FORM OF INVESTMENT SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
FORM OF
INVESTMENT SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, AMCO serves as the investment adviser to USAA ETF Trust, a statutory trust organized under the laws of the state of Delaware (the "Trust") and registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
(a)Authority to Invest. Subject to the control and supervision of AMCO and the Trust's Board of Trustees (the Board), SSGA FM, at its own expense, shall have full discretion to manage, supervise, and direct the investment and reinvestment of Fund Accounts allocated to it by AMCO from time to time. It is understood that a Fund Account may consist of all, a portion of, or none of the assets of the Fund, and that AMCO has the right to allocate and reallocate such assets to a Fund Account at any time. AMCO shall provide SSGA FM with as much prior written notice as is practical under the circumstances prior to such allocations and reallocations. SSGA FM shall perform its duties described herein in a manner consistent with the investment objective, policies, and restrictions set forth in the then current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (SAI) for each Fund as provided to SSGA FM by AMCO. Should SSGA FM anticipate modifying its investment process as applicable to a Fund
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Account, it must provide written notice in advance to AMCO, and any affected Prospectus and SAI should be amended by AMCO and the Trust, as appropriate, accordingly.
For each Fund set forth on Schedule A to this Agreement, SSGA FM shall provide investment advice only with respect to the Fund's portfolio with such assets as may be allocated to it by AMCO from time to time and shall not consult with any other subadviser of such Fund concerning transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets; provided, that this shall not be deemed to prohibit SSGA FM from consulting with any of its affiliated persons concerning transactions in securities or other assets. This also shall not be deemed to prohibit SSGA FM from consulting with any of the other covered advisers concerning compliance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 12d3-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Where SSGA FM provides investment advice to all, or almost all, of a Fund's portfolio, SSGA FM shall initially determine and make such modifications to the identity and number of shares of the in- kind deposit securities and the redemption securities required for a fund deposit or fund redemption for each Fund as may be necessary as a result of rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events (and may give directions to the Trust's Custodian with respect to such designation) (capitalized terms have the meaning set forth in the Funds' prospectus).
With respect to the management of each Fund Account pursuant to this Agreement, SSGA FM shall determine what investments shall be purchased, held, sold or exchanged by each Fund Account and what portion, if any, of the assets of each Fund Account shall be held in cash or cash equivalents, and purchase, sell, hold or exchange portfolio securities for each Fund Account; except that, to the extent SSGA FM wishes to hold cash or cash equivalents in excess of 3% of a Fund Account's assets, SSGA FM must request in writing and receive advance permission from AMCO.
In accordance with Subsection (b) of this Section 2, SSGA FM shall arrange for the execution of all orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund Account and will exercise full discretion and act for the Trust in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the Trust might or could do with respect to such purchases, sales, or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales, or other transactions.
