FULLY DISCLOSED CLEARING AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.13
This
Fully Disclosed Clearing Agreement (the "Agreement") is executed and entered
into by and between First Southwest Company ("FSWC"), a Texas Corporation,
and
Charleston Capital ("CLAY')
This
Agreement will be deemed effective at 12:01 a.m. on the first day business
is
transacted hereunder.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS,
CLAY is
in the
process of registering or is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") as a broker-dealer of securities in accordance with Section
15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act") and is applying for
membership or is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. ("NASD"), and desires to enter into an agreement with FSWC for FSWC to
clear and maintain customer accounts on behalf of CLAY;
WHEREAS,
FSWC desires to enter into an agreement to provide clearing services and to
maintain cash, margin, option or other accounts ("Accounts") for CLAY or
customers ("Customers") of CLAY;
WHEREAS,
the parties intend that CLAY will
introduce certain of Customers to FSWC, and that FSWC, as an independent
contractor, may elect to clear and carry the Accounts of said Customers pursuant
to the terms and conditions hereof; and
WHEREAS,
the parties do not intend that a joint venture, partnership, or other similar
relationship be created as between them, but rather that each party will
maintain an independent relationship with the Customers whose Accounts are
introduced hereunder.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and of
the
guarantee of this Agreement by any guarantor(s), and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the
parties agree as follows:
1.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
CLAY
represents and warrants to FSWC that:
(a)
CLAY is
either
a corporation, a partnership, limited liability company or other entity as
specified on the signature page hereof, in either case dilly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation
or other formation.
(b)
CLAY has
all
the requisite authority in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations
to enter into this Agreement, to retain the services of FSWC in accordance
with
the terms hereof, and to perform its obligations hereunder.
(c)
CLAY shall
employ as a manager of its brokerage operation only a person who has all
requisite licenses and experience in compliance with applicable securities
laws
and regulations.
(d)
CLAY shall
duly employ only such sales and supervisory personnel ("Registered
Representatives") who have the requisite licenses and experience in compliance
with applicable securities laws and regulations.
(e)
CLAY has
advised FSWC of any arrangements in existence with any other firm for the
provision by such other firm of clearing services for any Customer Accounts
or
CLAY Accounts;
and satisfactory provisions have been made for the termination of any
such
arrangements in connection with the implementation of the clearing services
to
be provided by FSWC hereunder.
(t)
CLAY has,
if
applicable, informed FSWC of any independent agents or independent contractors
used in providing the services contemplated hereunder.
(g)
CLAY is
registered as a broker/dealer with the SEC and is in compliance with the rules
and regulations thereof, or is in the process of so registering.
(h)
CLAY is
a
member firm in good standing of the NASD and is in compliance with the rules
and
regulations thereof, or has applied for such membership.
FSWC
represents and warrants to CLAY that:
(a)
FSWC
is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws
of the state of Texas.
(b)
FSWC
is
registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and is in compliance with the rules
and regulations thereof.
(c)
FSWC
is a
member firm in good standing of the NASD and is in compliance with the rules
and
regulations thereof.
(d)
FSWC
is
in compliance with the rules and regulations of each national securities
exchange of which it is a member.
2.
CUSTOMER
AND CLAY ACCOUNTS
Responsibility
for compliance with the provisions of the Conduct Rules of the NASD regarding
Customer accounts shall be allocated between FSWC and CLAY
as
set
forth
below.
(a)
Opening,
Approving and Monitoring Customer Accounts.
(1)
Account
Documentation.
CLAY will
be
responsible for obtaining and verifying all required information and the
identity of each potential Customer. CLAY will
be
responsible for the maintenance and retention of all documents relating to
an
Account. CLAY hereby
acknowledges its obligation to retain said documents in an easily accessible
place for the requisite time periods in accordance with SEC rules and agrees
to
provide the original application by overnight delivery or a legible copy by
facsimile transmission of it within 24 hours of a request from FSWC. The
foregoing notwithstanding, New Account Agreements, Customer Margin and Short
Account Agreements and any other documents and/or Agreements as required by
FSWC
in the normal course of business shall be provided by CLAY to
FSWC
for maintenance and retention by FSWC. CLAY shall
forward completed documents, and copies of any other documents as specified
by
FSWC, to FSWC in accordance with FSWC's procedures. FSWC shall have no
responsibility for the verification of signatures or other information contained
on any such agreements or documentation, but shall retain the right, in any
instance where FSWC elects to do so, (i) to require CLAY to
verify
and authenticate to FSWC any such signatures or other information, or (ii)
reject any such agreement or documentation as insufficient or incomplete.
CLAY will
be
responsible for complying with the requirements of SEC Rule 15 g2-6, relating
to
transactions in xxxxx stocks, if applicable.
2
(2)
Knowledge
of Customer and Customer's Investment Objectives. CLAY will
be
responsible for learning and documenting all the facts relative to every
Customer necessary to insure compliance by CLAY
with
applicable
rules and regulations, including the information and instructions submitted
to
FSWC pursuant to Section 2(a)(I), any additional facts relative to the
Customer's investment objectives, and to the nature of every Customer Account,
every order and every person holding power of attorney over any Customer
Account. It shall be the responsibility of CLAY to
ensure
that those of its Customers who open or maintain Accounts hereunder shall not
be
minors; and CLAY will
not
accept Accounts for such persons as come within the express provisions of Rule
3050 of the Conduct Rules of the NASD, relating to transactions for or by
associated persons, unless CLAY
has
complied with the provisions of said Rule and, if applicable, provided evidence
of employer approval as required by said Rule. CLAY shall
be
solely responsible for any issues regarding the suitability of any investments
for CLAY’s Customers.
(3)
Acceptance
of Accounts. FSWC will execute orders for CLAY’s customers
whose
Accounts have been accepted by· FSWC through CLAY,
but
only
insofar as such orders are transmitted by CLAY
to
FSWC
through the FSWC on-line system or telephonically after CLAY’s appropriate
principals have accepted and approved said Accounts. CLAY
shall
be
responsible for notifying FSWC in writing of the identity of the persons
authorized to enter orders for CLAY and
its
customers; and until such notification is received, FSWC shall be fully
protected in relying on the incumbency and authority of all persons who
represent they are registered representatives of CLAY,
or
represent they are authorized to act for or on behalf of a registered
representative of CLAY,
without
investigation or inquiry of any kind by FSWC. Any person so identified to FSWC
as being authorized to enter orders shall be deemed to retain such authority
until such time as CLAY establishes
to the satisfaction of FSWC that such person is no longer employed by
CLAY.
Each
Customer and CLAY Account
approved by CLAY and
opened with FSWC shall be subject to FSWC's acceptance. CLAY will
not
submit any Customer for FSWC's acceptance unless FSWC's standards for the
establishment of an Account, as set forth in this Agreement, have been met.
FSWC
reserves the right to withhold acceptance of or to reject, for any reason,
any
Customer Account, CLAY Account
or any transaction for any Account and to terminate any Account previously
accepted by FSWC at any time, for any reason, and without approval of or notice
to CLAY.
Initial
acceptance of each Account shall be conditioned upon FSWC's receipt of completed
forms as required by Section 2(a)(I). CLAY shall
not
submit such forms with respect to any Customer Account unless CLA
Y
has
in
its possession the documentation of all information required pursuant to Section
2(a)(2). FSWC shall be under no obligation to accept any Account as to which
any
documentation required to be submitted to FSWC or maintained by CLAY pursuant
to Sections 2(a)(I) and 2(a)(2) is incomplete. Prior to acceptance of any
Account, no action taken by FSWC or any of its employees, including without
limitation, the clearing of a trade in any Account, shall be deemed to be or
shall constitute acceptance of such Account.
(4)
Compliance
Supervision. FSWC
will
not provide any compliance, supervision or enforcement support activities to
CLAY.
There
is
no written, verbal or implied agreement between FSWC and CLAY for
FSWC
to offer or provide these services. However, FSWC reserves the right to
investigate any CLAY client,
order or Account for the purposes of determining whether or not CLAY is,
in
fact, in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including
compliance with FSWC House Rules.
(5)
Supervision
of Orders and Accounts.
As
between FSWC and XXXX,
XXXX will
be
responsible for the review and supervision of, and the suitability of,
investments made by every Customer. CLAY shall
be
responsible for insuring that all transactions in and activities related to
all
Accounts opened by it with FSWC, including discretionary Accounts, will be
in
compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the United States,
the several states, governmental agencies, securities exchanges and the NASD,
including any laws relating to CLAY’s fiduciary
responsibilities to Customers, either under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 or otherwise; and in this connection, CLAY shall
diligently supervise the activities of its officers, employees and
representatives with respect to such Accounts. FSWC will perform the clearing
services provided for in this Agreement for Accounts accepted by it in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, as it may be amended from time
to
time, and otherwise in accordance with its judgment. To the extent, if any,
that
FSWC accepts from CLAY orders
for execution in accordance with Section 7(a), CLAY shall
be
responsible for informing FSWC of the location of the securities that are the
subject of the order so that FSWC may comply with the provisions of Rule 3110
of
the Conduct Rules of the NASD.
3
(b)
Extension
of Credit
The
division of responsibilities with respect to the extension of credit
is
set
forth in Section 3 of this Agreement.
