FUND ADMINISTRATION SERVICING AGREEMENT
Exhibit (k)(1)
Execution Copy
FUND ADMINISTRATION SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the last day written on the signature page by and between XXXX CAPITAL, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Fund”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC d/b/a U.S. BANK GLOBAL FUND SERVICES, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBGFS”).
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a closed-end, management investment company; and
WHEREAS, USBGFS is, among other things, in the business of providing fund administration services for the benefit of its customers; and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain USBGFS to provide fund administration services.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. | Appointment of USBGFS as Administrator |
The Fund hereby appoints USBGFS as administrator of the Fund on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and USBGFS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of USBGFS shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against USBGFS hereunder.
2. | Services and Duties of USBGFS |
USBGFS shall provide the following administration services to each Fund:
A. | General Fund Management: |
(1) | Act as liaison among Fund service providers. |
(2) | Supply: |
a. | Office facilities (which may be in Fund Services’, or an affiliate’s, or Fund’s own offices). |
b. | Non-investment-related statistical and research data as requested. |
(3) | Coordinate the Fund’s board of trustees (the “Board of Trustees” or the “Trustees”) communications, such as: |
a. | Prepare meeting agendas and resolutions, with the assistance of Fund counsel. |
b. | Prepare reports for the Board of Trustees based on financial and administrative data. |
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c. | Assist with the selection of the independent auditor. |
d. | Secure and monitor fidelity bond and director and officer liability coverage, and make the necessary Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings relating thereto. |
e. | Prepare minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees and Fund shareholders. |
f. | Recommend dividend declarations to the Board of Trustees and prepare and distribute to appropriate parties notices announcing declaration of dividends and other distributions to shareholders. |
g. | Attend Board of Trustees meetings and present materials for the Trustees’ review at such meetings. |
(4) | Audits: |
a. | For the annual Fund audit, prepare appropriate schedules and materials. Provide requested information to the independent auditors, and facilitate the audit process. |
b. | For SEC or other regulatory audits, provide requested information to the SEC or other regulatory agencies and or the Fund to assist the audit process. |
c. | For all audits, provide office facilities, as needed. |
(5) | Assist with overall operations of the Fund. |
(6) | Pay Fund expenses upon written authorization from the Fund. |
(7) | Keep the Fund’s governing documents, including its charter, bylaws and minute books, but only to the extent such documents are provided to USBGFS by the Fund or its representatives for safe keeping. |
B. | Compliance: |
(1) | Regulatory Compliance: |
a. | Monitor compliance with the 1940 Act requirements, including: |
(i) | Calculation of asset and diversification tests on a quarterly basis. |
(ii) | Calculation of total return and SEC yields. |
(iii) | Maintenance of books and records under Rule 31a-3. |
(iv) | Code of ethics requirements under Rule 17j-1 for the disinterested Trustees, if requested to provide such service by the Fund. |
b. | After each quarter-end and on a post-trade basis, monitor Fund’s compliance with the policies and investment limitations as set forth in its prospectus (the “Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (the “SAI”), if any, (or similar disclosure documents) included in its registration statement on Form N-2 filed with the SEC (“Registration Statement”). |
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c. | Perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications reasonably requested by the Fund in connection with (i) any certification required of the Fund pursuant to the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) or any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, and (ii) the operation of Fund Services’ compliance program as it relates to the Fund, provided the same shall not be deemed to change Fund Services’ standard of care as set forth herein. |
d. | In order to assist the Fund in satisfying the requirements of Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule”), USBGFS will provide the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer with reasonable access to Fund Services’ fund records relating to the services provided by it under this Agreement, and will provide quarterly compliance reports and related certifications regarding any Material Compliance Matter (as defined in the Rule) involving USBGFS that affect or could affect the Fund. |
e. | Monitor applicable regulatory and operational service issues, and update Board of Trustees periodically. |
(2) | Private Offering and Blue Sky Compliance: |
a. | Prepare and file with the SEC and appropriate state securities authorities any and all required compliance filings (e.g., Form D and “blue sky” filings) relating to the qualification of the securities of the Fund so as to enable the Fund to make a continuous offering of its shares in all states and applicable U.S. territories. |
b. | Monitor status and maintain registrations in each state and applicable U.S. territories. |
c. | Provide updates regarding material developments in state securities regulation. |
(3) | SEC Registration and Reporting: |
a. | Assist Fund counsel in annual update of the Registration Statement. |
b. | Prepare and file annual and semiannual shareholder reports, and Form N-CSR, N-PORT and N-CEN filings. As requested by the Fund, prepare and file Form N-PX filings. |
c. | Coordinate the printing, filing and mailing of Prospectuses and shareholder reports, and amendments and supplements thereto. |
d. | File fidelity bond under Rule 17g-1. |
