EXHIBIT 23(g)
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of the 7th day of
April, 2000, by and between VENUS SERIES TRUST, A DELAWARE BUSINESS TRUST, (the
"Trust") and Firstar Bank, National Association, (the "Custodian"), a national
banking association having its principal office at 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx, 00000.
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Custodian desire to enter into this
Agreement to provide for the custody and safekeeping of the assets of the Trust
as required by the Act (as hereafter defined).
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set
forth, the Trust and the Custodian agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases, when used in this Agreement, unless
the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1933 ACT - the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
1934 ACT - the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
ACT - the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
AUTHORIZED PERSON - any (i) Officer of the Trust or (ii) any other
person, whether or not any such person is an officer or employee of the Trust,
who is duly authorized by the Board of Trustees of the Trust to give Oral
Instructions and Written Instructions on behalf of the Trust or any Fund, and
named in Appendix A attached hereto and as amended from time to time by
resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, and received by
the Custodian.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES - the Trustees from time to time serving under the
Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as from time to time amended.
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM - a federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart
O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFT Part 350, or
in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are substantially in the
form of Subpart O.
BUSINESS DAY - 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 any fund.
DEPOSITORY - The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), a limited purpose
trust company, its successor(s) and its nominee(s). Depository shall include any
other clearing agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of 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 provided that the Custodian shall have received a copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifically
approving the use of such clearing agency as a depository for the Funds.
DIVIDEND AND TRANSFER AGENT - the dividend and transfer agent
appointed, from time to time, pursuant to a written agreement between the
dividend and transfer agent and the Trust.
FOREIGN SECURITIES - a) securities issued and sold primarily outside of
the United States by a foreign government, a national of any foreign country, or
a trust or other organization incorporated or organized under the laws of any
foreign country or; b) securities issued or guaranteed by the government of the
United States, by any state, by any political subdivision or agency thereof, or
by any entity organized under the laws of the United States or of any state
thereof, which have been issued and sold primarily outside of the United States.
FUND - each series of the Trust listed in Appendix B and any additional
series added pursuant to Proper Industries. A series is individually referred to
as a "Fund" and collectively referred to as the "Funds."
MONEY MARKET SECURITY - debt obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and/or interest by the government of the United States or agencies or
instrumentalities thereof, commercial paper, obligations (including certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase
agreements with respect to the same), and time deposits of domestic banks and
thrift institutions whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, and short-term corporate obligations where the purchase and sale of
such securities normally require settlement in federal funds or their equivalent
on the same day as such purchase and sale, all of which mature in not more than
thirteen (13) months.
NASD - the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
OFFICER - the Chairman, President, Secretary, Treasurer, any Vice
President, Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
ORAL INSTRUCTIONS - instructions orally transmitted to and received by
the Custodian from an Authorized Person (or from a person that the Custodian
reasonably believes in good faith to be an Authorized Person) and confirmed by
Written Instructions in such a manner that such Written Instructions are
received by the Custodian on the Business Day immediately following receipt of
such Oral Instructions.
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS - Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. Proper
Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when deemed appropriate by
both parties.
PROSPECTUS - the Trust's then currently effective prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as filed with and declared effective from
time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SECURITY OR SECURITIES - Money Market Securities, portfolio securities
owned by the Fund, common stock, preferred stock, options, financial futures,
bonds, notes, debentures, corporate debt securities, mortgages, 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 interest therein, or any
similar property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to
service.
SEC - the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of
America.
SHARES - with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest
issued by the Trust on account of such Fund.
TRUST - the VENUS SERIES TRUST, a business trust organized under the
laws of the State of Delaware, which is a open-end management investment company
registered under the Act.
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS - communications in writing actually received by
the Custodian from an Authorized Person. A communication in writing includes a
communication by facsimile, telex or between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices (where the use of such devices have been approved by resolution of the
Trustee and the resolution is certified by an Officer and delivered to the
Custodian). All written communications shall be directed to the Custodian,
attention: Mutual Fund Custody Department.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT; ACCEPTANCE; AND FURNISHING OF DOCUMENTS
A. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN. The Trust hereby constitutes and appoints
the Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by the Trust at any
time during the term of this Agreement.
B. ACCEPTANCE OF CUSTODIAN. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as
such custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set
forth.
C. 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:
1. A copy of the Certificate of Formation of the Trust
certified by the Secretary of the State of Delaware.
2. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust certified by
the Secretary.
3. A copy of the By-Laws of the Trust certified by the
Secretary.
4. A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the
Trust appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary.
5. A copy of the then current Prospectus.
6. A Certificate of the President and Secretary of the Trust
setting forth the names and signatures of the current
Officers of the Trust and other Authorized Persons.
D. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF DIVIDEND AND TRANSFER AGENT. The Trust
agrees to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or
change in appointment of any Dividend and Transfer Agent. -
ARTICLE III
RECEIPT OF TRUST ASSETS
A. DELIVERY OF MONEYS. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust
will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all moneys to be held by
the Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian shall be entitled to
reverse any deposits made on any Fund's behalf where such deposits have been
entered and moneys are not finally collected within 30 days of the making of
such entry.
B. DELIVERY OF SECURITIES. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust
will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian all Securities to be held
by the Custodian for the account of any Fund. The Custodian will not have any
duties or responsibilities with respect to such Securities until actually
received by the Custodian.
C. PAYMENTS FOR SHARES. As and when received, the Custodian shall
deposit to the account(s) of a Fund any and all payments for Shares of that Fund
issued or sold from time to time as they are received from the Trust's
distributor or Dividend and Transfer Agent or from the Trust itself.
D. DUTIES UPON RECEIPT. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any
Securities, moneys or other assets of any Fund until actually received by it.
E. VALIDITY OF TITLE. 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.
ARTICLE IV
DISBURSEMENT OF TRUST ASSETS
A. DECLARATION OF DIVIDENDS BY TRUST. The Trust shall furnish to the
Custodian a copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust,
certified by the Trust's Secretary, either (i) setting forth the date of the
declaration of any dividend or distribution in respect of Shares of any Fund of
the Trust, the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which the Fund
shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount payable per
share to Fund shareholders of record as of that date, and the total amount to be
paid by the Dividend and Transfer Agent on the payment date, or (ii) authorizing
the declaration of dividends and
distributions in respect of Shares of a Fund on a daily basis and authorizing
the Custodian to rely on Written Instructions setting forth the date of the
declaration of any such dividend or distribution, the date of payment thereof,
the record date as of which the Fund shareholders entitled to payment shall be
determined, the amount payable per share to Fund shareholders of record as of
that date, and the total amount to be paid by the Dividend and Transfer Agent on
the payment date.
On the payment date specified in the resolution or Written Instructions
described above, the Custodian shall segregate such amounts from moneys held for
the account of the Fund so that they are available for such payment.
B. SEGREGATION OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions so directing it, the Custodian shall segregate amounts necessary
for the payment of redemption proceeds to be made by the Dividend and Transfer
Agent from moneys held for the account of the Fund so that they are available
for such payment.
C. DISBURSEMENTS OF CUSTODIAN. Upon receipt of a Certificate directing
payment and setting forth the name and address of the person to whom such
payment is to be made, the amount of such payment, the name of the Fund from
which payment is to be made, and the purpose for which payment is to be made,
the Custodian shall disburse amounts as and when directed from the assets of
that Fund. The Custodian is authorized to rely on such directions and shall be
under no obligation to inquire as to the propriety of such directions.
D. PAYMENT OF CUSTODIAN FEES. Upon receipt of Written Instructions
directing payment, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the assets of the
Trust in payment of the Custodian's fees and expenses as provided in Article
VIII hereof.
ARTICLE V
CUSTODY OF TRUST ASSETS
A. SEPARATE ACCOUNTS FOR EACH FUND. As to each Fund, the Custodian
shall open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the United States
in the name of the Trust coupled with the name of such Fund, subject only to
draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
and shall hold all cash received by it from or for the account of the Fund,
other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account established and used by
the Fund in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Act. Moneys held by the
Custodian on behalf of a Fund may be deposited by the Custodian to its credit as
Custodian in the banking department of the Custodian. Such moneys shall be
deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as such, and shall be withdrawable by
the Custodian only in such capacity.
B. SEGREGATION OF NON-CASH ASSETS. All Securities and non-cash property
held by the Custodian for the account of a Fund (other than Securities
maintained in a 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 Funds) and shall be
identified as subject to this Agreement.
C. SECURITIES IN BEARER AND REGISTERED FORM. All Securities held which
are issued or issuable only in bearer form, shall be held by the Custodian in
that form; all other Securities held for the Fund may be registered in the name
of the Custodian, any sub-custodian appointed in accordance with this Agreement,
or the nominee of any of them. The Trust agrees to furnish to the Custodian
appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold, or deliver in proper
form for transfer, any Securities that it may hold for the account of any Fund
and which may, from time to time, be registered in the name of a Fund.
D. DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN AS TO SECURITIES. Unless otherwise instructed by
the Trust, with respect to all Securities held for the Trust, the Custodian
shall on a timely basis (concerning items 1 and 2 below, as defined in the
Custodian's Standards of Service Guide, as amended from time to time, annexed
hereto as Appendix D):
1. Collect all income due and payable with respect to such
Securities;
2. Present for payment and collect amounts payable upon all
Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, or
retired, or otherwise become payable;
3. Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form
for Securities in definitive form; and
4. 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,
including any foreign taxing authority, now or hereafter in
effect.
