Exhibit (g)
Effective July 1, 2005
THIS
AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this ___ day of August, 2005, by and among
Prudent Bear Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Trust”) and U.S. BANK
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the
laws of the United States of America with its principal place of business at Cincinnati,
Ohio (the “Custodian”).
WHEREAS,
the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the”1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company, and is authorized
to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series
representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;
WHEREAS,
the Custodian is a bank having the qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(1) of the
1940 Act; and
WHEREAS,
the Trust desires to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of the cash and securities
of each series of the Trust listed on Exhibit C hereto (as amended from time to
time) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual 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:
ARTICLE I
CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS
Whenever
used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth
below unless the context otherwise requires:
|
1.1 |
“Authorized
Person” means any Officer or other person duly authorized by resolution of the
Board of Trustees to give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions on behalf of the
Fund and named in Exhibit A hereto or in such resolutions of the Board of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, as may be received by the Custodian from time to time. |
|
1.2 |
“Board
of Trustees” shall mean the trustees from time to time serving under the Trust’s
declaration of trust, as amended from time to time. |
|
1.3 |
“Book-Entry
System” shall mean a federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart O of
Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFR Part 350, or in such
book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are substantially in the form of such
Subpart O. |
|
1.4 |
"Business
Day" shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day by The New York Stock Exchange,
Inc., and any other day for which the Trust computes the net asset
value of Shares of the Fund. |
1
|
1.5 |
“Fund
Custody Account” shall mean any of the accounts in the name of the Trust, which
is provided for in Section 3.2 below. |
|
1.6 |
"IRS"
shall mean the Internal Revenue Service. |
|
1.7 |
"NASD"
shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. |
|
1.8 |
"Officer"
shall mean the Chairman, President, any Vice President, any Assistant Vice President, the
Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any Assistant
Treasurer of the Trust. |
|
1.9 |
“Oral
Instructions” shall mean instructions orally transmitted to and accepted by the
Custodian because such instructions are: (i) reasonably believed by the Custodian to have
been given by any two Authorized Persons, (ii) recorded and kept among the records of the
Custodian made in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) orally confirmed by the
Custodian. The Trust shall cause all Oral Instructions to be confirmed by Written
Instructions prior to the end of the next Business Day. If such Written Instructions
confirming Oral Instructions are not received by the Custodian prior to a transaction, it
shall in no way affect the validity of the transaction or the authorization thereof by
the Trust. If Oral Instructions vary from the Written Instructions that purport to
confirm them, the Custodian shall notify the Trust of such variance but such Oral
Instructions will govern unless the Custodian has not yet acted. |
|
1.10 |
"Proper
Instructions" shall mean Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. |
|
1.11 |
"SEC"
shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
|
1.12 |
“Securities” shall
include, without limitation, common and preferred stocks, bonds, call options, put
options, debentures, notes, bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances,
mortgage-backed securities or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants
or other instruments or documents representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe
for the same, or evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or any
similar property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and service. |
|
1.13 |
“Securities
Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company and any other clearing
agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the “1934 Act”), which acts as a system for the central handling of
Securities where all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited
within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by
bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities. |
|
1.14 |
“Shares” shall
mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest issued by the Trust on
account of the Fund. |
2
|
1.15 |
“Sub-Custodian” shall
mean and include (i) any branch of a “U.S. bank,” as that term is defined in
Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, and (ii) any “eligible foreign custodian,” as
that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, having a contract with the
Custodian which the Custodian has determined will provide reasonable care of assets of
the Fund based on the standards specified in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall be in
writing and shall include provisions that provide: (i) for indemnification or insurance
arrangements (or any combination of the foregoing) such that the Fund will be adequately
protected against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract; (ii)
that the Fund’s assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest,
lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Sub-Custodian or its creditors except a claim
of payment for their safe custody or administration, in the case of cash deposits, liens
or rights in favor of creditors of the Sub-Custodian arising under bankruptcy,
insolvency, or similar laws; (iii) that beneficial ownership for the Fund’s assets
will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe
custody or administration; (iv) that adequate records will be maintained identifying the
assets as belonging to the Fund or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the
Fund; (v) that the Fund’s independent public accountants will be given access to
those records or confirmation of the contents of those records; and (vi) that the Fund
will receive periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping of the Fund’s assets,
including, but not limited to, notification of any transfer to or from a Fund’s
account or a third party account containing assets held for the benefit of the Fund. Such
contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified in (i)-(vi)
above, such other provisions that the Custodian determines will provide, in their
entirety, the same or a greater level of care and protection for Fund assets as the
specified provisions. |
|
1.16 |
“Written
Instructions” shall mean (i) written communications actually received by the
Custodian and signed by any two Authorized Persons, (ii) communications by telex or any
other such system from one or more persons reasonably believed by the Custodian to be
Authorized Persons, or (iii) communications between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices provided that the use of such devices and the procedures for the use thereof
shall have been approved by resolutions of the Board of Trustees, a copy of which,
certified by an Officer, shall have been delivered to the Custodian. |
3
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT
OF CUSTODIAN
|
2.1 |
Appointment.
The Trust hereby appoints the Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by
or in the possession of the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement, on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Custodian hereby accepts such
appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement.