In the performance of its duties, SSGA FM will act in the best interests of each Fund and will comply in all material respects with the applicable sections of (i) applicable laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act"), and the rules under each, (ii) the terms of this Agreement, (iii) the stated investment objective, policies and restrictions of each Fund, as stated in the then-current Registration Statement of each Fund, as provided to SSGA FM (iv) the Trust's compliance procedures and other policies, procedures or guidelines as the Board or AMCO reasonably may establish from time to time, as provided to SSGA FM, (v) the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code), applicable to "regulated investment companies" (as defined in Section 851 of the Code), as from time to time in effect,
(vi)the terms and conditions of exemptive and no-action relief relied upon by the Trust that it intends to rely on in order to list an exchange-traded fund and as provided to SSGA FM, and (vii) the written instructions of AMCO as provided to SSGA FM. AMCO shall be responsible for providing SSGA FM with the Trust's Master Trust Agreement, as amended and supplemented, the Trust's By-Laws and amendments thereto and current copies of the materials specified in Subsections (a)(iii) and (iv) of this Section 2. AMCO shall provide SSGA FM with prior written notice of any material changes to the Trust's Registration Statement, the Trust's compliance procedures and other policies, procedures or guidelines as the Board or AMCO reasonably may establish from time to time, that would affect SSGA FM's management of a Fund Account. Notwithstanding the foregoing, AMCO shall remain responsible for ensuring each Fund's and the Trust's overall compliance with the 1940 Act, the Code, any regulatory
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(b)Portfolio Transactions. In connection with the management of the investment and reinvestment of the Fund Accounts' assets, SSGA FM will select the brokers or dealers that will execute purchase and sale transactions for the Fund Accounts, subject to the conditions herein. In the selection of broker-dealers and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio investments for the Fund Accounts, SSGA FM shall use its best efforts to obtain for the Fund Accounts the best execution available. In using its best efforts to obtain the best execution available, SSGA FM, bearing in mind each Fund's best interests at all times, shall consider all factors it deems relevant, which may include, by way of illustration, price, the size of the transaction, the nature of the market for the security, the amount of the commission and dealer's spread or xxxx-up, the timing of the transaction taking into account market prices and trends, the reputation, experience, and financial stability of the broker-dealer involved, the general execution and operational facilities of the broker-dealer and the quality of service rendered by the broker-dealer in other transactions.
Subject to such policies as the Board has determined and have been provided to SSGA FM, and to the extent authorized by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act), SSGA FM shall not be deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty created by this Agreement or otherwise solely by reason of its having caused a Fund Account to pay a broker-dealer that provides brokerage and research services to SSGA FM an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio investment transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer offering equally good execution capability in the portfolio investment would have charged for effecting that transaction if SSGA FM determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or SSGA FM's overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and to other clients of SSGA FM as to which SSGA FM exercises investment discretion. The Board or AMCO may direct SSGA FM in writing, subject to SSGA FM's agreement and its reasonable belief that it can seek to obtain best execution in following such direction, to effect transactions in portfolio securities through broker-dealers in a manner that will help generate resources to pay the cost of certain expenses that the Trust is required to pay or for which the Trust is required to arrange payment.
On occasions when SSGA FM deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of a Fund as well as other clients of SSGA FM, SSGA FM, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may aggregate the securities to be purchased or sold to attempt to obtain a more favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by SSGA FM in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients over time.
SSGA FM may buy securities for a Fund Account at the same time it is selling such securities for another client account and may sell securities for a Fund Account at the time it is buying such securities for another client account. In such cases, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and in compliance with such procedures of the Trust as may be in effect from time to time
The Trust or AMCO shall notify SSGA FM of the identities of its custodian banks and the custody arrangements therewith with respect to the Fund Accounts and shall give SSGA FM written notice of any changes in such custodian banks or custody arrangements. SSGA FM will advise the Funds' custodian or such depository or agents as may be designated by the custodian and AMCO promptly of each purchase and sale of a portfolio security, specifying the name of the issuer, the description and amount or number of shares of the security purchased, the market price, the commission and gross or net
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price, the trade date and settlement date, the identity of the effecting broker or dealer and any other pertinent data that the Funds' custodian may need to settle a security's purchase or sale. SSGA FM shall not have possession or custody of any Fund's investments. The Trust shall instruct its custodian banks to