(c)
Maintenance
of Books and Records.
The
division of responsibilities with respect to the maintenance
of books and records is set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement.
(d)
Receipt,
Delivery and Safeguarding of Funds and Securities.
The
division of responsibilities with respect to the receipt and delivery of
and
safeguarding of funds and securities is set forth in Section 5 of this
Agreement.
(e)
Confirmations
and Statements.
The
division of responsibilities with respect to confirmations and statements
is set
forth in Section 6 of this Agreement.
(f)
Acceptance
of Orders and Execution of Transaction.
The
division of responsibilities with respect to the acceptance of orders and
the
execution of transactions is set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.
(g)
Customer
Responsibility for Certain Purposes.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for purposes of the Securities
Investment Protection Act of 1970 and the Financial Responsibility Rules
adopted
under the Act, the Customers who maintain Accounts with FSWC are customers
of
FSWC. For all other purposes, such Customers shall be customers of CLAY.
(b)
Notice
to Customers.
Subject
to the requirements of the Conduct Rules of the NASD, CLAY shall
provide, or cause to be provided, to every Customer, upon the opening of
a
Customer Account, notice of the existence and general terms of this Agreement.
(i) Option
Accounts.
In the
event that any customer elects to engage in listed securities options
transactions in an Account accepted by FSWC, or CLAY enters
securities options transactions in an Account accepted by FSWC, CLAY agrees
to
(i) abide by FSWC's requirements and time limitation for accepting an exercise
notice with respect to a Customer's options positions, which requirements and
time limitations may be different from the minimum requirements imposed by
the
Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC") or other
regulatory or self-regulatory organization from time to time, (ii) determine
the
suitability of the Customer for trading options and approving specific options
strategies and transactions, (iii) provide the Customer with a current copy
of
the OCC disclosure
document and applicable updates as published from time to time by
OCC (and
complying with such other requirements involving the dissemination of disclosure
documents, including prospectuses, as may be required from time to time by
applicable law), and (iv) notify the customer when customer has been assigned
delivery responsibility regarding any short options positions, and accept
exercise notices from the customer regarding long options positions.
(j)
Accounts
of Associated Persons.
In each
case in which a Customer is an employee or otherwise associated with an NASD
member, CLAY shall
be
responsible for notifying such member in accordance with the provisions of
XxXx
3050 of the Conduct RuIes of the NASD.
4
(k)
Proprietary
Accounts.
CLAY may
request that FSWC maintain one or more Accounts on its books to reflect the
proprietary securities and/or cash positions of CLAY (a
"Proprietary Account”). FSWC may, in its sole discretion, agree or refuse to
maintain any such Proprietary Account. If FSWC agrees to maintain one or more
Proprietary Accounts, all of the other terms and conditions of this Agreement
shall apply, and each such Proprietary Account shall be deemed an "Account"
hereunder, except to the extent that this Agreement provides for differing
treatment of Accounts and Proprietary Accounts.
3.
EXTENSION
OF CREDIT
Responsibility
for compliance with the provisions of Regulation T, issued by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursuant to the Securities Exchange
Act
of 1934 (“Regulation T”), and all other applicable rules, regulations and
requirements of any exchange or regulatory agency affecting the extension of
credit shall be allocated between FSWC and CLAY as
set
forth in this Section 3.
(a)
Margin
Agreements.
At the
time of opening of each margin account, CLAY will
furnish FSWC
with
an FSWC Customer Margin and Short Account Agreement, executed by the Customer,
on the form furnished to CLAY
by
FSWC.
As
to any Account, until CLAY has
furnished FSWC with an executed margin agreement, FSWC may, at its discretion,
re-book any transactions initially cleared as a margin transaction to be a
cash
transaction, liquidate the Account or take any other action FSWC deems
necessary.
(b)
Margin
and Margin Maintenance.
CLAY
is
responsible for the collection of initial margin and all amounts necessary
to
meet subsequent maintenance calls in each Customer and CLAY Account
to insure compliance with Regulation T and the house rules of FSWC. FSWC shall
have the unlimited right to buy in or sell out positions in Accounts whenever
FSWC, in its sole discretion, deems such action appropriate. FSWC may take
any
such action regardless of whether any such Account is then in compliance with
applicable margin maintenance requirements or a request has been made for an
extension of time to make any payment required by Regulation X. XXXX acknowledges
that FSWC has the right to demand payment on any debit balance in any
CLAY Customer
Account, Proprietary Account or related CLAY Accounts;
and CLAY shall
be
liable to FSWC for any non-receipt of such payments upon demand.
(c)
Margin
Requirements.
Initial
margin and margin maintenance requirements applicable to any
margin Account shall be in accordance with the House RuIes of FSWC, to the
extent such rules provide for higher requirements than those provided under
any
law, any ex-change or any regulatory agency. FSWC may, in its discretion, change
the margin requirements applicable to any Account or class of accounts, as
described in its House Rules, and FSWC will notify CLAY of
any
such changes. CLAY shall
be
responsible for advising each of its Customers of the changed requirements,
for
collecting any additional margin necessary to insure compliance with such
increased requirements and, if necessary, liquidating positions in the Accounts.
(d)
Margin
Disclosure.
CLAY shall
be
responsible for providing statements (Disclosure of credit Terms in Margin
Transactions) under Rule 1 Ob-16 to CLAY customers.
5
(e)
Losses.
In
addition to, and not in limitation of, CLAY’s agreement
to indemnify FSWC pursuant to the provisions of Section 10, CLAY indemnifies
and holds harmless FSWC from and against any and all loss, cost, expense and
liability (including legal and accounting fees and expenses) sustained by FSWC
arising out of any of the following:
(i)
any
failure by any Customer to comply with the terms of any agreement with
FSWC,
including without limitation, its Customer Margin and Short Account Agreement;
(ii)
FSWC's
re-booking of margin transactions as cash transactions pursuant to Section
3(a);
(iii)
the
execution by an FSWC broker of a transaction for the account of a Customer
pursuant to Section 3(b);
(iv)
in
a
margin transaction, the failure of CLAY or
any
Customer to comply with Regulation
T;
(v)
the
failure of CLAY to
satisfy its obligations under this Section 3;
(vi)
in
a cash
transaction, the failure of delivery of securities sold or failure of payment
for securities purchased in accordance with the provisions of Regulation T;
the
return to FSWC unpaid of any check given to FSWC by CLAY or
any
Customer; or the payment and/or delivery of all "when issued" transactions
which
FSWC may accept or execute for the Accounts; or
(vii)
FSWC's
refusal of any transaction or instruction from CLAY or
a
Customer of CLAY,
regardless
of the circumstances, if FSWC determines, in its discretion, that effecting
such
transaction or following such nstruction is or could be detrimental to any
such
Customer, to FSWC and/or to CLAY.
4.
MAINTENANCE
OF BOOKS AND RECORDS
FSWC
will
maintain stock records and other records on a basis consistent with generally
accepted practices and/or mandated in the securities industry and will maintain
copies of such records as are produced by FSWC, in accordance with the NASD
and
SEC guidelines for record retention, in effect from time to time. FSWC and
CLAY shall
each be responsible for preparing and filing the reports required by the
governmental and regulatory agencies that have jurisdiction over each and FSWC
and CLAY will
each
provide the other with such information, if any, which is in the control of
one
party but is required by the other to prepare any such report.
At
the
commencement of business under the terms of this Agreement and annually
thereafter, FSWC will furnish to CLAY a
list of
all reports (such as exception reports) which FSWC will offer to assist
CLAY in
its
efforts to supervise and monitor Customer Accounts and in order for CLAY to
carry
out its functions and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement. CLAY must
specify to FSWC, in writing within ten (10) days of receipt of the list, those
reports offered by FSWC that CLAY requires
to supervise and monitor its Customers' Accounts. FSWC shall preserve, as part
of its books and records, copies of the specific reports requested by and/or
supplied to CLAY.
FSWC
will
give written notice to the chief executive officer and the compliance officer
of
CLAY,
indicating
as of the date of such notice, the list of reports offered to CLAY and
specifying those reports that were actually requested by and/or supplied to
CLAY as
of
such date. FSWC shall provide a copy of this written notice at the same time
to
the NASD as the designated examining authority of CLAY
.
FSWC
shall furnish, upon request of the NASD as the designated examining authority
of
CLAY,
(i)
a
recreated copy of the report originally produced; or (ii) the format of the
report and the applicable data elements contained in the original report.
5.
RECEIPT,
DELIVERY AND SAFEGUARDING OF FUNDS AND SECURITIES
(a)
Receipt
and Delivery in the Ordinary Course of Business. FSWC will receive and
deliver
all funds and securities in connection with transactions for Customer Accounts
in accordance with the Customer's instructions to CLAY,
provided
that CLAY shall
be
respon-sible for advising Customers of their obligations to deliver funds
or
securities in connection with each such transaction and for any failure
of any
Customer to fulfill such obligation. FSWC shall be responsible for the
safeguarding of all funds and securities delivered to and accepted by it,
subject to count and verification by FSWC. However, FSWC will not be responsible
for any funds or securities delivered by a Customer to CLAY,
its
agents or employees until such funds or securities are physically delivered
to
FSWC's premises and accepted by FSWC or deposited in bank accounts maintained
in
FSWC's name. It is ex-pressly understood and agreed, however, that CLAY is
responsible for compliance with the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting
Act (31 U.S.C. Section 5311. et
seq.)
and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (31 C.F.R. Section 103.11,
as
amended, et
seq.).