The services and duties of the Custodian shall be confined to those matters expressly set
forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the
Custodian hereunder. |
|
2.2 |
Documents
to be Furnished. The following documents, including any amendments thereto, will be
provided contemporaneously with the execution of the Agreement to the Custodian by the
Trust: |
|
(a) |
A
copy of the Trust’s declaration of trust, certified by the Secretary; |
|
(b) |
A
copy of the Trust’s bylaws, certified by the Secretary; |
|
(c) |
A
copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust appointing the
Custodian, certified by the Secretary; |
|
(d) |
A
copy of the current prospectus of the Fund (the “Prospectus”); and |
|
(e) |
A
certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary of the Trust setting
forth the names and signatures of the current Officers of the Trust and other Authorized
Persons. |
|
2.3 |
Notice
of Appointment of Transfer Agent. The Trust agrees to notify the Custodian in writing of
the appointment, termination or change in appointment of any transfer
agent of the Fund. |
ARTICLE III
CUSTODY OF
CASH AND SECURITIES
|
3.1 |
Segregation.
All Securities and non-cash property held by the Custodian for the account of the Fund
(other than Securities maintained in a Securities Depository or Book-Entry System) shall
be physically segregated from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of
the Custodian (including the Securities and non-cash property of the other series of the
Trust) and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement. |
|
3.2 |
Fund
Custody Accounts. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall open and maintain in its trust
department a custody account in the name of the Trust coupled with the name of the Fund,
subject only to draft or order of the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and
carry all Securities, cash and other assets of such Fund which are delivered to it. |
4
|
3.3 |
Appointment
of Agents. |
|
(a) |
In
its discretion, the Custodian may appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to act as
Securities Depositories or as sub-custodians to hold Securities and cash of the
Fund and to carry out such other provisions of this Agreement as it may
determine; provided, however, that the appointment of any such agents and
maintenance of any Securities and cash of the Fund shall be at the
Custodian’s expense and shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its
obligations or liabilities under this Agreement. The Custodian shall be liable
for the actions of any Sub-Custodians appointed by it as if such actions had
been done by the Custodian. |
|
(b) |
If,
after the initial approval of Sub-Custodians by the Board of Trustees in
connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes to appoint other
Sub-Custodians to hold property of the Fund, it will so notify the Trust and
provide it with information reasonably necessary to determine any such new
Sub-Custodian’s eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, including
a copy of the proposed agreement with such Sub-Custodian. At the meeting of the
Board of Trustees next following receipt of such notice and information, the
Trust shall give its written approval or disapproval of the proposed action. |
|
(c) |
The
Agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting hereunder shall
contain the required provisions set forth in Rule 17f-5(c)(2) under the 1940
Act. |
|
(d) |
At
the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide written reports
notifying the Board of Trustees of the placement of the Securities and cash of
the Fund with a particular Sub-Custodian and of any material changes in the
Fund’s arrangements. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as may
be required to withdraw assets of the Fund from any Sub-Custodian that has
ceased to meet the requirements of Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act. |
|
(e) |
With
respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.3, the Custodian hereby
warrants to the Trust that it agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and
diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of
property of the Fund. The Custodian further warrants that the Fund’s
assets will be subject to reasonable care if maintained with a Sub-Custodian,
after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets,
including, without limitation: (i) the Sub-Custodian’s practices,
procedures, and internal controls for certificated securities (if applicable),
its method of keeping custodial records, and its security and data protection
practices; (ii) whether the Sub-Custodian has the requisite financial strength
to provide reasonable care for Fund assets; (iii) the Sub-Custodian’s
general reputation and standing and, in the case of a Securities Depository,
the Securities Depository’s operating history and number of participants;
and (iv) whether the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce
judgments against the Sub-Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any
offices of the Sub-Custodian in the United States or the Sub-Custodian’s
consent to service of process in the United States. |
5
|
(f) |
The
Custodian shall establish a system to monitor the appropriateness of
maintaining the Fund’s assets with a particular Sub-Custodian and the
contract governing the Fund’s arrangements with such Sub-Custodian. |
|
3.4 |
Delivery
of Assets to Custodian. The Trust shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the
Custodian all of the Fund’s Securities, cash and other investment assets, including
(i) all payments of income, payments of principal and capital distributions received by
the Fund with respect to such Securities, cash or other assets owned by the Fund at any
time during the period of this Agreement, and (ii) all cash received by the Fund for the
issuance of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities, cash or
other assets until actually received by it. |
|
3.5 |
Securities
Depositories and Book-Entry Systems. The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain
Securities of the Fund in a Securities Depository or in a Book-Entry System, subject to
the following provisions: |
|
(a) |
The
Custodian, on an on-going basis, shall deposit in a Securities Depository or
Book-Entry System all Securities eligible for deposit therein and shall make
use of such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent possible
and practical in connection with its performance hereunder, including, without
limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and sales of
Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns of collateral
consisting of Securities. |
|
(b) |
Securities
of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall be kept
in an account (“Depository Account”) of the Custodian in such
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository which includes only assets held by
the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers. |
|
(c) |
The
records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of the Fund maintained in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall, by book-entry, identify such
Securities as belonging to the Fund. |
|
(d) |
If
Securities purchased by the Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, the Custodian shall pay for such Securities upon (i)
receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that such
Securities have been transferred to the Depository 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 Fund. If Securities sold by the Fund are held
in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer
such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that payment for such Securities has been transferred to
the Depository 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 Fund. |
6
|
(e) |
The
Custodian shall provide the Trust with copies of any report (obtained by the
