Exhibit (g)
-----------
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
------------------
This Contract between MONY Series Fund, Inc., a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of Maryland, hereinafter called the "Fund", and
State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust company, hereinafter
called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series,
with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in seven (7)
series: Equity Income Portfolio, Equity Growth Portfolio, Intermediate Term
Bond Portfolio, Long Term Bond Portfolio, Government Securities Portfolio,
Money Market Portfolio and Diversified Portfolio (such series together with all
other series subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this
Contract in accordance with paragraph 17, being herein referred to as the
"Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
-----------------------------------------------------
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets
of the Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf
of the applicable Portfolio desires to be held in places within the United
States ("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the
United States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Articles
of Incorporation. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to
the Custodian all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of
income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with
respect to all securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the
cash consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital
stock of the Fund representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may
be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for
any property of a Portfolio held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered
to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article
5), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to
time employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only
in accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Directors of the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall
have no more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any
actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such
sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian
for the Fund's foreign securities on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in
Schedule A hereto but only in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By
--------------------------------------------------------------------
the Custodian in the United States
----------------------------------
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
------------------
for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by
it in the United States including all domestic securities owned by
such Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained
pursuant to Section 2.10 in a clearing agency which acts as a
securities depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies (each, a "U.S.
Securities System") and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which
State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent
("Direct Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian (the "Direct Paper System") pursuant to
Section 2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
----------------------
domestic securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a
U.S. Securities System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's
Direct Paper book entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account")
only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of
the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio
and receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the
Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a U.S. Securities
System, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10
hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;
provided that, in any such case, the cash or other
consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the
name of the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or
nominees of the Custodian or into the name or nominee
2.
name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or into
the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Article l; or for exchange for a different number
of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the
same aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that,
--------
in any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to
the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the
Portfolio, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a
receipt, for examination in accordance with "street delivery"
custom; provided that in any such case, the Custodian shall
have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from
the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment
for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's
own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or
readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such
securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit
agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new
securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or
similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or
temporary securities for definitive securities; provided
that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any,
are to be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made
by the Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate
----
collateral as agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian
and the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, which may be in the
form of cash or obligations issued by the United States
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in
connection with any loans for which collateral is to be
credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the
Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for the
delivery of securities owned by the Portfolio prior to the
receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of
assets by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, but only
----
against receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the
Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of The
3.
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the
Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the
rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any
Contract Market, or any similar organization or
organizations, regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent
("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such
Transfer Agent or to the holders of shares in connection with
distributions in kind, as may be described from time to time
in the currently effective prospectus and statement of
additional information of the Fund, related to the Portfolio
("Prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by holders of
Shares for repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt
of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio specifying the securities of the
Portfolio to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for
which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to
be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be
assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized
in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with
other registered investment companies having the same investment
adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent
appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of
any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities
accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms
of this Contract shall be in "street name" or other good delivery
form. If, however, the Fund directs the Custodian to maintain
securities in "street name", the Custodian shall utilize its best
efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such securities
and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant
corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls,
maturities, tender or exchange offers.
4.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio
of the Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting
pursuant to the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in such account
or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it
from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained
by the Portfolio in a bank account established and used in accordance
with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held
by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit
as Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or in such
other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem
necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or
trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and that each such bank or trust
company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust
company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be approved by
vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund. Such funds
shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and
shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund
on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the
Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of a Portfolio, make federal funds available to such
Portfolio as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the
Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment for
Shares of such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's
account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder
to which each Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to
custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis
all income and other payments with respect to bearer domestic
securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities
are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and shall credit such
income, as collected, to such Portfolio's custodian account. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach
and present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring
presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest
when due on securities held hereunder. Income due each Portfolio on
securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall
be the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or
responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund
with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund
in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to
which the Portfolio is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the
Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian
shall pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:
5.
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts for the account of
the Portfolio but only (a) against the delivery of such
securities or evidence of title to such options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian
(or any bank, banking firm or trust company doing business
in the United States or abroad which is qualified under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a
custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as its
agent for this purpose) registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian
referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for
transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a
U.S. Securities System, in accordance with the conditions
set forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a
purchase involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance
with the conditions set forth in Section 2.11; (d) in the
case of repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund
on behalf of the Portfolio and the Custodian, or another
bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i)
against delivery of the securities either in certificate
form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's account
at the Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii)
against delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the
Portfolio of securities owned by the Custodian along with
written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian to
repurchase such securities from the Portfolio or (e) for
transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank,
whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected
prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the
applicable bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the
Fund as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2
hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the
Portfolio as set forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following
payments for the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes,
management, accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and
operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses
are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred
expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the Portfolio
declared pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
6.
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such
purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 [Reserved.]