FSWC
reserves the right to transfer any and all monies and securities in CLAY Customer
Account(s) to the CLAY Customer,
if CLAY Customer
account(s) are deemed by FSWC, in its sole discretion, to be a risk to
FSWC or
if the account(s) do(es) not comply and conform to the House Rules of FSWC
after
request for compliance is transmitted to the CLAY and/or
CLAY Customer.
6
(b)
Custody
Services.
Whenever FSWC has been instructed to act as custodian of the securities
in any
CLAY or
Customer Account, or to hold such securities in "safekeeping," FSWC may
hold the
securities in the Customer's name or may cause such securities to be registered
in the name of FSWC or its nominee or in the names of nominees of any depository
used by FSWC. FSWC will perform the services required in connection with
acting
as custodian for securities in CLAY and
Customer Accounts, such as: (i) collection and payment of dividends; (ii)
transmittal and handling (through CLAY)
of
tenders or ex-changes pursuant to tender offers and exchange offers as,
if and
when received by FSWC; (iii) transmittal of all proxy materials and other
shareholder communications; and (iv) han-dling of exercised, or expirations
of,
rights, warrants or redemptions; provided, however, FSWC shall not be
responsible for reviewing or analyzing the terms and provisions of any
securities held in any Account or for determining the rights of CLAY or
any
Customer with respect thereto.
(c)
Receipt
and Delivery Pursuant to Special Instruction.
Subject
to the limitations set forth in
this
Agreement and consistent with the systems and procedures of FSWC, upon
instruction from CLAY or
a
Customer, FSWC will make such transfers of securities or Accounts as may
be
requested. CLAY shall
be
responsible for determining if any securities held in CLAY or
Customer Accounts are "restricted securities" or "control stock" as defined
by
the rules of the SEC; that orders executed for such securities are in compliance
with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and that all necessary
documentation required to clear legal transfer (including opinions of legal
counsel, if requested by FSWC or the transfer agent) are provided in a
timely
manner. However, FSWC will not be required to transfer securities if, in
the
exercise of its good faith judgment, such transfer would violate any applicable
laws, rules or regulations or would subject FSWC to liability or additional
cost
or expense.
(d)
When
Issued Transactions.
In the
case of the payment and delivery of securities on a "when issued" basis,
CLAY shall
remain responsible, as set forth in this Agreement, until necessary and
satisfactory payment of funds or delivery of securities has been received
by
XXXX.
0.
CONFIRMATIONS
AND STATEMENTS
(a)
Preparation
and Transmission.
FSWC
will prepare and send to Customers monthly or quarterly statements of account,
which statements shall meet FSWC's requirements as to format and quality and
will indicate that CLAY introduced
the Account. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, FSWC will be responsible for
preparing and transmitting confirmations; provided, however, that CLAY’s right
to
prepare and transmit confirmations shall be subject to prior written approval
by
FSWC and compliance by CLAY with
the
provisions of Rule 2230 of the Conduct Rules of the NASD. CLAY shall
be
responsible for notifying the Customer and FSWC if it is preparing and
transmitting confirmations. CLAY shall
not
generate and/or prepare any statements, xxxxxxxx or confirmation respecting
any
Account except as provided in this Agreement or pursuant to an agreement
executed between FSWC and CLAY that
authorizes CLAY to
print
and mail statements to Accounts on behalf of FSWC. If such an agreement has
been
executed, CLAY covenants
that it shall comply with all requirements for statements imposed upon FSWC
under all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, but not limited
to,
the SEC, NASD, Federal Reserve Board and all other regulatory organizations.
Copies of all monthly or quarterly statements sent by FSWC to Customers will
be
sent to CLAY.
FSWC
will
also provide to CLAY monthly
statements of clearing services performed by FSWC for CLAY and
Customer Accounts showing the fees charged for such services during the month,
as provided in Section 8.
7
(b)
Examination
and Notification of Errors.
CLAY shall
examine promptly all monthly statements of account, monthly statements of
clearing services and other reports provided to CLAY
by
FSWC.
CLAY shall
notify FSWC of any error claimed by CLAY in
any
Account in connection with (i) any transaction, prior to the settlement date
of
such transaction, (ii) information appearing on daily reports, within five
days
of such report, and (ill) information appearing on monthly statements or
reports, within 10 days of CLAY’s receipt
of any monthly statement or report. Any notice of error shall be accompanied
by
such documenta-tion as may be necessary to substantiate CLAY’s claim.
CLAY shall
provide promptly upon FSWC's request any additional documentation which FSWC
reasonably believes is necessary or desirable to establish and correct any
such
error. In all cases, FSWC reserves the right to determine the validity of any
claimed error.
7.
ACCEPTANCE
OF ORDERS, EXECUTION OF TRANSACTIONS, OTHER SERVICES
(a)
Customers'
Orders.
Acceptance of Customers' orders shall be the responsibility of CLAY.
CLAY shall
advise each of its Customers that its relationship with FSWC is solely that
of
an introducing broker to a clearing broker and that, except as set forth in
Section 2 above, CLAY
ears
all
responsibility for the Customer's Account. CLAY shall
be
responsible for the authenticity of all orders. FSWC is not obligated to accept
for execution any orders placed directly with FSWC by a Customer. In addition,
FSWC is not obligated to accept any orders from CLAY if
FSWC
determines in good faith that it should not. CLAY assumes
the risk of failure by an over-the-counter dealer with which CLAY executes
an order, in the event such dealer fails to perform, and CLAY will
reimburse FSWC for any loss incurred by it in the transaction.
(b)
Transactions
Clearing.
During
the term of this Agreement, FSWC will clear transactions on
a
fully disclosed basis for Accounts of CLAY and
the
Customers that CLAY introduces
and FSWC accepts as provided in Section 2(a)(3); provided, however, that FSWC
is
not obligated to clear any transactions for CLAY or CLAY’s Customers
if FSWC determines in good faith that it should not.
(c)
Other
Services.
FSWC
will perform such other services, upon such terms and at such prices, as FSWC
and CLAY
may from
time to time agree.
8.
FEES
AND SETTLEMENTS FOR SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
(a)
Commissions
- Fees for Clearing Services.
(i)
CLAY has
provided to FSWC its basic commission schedule and FSWC will charge each
Customer the commission shown on such schedule or which CLAY otherwise
directs FSWC to charge on each transaction. CLAY’s basic
commission schedule may be amended from time to time by written instructions
to
FSWC from CLAY;
provided.,
however, that FSWC shall be required to implement such changes only to the
extent that they are within the usual capabilities of FSWC's data processing
and
operations systems and only over such reasonable time as FSWC may deem necessary
or desirable to avoid disruption of FSWC's normal operational capabilities.
FSWC
may charge CLAY for
changes in the basic commission schedule. CLAY’s basic
commission schedule shall be within the format of FSWC's computer system and
must be expressly agreed to by FSWC.
(ii)
FSWC
will
charge CLAY for
clearing services according to the fee schedule set forth in Schedule A attached
hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes. As of the close of each month,
FSWC shall forward to CLAY a
statement setting forth the fees earned in accordance with Schedule A and the
amounts due thereunder. These charges shall be promptly paid by CLAY. Charges
may be modified from time to time by FSWC without re-execution of this
Agreement. To implement new charges, FSWC will mail or telecopy a new Schedule
A
to CLAY;
and
the
new charges shall become effective upon the expiration of 30 days from the
date
of such mailing or telecopy. Upon the expiration of such 30 days, the new
Schedule A shall become a part of and modify this Agreement without any further
action by the parties. During the pendency of such 30-day notice period, the
previous charges shall continue to be effective. In addition, FSWC will charge
CLAY expenses
incurred by FSWC on behalf of CLAY pursuant
to this Agreement. Expenses incurred by FSWC on behalf of CLAY that
shall be deducted from any payments due to CLAY from
FSWC
include, but are not limited to, overlay of forms, system equipment expenses,
changes to commission schedules and financial report information related
thereto, installation of data communication lines and brokerage related credit
inquiries, legal transfers, Regulation T extensions, Mailgrams (buy-in or
sellout), microfiche of records, excess Security Investors Protection
Corporation protection for Accounts and costs incurred in failure of
CLAY to
provide social security or tax identification numbers.
8
(b)
Settlements.
FSWC
will collect all commissions from Customers on behalf of CLAY and
through CLAY.
Upon
request, FSWC may make payments to CLAY against
such commissions in advance of the monthly settlement contemplated by this
Section 8(b); however, the amount of such payments shall be determined in FSWC's
sole discretion based upon FSWC's experience with CLAY’s operations.
As
soon
as practicable after the end of each month, FSWC will credit CLAY with
the
amount of commissions and other amounts collected by FSWC on CLAY’s behalf,
and deduct all amounts due to FSWC from CLAY (including
without limitation, Customers' unsecured debit items, however arising). FSWC
shall pay CLAY
the
amount
by
which the total owed CLAY exceeds
the total owed FSWC, or shall send a statement to CLAY and
CLAY shall
pay
FSWC the amount by which the total owed FSWC exceeds the total owed CLAY.