Custodian from a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository in which Securities
of the Fund are kept) on the internal accounting controls and procedures for
safeguarding Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository. |
|
(f) |
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Custodian shall be liable to
the Trust for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from (i) the use of a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason of any negligence or
willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or (ii)
failure of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian to enforce effectively such
rights as it may have against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. At
its election, the Trust shall be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with
respect to any claim against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository or
any other person from any loss or damage to the Fund arising from the use of
such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if and to the extent that the
Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or damage. |
|
(g) |
With
respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.5 and pursuant to Rule 17f-4
under the 1940 Act, the Custodian hereby warrants to the Trust that it agrees
to (i) exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial
standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and
thereafter maintain such assets, (ii) provide, promptly upon request by
the Trust, such reports as are available concerning the Custodian’s
internal accounting controls and financial strength, and (iii) require any
Sub-Custodian to exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial
standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and
thereafter maintain assets corresponding to the security entitlements of its
entitlement holders. |
|
3.6 |
Disbursement
of Moneys from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall disburse moneys from the Fund Custody Account but only in the following
cases: |
|
(a) |
For
the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in accordance with Section 4.1
of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of Securities (other than options on
Securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts), against the
delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such Securities registered
as provided in Section 3.9 below or in proper form for transfer, or if the
purchase of such Securities is effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section
3.5 above; (ii) in the case of options on Securities, against delivery to the
Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such receipts as are required by the
customs prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of futures
contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery to the Custodian
(or any Sub-Custodian) of evidence of title thereto in favor of the Fund or any
nominee referred to in Section 3.9 below; and (iv) in the case of repurchase or
reverse repurchase agreements entered into between the Trust and a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System or between the Trust and a primary
dealer in U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the purchased
Securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the
Custodian’s account at a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository with
such Securities; |
7
|
(b) |
In
connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth in Section
3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the Fund; |
|
(c) |
For
the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions declared by the
Fund; |
|
(d) |
In
payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section 5.1 below; |
|
(e) |
For
the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund, including, but
not limited to, the following payments for the account of the Fund: interest;
taxes; administration, investment advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer
agent, custodian, director and legal fees; and other operating expenses of the
Fund; in all cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or in part
capitalized or treated as deferred expenses; |
|
(f) |
For
transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust,
the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of
the NASD, relating to compliance with 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 Fund; |
|
(g) |
For
transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust,
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 Fund; |
|
(h) |
For
the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other interest-bearing
account with any banking institution (including the Custodian), which deposit
or account has a term of one year or less; and |
8
|
(i) |
For
any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt, in addition to Proper
Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by
an Officer, specifying the amount and purpose of such payment, declaring such
purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to
whom such payment is to be made. |
|
3.7 |
Delivery
of Securities from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall release and deliver Securities from the Fund Custody
Account but only in the following cases: |
|
(a) |
Upon
the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but only against receipt of
payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashiers check or bank credit; |
|
(b) |
In
the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.5 above; |
|
(c) |
To
an offeror’s depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for Securities of the Fund; provided that, in any such case, the cash or
other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian; |
|
(d) |
To
the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of the Fund, the
Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or any nominee or nominees of any of the
foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number of 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; |
|
(e) |
To
the broker selling the Securities, for examination in accordance with the “street
delivery” custom; |
|
(f) |
For
exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation,
recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the issuer of such
Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such
Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement, including surrender or
receipt of underlying Securities in connection with the issuance or
cancellation of depository receipts; provided that, in any such case, the new
Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian; |
|
(g) |
Upon
receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse repurchase
agreement entered into by the Fund; |
|
(h) |
In
the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the exercise thereof,
provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian; |
9
|
(i) |
For
delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the Fund, but only
against receipt of such collateral as the Trust shall have specified to the
Custodian in Proper Instructions; |
|
(j) |
For
delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund requiring a
pledge of assets by the Trust, but only against receipt by the Custodian of the
amounts borrowed; |
|
(k) |
Pursuant
to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of the Trust; |
|
(l) |
For
delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust,
the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of
the 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 Fund; |
|
(m) |
For
delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust,
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 Fund; or |
|
(n) |
For
any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt, in addition to
Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees,