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
---------------------
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or
trust company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry
out such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from
time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any
-------- -------
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or
liabilities hereunder including, without limitation, the recordkeeping
responsibilities set forth in Section 9 hereinbelow.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities Systems. The Custodian may
-------------------------------------------------
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a
securities depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies,
collectively referred to herein as "U.S. Securities System" in
accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and
Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the
following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a U.S.
Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the
U.S. Securities System which shall not include any assets of
the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary,
custodian or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of
the Portfolio which are maintained in a U.S. Securities
System shall identify by book-entry those securities
belonging to the Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall, in accordance with Section 2.7(c), pay
for securities purchased for the account of the Portfolio
upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S. Securities System
that such securities have been transferred to the Account,
and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the
account of the Portfolio. The Custodian shall, in accordance
with
7.
Section 2.2(3), transfer securities sold for the account of
the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the U.S.
Securities System that payment for such securities has been
transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and
payment for the account of the Portfolio. Copies of all
advices from the U.S. Securities System of transfers of
securities for the account of the Portfolio shall identify
the Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by the
Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its request. Upon
request, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio confirmation of each transfer to or from the
account of the Portfolio in the form of a written advice or
notice and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each
day's transactions in the U.S. Securities System for the
account of the Portfolio.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio with
any report obtained by the Custodian on the U.S. Securities
System's accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the U.S.
Securities System;
5) [Reserved.];
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of
the Portfolio for any loss or damage to the Portfolio
resulting from use of the U.S. Securities System by reason of
any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or
any of its agents or of any of its or their employees or from
failure of the Custodian or any such agent to enforce
effectively such rights as it may have against the U.S.
Securities System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with
respect to any claim against the U.S. Securities System or
any other person which the Custodian may have as a
consequence of any such loss or damage if and to the extent
that the Portfolio has not been made whole for any such loss
or damage.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The
--------------------------------------------------------
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a
Portfolio in the Direct Paper System of the Custodian subject to the
following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper
System will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions
from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the
Direct Paper System only if such securities are represented
in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the
8.
Direct Paper System which shall not include any assets of the
Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or
otherwise for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer of securities to
the account of the Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer
securities sold for the account of the Portfolio upon the making
of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and receipt of payment for the account of the Portfolio;
S) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the
Portfolio, in the form of a written advice or notice, of Direct
Paper on the next business day following such transfer and shall
furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the U.S.
Securities System for the account of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
with any report on its system of internal accounting control as
the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
------------------
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio
establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf
of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred
cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by
the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,
the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a
member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered
contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by
the Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government
securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the
Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or
sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the
Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release
No. 10666, or any subsequent
9.
release or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to
the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies
and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of
----
clause (iv), upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf
of the applicable Portfolio setting forth the purpose or purposes of such
segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate
purposes.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
---------------------------------------
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state
tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in
connection with transfers of securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities
-------
held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of
such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the
name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Portfolio such proxies, all proxy soliciting
materials and all notices relating to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities. Subject to the
-----------------------------------------------
provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the
Fund for each Portfolio all written information (including, without
limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of domestic securities and
expirations of rights in connection therewith and notices of exercise of
call and put options written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and
the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Portfolio)
received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for
the Portfolio. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian
shall transmit promptly to the Portfolio all written information received
by the Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange
is sought and from the party (or his agents) making the tender or
exchange offer. If the Portfolio desires to take action with respect to
any tender offer, exchange offer or any other similar transaction, the
Portfolio shall notify the Custodian at least three business days prior
to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
of the United States
--------------------
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
-------------------------------------
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Portfolio's
securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories
designated on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt
of "Proper Instructions", as defined in Section 5 of this Contract,
together with a signature of
10.
an authorized officer of the Fund, the Custodian and the Fund may agree
to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate additional
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories to act
as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Fund may
instruct the Custodian to cease the employment of any one or more such
sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the Portfolio's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
-----------------
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"foreign securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in
such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect the Portfolio's foreign securities transactions. The
Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Fund, the
foreign securities of the Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian.
3.3 Foreign Securities Systems. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
--------------------------
writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Portfolios shall be
maintained in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or
in a book-entry system for the central handling of securities located
outside of the United States (each a "Foreign Securities System") only
through arrangements implemented by the foreign banking institutions
serving as sub-custodians pursuant to the terms hereof (Foreign
Securities Systems and U.S. Securities Systems are collectively referred
to herein as the "Securities Systems"). Where possible, such arrangements
shall include entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth
in Section 3.5 hereof.