If
CLAY fails
to
make such payment, FSWC shall have the right to charge any other Account
maintained by FSWC for CLAY or
any
other assets of CLAY held
by
FSWC (including the deposit required pursuant to Section 9 and positions and
balances in CLAY Accounts)
for the net amount due FSWC. Any failure by FSWC to charge any Account or assets
of CLAY held
by
FSWC shall not act as a waiver of FSWC's right to demand payment of, or to
thereafter charge CLAY’s Accounts
for, the full amount due at any time. In addition, FSWC may establish on its
books an "error account” for the account and risk of CLAY,
upon
terms and conditions which are consistent with custom and practice in the
securities industry. The negative balance in such error account, if any, may
at
any time be charged by FSWC, in its sole discretion, to CLAY and
FSWC
may include such amount in the settlement statement from time to time.
(c)
Training
Expenses. FSWC may provide on-site training or other assistance which it deems
necessary for the effective use of the FSWC system. CLAY shall
be
responsible for the prompt reimbursement of expenses upon receipt of an invoice
from FSWC, incurred in connection with the training of CLAY personnel,
including without limitation, travel, lodging, meals, incidentals, and amounts
paid by FSWC to third parties under contracts to perform such services. However,
FSWC shall have no obligation to provide such training or to supervise personnel
of CLAY.
9.
DEPOSIT
(a)
Contemporaneously
with the signing of this Agreement, CLAY will
deliver cash or securities to FSWC as specified in Schedule A attached, for
deposit in an account maintained by FSWC (the "Deposit Account"). If at any
subsequent time FSWC, in its sole discretion, requires an additional deposit,
CLAY will
deposit additional cash or securities in an amount specified by FSWC. Instead
of
making such additional deposit, CLAY may
reduce CLAY's business
volume or modify the nature of the securities involved in the CLAY's transactions
("business mix") as specified by FSWC. Any failure by FSWC to demand compliance
with the requirement that CLAY
either
deposit additional amounts or modify CLAY's business
mix shall not act as a waiver of FSWC's right to demand compliance with such
requirements at any time. If the Deposit Account is not adequately funded as
required by FSWC, FSWC may, in addition to all other rights under this
Agreement, transfer cash or securities of CLAY held
by
FSWC in any other account to the Deposit Account. If CLAY fails
to
comply with a request by FSWC for an additional deposit, and FSWC does not
transfer other cash or securities of CLAY to
the
Deposit Account, resulting in CLAY thereby
electing to reduce its business or to modify its business mix, CLAY agrees
that if FSWC determines it to be necessary, FSWC shall accept only liquidating
transactions for Customer Accounts and that CLAY will
give
notice of such fact to Customers. If such notice is not given by CLAY to
Customers in a timely manner, CLAY agrees
that FSWC may give such notice to Customers. In addition to any and all other
rights afforded at law, in equity, under any customer account agreement, under
this Agreement, or otherwise, FSWC shall have the unlimited right to set-off
any
and all indebtedness or other obligations of CLAY to
FSWC,
whether arising under this Agreement, from debit balances in CLAY or
Customer Accounts, or otherwise, against all or any portion of the Deposit
Account. CLAY agrees
that, if cash in the Deposit Account is insufficient to satisfy the indebtedness
of CLAY to
FSWC,
or if this Agreement is terminated for any reason, FSWC shall have the right
to
liquidate securities deposited in the Deposit Account or maintained in any
other
CLAY Account,
without notice to CLAY,
and
to
set off against the cash proceeds from such liquidation any and all indebtedness
or other obligations of
CLAY
to
FSWC.
9
(b)
The
cash
and securities in the Deposit Account do not reflect or represent an ownership
interest of FSWC in CLAY nor
an
ownership interest of CLAY in
FSWC.
When this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with the provisions hereof
and FSWC has received payment in full of any and all amounts owing to it
hereunder and CLAY has
satisfied each and every of its outstanding obligations hereunder, FSWC shall
return the cash and securities in the Deposit Account to CLAY within
thirty (30) calendar days of the date on which all of said payments have been
received and obligations satisfied. These obligations include, but are not
limited to, any open and unsettled litigation matters between CLAY or
its
customers and FSWC, any unresolved unsecured Account debit balances, any open
fails as a result of trades executed on behalf of any Accounts, and any failures
to transfer to another broker any of your Customers' Accounts.
10.
INDEMNIFICATION
(a)
Indemnity.
CLAY agrees
to
indemnify and hold harmless FSWC, each person who controls FSWC within the
meaning of the Act and any other of the directors, officers, employees, agents
and attorneys of FSWC ("FSWC Indemnified Persons") from and against all claims,
demands, proceedings, suits and actions and all liabilities, losses, expenses
and costs (including any legal and accounting fees and expenses) relating to
FSWC's defense of any failure, for any reason, fraudulent or otherwise, by
CLAY or
CLAY’s employees
or Customers to comply with any obligation under this agreement or any other
agreement executed and delivered to FSWC in connection with FSWC's performance
of services hereunder, and any act or failure to act by FSWC Indemnified
Persons, except any act or failure to act which is the result of gross
negligence or willful misconduct on the part of any such FSWC Indemnified
Person. It is expressly agreed and understood that CLAY accepts
full responsibility and liability for any act or failure to act by, if
applicable, an independent agent or independent contractor used by CLAY in
providing the services contemplated hereunder. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, such failure is explicitly intended by the parties to include
failure resulting from (i) suspension of trading or bankruptcy or insolvency
of
any company, securities of which are held in one or more Accounts; (ii) failure
by any Customer or CLAY to
maintain adequate margin; or (ill) breach of any obligation existing between
CLAY and
a
customer of CLAY or
any
law, rule or regulation of the United States, a state or territory thereof,
the
SEC, the Federal Reserve Board or other authority, including but not limited
to
the CBOE, NYSE, OCC, GSCC, NASD, MSRB, DTC, NSCC, or any Transfer Agent,
applicable to any transaction contemplated by this Agreement.
FSWC
shall indemnify and hold CLAY harmless
against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, including without
limitation, those asserted by its customers (which shall include, but not be
limited to, all costs of defense and investigation and all attorney's fees)
to
which CLAY may
become subject, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabili-ties or
expenses arise out of, or are based upon the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of FSWC or its employees in providing the services contemplated
hereunder.
10
Promptly
after receipt by any indemnified party under this Section of notice of the
commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section, notify
the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to
notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability that it
may
have to any indemnified party under this Section or otherwise.
In
case
any such action is brought against any indemnified party, and the indemnifying
party receives notice of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will
be entitled to participate in the defense thereof with counsel reasonably
satisfactory to such indemnified party. Regardless of whether the indemnifying
party elects to participate in the defense, the indemnified party shall have
the
right to employ separate counsel in any such action and to direct and control
the defense thereof; and all fees and expenses of such counsel shall be the
responsibility of the indemnifying party.
(b)
Security
Interest and Authorization to Offset.
In
order to secure the prompt payment when
due
of all indebtedness of any kind or character of CLAY to
FSWC,
whether arising under this Agreement, any Account agreement, by operation of
law, or otherwise, now existing or hereafter arising, including without
limitation, (i) any cost or expense resulting from failures to deliver or
failures to receive securities, (ii) the amount of any unsecured debit balances
in any Customer or CLAY Account
which may exist at any time, and (iii) as and when incurred by FSWC, all amounts
as to which FSWC shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the provisions
of Section 10(a) (the "Obligation"), CLAY
hereby
grants to FSWC a first priority lien and security interest in and to any
CLAY Account
(including Proprietary Accounts) maintained by FSWC and any other assets of
any
kind of CLAY now
or
hereafter held by FSWC. In addition to any and all other rights and remedies
to
which FSWC may be entitled under this Agreement or applicable law, upon the
occurrence of a default in the payment of any portion of the Obligation as
and
when same becomes due, or following demand therefore by FSWC, FSWC may satisfy
the payment of the Obligation, in whole or in part, by offsetting against any
cash positions in such Account without prior notice thereof to CLAY.
In
this
regard, FSWC shall have complete discretion to liquidate or sell any securities
or other assets of CLAY
from
time
to time held by FSWC, without notice to CLAY,
and
to
offset against the proceeds of such sale(s) all or any part of the Obligation.
No delay in proceeding against any CLAY Account
or asset shall operate as a waiver of FSWC's right to do so at any future time
as and when FSWC deems appropriate. In addition, FSWC shall have the unlimited
right to set-off any part of the Obligation against any obligations of FSWC
to
CLAY,
including
under the Deposit Account (as described in Section 9).
CLAY hereby
constitutes and appoints FSWC as its lawful attorney-in-fact and grants to
FSWC
a power of attorney with full power and authority, in the name, place, and
stead
of CLAY,
to
exercise, do, or perform any act in connection with, arising out of, or relating
to the exercise of any offset rights granted herein and the right to liquidate
securities held by FSWC. This power of attorney further authorizes FSWC to
sign,
endorse, execute, acknowledge, deliver, receive, and possess all such notices,
filings, agreements, covenants, conveyances, receipts and other documents or
instruments in writing of whatever kind and nature as may be necessary or proper
in the exercise of the rights and powers herein granted.