e. | Monitor sales of Fund shares and ensure that such shares are properly registered or qualified, as applicable, with the SEC and the appropriate state authorities. |
f. | Assist Fund counsel in preparation of proxy statements and information statements, as requested by the Fund. |
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(4) | IRS Compliance: |
a. | Monitor the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), including without limitation, review of the following: |
(i) | Diversification requirements on a quarterly basis. |
(ii) | Qualifying income requirements. |
(iii) | Distribution requirements. |
b. | Calculate required annual excise distribution amounts for the review and approval of Fund management and/or its independent accountant. |
C. | Financial Reporting: |
(1) | Provide financial data required by the Registration Statement. |
(2) | Prepare financial reports for officers, shareholders, tax authorities, performance reporting companies, the Board of Trustees, the SEC, and the independent auditor. |
(3) | Supervise the Fund’s custodian and fund accountants in the maintenance of the Fund’s general ledger and in the preparation of the Fund’s financial statements, including oversight of expense accruals and payments, and the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders. |
(4) | Compute the yield, total return, expense ratio and portfolio turnover rate of the Fund. |
(5) | Monitor expense accruals and make adjustments as necessary; notify the Fund’s management of adjustments expected to materially affect the Fund’s expense ratio. |
(6) | Prepare financial statements, which include, without limitation, the following items: |
a. | Schedule of Investments. |
b. | Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
c. | Statement of Operations. |
d. | Statement of Changes in Net Assets. |
e. | Statement of Cash Flows (if applicable). |
f. | Financial Highlights. |
(7) | Pursuant to Rule 31a-1(b)(9) of the 1940 Act, prepare quarterly broker security transaction summaries. |
D. | Tax Reporting: |
(1) | Prepare for the review of the independent accountants and/or Fund management the federal and state tax returns including without limitation, Form 1120 RIC and applicable state returns including any necessary schedules. USBGFS will prepare annual Fund federal and state income tax return filings as authorized by and based on the instructions received by Fund management and/or its independent accountant. File on a timely basis appropriate federal and state tax returns including, without limitation, Forms 1120/8613, with any necessary schedules. |
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(2) | Provide the Fund’s management and Fund’s independent accountant with tax reporting information pertaining to the Fund and available to USBGFS as required in a timely manner. |
(3) | Prepare Fund financial statement tax footnote disclosures for the review and approval of Fund management and/or the Fund’s independent accountant. |
(4) | Prepare and file on behalf of Fund management Form 1099 MISC for payments to disinterested directors and other qualifying service providers. |
(5) | Monitor wash sale losses. |
(6) | Calculate Qualified Dividend Income (“QDI”) for qualifying Fund shareholders. |
3. | License of Data; Warranty; Termination of Rights |
A. | USBGFS has entered into agreements with various data service providers (each, a “Data Provider”), including, without limitation, MSCI index data services (“MSCI”), Standard & Poor Financial Services LLC (“S&P”), Morningstar, Broadridge, FTSE, and ICE to provide data services that may include, without limitation, index returns and pricing information (collectively, the “Data”) to facilitate the services provided by USBGFS to the Fund. These Data Providers have required USBGFS to include certain provisions regarding the use of the Data in this Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B. The Data is being licensed, not sold, to the Fund. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that certain Data Providers may also require the Fund to enter into an agreement directly with the Data Provider for the use of that Data Provider’s Data. |
B. | The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless USBGFS, its information providers, and any other third party involved in or related to the making or compiling of the Data, their affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, as incurred, arising in and any manner out of the Fund’s or any third party’s use of, or inability to use, the Data or any breach by the Fund of any provision contained in this Agreement regarding the Data. The immediately preceding sentence shall not have any effect upon the standard of care and liability of USBGFS as set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. |
C. | USBGFS has entered into agreements with Bloomberg Finance L.P. (“Bloomberg”) to provide data (the “N-PORT Data”) for use in or in connection with the reporting requirements under the Rule, including preparation and filing of Form N-PORT. In connection with the provision of the N-PORT Data, Bloomberg requires certain provisions to be included in the Agreement. |
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The Fund agrees that it shall (a) comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to accessing and using the N-PORT Data, (b) not extract the N-PORT Data from the view-only portal, (c) not use the N-PORT Data for any purpose independent of complying with the requirements of Rule 30b1-9 (which prohibition shall include, for the avoidance of doubt, use in risk reporting or other systems or processes (e.g., systems or processes made available enterprise-wide for the Fund’s internal use)), (d) permit audits of its use of the N-PORT Data by Bloomberg, its affiliates or, at the Fund’s request, a mutually agreed upon third-party auditor (provided that the costs of an audit by a third party shall be borne by the Fund), (e) exculpate Bloomberg, its affiliates and their respective suppliers from any liability or responsibility of any kind relating to the Fund’s receipt or use of the N-PORT Data (including expressly disclaiming all warranties). The Fund further agrees that Bloomberg shall be a third-party beneficiary of the Agreement solely with respect to the foregoing provisions (a) – (e).