certified by an Officer, specifying the Securities 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. |
|
3.8 |
Actions
Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless otherwise instructed by the Trust, the
Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for the Fund: |
|
(a) |
Subject
to Section 9.4 below, collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
to which the Fund is entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business; |
|
(b) |
Present
for payment and, subject to Section 9.4 below, collect on a timely basis the
amount payable upon all Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, or
retired, or otherwise become payable; |
|
(c) |
Endorse
for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts and other negotiable
instruments; |
|
(d) |
Surrender
interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for Securities in definitive
form; |
10
|
(e) |
Execute,
as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates of ownership under the
federal income tax laws or the laws or regulations of any other taxing
authority now or hereafter in effect, and prepare and submit reports to the IRS
and the Trust at such time, in such manner and containing such information as
is prescribed by the IRS; |
|
(f) |
Hold
for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held therein,
through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, all rights and similar
Securities issued with respect to Securities of the Fund; and |
|
(g) |
In
general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper Instructions, attend to all
non-discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution,
purchase, transfer and other dealings with Securities and other assets of the
Fund. |
|
3.9 |
Registration
and Transfer of Securities. All Securities held for the Fund that are issued or
issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the Custodian in that form, provided that
any such Securities shall be held in a Book-Entry System if eligible therefor. All other
Securities held for the Fund may be registered in the name of the Fund, the Custodian, a
Sub-Custodian or any nominee of any of them, or in the name of a Book-Entry System,
Securities Depository or any nominee of either thereof. The Trust shall furnish to the
Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper
form for transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees referred to above or
in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any Securities registered in
the name of the Fund. |
|
(a) |
The
Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to
Securities, cash or other property held for the Fund, including (i) journals or
other records of original entry containing an itemized daily record in detail
of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and all receipts and disbursements
of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records) reflecting (A) Securities in transfer,
(B) Securities in physical possession, (C) monies and Securities borrowed and
monies and Securities loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor
and substitutions of such collateral), (D) dividends and interest received, and
(E) dividends receivable and interest receivable; and (iii) canceled checks and
bank records related thereto. The Custodian shall keep such other books and
records of the Fund as the Trust shall reasonably request, or as may be
required by the 1940 Act, including, but not limited to, Section 31 of the 1940
Act and Rule 31a-2 promulgated thereunder. |
|
(b) |
All
such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be maintained in a
form acceptable to the Trust and in compliance with the rules and regulations
of the SEC, (ii) be the property of the Trust and at all times during the
regular business hours of the Custodian be made available upon request for
inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Trust and
employees or agents of the SEC, and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule
31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rules 31a-1
and 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. |
11
|
3.11 |
Fund
Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a daily activity
statement and a summary of all transfers to or from each Fund Custody Account on the day
following such transfers. At least monthly, the Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a
detailed statement of the Securities and moneys held by the Custodian and the
Sub-Custodians for the Fund under this Agreement. |
|
3.12 |
Other
Reports by Custodian. As the Trust may reasonably request from time to time, the
Custodian shall provide the Trust with reports on the internal accounting controls and
procedures for safeguarding Securities which are employed by the Custodian or any
Sub-Custodian. |
|
3.13 |
Proxies
and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all proxies relating to Securities
which are not registered in the name of the Fund to be promptly executed by the
registered holder of such Securities, without indication of the manner in which such
proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Trust such proxies, all proxy
soliciting materials and all notices relating to such Securities. |
|
3.14 |
Information
on Corporate Actions. The Custodian shall promptly deliver to the Trust all
information received by the Custodian and pertaining to Securities being held by the Fund
with respect to optional tender or exchange offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or
expiration of rights as described in the Standards of Service Guide attached as Exhibit
B. If the Trust desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange
offer or other similar transaction, the Trust shall notify the Custodian at least five
Business Days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action. The Trust
will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all relevant information for any
Security which has unique put/option provisions at least five Business Days prior to the
beginning date of the tender period. |
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE
AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
|
4.1 |
Purchase
of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities for the Fund, Written
Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the name of the issuer
or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number
of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased,
(iii) the date of purchase and settlement, (iv) the purchase price per unit, (v) the
total amount payable upon such purchase, and (vi) the name of the person to whom such
amount is payable. The Custodian shall upon receipt of such Securities purchased by the
Fund pay out of the moneys held for the account of the Fund the total amount specified in
such Written Instructions to the person named therein. The Custodian shall not be under
any obligation to pay out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of Securities for the
Fund, if in the Fund Custody Account there is insufficient cash available to the Fund for
which such purchase was made. |
12
|
4.2 |
Liability
for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. In any and every case
where payment for the purchase of Securities for the Fund is made by the Custodian in
advance of receipt of the Securities purchased and in the absence of specified Written
Instructions to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such
payment. |
|
4.3 |
Sale
of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by the Fund, Written
Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the name of the issuer
or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number
of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold, (iii)
the date of sale and settlement, (iv) the sale price per unit, (v) the total amount
payable upon such sale, and (vi) the person to whom such Securities are to be delivered.
Upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund as specified in such Written
Instructions, the Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the person specified in such
Written Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment in such
form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and arrange for payment
in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in Securities. |
|
4.4 |
Delivery
of Securities Sold. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or any other provision of this
Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver Securities against payment, shall be
entitled, if in accordance with generally accepted market practice, to deliver such
Securities prior to actual receipt of final payment therefor. In any such case, the Fund
shall bear the risk that final payment for such Securities may not be made or that such
Securities may be returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the person to
whom they were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability for any for the
foregoing. |
|
4.5 |
Payment
for Securities Sold. In its sole discretion and from time to time, the Custodian may
credit the Fund Custody Account, prior to actual receipt of final payment thereof, with
(i) proceeds from the sale of Securities which it has been instructed to deliver against
payment, (ii) proceeds from the redemption of Securities or other assets of the Fund, and
(iii) income from cash, Securities or other assets of the Fund. Any such credit shall be
conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may be reversed if
final payment is not actually received in full. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion
and from time to time, permit the Fund to use funds so credited to the Fund Custody
Account in anticipation of actual receipt of final payment. Any such funds shall be
repayable immediately upon demand made by the Custodian at any time prior to the actual
receipt of all final payments in anticipation of which funds were credited to the Fund
Custody Account. |
13
|
4.6 |
Advances
by Custodian for Settlement. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion and from time
to time, advance funds to the Trust to facilitate the settlement of a Fund’s
transactions in the Fund Custody Account. Any such advance shall be repayable immediately
upon demand made by Custodian. |
ARTICLE V
REDEMPTION OF
FUND SHARES
|
5.1 |
Transfer
of Funds. From such funds as may be available for the purpose in the relevant Fund
Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying that the funds are
required to redeem Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall wire each amount specified in
such Proper Instructions to or through such bank or broker-dealer as the Trust may
designate. |
|
5.2 |
No
Duty Regarding Paying Banks. Once the Custodian has wired amounts to a bank or
broker-dealer pursuant to Section 5.1 above, the Custodian shall not be under any
obligation to effect any further payment or distribution by such bank or broker-dealer. |
ARTICLE VI
SEGREGATED
ACCOUNTS
Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain a segregated
account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or Securities, including Securities maintained in a Depository
Account:
|
(a) |
in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian
and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 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 Fund; |
|
(b) |
for
purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with securities
options purchased or written by the Fund or in connection with financial
futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or sold by the Fund; |
|
(c) |
which
constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by the Fund; |
|
(d) |
for
purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under the 1940 Act for the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies in
connection with reverse repurchase agreements and when-issued, delayed delivery
and firm commitment transactions; and |
14
|
(e) |
for
other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of, in addition to
Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees,
certified by an Officer, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such
segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes. |
Each
segregated account established under this Article VI shall be established and maintained
for the Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a segregated account shall specify
the Fund.
ARTICLE
VII
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
The
Custodian shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in
accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit D hereto (as amended from
time to time). The Custodian shall also be compensated for such out-of-pocket expenses
(e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges)
as are reasonably incurred by the Custodian in performing its duties hereunder. The Trust
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 Trust shall notify the Custodian in writing within 30 calendar days following
receipt of each invoice if the Trust is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Trust
shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties
agree to the amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee or expense the Trust is
disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices shall accrue a finance charge
of 1½% per month after the due date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary,
amounts owed by the Trust to the Custodian shall only be paid out of the assets and
property of the particular Fund involved.
ARTICLE
VIII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
|
8.1 |
Representations
and Warranties of the Trust. The Trust hereby represents and warrants to the
Custodian, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing
throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
|
(a) |
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; |
|
(b) |
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trust in
accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally
binding obligation of the Trust, 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 |
15
|
(c) |
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. |
|
8.2 |
Representations
and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian hereby represents and warrants to the
Trust, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout
the term of this Agreement, that: |
|
(a) |
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; |
|
(b) |
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Custodian in
accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally
binding obligation of the Custodian, 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 |
|
(c) |
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. |
ARTICLE IX
CONCERNING
THE CUSTODIAN
|
9.1 |
Standard
of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its
duties under this Agreement. The Custodian shall not be liable for any error of judgment
or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with its duties
under this Agreement, except a loss arising out of or relating to the Custodian’s
(or a Sub-Custodian’s) refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement
(or any sub-custody agreement) or from its (or a Sub-Custodian’s) bad faith,
negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement
(or any sub-custody agreement). The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may act
upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action
reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. The Custodian shall promptly notify
the Trust of any action taken or omitted by the Custodian pursuant to advice of counsel. |
16
|
9.2 |
Actual
Collection Required. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered to be the
custodian of, any cash belonging to the Fund or any money represented by a check, draft
or other instrument for the payment of money, until the Custodian or its agents actually
receive such cash or collect on such instrument. |
|
9.3 |
No
Responsibility for Title, etc. 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 or
delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement. |
|
9.4 |
Limitation
on Duty to Collect. Custodian shall not be required to enforce collection, by legal
means or otherwise, of any money or property due and payable with respect to Securities
held for the Fund if such Securities are in default or payment is not made after due
demand or presentation. |
|
9.5 |
Reliance
Upon Documents and Instructions. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any
certificate, notice or other instrument in writing received by it and reasonably believed
by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions
and any Written Instructions actually received by it pursuant to this Agreement. |
|
9.6 |
Cooperation.
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the entity or
entities appointed by the Trust to keep the books of account of the Fund and/or compute
the value of the assets of the Fund. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions
as the Trust may from time to time request to enable the Trust to obtain, from year to
year, favorable opinions from the Trust’s independent accountants with respect to
the Custodian’s activities hereunder in connection with (i) the preparation of the
Trust’s reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by the
SEC, and (ii) the fulfillment by the Trust of any other requirements of the SEC. |
ARTICLE
X
INDEMNIFICATION
|
10.1 |
Indemnification
by Trust. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian, any
Sub-Custodian and any nominee thereof (each, an “Indemnified Party” and
collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims,
demands, losses, expenses and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable
attorneys’ fees) that an Indemnified Party may sustain or incur or that may be
asserted against an Indemnified Party by any person arising directly or indirectly (i)
from the fact that Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, (ii) from
any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Custodian or such Sub-Custodian (a) at the
request or direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Trust, or (b) upon Proper
Instructions, or (iii) from the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or
any sub-custody agreement, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such Sub-Custodian
shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such claim, demand, loss,
expense or liability arising out of or relating to its refusal or failure to comply with
the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement), or from its bad faith,
negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement
(or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the
Trust, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As
used in this paragraph, the terms “Custodian” and “Sub-Custodian” shall
include their respective directors, officers and employees. |
17
|
10.2 |
Indemnification
by Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust from and
against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every
nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Trust may sustain or incur or
that may be asserted against the Trust by any person arising out of any action taken or
omitted to be taken by an Indemnified Party as a result of the Indemnified Party’s
refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody
agreement), or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of
its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity shall be a
continuing obligation of the Custodian, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the
termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Trust” shall
include the Trust’s directors, officers and employees. |
|
10.3 |
Security.