(c)
Reserves.
In
connection with any claim that does or could give rise to a claim for
indemnification
under this Section 10 for FSWC or an FSWC Indemnified Person, FSWC may, in
its
discretion, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies under this
Agreement, reserve and retain any money, securities or other property of
CLAY pending
a
determination of such claim. The money, securities or other property of
CLAY set
aside
in such a reserve shall be subject to FSWC's standard lien and security interest
described in Section 10(b) above.
11
11.
UNDERTAKINGS
OF CLAY
(a)
Financial
Statements and Other Reports.
As soon
as same become available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of
each
fiscal year of CLAY during
the term hereof, CLAY will
furnish to FSWC copies of CLAY’s balance
sheet and statement of earnings for such fiscal year. Each such balance sheet
and statement of earnings shall be certified by independent public accountants.
CLAY also
shall furnish FSWC with copies of its monthly and quarterly Focus filings
simultaneously with the filing thereof.
(b)
Other
Clearing Services.
During
the term of this Agreement, CLAY will
not
offer the services contemplated hereunder to its Customers through a broker
other than FSWC without prior written approval by FSWC.
(c)
Suspension
or Restriction.
In the
event that CLAY or
any
employee of CLAY shall
become subject to suspension or restriction by any regulatory body having
jurisdiction over CLAY and
CLAY's securities
business, CLAY will
notify FSWC immediately and CLAY authorizes
FSWC to take such steps as may be necessary for FSWC to maintain compliance
with
the rules and regulations to which FSWC is subject. CLAY further
authorizes FSWC, in such event, to comply with directives or demands made upon
FSWC by any exchange or regulatory body. In connection with such directives
or
demands, FSWC may seek advice or legal counsel and CLAY will
reimburse FSWC for reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel.
(d)
No
Liens or Encumbrances.
During
the term of this Agreement and for so long thereafter
as FSWC shall maintain any Proprietary Account(s) for CLAY or
hold
any cash or securities pursuant to the deposit arrangement specified in
Paragraph 9 hereof ("Deposit"), CLAY will
not,
directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of FSWC, (i) create,
incur, or suffer or permit to be created or incurred or to exist any lien,
security interest or other encumbrance upon or against any of the Proprietary
Account(s) or the Deposit, other than the liens, security interests and other
rights held by FSWC as provided for herein, or (ii) except for routine trading
activity conducted in the ordinary course of the brokerage business of
CLAY,
transfer,
assign or otherwise convey all or any portion of the Proprietary Account(s)
or
the Deposit to any other person or entity.
(e)
Underwritings;
Power of Attorney.
During
the term of this Agreement and for so long thereafter as CLAY may
be
indebted to FSWC under the further terms of this Agreement, CLAY will
not,
without the prior written consent of FSWC, engage or participate in the
underwriting of any securities offering. In the event CLAY shall
hereafter engage or participate in the underwriting of any securities offering,
CLAY hereby
constitutes and appoints FSWC as its lawful attorney-in-fact and grants to
FSWC
a power of attorney with full power and authority, in the name, place, and
stead
of CLAY,
to
exercise, do, or perform any act, right, power, duty, or obligation whatsoever
that CLAY now
has
or may acquire the legal right, power, or capacity to exercise, do, or perform
in connection with, arising out of, or relating to the exercise of any
over-allotment rights or privileges held by CLAY in
connection with such underwriting or CLAY's participation
therein. This power of attorney further authorizes FSWC to sign, endorse,
execute, acknowledge, deliver, receive, and possess all such contracts,
agreements, options, covenants, conveyances, receipts and other documents or
instruments in writing of whatever kind and nature as may be necessary or proper
in the exercise of the rights and powers herein granted. This power of attorney
shall be conclusive proof that the rights, powers, and authority granted to
FSWC
are in full force and effect and may be relied upon by any person who acts
in
good faith under this power of attorney.
(f)
Regulatory
Investigations.
CLAY will
cooperate with FSWC in any investigation which FSWC shall undertake with the
NASD, the SEC and any other regulatory body regarding the history,
qualifications, disciplinary actions, sanctions, investigations and similar
matters regarding CLAY and/or
any of its registered representatives. Specifically, CLAY agrees
to
cause, or use its best efforts to cause, each registered representative of
CLAY
to
execute
and deliver such consents, approvals and authorizations regarding such
regulatory bodies as may be necessary in order for FSWC to complete its
investigation.
(g)
Net
Capital Requirements. CLAY shall
at
all times maintain net capital levels which are in compliance with all
applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, including without limitation SEC
Rule 15c3-1, and other rules and regulations of any other regulatory body having
jurisdiction with respect thereto. FSWC shall have no obligation to determine
the net capital position of CLAY or
whether or not such is in compliance with applicable net capital rules; all
responsibility for such determinations shall rest with CLAY and
CLAY shall
notify FSWC of any change in its net capital position which effects its
regulatory status in any manner, such notice to be provided verbally to FSWC
within 24 hours after the determination of such change, to be followed by
written notification within 3 business days.
12
(h)
Merger,
Consolidation, etc.
In the
event CLAY shall
initiate, solicit, conduct, or negotiate with respect to, any merger,
consolidation, acquisition, sale of substantially all of its assets, or other
business combination of CLAY by,
with
or through any other entity, CLAY shall
provide verbal notice thereof to FSWC within 24 hours of the initiation of
discussions with respect to any such transaction, to be followed by written
notification within 3 business days. During the term of this Agreement,
CLAY will
not,
without the prior written consent of FSWC, consummate any such merger,
consolidation, acquisition, sale or other combination.
(i)
Producing
Documents and Providing Testimony.
CLAY shall
reimburse FSWC immediately upon request for any and all costs incurred by FSWC
in responding to any document request, subpoena or similar demand or order
(any
such being herein referred to as a "Demand") issued in connection with any
investigation, court proceeding, arbitration, regulatory inquiry or otherwise,
regarding any of the business or activities of CLAY,
its
employees, principals, agents or customers. Such costs shall include, without
limitation, all costs and expenses associated with travel, food and lodging
incurred in personal appearances by personnel or attorneys of FSWC in response
to a Demand, reasonable compensation for time expended by personnel and
attorneys of FSWC (including, without limitation, compensation for the services
of counsel employed on a full-time basis by FSWC) in responding to a Demand,
copying costs, communications costs, mailing and delivery expenses and computer
structuring fees.
12.
TERMINATION
OF AGREEMENT: TRANSFER OF ACCOUNTS
(a)
Effectiveness.
Unless
earlier terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall
remain in force for an initial term of eighteen months from the effective date
hereof, subject to any required approval by the NASD. At any time during the
forty-five (45) day period immediately preceding the conclusion of the initial
eighteen month term (the ''Notice Period"), either party may terminate this
Agreement by giving forty-five (45) days prior written notice to the other
party. In the event no written notice of termination is given during the Notice
Period, this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for an additional one-year
period and may continue to be renewed for subsequent one-year periods until
terminated as provided herein.
(b)
Termination
by FSWC.
Notwithstanding Section 12(a), FSWC may terminate this Agreement
at any time by giving forty-five (45) days prior written notice and may
terminate at any time on twenty-four (24) hours written notice to CLAY in
the
event that CLAY:
(i)
fails
to
comply with the terms of this Agreement and upon notification by FSWC
fails
to
begin compliance within 10 days from said notification; or
(ii)
is
enjoined, prohibited or suspended, as a result of an administrative or judicial
proceeding, from engaging in securities business activities constituting all
or
portions of CLAY’s securities
business, which injunction, prohibition or suspension, in FSWC's judgment,
makes
impracticable the fully disclosed clearing relationship established in this
Agreement.
13
(i)
Either
CLAY or
FSWC
is no longer registered as a broker/dealer with the SEC; or
(ii)
Either
CLAY or
FSWC
is no longer a member in good standing of the NASD; or
(iii)
CLAY ceases
to
operate as a Broker/Dealer; or
(iv)
FSWC
is
suspended by any national securities exchange of which FSWC is a member
for failure to comply with the rules and regulations thereof; or
(v)
FSWC
ceases to operate a Correspondent Clearing Operation/Division; or
(vi)
CLAY or
any
Guarantor hereof shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors
or shall petition or apply to any tribunal for the appointment of a trustee,
custodian, receiver or liquidator of all or any substantial part of its
business, estate or assets or shall commence any proceeding under any debtor
relief laws of any jurisdiction; or any such petition or application shall
be
filed or any such proceeding shall be commenced against CLAY or
any
Guarantor, and CLAY or
such
Guarantor by any act or omission shall indicate approval thereof, consent
thereto or acquiescence therein; or an order shall be entered appointing a
trustee, custodian, receiver or liquidator of all or any substantial part of
the
assets of CLAY and/or
such Guarantor or granting relief to CLAY and/or
such Guarantor or approving the petition in any such proceeding, and such order
shall remain in effect for more than thirty (30) days. As used herein, the
term
"debtor relief laws" shall mean any applicable liquidation, conservatorship,
bankruptcy, moratorium, rearrangement, insolvency, reorganization or similar
laws affecting the rights or remedies of creditors generally, as in effect
from
time to time.