4. | Compensation |
USBGFS shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit A hereto (as amended from time to time). USBGFS shall also be reimbursed for such miscellaneous expenses as set forth on Exhibit A hereto as are reasonably incurred by USBGFS in performing its duties hereunder. The Fund shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Fund shall notify USBGFS in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Fund is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Fund shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Fund to USBGFS shall only be paid out of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved.
5. | Representations and Warranties |
A. | The Fund hereby represents and warrants to USBGFS, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Fund, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
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(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. |
(4) | The Company will make reasonable efforts to cause aregistration statement under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to be effective within a reasonable period of time following the effective date of this Agreement and for such registration statements to remain effective during the term of this Agreement.; and |
(5) | All records of the Fund provided to USBGFS by the Fund or by a prior service provider of the Fund are accurate and complete and USBGFS is entitled to rely on all such records in the form provided. |
B. | USBGFS hereby represents and warrants to the Fund, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by USBGFS in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of USBGFS, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. |
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6. | Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability |
A. | USBGFS shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Neither USBGFS nor any of its affiliates or suppliers shall be liable for any error of judgment; mistake of law; fraud or misconduct by the Fund, the adviser or any other service provider to the Fund, or any employee of the foregoing; or for any loss suffered by the Fund, or any third party in connection with USBGFS’ duties under this Agreement, including losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns or the failure of communication or power supplies beyond USBGFS’ reasonable control, except a loss arising out of or relating to USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (other than where such compliance would violate applicable law) or from its bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if USBGFS has exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless USBGFS and its affiliates and suppliers from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that USBGFS or its affiliates and suppliers may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against USBGFS or its affiliates and suppliers by any person arising out of or related to (X) any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reliance upon any written or oral instruction provided to USBGFS by any duly authorized officer of the Fund, as approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, or (Y) the Data, or any information, service, report, analysis or publication derived therefrom, except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to USBGFS’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (other than where such compliance would violate applicable law) or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Fund, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “USBGFS” shall include USBGFS’ directors, officers and employees. |
B. | USBGFS shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Fund may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Fund by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by USBGFS as a result of Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, or from Fund Services’ bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of USBGFS, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Fund” shall include the Fund’s directors, officers and employees. |
In no case shall either party be liable to the other for (i) any special, indirect or consequential damages, loss of profits or goodwill (even if advised of the possibility of such); or (ii) any delay by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdown, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of transportation or power supply.
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In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its reasonable control, USBGFS shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues. USBGFS will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of USBGFS. USBGFS agrees that it shall, at all times, have reasonable business continuity and contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. Representatives of the Fund shall be entitled to inspect Fund Services’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of USBGFS, upon reasonable notice to USBGFS. Moreover, USBGFS shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent accountants on the internal controls and procedures of USBGFS relating to the services provided by USBGFS under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the above, USBGFS reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense. USBGFS shall promptly notify the Fund upon discovery of any material administrative error, and shall consult with the Fund about the actions it intends to take to correct the error prior to taking such actions. A “material administrative error” means any error which the Fund’s management would reasonably need to know to oversee the Fund’s compliance.
C. | In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek indemnification under this section. The indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with the indemnitor’s prior written consent. |
D. | The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 6 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
E. | If USBGFS is acting in another capacity for the Fund pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve USBGFS of any of its obligations in such other capacity. |
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F. | In conjunction with the tax services provided to the Fund by USBGFS hereunder, USBGFS shall not be deemed to act as an income tax return preparer for any purpose including as such term is defined under Section 7701(a)(36) of the IRC, or any successor thereof. Any information provided by USBGFS to a Fund for income tax reporting purposes with respect to any item of income, gain, loss, or credit will be performed solely in Fund Services’ administrative capacity. USBGFS shall not be required to determine, and shall not take any position with respect to whether, the reasonable belief standard described in Section 6694 of the IRC has been satisfied with respect to any income tax item. Each Fund, and any appointees thereof, shall have the right to inspect the transaction summaries produced and aggregated by USBGFS, and any supporting documents thereto, in connection with the tax reporting services provided to each Fund by USBGFS. USBGFS shall not be liable for the provision or omission of any tax advice with respect to any information provided by USBGFS to a Fund. The tax information provided by USBGFS shall be pertinent to the data and information made available to USBGFS, and is neither derived from nor construed as tax advice. |
7. | Data Necessary to Perform Services |
The Fund or its agent shall furnish to USBGFS the data necessary to perform the services described herein at such times and in such form as mutually agreed upon.