(A)carry out all investment instructions as may be directed by SSGA FM with respect to the Fund Accounts (which instructions may be orally given if confirmed in writing); and (B) provide SSGA FM with all operational information necessary for SSGA FM to trade the Fund Accounts on behalf of each Fund. SSGA FM shall have no liability for the acts or omissions of the authorized custodian(s), unless such act or omission is required by and taken in reliance upon instructions given to the authorized custodian(s) by a representative of SSGA FM properly authorized (pursuant to written instruction by AMCO) to give such instructions. The Trust shall be responsible for all custodial agreements and the payment of all custodial charges and fees and, upon SSGA FM giving proper instructions to the custodian, SSGA FM shall have no responsibility or liability for the acts, omissions or other conduct of the custodian, depository, or other agent designated by the custodian and AMCO.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, SSGA FM agrees that AMCO shall have the right by written notice to identify securities that may not be purchased on behalf of any Fund and/or brokers and dealers through which portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may not be effected, including, without limitation, brokers or dealers affiliated with AMCO. SSGA FM shall refrain from purchasing such securities for a Fund Account or directing any portfolio transaction to any such broker or dealer on behalf of a Fund Account, unless and until the written approval of AMCO to do so is obtained. AMCO acknowledges that restricting a Fund Account from holding certain securities included in a Fund Account's index may subject such Fund Account to realize tracking error relative to the Fund's underlying index due to such restrictions and that such tracking error will be reflected in such Fund Account's performance. While SSGA FM will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to minimize any such tracking error and reasonably assist AMCO in assessing the potential impact of restricting the Fund Account in such manner if requested, SSGA FM will not be held liable or responsible, for any losses, claims or liabilities associated with such tracking
(d)Valuation. For those securities for which market quotes are not readily available, SSGA FM, at its expense, will provide reasonable assistance to AMCO regarding the valuation of securities that are the subject of a significant event, a corporate action, not registered for public sale, not traded on any securities markets, or otherwise deemed illiquid for purposes of the 1940 Act. The parties acknowledge that
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(e)Reports and Availability of Personnel. SSGA FM, at its expense, shall render to the Board and AMCO such periodic and special reports as the Board and AMCO may reasonably request in writing with respect to matters solely relating to the sub-advisory duties of SSGA FM as set forth herein. SSGA FM, at its expense, will make available to the Board and AMCO at reasonable times and with advance notice its portfolio managers and other appropriate personnel in order to review investment policies of the Funds and to consult with the Board and AMCO regarding the investment affairs of the Funds, including economic, statistical and investment matters relevant to SSGA FM's sub-advisory duties hereunder.
(f)Compliance and Audit Matters. SSGA FM represents that it has adopted and implemented and will maintain in accordance with Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, at its own expense, policies and procedures reasonably designed to (a) prevent violation by SSGA FM and its supervised persons (as such term is defined by the Advisers Act) of the Advisers Act and the rules thereunder; and (b) to the extent that the Sub-Adviser's activities or services could affect the Fund(s), policies and procedures, prevent violation of the federal securities laws (as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act) by the Fund(s) and SSGA FM. SSGA FMA, at its expense, will provide AMCO with (a) reasonable assistance to AMCO in the preparation of any regulatory filings and required disclosures relating to any of the Fund Accounts, as requested by AMCO from time to time, and (b) such compliance reports relating to its duties under this Agreement as may be agreed upon by such parties from time to time. SSGA FM also shall cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to AMCO, the Trust's administrator, custodian and foreign custodians, transfer agent and pricing agents, and all other agents and representatives of the Trust and AMCO, keep all such persons fully informed as to such matters as either party may reasonably deem necessary to the performance of their obligations to the Trust and AMCO, provide prompt responses to reasonable requests made by such persons and maintain any appropriate interfaces with each so as to promote the efficient exchange of information. SSGA FM will also cooperate promptly with any regulatory or compliance examinations or inspections (including information requests) relating to the Trust.
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(h)Proxies. Unless and until SSGA FM is otherwise directed in writing by AMCO or the Board, AMCO will vote proxies with respect to a Fund Account's securities or otherwise in accordance with AMCO's proxy voting guidelines.
(i)Proofs of Claim. SSGA FM shall have no responsibility for filing proofs of claim on behalf of the Trust related to class actions involving any of the Fund Accounts.
AMCO and SSGA FM acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is in respect of the services described herein, and that the provision of any additional services by SSGA FM shall be subject to negotiation between the parties.
(k)Security. SSGA FM shall protect against unauthorized access to or use of AMCO's proprietary information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to AMCO. SSGA FM agrees to notify AMCO as soon as possible of any information security breach or acquisition of proprietary information by an unauthorized person. In addition, SSGA FM shall maintain a comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plan that is in accordance with applicable law and within industry standards, and shall provide an overview of such plan upon request by AMCO. SSGA FM shall conduct testing on its disaster recovery and business continuity plan not less than annually, and shall provide summary reports containing such testing results to AMCO.