(d)
Conversion
of Accounts.
In the
event that this Agreement is terminated for any reason, it shall
be
CLAY's responsibility
to arrange for the conversion of CLAY and
Customer Accounts to another clearing broker. CLAY will
give
FSWC notice (the "Conversion Notice") of:
(i)
the
name
of the broker that will assume responsibility for clearing services for
Customers
and CLAY;
(ii)
the
date
on which such broker will commence providing such services;
(iii)
CLAY's undertaking,
in form and substance satisfactory to FSWC, that CLAY's agreement
with such broker provides that such broker will accept on conversion all
CLAY and
Customer Accounts, then maintained by FSWC; and
(iv)
the
name
of an individual within that organization who may be contacted by FSWC to
coordinate the conversion. The Conversion Notice shall accompany CLAY's notice
of
termination given pursuant to Section 12(a) or within thirty (30) days of the
occurrence of an event specified in Section 12(c) or a termination by FSWC.
FSWC
shall not be responsible for transfers not within the normal capabilities of
its
data processing and operational systems or for delays necessary to avoid
disruption of its normal operations.
If
CLAY fails
to
provide the Conversion Notice to FSWC within the time prescribed, FSWC may
give
to Customers of CLAY such
notice as FSWC deems appropriate of the termination of this Agreement and may
make such arrangements with the Customers as FSWC deems appropriate for transfer
or delivery of Customer and CLAY Accounts.
14
CLAY will
pay
to FSWC a termination fee equal to the greater of (i) the actual costs and
expenses incurred by FSWC in discontinuing the clearing arrangement hereunder
and transferring the Accounts pursuant to the request of CLAY
(ii)
$10,000. Said termination fee shall be paid within 10 days after CLAY's receipt
of FSWC's statement setting forth in reasonable detail the costs and expenses
incurred by FSWC. FSWC's determination of the costs and expenses relating to
the
discontinuance of the clearing arrangement hereunder and the transferring of
the
Accounts shall be conclusive and binding on the parties hereto, absent a showing
of manifest error. The obligation of CLAY to
pay
the termination fee as specified herein shall be and become a part of the
Obligation and, if not paid when due, shall become subject to FSWC's rights
of
offset as provided under the terms of this Agreement.
(e)
Survival.
Termination of this Agreement shall not affect FSWC's rights or liabilities
relating to business transacted prior to the effective date of such termination.
From the date of termination until transfer or delivery of all Customer and
CLAY Accounts,
FSWC's rights and liabilities relating to business transacted after such
termination shall be governed by the same terms as those set forth in this
Agreement. In addition, the terms and provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 12(d),
13, 16, 17, 18, and Subsections (g), (I), (m), and (0) of Section 19 of this
Agreement shall not be affected by any termination hereof, and such terms and
provisions shall survive any such termination and shall remain in full force
and
effect without modification.
(f)
No
Obligation to Release.
FSWC
shall not be required to release to CLAY any
securities or cash held by FSWC for CLAY in
one or
more CLAY Accounts
until (i) any amounts owing to FSWC pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement
are paid; (ii) CLAY’s outstanding
obligations hereunder to FSWC are determined, including determination of any
disputed amounts, and satisfied; and (iii) any Property of FSWC in the
possession of CLAY is
returned to FSWC.
(g)
Effect
of Termination Under Certain Circumstances.
In the
event this Agreement is terminated (A) by FSWC pursuant to the provisions of
Subsections l2(b)(i) or l2(b)(ii) or (B) automatically under Subsections
l2(c)(i), l2(c)(ii), l2(c)(iii) and/or l2(c)(vi) by reason of CLAY being
no
longer registered as a broker/dealer, no longer a member in good standing of
the
NASD, ceasing to operate as a broker/dealer and/or becoming subject to debtor
relief laws, then in any such event, the obligations of CLAY to
make
the minimum monthly fee payments for each of the months remaining on the term
of
this Agreement, as provided in Schedule A attached hereto, shall be accelerated
and automatically become immediately due and payable without further action
of
any kind or character whatsoever by FSWC. In determining the amount which shall
become immediately due and payable pursuant to the preceding sentence, the
minimum monthly fee payment shall be multiplied by the number of months
remaining for the contractually expressed term of this Agreement as same was
in
effect immediately prior to the date of termination. The amount so determined
and accelerated shall become immediately subject to the right of set-off by
FSWC
as against the Deposit Account, any other Accounts of CLAY and/or
any obligations of FSWC to CLAY.
(h)
SIPC
Subordination.
In the
event of a determination that the amount payable by CLAY upon
termination pursuant to the provisions of the preceding subparagraph l2(g)
constitutes a termination fee, penalty or is otherwise considered a charge
to
the net capital of CLAY,
then
in
the event that CLAY is
or
becomes the subject of the issuance of a protective decree pursuant to the
Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 (I5 U.S.C. Sec. 78aaa-lll), FSWC's
claim for payment of such amount upon termination of this Agreement shall be
subordinate to the claims of customers of CLAY that
are
approved by the Trustee appointed by the Securities Investor Protection
Corporation pursuant to the issuance of such protective decree.
15
13.
CONFIDENTIALITY
AND CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF DOCUMENTS
FSWC
will
hold the names and addresses of CLAY's Customers
in confidence and will not disclose them to any third parties, except to the
extent necessary to comply with court process, judicial orders, investigative
process and administrative requests from the SEC, NASD or other regulatory
body
having jurisdiction, or any applicable laws, rules or regulations. FSWC will
not
use such information for any purposes not contemplated within this Agreement.
CLAY acknowledges
that the services offered by FSWC under this Agreement, including the systems,
software, procedures, facilities, and staff are proprietary, and represent
valuable assets of FSWC. Accordingly, CLAY agrees
that it will not make use of such services for any purposes not specifically
contemplated within this Agreement, nor will it disclose to any third parties
the terms of this Agreement or the assets of FSWC, except to its employees
on a
need-to-know basis and except to the extent necessary to comply with court
process, judicial orders or any applicable laws, rules or regulations.
14.
EMPLOYEES
Without
FSWC's prior written consent, CLAY will
not
solicit, or engage in negotiations with, any person who is, or within the
preceding 12 months has been, employed by FSWC for the purpose of inducing
such
person to become employed or otherwise associated with CLAY.
In
the
event CLAY does
hire
said person, or such person otherwise becomes associated with CLAY,
then
CLAY shall
pay
to FSWC the sum of $10,000.00 as liquidated damages for the loss sustained
or to
be sustained by FSWC in connection therewith, such payment to be made no later
than thirty (30) days after said employee becomes employed or associated with
CLAY.
15.
CUSTOMER
COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
CLAY will
be
responsible for the handling of all Customer complaints. FSWC agrees to furnish
promptly any written customer complaint received by FSWC regarding CLAY or
its
associated persons relating to functions and responsibilities allocated to
CLAY pursuant
to this Agreement directly to: (i) CLAY;
and
(ii)
the NASD as the designated examining authority of CLAY.
FSWC
shall notify the customer submitting the complaint, in writing, that it has
received the complaint and that the complaint has been furnished to CLAY and
to
the NASD as the designated examining authority of CLAY.
CLAY specifically
authorizes and directs FSWC to furnish such written complaints and provide
such
notices in the manner set forth in the two preceding sentences. If any complaint
received by CLAY is
based
upon an alleged act or failure to act by FSWC, CLAY will
notify FSWC promptly of such complaint and the basis therefore. CLAY will
consult with FSWC regarding such complaint and the parties will cooperate in
determining the validity of such complaint and the appropriate action to be
taken. However, FSWC shall, at all times, be free to take such actions with
regard to any such complaint as it deems necessary or appropriate to protect
and
preserve the interests of XXXX.
00.
REMEDIES
CUMULATIVE
The
enumeration herein of specific remedies shall not be exclusive of any other
remedies. Any delay or failure by any party to this Agreement to exercise any
right, power, remedy or privilege herein contained, or now or hereafter existing
under any applicable statute or law, shall not be construed to be a waiver
of
such right, power, remedy or privilege, nor to limit the exercise of such right,
power, remedy or privilege, nor shall it preclude the further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right, power, remedy or privilege.
17.
GUARANTEE
The
corporation or individual(s) who guarantee the obligations of CLAY under
this Agreement by executing the signature lines designated for such purpose
at
the end of this Agreement (the "Guarantor(s)"), in consideration of FSWC’s
entering into the Agreement, do(es) hereby personally guarantee(s) (jointly
and
severally, if more than one) the performance by CLAY
of the
provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation the indemnification
provisions of Section 10) and shall promptly pay any amount that is not paid
by
CLAY
to FSWC
under the Agreement. This is an absolute, unconditional and unlimited guarantee
of payment and may be proceeded upon by FSWC or an FSWC Indemnified Person
before filing any action against CLAY
or
after
any action against CLAY
has
been
commenced. Guarantor(s) grants to FSWC a first lien and security interest on
any
and all money and securities of a Guarantor(s) held at any time by FSWC. FSWC
shall have the unlimited right to set-off any amounts owed to it by Guarantor(s)
against any obligation of FSWC to Guarantor(s). FSWC also shall have the
absolute and unlimited right to sell, transfer, or liquidate any of the assets
in any of Guarantor(s)' accounts with FSWC for any amounts owed to it by
CLAY
or
Guarantor(s). The obligations of the Guarantor(s) shall not be discharged or
impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of FSWC or an FSWC Indemnified
Person to assert, claim, demand or enforce any remedy under this Agreement,
nor
by waiver, modification or amendment of this Agreement or any compromise,
settlement or discharge of obligations of CLAY
under
this Agreement, or any release or impairment of any collateral by FSWC or an
FSWC Indemnified Person.