3.4 Holding Securities. The Custodian may hold securities and other non-cash
------------------
property for all of its customers, including the Fund, with a foreign
sub-custodian in a single account that is identified as belonging to the
Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i)
the records of the Custodian with respect to securities and other
non-cash property of the Fund which are maintained in such account shall
identify by book-entry those securities and other non-cash property
belonging to the Fund and (ii) the Custodian shall require that
securities and other non-cash property so held by the foreign
sub-custodian be held separately from any assets of the foreign
sub-custodian or of others.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
--------------------------------------------
foreign banking institution shall provide that: (a) the assets of each
Portfolio will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest,
lien or claim of any kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or
its creditors or agent, except a claim of payment for their safe custody
or administration; (b) beneficial ownership for the assets of each
Portfolio will be freely transferable without the payment of money or
value other than for custody or administration; (c) adequate records will
be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to each applicable
Portfolio; (d) officers of or auditors employed by, or other
representatives of the Custodian, including
11.
to the extent permitted under applicable law the independent public
accountants for the Fund, will be given access to the books and records
of the foreign banking institution relating to its actions under its
agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets of the Portfolios held by
the foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to the instructions of the
Custodian or its agents.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the Fund,
the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of
any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian
insofar as such books and records relate to the performance of such
foreign banking institution under its agreement with the Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time to
time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities
and other assets of the Portfolio(s) held by foreign sub-custodians,
including but not limited to an identification of entities having
possession of the Portfolio(s) securities and other assets and advices or
notifications of any transfers of securities to or from each custodial
account maintained by a foreign banking institution for the Custodian on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio indicating, as to securities acquired
for a Portfolio, the identity of the entity having physical possession of
such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise provided
in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and
2.7 of this Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign
securities of the Fund held outside the United States by foreign
sub-custodians. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the
contrary, settlement and payment for securities received for the account
of each applicable Portfolio and delivery of securities maintained for
the account of each applicable Portfolio may be effected in accordance
with the customary established securities trading or securities
processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in
which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering
securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent
for such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of
receiving later payment for such securities from such purchaser or
dealer. (c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign
sub-custodian may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to
the same extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the
Fund agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a
holder of record of such securities.
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which the
Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care
in the performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the
Custodian and each Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense,
12.
liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the
institution's performance of such obligations. At the election of the
Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claims against a foreign banking
institution as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim if and to the extent that the Fund has not been
made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim.
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
----------------------
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set
forth with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and,
regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a
foreign banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a
branch of a U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph 3.13 hereof, the
Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation,
currency restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism or any loss where
the sub-custodian has otherwise exercised reasonable care.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 3.10, in
delegating custody duties to State Street London Ltd., the Custodian
shall not be relieved of any responsibility to the Fund for any loss
due to such delegation, except such loss as may result from (a)
political risk (including, but not limited to, exchange control
restrictions, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization,
insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b) other losses
(excluding a bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not
caused by political risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or
other losses under circumstances where the Custodian and State Street
London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to
--------------------------
advance cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a
Portfolio including the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of
contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event that the Custodian or
its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses,
assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's
own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the applicable
Portfolio shall be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay
the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize
available cash and to dispose of such Portfolios assets to the extent
necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to
---------------------------
the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be
similar in kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection
with the initial approval of this Contract. In addition, the Custodian
will promptly inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian learns
of a material adverse change in the financial condition of a foreign
sub-custodian or any material loss of the
13.
assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign sub-custodian not the
subject of an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission is notified by such foreign sub-custodian that there
appears to be a substantial likelihood that its shareholders' equity
will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent
thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below $200
million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted
U.S. accounting principles).
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this
----------------------
Contract, the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of
the Portfolios assets are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking
institution which is a "bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 meeting the qualification set forth in
Section 26(a) of said Act. The appointment of any such branch as a
sub-custodian shall be governed by paragraph 1 of this Contract. (b)
Cash held for each Portfolio of the Fund in the United Kingdom shall
be maintained in an interest bearing account established for the Fund
with the Custodian's London branch, which account shall be subject to
the direction of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or both.
3.14 Tax Law. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for
-------
any obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian
as custodian of the Fund by the tax law of the United States of
America or any state or political subdivision thereof. It shall be the
responsibility of the Fund to notify the Custodian of the obligations
imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the Fund by the
tax law of jurisdictions other than those mentioned in the above
sentence, including responsibility for withholding and other taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and
governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with
regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable. efforts to assist
the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the
tax law of jurisdictions for which the Fund has provided such
information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or
from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account of the
appropriate Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio
issued or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent
of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and any applicable votes of the
Board of Directors of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for
payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request
for
14.
redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or
repurchase of Shares of a Portfolio, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of
instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial
bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on
the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the
Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with
such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
between the Fund and the Custodian.
5. Proper Instructions
-------------------
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing
signed or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of Directors
shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them
to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect
to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be
confirmed in writing. Proper Instructions may include communications effected
directly between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the
instructions are consistent with the security procedures agreed to by the Fund
and the Custodian including, but not limited to, the security procedures
selected by the Funds on the Funds Transfer Addendum to this Contract. For
purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include instructions
received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement which requires a
segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.12.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
-------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from
the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under
this Contract, provided that all such payments shall be accounted
--------
for to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks,
drafts and other negotiable instruments; and
15.
