Exhibit 9(a)
SUB-ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
SUB-ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT, dated as of December 31, 1997, by
and between SIGNATURE FINANCIAL GROUP (CAYMAN) LTD., a Cayman corporation (the
"Sub-Administrator"), and CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association
("Citibank").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, Citibank has been retained by certain registered open-end
management investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), as listed on Schedule A hereto (each individually a
"Trust" and collectively the "Trusts"), to provide administrative services to
its investment portfolios, as listed on Schedule A hereto (each individually a
"Fund" and collectively the "Funds"), pursuant to separate Management
Agreements (each a "Management Agreement"), and
WHEREAS, as permitted by Section 1 of each Management Agreement, Citibank
desires to subcontract some or all of the performance of its obligations
thereunder to Sub-Administrator, and Sub-Administrator desires to accept such
obligations; and
WHEREAS, Citibank wishes to engage Sub-Administrator to provided certain
administrative services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, so
long as Citibank shall have found Sub-Administrator to be qualified to perform
the obligations sought to be subcontracted.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of
the parties hereto as herein set forth, the parties covenant and agree as
follows:
1. Duties as Sub-Administrator. Subject to the supervision and direction
of Citibank, Sub-Administrator will assist in supervising various aspects of
each Trust's administrative operations and undertakes to perform the following
specific services, from and after the effective date of this Agreement:
(a) To the extent requested by Citibank, furnish Trust secretarial
services;
(b) To the extent requested by Citibank, furnish Trust treasury
services, including the review of financial data, tax and other
regulatory filings and audit requests;
(c) To the extent requested by Citibank, provide the services of certain
persons who may be appointed as officers or Trustees of the Trust by
the Trust's Board;
(d) To the extent requested by Citibank, participate in the preparation
of documents required for compliance by the Trust with applicable
laws and regulations, including registration statements,
prospectuses, semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders and
proxy statements;
(e) To the extent requested by Citibank, prepare agendas and supporting
documents for and minutes of meetings of the Trustees, Committees of
Trustees and shareholders;
(f) Maintain books and records of the Trust;
(g) To the extent requested by Citibank, provide advice and counsel to
the Trust with respect to regulatory matters, including monitoring
regulatory and legislative developments which may affect the Trust
and assisting the Trust in routine regulatory examinations or
investigations of the Trust, and working closely with outside
counsel to the Trust in connection with litigation in which the
Trust is involved;
(h) To the extent requested by Citibank, generally assist in all aspects
of the Trust's operations and provide general consulting services on
a day to day, as needed basis;
(i) In connection with the foregoing activities, maintain office
facilities (which may be in the offices of Sub-Administrator or its
corporate affiliate); and
(j) In connection with the foregoing activities, furnishing clerical
services, and internal executive and administrative services,
stationery and office supplies.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sub-Administrator under this Agreement
shall not be deemed to have assumed any duties with respect to, and shall not
be responsible for, the management of a Trust, or the distribution of
beneficial interests in a Trust, nor shall Sub-Administrator be deemed to have
assumed or have any responsibility with respect to functions specifically
assumed by any transfer agent or custodian of a Trust.
In performing all services under this Agreement, Sub-Administrator shall
(a) act in conformity with the Trust's charter documents and bylaws, the 1940
Act and other applicable laws, as the same may be amended from time to time,
(b) consult and coordinate with legal counsel for the Trust, as necessary or
appropriate, and (c) advise and report to the Trust and its legal counsel, as
necessary or appropriate, with respect to any material compliance or other
matters that come to its attention.
In performing its services under this Agreement, Sub-Administrator shall
cooperate and coordinate with Citibank as necessary and appropriate and shall
provide such information as is reasonably necessary or appropriate for Citibank
to perform its obligations to the Trust. Sub-Administrator shall perform its
obligations under this Agreement in a conscientious and diligent manner
consistent with prevailing industry standards.
2. Compensation of Sub-Administrator. For the services to be rendered and
the facilities to be provided by Sub-Administrator hereunder, Sub-Administrator
shall be paid an administrative fee as may from time to time be agreed to
between Citibank and Sub-Administrator.
3. Additional Terms and Conditions. The parties may amend this agreement
and include such other terms and conditions as may from time to time be agreed
to by both Citibank and Sub-Administrator.
4. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by Citibank at any time,
in its entirety or as to one or more Funds, with or without cause. This
Agreement may be terminated by the Sub-Administrator, in its entirety or as to
one or more Funds, with or without cause, provided that Sub-Administrator has
notified Citibank of such termination in writing at least 90 days prior to the
effective date thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed and delivered in their names and on their behalf by the undersigned,
thereunder duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
SIGNATURE FINANCIAL
GROUP (CAYMAN) LTD. CITIBANK, N.A.
By: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx By: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: CEO Title: Vice President
Schedule A
to Sub-Administrative Services Agreement
Between
Signature Financial Group (Cayman) Ltd.
and
Citibank, N.A.
Trust Series
The Premium Portfolios Growth & Income Portfolio
