution agreements or other agreements
with such other corporations and businesses. |
| 9. | Accounts
and Records. The accounts and records maintained by ALPS shall be the property of
the Trust. ALPS shall prepare, maintain and preserve such accounts and records as required
by the 1940 Act and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations. ALPS shall
surrender such accounts and records to the Trust, in the form in which such accounts
and records have been maintained or preserved, promptly upon receipt of instructions
from the Trust. The Trust shall have access to such accounts and records at all times
during ALPS’ normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, copies
of any such books and records shall be provided by ALPS to the Trust at the Trust’s
expense. ALPS shall assist the Trust, the Trust’s independent auditors, or, upon
approval of the Trust, any regulatory body, in any requested review of the Trust’s
accounts and records, and reports by ALPS or its independent accountants concerning its
accounting system and internal auditing controls will be open to such entities for audit
or inspection upon reasonable request. ALPS or its undersigned as defined by Rule 17a-4
of the Securities and Exchange Act (the “Exchange Act”), shall have access
to all electronic communications, including password access to the system storing the
electronic communications, of registered representatives of ALPS that are associated
with the Trust and are required to be maintained under Rule 17a-4 of the Exchange Act
and FINRA Rules 3110 and 3010. Electronic storage media maintained by the Trust will
comply with Rule 17a-4 of the Exchange Act. |
| 10. | Confidential
and Proprietary Information. ALPS agrees that it will, on behalf of itself and its
officers and employees, treat all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all
records and information relative to the Trust and its current and former shareholders
and other information germane thereto, as confidential and as proprietary information
of the Trust and not to use, sell, transfer, or divulge such information or records to
any person for any purpose other than performance of its duties hereunder, except after
prior notification to and approval in writing from the Trust. Approval may not be withheld
where ALPS may be exposed to civil, regulatory, or criminal proceedings for failure to
comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or
when requested by the Trust. When requested to divulge such information by duly constituted
authorities, ALPS shall use reasonable commercial efforts to request confidential treatment
of such information. ALPS 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 current and former shareholders. |
| 11. | Compliance
with Rules and Regulations. ALPS shall comply (and to the extent ALPS takes or is
required to take action on behalf of the Trust hereunder shall cause the Trust to comply)
with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules, regulations,
orders and code of ethics, as well as all investment restrictions, policies and procedures
adopted by the Trust of which ALPS has knowledge (it being understood that ALPS is deemed
to have knowledge of all investment restrictions, policies or procedures set out in the
Trust’s public filings or otherwise provided to ALPS). Except as set out in this
Agreement, ALPS assumes no responsibility for such compliance by the Trust. ALPS shall
maintain at all times a program reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal
securities laws (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 0000 Xxx) with respect to the services
provided, and shall provide to the Trust a certification to such effect no less than
annually or as otherwise reasonably requested by the Trust. ALPS shall make available
its compliance personnel and shall provide at its own expense summaries and other relevant
materials relating to such program as reasonably requested by the Trust. |
| 12. | Representations
and Warranties of ALPS. ALPS represents and warrants to the Trust that: |
| (a) | It
is duly organized and existing as a corporation and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Colorado. |
| (b) | It
is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to
enter into and perform this Agreement. |
| (c) | All
requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform
this Agreement. |
| (d) | It
has and will continue to have access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel
to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement in accordance with industry
standards. |
| (e) | ALPS
has conducted a review of its supervisory controls system and has made available to the
Trust the most current report of such review and any updates thereto. Every time ALPS
conducts a review of its supervisory control system it will make available to the Trust
for inspection a report of such review and any updates thereto. ALPS shall immediately
notify the Trust of any changes in how it conducts its business that would materially
change the results of its most recent review of its supervisory controls system and any
other changes to ALPS’ business that would affect the business of the Trust or
the Fund’s investment adviser. |
| 13. | Representations
and Warranties of the Trust. The Trust represents and warrants to ALPS that: |
| (a) | It
is a trust duly formed under the laws of the state of Delaware and is in good standing
and has a legal existence under the laws of the state of Delaware and is registered with
the SEC as an open-end management investment company. |
| (b) | It
is empowered under applicable laws and by its Declaration of Trust to enter into and
perform this Agreement. |
| (c) | The
Board of Trustees of the Trust has duly authorized it to enter into and perform this
Agreement. |
| (d) | Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Trust agrees not to make any modifications
to its registration statement or adopt any policies which would affect materially the
obligations or responsibilities of ALPS hereunder without the prior written approval
or ALPS, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. |
| 14. | Consultation
Between the Parties. ALPS and the Trust shall regularly consult with each other regarding
ALPS’ performance of its obligations under this Agreement. In connection therewith,
the Trust shall submit to ALPS at a reasonable time in advance of filing with the SEC
reasonably final copies of any amended or supplemented registration statement (including
exhibits) under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act; provided, however, that nothing contained
in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Trust’s right to file at any time
such amendments to any registration statement and/or supplements to any prospectus or
statement of additional information, of whatever character, as the Trust may deem advisable,
such right being in all respects absolute and unconditional. |
| 15. | Anti-Money
Laundering. ALPS agrees to maintain an anti-money laundering program in compliance
with Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools
Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”)
and all applicable laws and regulations promulgated thereunder. ALPS confirms that, as
soon as possible, following the request from the Trust, ALPS will supply the Trust with
copies of ALPS’ anti-money laundering policy and procedures, and such other relevant
certifications and representations regarding such policy and procedures as the Trust
may reasonably request from time to time. ALPS will provide, to the Trust, any Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) request received pursuant to USA Patriot Act Section
314(a), which the Trust may then provide to its transfer agent. |
| 16. | Business
Interruption Plan. ALPS shall maintain in effect a business interruption plan, and
enter into any agreements necessary with appropriate parties making reasonable provisions
for emergency use of electronic data processing equipment customary in the industry.