16
18.
LIMIT
ON LIABILITY; NO CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
In
any
action by CLAY
against
FSWC for any claim arising out of the relationship created by this Agreement,
FSWC shall only be liable to CLAY
in
cases
of gross negligence or willful misconduct, and in such cases FSWC shall only
be
liable for the amount of actual monetary losses suffered by CLAY.
CLAY shall
not, in any such action or proceeding, or otherwise, assert any claim, or be
or
become entitled to any recovery, against FSWC for consequential damages on
account of any loss, cost, damage or expense which CLA
Y
may
suffer or incur related to transactions in connection with this Agreement or
otherwise, including, but not limited to, any lost opportunity claims.
19.
MISCELLANEOUS
(a)
Tax
Reporting.
FSWC
shall be responsible for providing IRS form 1099 and other information
required
to be reported by federal, state or local tax laws, rules or regulations,
to
Accounts solely with respect to events subsequent to the effective date
of this
Agreement and for the mailing of same.
(b)Scope
of services.
FSWC
shall limit its services pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to those
services expressly set forth herein and related thereto. FSWC shall perform
such
services as agent for CLAY.
(c)
Modification.
This
Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by both parties to
this
Agreement. Such modification shall not be deemed as a cancellation of this
Agreement. Subject to the Conduct Rules of the NASD, this agreement and
all
modifications may be required to be submitted to the NASD for approval
prior to
effectiveness. It is expressly understood that brokerage services cannot
be
provided by CLAY
under
this Agreement until such approval, if required, is received.
(d)
Assignment.
This
Agreement shall be binding upon all successors, assigns or transferees
of
both
parties hereto, irrespective of any change with regard to the name of or
the
personnel of CLAY
or
FSWC.
Any assignment of this Agreement shall be subject to the requisite review
and/or
approval of any regulatory or self-regulatory agency or body whose review
and/or
approval must be obtained prior to the effectiveness and validity of such
assignment. No assignment of this Agreement by CLAY
shall
be
valid unless FSWC consents to such an assignment in writing. Any assignment
by
FSWC to any majority- owned subsidiary that they may create or to an affiliated
company controlling, controlled directly or indirectly by, or under common
control with, FSWC will be deemed valid and enforceable in the absence
of any
consent from CLAY.
Neither
this Agreement nor any operation hereunder is intended to be, shall not
be
deemed to be, and shall not be treated as,
17
a
general
or limited partnership, association or joint venture relationship between
CLAY
and
FSWC.
(e)
Account
Documentation.
Applicable laws and regulations require that FSWC must have proper documentation
to support any account opened on its books. If, after reasonable requests
therefor, the necessary documents to enable FSWC to comply with such account
documentation requirements of the laws and regulations have not been received
by
FSWC, CLA
Y
shall
receive notification that no further orders will be accepted for the Account
involved. This Agreement is not in any way intended to limit the responsibility
of FSWC under the laws and regulations with respect to Accounts.
(f)
Governing
Law.
The
construction and effect of every provision of this Agreement, the rights of
the
parties hereunder and any questions arising out of this Agreement, shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state
of Texas.
(g)
Arbitration.
In the
event of a dispute between the parties hereto, such dispute shall be settled
by
arbitration before arbitrators sitting in Dallas, Texas in accordance with
the
Code of Arbitration Procedures of the NASD, or such other codes of procedure
of
the NASD as may then be in effect. The arbitrators may allocate attorneys'
fees
and arbitration costs between the parties, and such award shall be final and
binding upon the parties and judgment thereon may be entered in any court of
competent jurisdiction.
(h)
Headings.
The
headings preceding the text, articles and sections hereof have been inserted
for
convenience and reference only and shall not affect the meaning, construction
or
effect of this Agreement.
(i)
Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement represents the final and entire agreement of the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof This Agreement shall cover only the types
of services set forth herein and is in no way intended, nor shall it be
construed, to bestow upon CLAY
or
FSWC
any special treatment regarding any other arrangements, agreements or
understandings that presently exist between CLAY
and
FSWC
or that may hereafter exist. CLAY
shall
be
under no obligation whatsoever to deal with FSWC or any of its subsidiaries
or
any companies controlled directly or indirectly by or affiliated with FSWC,
in
any capacity other than as set forth in this Agreement. Likewise, FSWC shall
be
under no obligation whatsoever to deal with CLA
Y
or
any of
its affiliates in any capacity other than as set forth in this Agreement.
(j)
Severability.
If any
provision or condition of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or
unenforceable by any court, or regulatory or self-regulatory agency or body,
such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or
condition. The validity of the remaining provisions and conditions shall not
be
affected thereby and this Agreement shall be carried out as if any such invalid
or unenforceable provision or condition were not contained herein.
(k)
Force
Majeure.
The
parties hereto shall be excused for liability for non-performance of this
Agreement arising from any external event beyond any party's control whether
or
not foreseeable by either party, in the nature of acts of war, civil uprising,
imposition of martial law, riots, acts of God, labor disturbances, trading
suspensions, general communications or transportation failures, fire,
earthquakes, and other similar events or circumstances to those enumerated
above.
(I)
Interpleader.
If FSWC
receives conflicting claims from CLAY,
a
Customer and/or other persons regarding money, securities or other property
held
by FSWC, FSWC may, in its discretion, tender such money, securities or other
property to a court of competent jurisdiction and institute an action in
interpleader or other appropriate legal proceeding to determine the rights
of
the respective claimants. FSWC shall have no liability to CLAY
in
connection with any such action, and shall be entitled to reimbursement for
its
costs and expenses in connection with such action from CLAY.
(m)
Notice.
For the
purposes of any and all notices, consents, directions, approvals, restrictions,
requests
or other communications required or permitted to be delivered hereunder, FSWC's
address shall be:
18
Attention:
|
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
|
First
Southwest Company
|
||
000
X. Xx. Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
|
||
|
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
|
|
|
||
and
CLAYs address shall be:
|
||
|
||
Attention:
|
Xxx
Xxxxxxxx Charleston Capital
|
|
|
000
Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx 0xx Xxxxx
|
|
|
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
|
Either
party may provide such notice or change its address for notice purposes by
giving written notice pursuant to registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, of the new address to the other party.
(n)
Counterparts:
NASD Approval.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken
together shall constitute a single agreement. When each party hereto has
executed and delivered to the other a counterpart, this Agreement shall become
binding on both parties, subject only to any required approval by the NASD.
If
required by the NASD, FSWC will submit this Agreement to the NASD promptly
following execution and will notify CLAY,
or
cause
CLAY
to
be
notified, promptly upon receipt of such approval.
(0)
Disclosure
of Relationship with FSWC.
CLAY
shall
not
hold itself out or represent to
any
third
party, including Customers, that it is affiliated with or is the agent of FSWC.
Notwithstanding the above, CLAY
may
specifically represent that "customer accounts are cleared and carried by XXXX."
00.
AGREEMENT REGARDING PROPRIETARY ACCOUNTS.
In
conformity with the SEC No-Action Letter dated November 3, 1998 (the "No-Action
Letter"), relating to the capital treatment of assets in the proprietary
accounts of an introducing broker ("PAIB"), CLAY
and
FSWC
agree as follows:
(a.)
FSWC
shall perform a computation for PAIB assets ("PAIB Reserve Computation") of
CLAY
in
accordance with the customer reserve computation set forth in SEC Rule 15c3-3
("customer reserve formula") with the following modifications:
(i)
Any
credit (including a credit applied to reduce a debit) that is included in the
customer
reserve formula may not be included as a credit in the PAIB reserve computation;
19
(ii)
Note
E(3)
to Rule 15c3-3a which reduces debit balances by 1% under the basic method
and subparagraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of the net capital rule which reduces debit
balances by 3% under the alternative method shall not apply; and
(iii)
Neither
Note E(1) to Rule 15c3-3a nor NYSE Interpretation /04 to Item 10 of Rule
15c3-3a regarding securities concentration charges shall be applicable to the
P
AIB reserve computation.
(b.) The
PAIB
reserve computation shall include all proprietary accounts of CLAY.
All
PAIB
assets shall be kept separate and distinct from customer assets under the
customer reserve formula in Rule 15c3-3. CLAY
shall
be
responsible for identifying to FSWC all proprietary accounts, whether now
existing or hereafter established or opened.
(c.)
The
PAIB
reserve computation shall be prepared within the same time frames as those
prescribed by Rule 15c3-3 for the customer reserve formula.
(d.)