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase,
transfer and other dealings with the securities and property
of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the Board
of Directors of the Fund.
7. Evidence of Authority
---------------------
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by
it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the Fund.
The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person
to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action
by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as described
in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
------------------------------------------------------------
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income
---------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to
the entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund to keep
the books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per
share of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio or, if directed in writing to
do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of
account and/or compute such net asset value per share. If so directed, the
Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as
described in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio
and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of
such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do
so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net
income among its various components. The calculations of the net asset value per
share and the daily income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times
described from time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related
to such Portfolio.
9. Records
-------
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain
all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in
such manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules
31 a-1 and 31 a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund
and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be
open for inspection by duly
16.
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall, at the Fund's
request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio
and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for
such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian,
include certificate numbers in such tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf
of each applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year
to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect
to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's
Form N-IA, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
-------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the
Portfolios at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by
independent public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under
this Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient
detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable
assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination,
and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the
Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
---------------------------
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine
17.
and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any futures
commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party futures or
options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable
care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but shall be kept
indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any action taken
or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely
on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all
matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or
omitted pursuant to such advice.
Except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct or the negligence or willful misconduct of a sub-custodian or agent,
the Custodian shall be without liability to the Fund for any loss, liability,
claim or expense resulting from or caused by; (i) events or circumstances
beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian or any sub-custodian or
Securities System or any agent or nominee of any of the foregoing, including,
without limitation, nationalization or expropriation, imposition of currency
controls or restrictions, the interruption, suspension or restriction of
trading on or the closure of any securities market, power or other mechanical
or technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications
disruptions, acts of war or terrorism, riots, revolutions, work stoppages,
natural disasters or other similar events or acts; (ii) errors by the Fund or
the Investment Advisor in their instructions to the Custodian provided such
instructions have been in accordance with this Contract; (iii) the insolvency
of or acts or omissions by a Securities System; (iv) any delay or failure of
any broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent
payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian's sub-custodian or agent
securities purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with
securities sold; (v) any delay or failure of any company, corporation, or other
body in charge of registering or transferring securities in the name of the
Custodian, the Fund, the Custodian's sub-custodians, nominees or agents or any
consequential losses arising out of such delay or failure to transfer such
securities including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other
accretions or benefits; (vi) delays or inability to perform its duties due to
any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security
or Securities System; and (vii) any provision of any present or future law or
regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or
any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of
competent jurisdiction.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution to the same extent as set forth with respect to
sub-custodians generally in this Contract.
If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take
any action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of
money or which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the
Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for
the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take
such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
18.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents,
to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited to
securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) or in
the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall
be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly,
the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such
Portfolio's assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or
consequential damages.
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
-------------------------------------------
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30)
days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided further, however, that
----------------
the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation, and further provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of
the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board of Directors (i)
substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as
described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in
the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of alike event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for its
costs, expenses and disbursements.
15. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or more of the Portfolios
shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund, the Custodian shall,
upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the
Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of each
applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account
of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in
a Securities System.
19.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all
instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held
by it under this Contract on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and to transfer
to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such
Portfolio held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company
shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, fimds and other properties and
the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
--------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such
provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Contract as
may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this
Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing
signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no such
--------
interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable federal or
state regulations or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund.
No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding
sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
----------------
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to Equity Income Portfolio, Equity Growth Portfolio, Intermediate Term
Bond Portfolio, Long Term Bond
20.
Portfolio, Government Securities Portfolio, Money Market Portfolio and
Diversified Portfolio with respect to which it desires to have the Custodian
render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the
Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such
services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
--------------------------
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
19. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the Custodian
relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
20. Reproduction of Documents
-------------------------
This Contract and all schedules, exhibits, addenda, attachments and
amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm,
micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto
all/each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the
original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the
original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a
party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or
further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in
evidence.
21. Shareholder Communications
--------------------------
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether the Fund authorizes
the Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to
requesting companies whose stock the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian
"no", the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies.
If the Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or does not check either "yes" or "no"
below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to
disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds
or accounts established by the Fund. For the
21.
Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits the requesting company from using the
Fund's name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications.
Please indicate below whether the Fund consent or object by checking one of the
alternatives below.
YES [_] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name, address,
and share positions.
NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name, address,
and share positions.
22. Data Access Services Addendum
-----------------------------
The Custodian and the Fund agree to be bound by the terms of the Data Access
Services Addendum attached hereto.
Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank
22.
Signature Page
--------------
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the third day of December, 1999.
ATTEST MONY SERIES FUND, INC.
Xxxxxxxxx X. Poster, Vice President Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Vice Chairman
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/S/ Xxxxxxxxx X. Poster BY: /S/ XXXXXX X. XXXXX
----------------------- -------------------
23.