If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to the Fund for any purpose, either at the
Trust’s request or as otherwise contemplated in this Agreement, or in the event that
the Custodian or its nominee incurs, in connection with its performance under this
Agreement, any claim, demand, loss, expense or liability (including reasonable attorneys’ fees)
(except such as may arise from its or its nominee’s bad faith, negligence or willful
misconduct), then, in any such event, any property at any time held for the account of
the Fund shall be security therefor, and should the Fund fail promptly to repay or
indemnify the Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash of
such Fund and to dispose of other assets of such Fund to the extent necessary to obtain
reimbursement or indemnification. |
|
(a) |
Neither
party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential,
special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement. |
|
(b) |
The
indemnity provisions of this Article shall indefinitely survive the termination
and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
18
|
(c) |
In
order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article 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. |
ARTICLE XI
FORCE
MAJEURE
Neither
the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance of its
obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by
circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God;
earthquakes; fires; floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; acts of terrorism;
sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power failures; computer failure and any such
circumstances beyond its reasonable control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction
of utility, transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority; governmental
actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or transportation; provided,
however, that in the event of a failure or delay, the Custodian (i) shall not discriminate
against the Fund in favor of any other customer of the Custodian in making computer time
and personnel available to input or process the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and (ii) shall use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such
failure or delay.
ARTICLE XII
PROPRIETARY
AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The
Custodian agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat
confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust, all records and other
information relative to the Trust and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the
Trust (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 Trust, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Custodian
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 Trust. Records and other information which have become known to the
public through no wrongful act of the Custodian or any of its employees, agents or
representatives, and information that was already in the possession of the Custodian prior
to receipt thereof from the Trust or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
19
Further,
the Custodian will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Trust pursuant to Title V
of the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, the
Custodian 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 Trust
and its shareholders.
ARTICLE XIII
EFFECTIVE
PERIOD; TERMINATION
|
13.1 |
Effective
Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and
will continue in effect for a period of one year. |
|
13.2 |
Termination.
Subsequent to the initial one-year term, this Agreement may be terminated by either party
upon giving 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter period as is
mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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. In addition, the Trust may, at any time, immediately terminate this
Agreement in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian
by regulatory authorities or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an
appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction. |
|
13.3 |
Appointment
of Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian shall have been appointed by the
Board of Trustees, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance by the
successor custodian, on such specified date of termination (i) deliver directly to the
successor custodian all Securities (other than Securities held in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian as
custodian, and (ii) transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository to an account of or for the benefit of the Fund at the successor custodian,
provided that the Trust shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other
amounts to the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. In addition,
the Custodian shall, at the expense of the Trust, transfer to such successor all relevant
books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by the Custodian
under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Trust (if such form differs
from the form in which the Custodian has maintained the same, the Trust 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 the
Custodian’s personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such
successor. Upon such delivery and transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all
obligations under this Agreement. |
20
|
13.4 |
Failure
to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian is not designated by the
Trust on or before the date of termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian shall
have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company of its own selection, which bank or
trust company (i) is a “bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, and (ii) has
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits as shown on its most recent published
report of not less than $25 million, all Securities, cash and other property held by
Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer to an account of or for the Fund at such
bank or trust company all Securities of the Fund held in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository. Upon such delivery and transfer, such bank or trust company shall
be the successor custodian under this Agreement and the Custodian shall be relieved of
all obligations under this Agreement. In addition, under these circumstances, all books,
records and other data of the Trust shall be returned to the Trust. |
ARTICLE
XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
|
14.1 |
Compliance
with Laws. The Trust has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance
matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act,
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of
2002 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments
as set forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional information. The Custodian’s
services hereunder shall not relieve the Trust of its responsibilities for assuring such
compliance or the Board of Trustee’s oversight responsibility with respect thereto. |
|
14.2 |
Amendment.
This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement
executed by the Custodian and the Trust, and authorized or approved by the Board of
Trustees. |
|
14.3 |
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 Trust without the written consent of the Custodian, or by the Custodian
without the written consent of the Trust accompanied by the authorization or approval of
the Board of Trustees. |
|
14.4 |
Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Ohio, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the
applicable laws of the State of Ohio, 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. |
|
14.5 |
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. |
|
14.6 |
Services
Not Exclusive. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Custodian from
providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the
services provided hereunder. |
21
|
14.7 |
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. |
|
14.8 |
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
the Custodian shall be sent to: |
|
U.S. Bank National Association 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X. XX-XX-X0XX Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx
00000 Attention: Mutual Fund Custody Services Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
and
notice to the Trust shall be sent to:
Prudent
Bear Funds, Inc. 000 Xxxxxx Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx
000 Xxxxxx, XX 00000 |
|
14.9 |
Multiple
Originals. This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts
shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. |
|
14.10 |
No
Waiver. No failure by either party hereto to exercise, and no delay by such party in
exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. The exercise by either
party hereto of any right hereunder shall not preclude the exercise of any other right,
and the remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies
provided at law or in equity. |
|
14.11 |
References
to Custodian. The Trust shall not circulate any printed matter which contains any
reference to Custodian without the prior written approval of Custodian, excepting printed
matter contained in the prospectus or statement of additional information for the Fund
and such other printed matter as merely identifies Custodian as custodian for the Fund.