8. | Proprietary and Confidential Information |
A. | USBGFS agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund, all records and other information relative to the Fund and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the Fund (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where USBGFS may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Fund. USBGFS acknowledges that it may come into possession of material nonpublic information with respect to the Fund and confirms that it has in place effective procedures to prevent the use of such information in violation of applicable xxxxxxx xxxxxxx laws. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of USBGFS or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of USBGFS prior to receipt thereof from the Fund or its agents or service providers, shall not be subject to this paragraph. |
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Further, USBGFS will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Fund pursuant to Title V of the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, USBGFS 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 Fund and its shareholders. In addition, USBGFS has implemented and will maintain an effective information security program reasonably designed to protect information relating to Shareholders (such information, “Personal Information”), which program includes sufficient administrative, technical and physical safeguards and written policies and procedures reasonably designed to (a) insure the security and confidentiality of such Personal Information; (b) protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such Personal Information, including identity theft; and (c) protect against unauthorized access to or use of such Personal Information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the Fund or any Shareholder (the “Information Security Program”). The Information Security Program complies and shall comply with reasonable information security practices within the industry. Upon written request from the Fund, USBGFS shall provide a written description of its Information Security Program. USBGFS shall promptly notify the Fund in writing of any breach of security, misuse or misappropriation of, or unauthorized access to, (in each case, whether actual or alleged) any information of the Fund (any or all of the foregoing referred to individually and collectively for purposes of this provision as a “Security Breach”). USBGFS shall promptly investigate and remedy, and bear the cost of the measures (including notification to any affected parties), if any, to address any Security Breach. USBGFS shall bear the cost of the Security Breach only if USBGFS is determined to be responsible for such Security Breach. In addition to, and without limiting the foregoing, USBGFS will promptly cooperate with the Fund’s regulators at USBGFS’ expense (only if USBGFS is determined to be responsible for the Security Breach) to prevent, investigate, cease or mitigate any Security Breach, including but not limited to investigating, bringing claims or actions, and giving information and testimony. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the obligations set forth in this paragraph shall survive termination of this Agreement.
USBGFS will provide the Fund with copies of third party audit reports (e.g., SSAE 16 or SOC 1) through access to USBGFS’ CCO Portal (limited to two persons) to the extent such reports are available and related to services performed or made available by USBGFS under this Agreement. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that such reports are confidential and that it will not disclose such reports except to its employees and service providers who have a need to know and have agreed to obligations of confidentiality applicable to such reports.
B. | The Fund agrees on behalf of itself and its trustees, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of USBGFS, all non-public information relative to USBGFS (including, without limitation, the Data and information regarding USBGFS’ pricing, products, services, customers, suppliers, financial statements, processes, know-how, trade secrets, market opportunities, past, present or future research, development or business plans, affairs, operations, systems, computer software in source code and object code form, documentation, techniques, internal policies and procedures, designs, drawings, specifications, schematics, processes and/or intellectual property), and not to use such information for any purpose other than in connection with the services provided under this Agreement, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by USBGFS, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Fund may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the USBGFS. Information which has become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Fund or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of the Fund prior to receipt thereof from USBGFS, shall not be subject to this paragraph. |
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C. | Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Fund shall be permitted to disclose the identity of USBGFS as a service provider, redacted copies of this Agreement, and such other information as may be required in the Trust’s registration or offering documents, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, rule, or regulation, and (ii) USBGFS shall be permitted to include the name of the Fund in lists of representative clients in due diligence questionnaires, RFP responses, presentations, and other marketing and promotional purposes. |
9. | Records |
USBGFS shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Fund, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. USBGFS agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by USBGFS relating to the services to be performed by USBGFS hereunder are the property of the Fund and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Fund or its designee on and in accordance with its request. USBGFS agrees to provide any records necessary to the Fund to comply with the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting adopted in accordance with the SOX Act. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, USBGFS shall cooperate with the Fund and assist the Fund, as necessary, by providing information to enable the appropriate officers of the Fund to (i) execute any required certifications and (ii) provide a report of management on the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, USBGFS may retain such copies of such records in such form as may be required to comply with any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order of any governmental, regulatory, or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction.