In the event of equipment failures, ALPS shall, at no additional expense to the Trust,
take commercially reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions. |
| 17. | Duration
and Termination of this Agreement. |
| (a) | Initial
Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of the later of the date first written
above or the commencement of operations of the Trust (the “Start Date”) and
shall continue thereafter throughout the period that ends two (2) years after the Start
Date (the “Initial Term”). |
| (b) | Renewal
Term. If not sooner terminated, this Agreement shall renew at the end of the Initial
Term and shall thereafter continue for successive annual periods, provided such continuance
is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Trust’s Board of Trustees
or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant
portfolio of the Trust, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved
by the majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons (as defined
in the 0000 Xxx) of any party to this Agreement by vote cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval. If a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act
is in effect, continuance of the plan and this Agreement must be approved at least annually
by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons (as defined
in the 0000 Xxx) and have no financial interest in the operation of such plan or in any
agreements related to such plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. |
| (c) | This
Agreement is terminable without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice by the
Trust’s Board of Trustees, by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the relevant portfolio of the Trust, or by ALPS. |
| (d) | Deliveries
Upon Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement, ALPS agrees to cooperate in
the orderly transfer of distribution duties and shall deliver to the Trust or as otherwise
directed by the Trust (at the expense of the Trust) all records and other documents made
or accumulated in the performance of its duties for the Trust hereunder. In the event
ALPS gives notice of termination under this Agreement, it will continue to provide the
services contemplated hereunder after such termination at the contractual rate for up
to 120 days, provided that the Trust uses all reasonable commercial efforts to appoint
such replacement on a timely basis. |
| 18. | Assignment.
This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined
in the 1940 Act). This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust without the prior
written consent of ALPS. |
| 19. | Governing
Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance
with the laws of the State of Colorado and the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. To
the extent that the laws of the State of Colorado conflict with the 1940 Act or such
rules, the latter shall control. |
| 20. | Names.
The obligations of the Trust entered into in the name or on behalf thereof by any director,
shareholder, representative, or agent thereof are made not individually, but in such
capacities, and are not binding upon any of the directors, trustees, shareholders, representatives
or agents of the Trust personally, but bind only the property of the Trust, and all persons
dealing with the Trust must look solely to the property of the Trust for the enforcement
of any claims against the Trust. |
| 21. | Amendments
to this Agreement. This Agreement may only be amended by the parties in writing. |
| 22. | Notices.
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be deemed to
have been given when received or when sent by telex or facsimile, and shall be given
to the following addresses (or such other addresses as to which notice is given): |
|
To
ALPS:
ALPS
Distributors, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: General Counsel
Fax: (000) 000-0000
To
the Trust:
USCF
Mutual Funds Trust
c/o USCF Advisers LLC
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxx Xxxx, President and Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (000) 000-0000
Email: xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
With
a copy to:
Xxxxxxx
Xx, General Counsel
Tel: (000) 000-0000
Email: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
|
| 24. | Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of counterparts, and
all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same
instrument. |
| 25. | Entire
Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding among the
parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject
matter hereof; provided, however, that ALPS may embody in one or more separate documents
its agreement, if any, with respect to delegated duties and oral instructions. |
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
|
USCF
MUTUAL FUNDS TRUST |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
Xxxx Xxxx |
|
Name:
Xxxx Xxxx |
|
Title:
President/CEO |
|
|
|
ALPS
DISTRIBUTORS, INC. |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Title:
Senior Vice President
Director of Distribution Services |
APPENDIX
A
LIST
OF FUNDS
United
States Commodity Fund
APPENDIX
B
SERVICES
Act
as legal underwriter/distributor
Maintain
& supervise FINRA registrations for licensed individuals
-Client
access through online registered rep portal
-Coordinate Continuing Education requirements
-Administer & maintain required filings/licenses with FINRA
Provide
investment company advertising and sales literature review, approval and record maintenance
-Online
submission, review/approval, & real-time status updates through AVA Advertising Review Portal
-File required materials with FINRA
-Provide advertising regulatory and disclosure guidance
Prepare,
update, execute & maintain financial intermediary agreements
-Online
access provided through ALPS Virtual Access (AVA)
Administer
intermediary due diligence program
-Provide
ongoing monitoring of financial intermediary relationships
-Established risk ranking methodology & reporting
Perform
financial intermediary payments & reporting
Support
financial intermediary relations
-Consult
and support client’s distribution model & strategy
-Fulfill key account intermediary initial and ongoing information and due diligence requests
Amendment
No. 1 to Distribution Agreement
This
Amendment No. 1 to the Distribution Agreement (this “Amendment”), by and between USCF Mutual Funds Trust, a Delaware
statutory trust (the “Trust”), and ALPS Distributors, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ALPS”), is dated
as of January 13, 2017 (the “Effective Date”).
WHEREAS,
the Trust and ALPS entered into a Distribution Agreement dated as of November 8, 2016, as in effect prior to giving effect to
this Amendment (the “Agreement”); and
WHEREAS,
the Trust and ALPS wish to amend the Agreement to reflect a Fund name change.
NOW,
THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
1. APPENDIX
A - LIST OF FUNDS is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with a new APPENDIX A - LIST OF FUNDS attached
hereto.
2. Except
as specifically set forth herein, all other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Any items not herein
defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the Effective Date.
USCF MUTUAL FUNDS
TRUST |
ALPS
DISTRIBUTORS, INC. |
|
|
By: |
/s/
Xxxx X. Love |
|
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Name:
Xxxx X. Love |
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
Title:
President/CEO |
Title:
SVP & Director of Distribution
Services |
APPENDIX
A
LIST
OF FUNDS
USCF
Commodity Strategy Fund