The Trust shall submit printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form,
allowing sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline
for printing. |
22
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 first above written.
|
|
PRUDENT BEAR FUND, INC. |
U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC |
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxx |
By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxxxx |
Title: President and Treasurer |
Title: Senior Vice President |
23
EXHIBIT A
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set
forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons authorized by the Trust
to administer the Fund Custody Accounts.
Authorized Persons |
Specimen Signatures |
President: |
______________________________________________________ |
Secretary: |
______________________________________________________ |
Treasurer: |
______________________________________________________ |
Vice President: |
______________________________________________________ |
Other: |
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
A-1
EXHIBIT B
U.S. Bank
Institutional Custody Services
Standards of Service
Guide
U.S. Bank,
N.A. (“USBank”) is committed to providing superior quality service to
all customers and their agents at all times. We have compiled this guide as a
tool for our clients to determine our standards for the processing of security
settlements, payment collection, and capital change transactions. Deadlines
recited in this guide represent the times required for USBank to guarantee
processing. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in settlement at our
client’s risk. In all cases, USBank will make every effort to complete all
processing on a timely basis.
USBank
is a direct participant of the Depository Trust Company, a direct member of the Federal
Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the Bank of New York as its agent for ineligible
and foreign securities.
For
corporate reorganizations, USBank utilizes SEI’s Reorg Source, Financial Information,
Inc., XCITEK, DTC Important Notices, Capital Changes Daily (CCH) and the Wall Street
Journal.
For
bond calls and mandatory puts, USBank utilizes SEI’s Bond Source, Xxxxx Information
Systems, Standard & Poor’s Corporation, XCITEK, and DTC Important Notices. USBank
will not notify clients of optional put opportunities.
Any
securities delivered free to USBank or its agents must be received three (3) business days
prior to any payment or settlement in order for the USBank standards of service to apply.
Should
you have any questions regarding the information contained in this guide, please feel free
to contact your account representative.
|
The
information contained in this Standards of Service Guide is subject to change. Should any
changes be made USBank will provide you with an updated copy of its Standards of
Service Guide. |
B-1
USBank Security
Settlement Standards
|
|
|
Transaction Type |
Instructions Deadlines* |
Delivery Instructions |
DTC |
1:30 P.M. on Settlement Date |
DTC Participant #0000 |
|
|
Xxxxx Xxxx XX 00000 |
|
|
Institutional #________________ |
|
|
For Account #____________ |
Federal Reserve Book Entry |
12:30 P.M. on Settlement Date |
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland |
|
|
for Firstar Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000 |
|
|
XXXXX/1050 |
|
|
For Account #_____________ |
Federal Reserve Book Entry (Repurchase |
1:00 P.M. on Settlement Date |
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland |
Agreement Collateral Only) |
|
for Firstar Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000 |
|
|
XXXXX/1040 |
|
|
For Account #_____________ |
PTC Securities |
12:00 P.M. on Settlement Date |
PTC For Account BYORK |
(GNMA Book Entry) |
|
Firstar Bank / 117612 |
Physical Securities |
9:30 A.M. EST on Settlement Date |
Bank of New York |
|
(for Deliveries, by 4:00 P.M. on Settlement Date |
Xxx Xxxx Xxxxxx- 0xx Xxxxx - Xxxxxx A |
|
minus 1) |
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 |
|
|
For account of Firstar Bank / Cust #117612 |
|
|
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx |
CEDEL/EURO-CLEAR |
11:00 A.M. on Settlement Date minus 2 |
Cedel a/c 55021 |
|
|
FFC: a/c 387000 |
|
|
Firstar Bank /Global Omnibus |
|
|
Euroclear a/c 97816 |
|
|
FFC: a/c 387000 |
|
|
Firstar Bank/Global Omnibus |
Cash Wire Transfer |
3:00 P.M. |
Firstar Bank, X.X. Xxxxx/Trust ABA# 000000000 |
|
|
Credit Account #112950027 |
|
|
Account of Firstar Trust Services |
|
|
Further Credit to ___________ |
|
|
Account # _______________ |
* All times listed are Eastern
Standard Time.