3.Advisory Fee. AMCO shall pay to SSGA FM as compensation for SSGA FM's services rendered pursuant to this Agreement a fee based on the average daily net assets of each Fund Account at the annual rates set forth in Schedule B, which schedule can be modified from time to time in writing by the parties hereto, subject to any appropriate approvals required by the 1940 Act. Such fees shall be calculated daily and payable monthly in arrears within fifteen (15) business days after the end of such month. AMCO (and not the Funds) shall pay such fees. If SSGA FM shall serve for less than the whole of a month, the compensation as specified shall be prorated based upon the number of calendar days during which this Agreement is in effect during such month, and the fee shall be computed based upon the average daily net assets of a Fund Account for such days.
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SSGA FM in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or law); (iv) SSGA FM is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act; (v) SSGA FM has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and that SSGA FM and certain of its employees, officers, and directors are subject to reporting requirements thereunder and, accordingly, agrees that it shall, on a timely basis, furnish a copy of such code of ethics to AMCO (and any amendments), and, with respect to such persons, SSGA FM shall furnish to AMCO all reports and information provided under Rule 17j-1(c)(2); (vi) SSGA FM is not prohibited by the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act or other law, regulation or order from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; (vii) SSGA FM will promptly notify AMCO of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify SSGA FM from serving as investment manager of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise;
5.Liability and Indemnification.
(a)SSGA FM. SSGA FM shall be liable only for any and all losses, claims, direct damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Trust, a Fund, AMCO, any affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of the 0000 Xxx) and any controlling persons thereof
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(as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act)) (collectively, AMCO Indemnities) may become subject under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, or under any other statute, at common law or otherwise arising out of gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard by SSGA FM in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder or any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus and SAI, proxy materials, or reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the omission to state therein a material fact known to SSGA FM which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished in writing by SSGA FM for use therein.
6.Duration and Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to a Fund upon its execution; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not become effective with respect to a Fund unless it has first been approved in the manner required by the 1940 Act and rules thereunder or in accordance with exemptive or other relief granted by the SEC or its staff. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect continuously thereafter, except as follows:
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(a)By vote of a majority of (i) the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 0000 Xxx) of the Funds, AMCO, or SSGA FM (Independent Board Members) or (ii) the outstanding voting shares of a Fund, such Fund may at any time terminate this Agreement, without the payment of any penalty, by providing not more than sixty (60) days' written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to AMCO and SSGA FM.
(b)This Agreement will terminate automatically with respect to a Fund, without the payment of any penalty, unless within two years after its initial effectiveness and at least annually thereafter, the continuance of the Agreement is specifically approved by (i) the Board or the shareholders of the Fund by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, and (ii) a majority of the Independent Board Members, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. If the continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval and such shareholders fail to approve such continuance as provided herein, SSGA FM may continue to serve hereunder in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
(c)AMCO may at any time terminate this Agreement with respect to a Fund, without the payment of any penalty, by not less than thirty (30) days' written notice delivered in person or by facsimile, or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to SSGA FM. SSGA FM may at any time, without the payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement with respect to a Fund by not less than ninety (90) days' written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to AMCO.
(d)This Agreement automatically and immediately shall terminate with respect to the Funds, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its assignment (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act or interpreted under applicable rules and regulations of the Commission) or if the Investment Advisory Agreement shall terminate for any reason.
(e)Upon receipt of a notice of termination from AMCO, SSGA FM shall, at the reasonable request of AMCO, continue to perform the services under this Agreement, and shall cooperate with the transfer of data, records and other resources, and any confidential information, as instructed by AMCO. Any notice of termination served on SSGA FM by AMCO shall be without prejudice to the obligation of SSGA FM to complete transactions already initiated or acted upon with respect to a Fund.