10. | Compliance with Laws |
A. | The Fund has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Code, the SOX Act, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its Registration Statement. Fund Services’ services hereunder shall not relieve the Fund of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Trustee’s oversight responsibility with respect thereto. |
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B. | The Fund shall, within a reasonable period of time, notify USBGFS if the investment strategy of the Fund materially changes or deviates from the investment strategy disclosed in the current prospectus, or if, to its reasonable knowledge, it becomes subject to any new law, rule, regulation, or order of a governmental or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that materially impacts the operations of the Fund or the services provided under this Agreement. |
11. | Terms of Agreement; Amendment |
A. | This Agreement shall become effective as of the last date written on the signature page and will continue in effect for a period of two (2) years. Following the initial term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term that it will not be renewing the Agreement. |
B. | Subject to Section 16, this Agreement may be terminated by either party (in whole or with respect to one or more Funds) upon giving 90 days’ prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. |
C. | USBGFS may terminate this Agreement immediately if the continued service of the Fund would, in the reasonable judgment of USBGFS, cause USBGFS or any of its affiliates to be in material violation of any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order of any governmental, regulatory or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction, or if the Fund commits any act, or becomes involved in any situation or occurrence, tending to bring itself into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, or ridicule, or such that the continued association with the Fund would reflect unfavorably upon USBGFS’ reputation, provided that in such event USBGFS shall, to the extent it is legally permitted and able to do so, provide reasonable assistance to transition the Fund to a successor service provider. |
D. | This Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. |
E. | This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by USBGFS and the Fund, and authorized or approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. |
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12. | Early Termination |
In the absence of any material breach of this Agreement and the liquidation of the Fund, should the Fund elect to terminate this Agreement due to a conversion to a different service provider prior to the end of the then current term, the Fund agrees to pay the following fees, to the extent reasonably incurred, with respect to each Fund subject to the termination:
a. | all monthly fees through the remaining term of the Agreement, including the repayment of any negotiated discounts (provided that no such fees shall be paid following the liquidation of the Fund); |
b. | all fees associated with converting services to successor service provider; |
c. | all fees associated with any record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that may not be eliminated due to the conversion to a successor service provider; |
d. | all miscellaneous costs associated with a. to c. above. |
13. | Duties in the Event of Termination |
In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of USBGFS’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Fund by written notice to USBGFS, USBGFS will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense of the Fund, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence and other data established or maintained by USBGFS under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Fund (if such form differs from the form in which USBGFS has maintained the same, the Fund shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from USBGFS’ personnel in the establishment of books, records and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Fund. The Fund shall also pay any fees associated with record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that USBGFS is obligated under applicable law, regulation, or rule to continue following the termination.
14. | Assignment |
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the written consent of USBGFS, or by USBGFS without the written consent of the Fund accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
15. | Governing Law |
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.
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16. | No Agency Relationship |
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.
17. | Services Not Exclusive |
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict USBGFS from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
18. | Invalidity |
Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
19. | Legal-Related Services |
Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to appoint USBGFS or any of its officers, directors or employees as the Fund’s attorneys, form attorney-client relationships or require the provision of legal advice. No work performed by employees of USBGFS or its affiliates (whether relating to the preparation or filing of regulatory materials, compliance with applicable laws, rules, or regulations, or otherwise) shall constitute legal advice. The Fund acknowledges that employees of USBGFS and its affiliates who are attorneys do not represent the Fund and rely on outside counsel retained by the Fund to review all services provided by USBGFS and to provide independent judgment on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund acknowledges that because no attorney-client relationship exists between the Fund and USBGFS (or any employee of USBGFS or its affiliates), any information provided may not be privileged and may be subject to compulsory disclosure.
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20. | Notices |
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below:
Notice to USBGFS shall be sent to:
U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services, LLC
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: President
and notice to the Fund shall be sent to:
Xxxx Capital
000 X. Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
21. | No Third Party Rights |
Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any third party (including, without limitation, shareholders of the Fund) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement.
22. | Multiple Originals |
This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
(SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date last written below.
XXXX CAPITAL | U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx | By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |
Name: | Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx | Name: | Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |
Title: | CEO | Title: | Sr. Vice President | |
Date: | August 28, 2020 | Date: | August 28, 2020 |
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