B-2
USBank Payment
Standards
|
|
|
Security Type |
Income |
Principal |
Equities |
Payable Date |
|
Municipal Bonds* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
Corporate Bonds* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
Federal Reserve Bank Book Entry* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
PTC GNMA’s (P&I) |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
CMOs * |
|
|
DTC |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
Bankers Trust |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
SBA Loan Certificates |
When Received |
When Received |
Unit Investment Trust Certificates* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
Certificates of Deposit* |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
Limited Partnerships |
When Received |
When Received |
Foreign Securities |
When Received |
When Received |
*Variable Rate Securities |
|
|
Federal Reserve Bank Book Entry |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
DTC |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
Bankers Trust |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
|
NOTE: |
If a payable date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment will be made on the
immediately following business day. |
B-3
USBank Corporate
Reorganization Standards
Type of Action |
Notification to Client |
Deadline for Client Instructions to US Bank |
Transaction Posting |
|
|
|
|
Rights, Warrants, |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
and Optional Mergers |
expiration or receipt of notice |
|
|
Mandatory Puts with |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
Option to Retain |
expiration or receipt of notice |
|
|
Class Actions |
10 business days prior to expiration |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
|
date |
|
|
Voluntary Tenders, |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
Exchanges, |
expiration or receipt of notice |
|
|
and Conversions |
|
|
|
Mandatory Puts, Defaults, |
At posting of funds or securities |
None |
Upon receipt |
Liquidations, Bankruptcies, |
received |
|
|
Stock Splits, Mandatory |
|
|
|
Exchanges |
|
|
|
Full and Partial Calls |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
None |
Upon receipt |
|
expiration or receipt of notice |
|
|
NOTE: Fractional
shares/par amounts resulting from any of the above will be sold.
B-4
EXHIBIT C
Fund Names
Name of Series
Prudent Bear Fund
Prudent Bear Fund C
Prudent Bear Global
Income Fund
C-1
EXHIBIT D
DOMESTIC CUSTODY
SERVICES
FEE SCHEDULE
Annual Fee Based Upon
Market Value Per Fund*
2.00 basis point on the first $500
million
1.00 basis point on the next $1.5 billion
.50
basis point over $2 billion
Minimum annual fee per fund – $6,000
– Portfolio
Transaction Fees
$ 5.00 per disbursement (waived if
U.S. Bancorp is Administrator)
$ 7.00 per US Bank repurchase agreement transaction
$ 7.00 per book entry security (depository or Federal Reserve system) and non-US Bank
repurchase agrmt
$ 25.00 per portfolio transaction processed through our New York
custodian definitive security (physical)
$ 8.00 per principal paydown
$ 15.00 per
option/future contract written, exercised or expired $50.00 per Cedel/Euroclear
transaction
$ 15.00 per mutual fund trade
$ 15.00 per Fed Wire
$ 15.00 per margin variation
Fed wire
$ 6.00 per short sale
$150.00 per segregated account per year
• |
A
transaction is a purchase/sale of a security, free receipt/free delivery, maturity,
tender or exchange. |
• |
No
charge for the initial conversion free receipt. |
• |
Overdrafts
– charged to the account at prime interest rate plus 2. |
• |
Plus out-of-pocket
expenses, and extraordinary expenses based upon complexity, including items such as
shipping fees or transfer fees. |
Fees are billed monthly.
* Subject to
CPI increase, Milwaukee MSA.
D-1
PRUDENT BEAR FUNDS,
INC.
AMENDMENT TO THE
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS
AMENDMENT, effective as of July 1, 2005, to the Custody Agreement, effective as of
August, 2005 (the “Agreement”), is entered by and between PRUDENT BEAR FUNDS,
INC., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, a national banking association (“the Custodian”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS,
the parties have entered into a Custody Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the
Company and the Custodian desire to amend said Agreement; and
WHEREAS
Section 14 of the Agreement allows for an amendment by a written instrument executed by
both parties.
NOW,
THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
Exhibit D
of the Agreement is hereby superceded and replaced with Exhibit D attached hereto.
Except to the extent supplemented
hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a
duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written
above.
|
|
PRUDENT BEAR FUNDS, INC. |
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxxxx |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
Name: Xxx X. Xxxxxxx |
Title: VP - Director |
Title: Sr. Vice President |
Exhibit D
DOMESTIC CUSTODY
SERVICES
FEE SCHEDULE – PRUDENT BEAR FUNDS, INC.
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2005
Annual Fee Based Upon
Market Value in Aggregate of the 2 Existing Funds*
2.00 basis point on the first $500
million
1.00 basis point on the next $1.5 billion
.50
basis point over $2 billion
Minimum annual fee per fund – $6,000
Portfolio Transaction Fees
$ 5.00 per disbursement (waived if
U.S. Bancorp is Administrator)
$ 7.00 per US Bank repurchase agreement transaction
$ 7.00 per book entry security (depository or Federal Reserve system) and non-US Bank
repurchase agrmt
$ 25.00 per portfolio transaction processed through our New York
custodian definitive security (physical)
$ 8.00 per principal paydown
$ 15.00 per
option/future contract written, exercised or expired
$ 50.00 per Cedel/Euroclear
transaction
$ 15.00 per mutual fund trade
$ 15.00 per Fed Wire
$ 15.00 per margin variation
Fed wire
$ 6.00 per short sale
$150.00 per segregated account per year
• |
A
transaction is a purchase/sale of a security, free receipt/free delivery, maturity,
tender or exchange. |
• |
No
charge for the initial conversion free receipt. |
• |
Overdrafts charged
to the account at prime interest rate plus 2. |
• |
Plus
out-of-pocket expenses, and extraordinary expenses based upon complexity, including items
such as shipping fees or transfer fees. |
Fees are billed monthly.
* Subject to
CPI increase, Milwaukee MSA.