FSWC
shall establish and maintain a separate "Special Reserve Account for the
Exclusive Benefit of Customers" with a bank in conformity with the standards
of
paragraph (f) of Rule 15c3·3 ("PAIB Reserve Account"). Cash and/or qualified
securities as defined in the customer reserve formula shall be maintained
in the
PAIB Reserve Account in an amount equal to the PAIB reserve requirement.
(e.)
lf
the
PAIB reserve computation results in a deposit requirement, the requirement
may
be satisfied to the extent of any excess debit in the customer reserve
formula
of the same date. However, a deposit requirement resulting from the customer
reserve formula shall not be satisfied with excess debits from the P AIB
reserve
computation.
(f.)
Within
two business days of entering into this Agreement, CLAY
shall
notify its designated examining authority in writing (with copy to FSWC)
that it
has entered into this Agreement regarding PAIB Reserve Computation.
(g.)
Commissions
receivable and other receivables of CLAY
from
FSWC
(excluding the Deposit)
that are otherwise allowable assets under the net capital rule may not
be
included in the PAIB Reserve Computation, provided the amounts have been
clearly
identified as receivables on the books and records of CLAY
and
as
payables on the books of FSWC.
(h.)
Upon
discovery that any deposit made to the PAIB Reserve Account did not satisfy
its
deposit
requirement, CLAY
shall
by
facsimile or telegram immediately notify its designated examining authority
and
the SEC. Unless a corrective plan is found acceptable by the SEC and the
designated examining authority, FSWC shall provide written notification
within 5
business days of the date of discovery to CLAY
that
PAIB
assets held by FSWC shall not be deemed allowable assets for net capital
purposes. The notification shall also state that, if CLAY
wishes
to
continue to count its PAIB assets as allowable, it has until the last business
day of the month following the month in which the notification was made
to
transfer all PAIB assets to another clearing broker. However, if the deposit
deficiency is remedied before the time at which CLAY
must
transfer its PAIB assets to another clearing broker, CLAY
may
choose to keep its assets at FSWC.
(i.)
The
parties shall adhere to the terms of the No-Action Letter, including the
Interpretations
set forth therein, in all respects.
20
21.
CASH
FORCE VISA PROGRAM
From
time
to time during the term of this Agreement, FSWC may be or become a party to
a
VISA Processing Agreement, or similar contract (the "VISA Agreement") with
a
bank: or other party (the "VISA Provider") authorized to establish and offer
participation in a VISA card program. Pursuant to the VISA Agreement, if
requested by CLAY, FSWC may, but shall not be obligated to, provide eligible
Customers with the ability to access certain assets in their Accounts, through
the use of VISA cards, VISA checks and/or automatic teller machine (ATM)
transactions which are part of the Cash Force VISA Program (the "Program")
maintained by FSWC. Pursuant to the Program, if requested by CLAY, FSWC may,
but
shall not be obligated to, recommend that the VISA Provider establish VISA
accounts for those Customers who are eligible to participate in the Program
and
who enter into appropriate customer agreements and documentation with FSWC
and
the VISA Provider.
In
the
event CLAY requests FSWC to offer participation in the Program to CLAY's
eligible Customers and FSWC agrees to offer such participation, then, as part
of
CLAY's obligations under this Agreement, CLAY agrees to fully cooperate with
FSWC and/or the VISA Provider and to comply promptly with all procedures
applicable to operation of the Program as specified by FSWC and/or the VISA
Provider, including, without limitation, all procedures applicable to the
operation of the Program with respect to eligibility requirements, agreements,
forms, materials, notifications and disclosures, credit terms and conditions.
Procedures specified by FSWC and/or the VISA Provider with respect to the
operation of the Program may be in the form of a written procedures manual,
guide or brochure, one or more memoranda, contract provisions, or other written
or oral instructions as amended or in effect from time to time.
In
consideration of the offering of participation in the Program to eligible
Customers, CLAY and FSWC agree that CLAY's indemnification and hold harmless
obligations as set forth in this Agreement, including those under Section 10
hereof, shall include and cover, without limitation, any and all claims,
liabilities, losses and costs incurred or suffered by FSWC resulting from or
in
connection with the use of VISA cards or checks issued or provided to Customers
of CLAY
participating
in the Program, including, without limitation, any claims, liabilities, losses
and costs resulting from the unauthorized use of the cards or checks.
22.
ALLOCATION
OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR AML COMPLIANCE
Responsibility
for compliance with the anti-money laundering ("AML") provisions of the Bank:
Secrecy
Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act ("PATRIOT Act"), and other applicable
laws and rules (including privacy regulations and other confidentiality
requirements), with respect to introduced Accounts, shall be allocated between
FSWC and CLAY
as set
forth
below.
(a.)
CLAY's
AML Responsibilities
(1.)
Establishing
and maintaining an AML compliance program (PATRIOT Act § 352
and
SRO rules).
(2.)
Notifying
relevant SROs of CLAY's
designated
AML officer(s).
(3.)
CTR
and
CMIR reporting, if applicable.
(4.)
Monitoring
for suspicious activity; and suspicious activity (SAR-SF) reporting (PATRIOT
Act § 356).
(5.)
Consulting
with FSWC when required to file any reports concerning introduced Account
and providing FSWC with any information requested by FSWC relating to such
reports.
(6.)
Obtaining
and verifying customer identifying information (PATRIOT Act § 326);
and
otherwise conducting AML "know-your-customer" measures.
21
(7.)
Consistent
with item # 3 below under FSWC's AML Responsibilities, screening for
identifying individuals from OF AC prohibited countries.
(8.)
Conducting
enhanced due diligence for private banking accounts (PATRIOT Act
§312).
(9.)
Conducting
enhanced due diligence for correspondent foreign bank accounts (PATRIOT
Act § 312).
(10.)
Compliance
with any special measures imposed by the Secretary of the Treasury for
jurisdictions, financial institutions, or international transactions of primary
money laundering concern (PATRIOT Act § 311).
(11.)
Closing
all accounts for prohibited foreign shell banks, and obtaining certifications/recertifications
regarding accounts for foreign banks, to include appropriate representations
concerning foreign shell banks and information concerning the foreign bank's
ownership and U.S. agent for service of process (PATRIOT Act §§ 313 and 319).
(12.)
Responding
to requests made by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN")
on behalf of a federal law enforcement agency investigating terrorist activity
or money laundering; and submitting a notice to FinCEN concerning voluntary
information sharing and complying with all requirements concerning the
confidentiality of shared information (PATRIOT Act § 314).
(13.)
Providing
to FSWC, where permissible: copies of all Forms, CTR, CMIR, and SAR-SF,
and any other reports CLA
Y
is
required to file, concerning any introduced Account; copies of notices to FinCEN
pursuant to PATRIOT Act §314(b); copies of certifications/recertifications
regarding accounts for foreign banks.
(14.)
Providing
prompt notice to FSWC of any circumstances requiring CLAY
to
terminate an introduced Account pursuant to the PATRIOT Act (e.g., §§ 313, 319).
(15.)
Providing
ongoing AML training to appropriate personnel (PATRIOT Act § 352 and
SRO
rules).
(16.)
Implementing
an independent audit program to evaluate the effectiveness of CLAY's
AML
compliance program (PATRIOT Act § 352 and SRO rules).
(17.)
Compliance
with all recordkeeping requirements in connection with the above responsibilities.
(b).
FSWC's
AML Responsibilities
(1.)
Establishing
and maintaining an AML compliance program (PATRIOT Act § 352
and
SRO rules).
(2.)
Notifying
relevant SROs of FSWC's designated AML officer(s).
(3.)
Screening,
or providing resources to permit CLA
Y
to
screen, electronic customer account data stored by FSWC on behalf of
CLA
Y
against
various databases through third-party service providers, or against other
ources, for purposes of detecting
names of OFAC prohibited individuals, entities and countries, and other adverse
information about the customer (“negative verification”).
22
(4.) Reviewing
certifications/recertifications regarding accounts for foreign banks
received
from CLAY
for
completeness.
(5.)
Providing
CLAY
with
information it needs in order to file required reports, including Forms CTR,
CMIR, and SAR-SF; and, where appropriate, filing such reports. Copies of any
reports filed by FSWC with respect to CLAY
Customers
will be provided to CLAY,
where
permissible.
(6.)
Responding
to requests made by FinCEN on behalf of a federal law enforcement agency
investigating terrorist activity or money laundering; and submitting a notice
to
FinCEN concerning voluntary information sharing, and complying with all
requirements concerning the confidentiality of shared information (PATRIOT
Act
§
314).
(7.)
Conducting
system screening to detect suspicious activity; and notifying CLAY,
where
permissible, of any suspicious activity detected.
(8.)
Providing
ongoing AML training to appropriate personnel (PATRIOT Act § 352 and
SRO
rules).
(9.)
Implementing
an independent audit program to evaluate the effectiveness of FSWC's
AML compliance program (PATRIOT Act § 352 and SRO rules).
(10.)
Compliance
with all recordkeeping requirements in connection with the above
responsibilities.
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23
MADE
AND
EXECUTED THIS 12 DAY
OF
DECEMBER,
2003
FSWC: | FIRST SOUTHWEST COMPANY | ||
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |||
By: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Vice President |
|||
000
X. Xx. Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
|
24
25