8.Approval, Amendment, or Termination by Individual Fund. Any approval, amendment, or termination of this Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 0000 Xxx) of any Fund shall be effective to continue, amend or terminate this Agreement with respect to any such Fund notwithstanding (i) that such action has not been approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of any other Fund affected thereby, and/or (ii) that such action has not been approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, unless such action shall be required by any applicable law or otherwise.
(e)Notifications. SSGA FM agrees that it will promptly notify, as permitted by law, rules, or regulations, AMCO in the event that SSGA FM becomes the subject of an administrative proceeding or enforcement action by the Commission or other regulatory body with applicable jurisdiction or to the best of SSGA FM's knowledge, any affiliate of SSGA FM becomes the subject of an administrative proceeding or enforcement action by the Commission or other regulatory body with applicable
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(g)Shareholder Meeting and Other Expenses. In the event that the Trust shall be required to call a meeting of shareholders or send an information statement or prospectus supplement to shareholders solely due to actions directly caused by SSGA FM, including, without limitation, a change of control of SSGA FM or a portfolio manager change, SSGA FM shall bear all reasonable expenses associated with such shareholder meeting, information statement, or prospectus supplement.
11.Miscellaneous.
(a)Notices. All notices or other communications given under this Agreement shall be made by guaranteed overnight delivery, telecopy or certified mail; notice is effective when received. Notice shall be given to the parties at the following addresses:
AMCO: |
USAA Asset Management Company |
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0000 Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx, X-X0-X |
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Xxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 |
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Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000 |
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Attention: FASG Counsel |
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SSGA FM: |
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. |
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Xxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Xxxxxx, XX 00000 |
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(c)Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, and in accordance with the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the state of New York conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.
(g)Rights of Fund. The Trust is hereby expressly made a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement and shall have the full right to enforce any and all provisions of this Agreement for its benefit and to proceed directly against SSGA FM for any breach of any provision of this Agreement or for any loss, damage, claim, liability arising due to any act or omission on the part of SSGA FM to the same extent as if the Fund itself were a party to this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AMCO and SSGA FM have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first set forth above.
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USAA ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY |
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SSGA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC. |
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SCHEDULE A
USAA MSCI USA Value Momentum Blend Index ETF
USAA MSCI USA Small Cap Value Momentum Blend Index ETF USAA MSCI International Value Momentum Blend Index ETF USAA MSCI Emerging Markets Value Momentum Blend Index ETF
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SCHEDULE B
FEES
USAA MSCI USA Value Momentum |
0.02% flat fee on the net asset value of the Account per annum. |
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Blend Index ETF |
Minimum Annual Fee $450,000* |
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0.02% flat fee on the net asset value of the Account per annum. |
USAA MSCI USA Small Cap Value |
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Momentum Blend Index ETF |
Minimum Annual Fee $450,000* |
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0.04% on the first $400,000,000 |
USAA MSCI International Value |
0.03% thereafter |
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Momentum Blend Index ETF |
Minimum Annual Fee $450,000* |
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0.06% on the first $250,000,000 |
USAA MSCI Emerging Markets Value |
0.04% thereafter |
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Momentum Blend Index ETF |
Minimum Annual Fee $450,000* |
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*For purposes of evaluating the Minimum Annual Fee, assets that are invested in the above Funds listed in Schedule B shall be considered in aggregate. Any required adjustment to satisfy the Minimum Annual Fee will be applied pro rata to all Funds subject to the aggregation.
*SSGA FM agrees to waive the Minimum Annual Fee for the Funds listed on Schedule B for the initial twelve (12) month period of investment (the "Waiver Period"). The Waiver Period shall begin effective as of the date of the initial investment. Upon the expiration of the Waiver Period, the Minimum Annual Fee for the Funds listed on Schedule B shall be reinstituted. Minimum Annual Fee will be assessed at the end of the calendar year and will be pro-rated for any period that is less than full calendar year.
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