E. CERTAIN ACTIONS UPON WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS. Upon receipt of a Written
Instructions and not otherwise, the Custodian shall:
1. Execute and deliver to such persons as may be designated in
such Written Instructions proxies, consents, authorizations,
and any other instruments whereby the authority of the Trust
as beneficial owner of any Securities may be exercised;
2. Deliver any Securities in exchange for other Securities or
cash issued or paid in connection with the liquidation,
reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation, or
recapitalization of any trust, or the exercise of any
conversion privilege;
3. Deliver any Securities to any protective committee,
reorganization committee, or other person in connection with
the reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation,
recapitalization, or sale of assets of any trust, and
receive and hold under the terms of this Agreement such
certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other
instruments or documents as may be issued to it to evidence
such delivery;
4. Make such transfers or exchanges of the assets of any Fund
and take such other steps as shall be stated in the Written
Instructions to be for the purpose of effectuating any duly
authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger,
consolidation or recapitalization of the Trust; and
5. Deliver any Securities held for any Fund to the depository
agent for tender or other similar offers.
F. CUSTODIAN TO DELIVER PROXY MATERIALS. The Custodian shall promptly
deliver to the Trust all notices, proxy material and executed but unvoted
proxies pertaining to shareholder meetings of Securities held by any Fund. The
Custodian shall not vote or authorize the voting of any Securities or give any
consent, waiver or approval with respect thereto unless so directed by Written
Instructions.
G. CUSTODIAN TO DELIVER TENDER OFFER INFORMATION. The Custodian shall
promptly deliver to the Trust all information received by the Custodian and
pertaining to Securities held by any Fund with respect to tender or exchange
offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration of rights. 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 VI
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES
A. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES. Promptly after each purchase of Securities
by the Trust, the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each
purchase of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, Written
Instructions, and (ii) with respect to each purchase of Money Market Securities,
Proper Instructions, specifying with respect to each such purchase the;
1. name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2. the number of shares, principal amount purchased (and
accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased,
3. date of purchase and settlement,
4. purchase price per unit,
5. total amount payable,
6. name of the person from whom, or the broker through which,
the purchase was made,
7. the name of the person to whom such amount is payable, and
8. the Fund for which the purchase was made.
The Custodian shall, against receipt of Securities purchased by or for the
Trust, pay out of the moneys held for the account of such Fund the total amount
specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if applicable, 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 a Fund, if in the
relevant Fund custody account there is insufficient cash available to the Fund
for which such purchase was made.
B. SALE OF SECURITIES. Promptly after each sale of Securities by a
Fund, the Trust shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale of
Securities which are not Money Market Securities, Written Instructions, and (ii)
with respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, Proper Instructions,
specifying with respect to each such sale the:
1. name of the issuer and the title of the Securities,
2. number of shares, principal amount sold (and accrued
interest, if any) or other units sold,
3. date of sale and settlement,
4. sale price per unit,
5. total amount receivable,
6. name of the person to whom, or the broker through which, the
sale was made,
7. name of the person to whom such Securities are to be
delivered, and
8. Fund for which the sale was made.
The Custodian shall deliver the Securities against receipt of the total amount
specified in the Written Instructions, or Oral Instructions, if applicable.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when
properly instructed as provided herein 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 for which the Securities were delivered shall bear the
risk that final payment for the Securities may not be made or that the
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 of the foregoing.
C. PAYMENT ON SETTLEMENT DATE. On contractual settlement date, the
account of the Fund will be charged for all purchased Securities settling on
that day, regardless of whether or not delivery is made. Likewise, on
contractual settlement date, proceeds from the sale of Securities settling that
day will be credited to the account of the Fund, irrespective of delivery.
Any such credit shall be conditioned upon actual receipt by Custodian of final
payment and may be reversed if final payment is not actually received in full.
D. CREDIT OF MONEYS PRIOR TO RECEIPT. With respect to any credit given
prior to actual receipt of final payment, the Custodian may, in its sole
discretion and from time to time, permit a Fund to use funds so credited to its
Fund custody account in anticipation of actual receipt of final payment. Any
such funds shall be deemed a loan from the Custodian to the Trust payable on
demand and bearing interest accruing from the date such loan is made up to but
not including the date on which such loan is repaid at the rate per annum
customarily charged by the Custodian on similar loans.
E. SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of Proper
Instructions so directing it, establish and maintain a segregated account or
accounts for and on behalf of a Fund. Cash and/or Securities may be transferred
into such account or accounts for specific purposes, to-wit:
1. in accordance with the provision of any agreement among the
Trust, the Custodian, and a broker-dealer registered under
the 1934 Act, and also 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, the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission, any registered contract market, or any similar
organization or organizations requiring escrow or other
similar arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
2. for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection
with options purchased, sold, or written by the Fund or
commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or
sold by the Fund;
3. for the purpose of compliance by the Fund with the
procedures required for reverse repurchase agreements, firm
commitment agreements, standby commitment agreements, and
short sales by Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent
release or releases or rule of the SEC relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies;
4. for the purpose of segregating collateral for loans of
Securities made by the Fund; and
5. for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt
of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an
Officer, setting forth the purposes of such segregated
account.
Each segregated account established hereunder shall be established and
maintained for a single Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a
segregated account shall specify the Fund
involved.
F. ADVANCES FOR SETTLEMENT. Except as otherwise may be agreed upon by
the parties hereto, the Custodian shall not be required to comply with any
Written Instructions to settle the purchase of any Securities on behalf of a
Fund unless there is sufficient cash in the account(s) pertaining to such Fund
at the time or to settle the sale of any Securities from such an account(s)
unless such Securities are in deliverable form. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if the purchase price of such Securities exceeds the amount of cash in the
account(s) at the time of such purchase, the Custodian may, in its sole
discretion, advance the amount of the difference in order to settle the purchase
of such Securities. The amount of any such advance shall be deemed a loan from
the Custodian to the Trust payable on demand and bearing interest accruing from
the date such loan is made up to but not including the date such loan is repaid
at the rate per annum customarily charged by the Custodian on similar loans.
ARTICLE VII
TRUST INDEBTEDNESS
In connection with any borrowings by the Trust, the Trust will cause to
be delivered to the Custodian by a bank or broker requiring Securities as
collateral for such borrowings (including the Custodian if the borrowing is from
the Custodian), a notice or undertaking in the form currently employed by such
bank or broker setting forth the amount of collateral. The Trust shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian Written Instructions specifying with respect to each
such borrowing: (a) the name of the bank or broker, (b) the amount and terms of
the borrowing, which may be set forth by incorporating by reference an attached
promissory note duly endorsed by the Trust, or a loan agreement, (c) the date,
and time if known, on which the loan is to be entered into, (d) the date on
which the loan becomes due and payable, (e) the total amount payable to the
Trust on the borrowing date, and (f) the description of the Securities securing
the loan, including the name of the issuer, the title and the number of shares
or other units or the principal amount. The Custodian shall deliver on the
borrowing date specified in the Written Instructions the required collateral
against the lender's delivery of the total loan amount then payable, provided
that the same conforms to that which is described in the Written Instructions.
The Custodian shall deliver, in the manner directed by the Trust, such
Securities as additional collateral, as may be specified in Written
Instructions, to secure further any transaction described in this Article VII.
The Trust shall cause all Securities released from collateral status to be
returned directly to the Custodian and the Custodian shall receive from time to
time such return of collateral as may be tendered to it.
The Custodian may, at the option of the lender, keep such collateral in
its possession, subject to all rights therein given to the lender because of the
loan. The Custodian may require such reasonable conditions regarding such
collateral and its dealings with third-party lenders as it may deem appropriate.
ARTICLE VIII
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
A. Indemnification
1. By the Trust. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless
the Custodian and its directors, officers, employees and
agents from and against any loss or damage (including,
without limitation, liability arising under the 1933 Act,
the 1934 Act, and any state or foreign securities and/or
banking laws) or claim arising directly or indirectly (i)
from the fact that any of the Fund's Securities are
registered in the name of the Custodian, or (ii) from any
action or inaction by the Custodian (x) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Fund; (y)
upon Proper Instructions; or (z) generally, from the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement, except
such losses or damages as may arise from the negligent
action or omission, bad faith, willful misconduct or breach
of this Agreement by the Custodian or any of its directors,
officers, employees and agents. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely on and may act upon the advice and opinion
of counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability
for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such
advice or opinion of counsel. The provisions under this
paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
2. By the Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Trust and its trustees, officers, employees and
agents harmless from and against any loss or damage
(including, without limitation, liability arising under the
1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the Act and any state or foreign
securities and/or banking laws) arising directly or
indirectly from the negligent action or omission, bad faith,
willful misconduct or breach of this Agreement by the Trust
or any of its trustees, officers, employees and agents.
B. ACTIONS NOT REQUIRED BY CUSTODIAN. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the Custodian, acting in the capacity of Custodian hereunder,
shall be under no obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
1. The validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by or
for the account of any Fund, the legality of the purchase
thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid therefor;
2. The legality of the sale of any Securities by or for the
account of any Fund, or the propriety of the amount for
which the same are sold;
3. The legality of the issue or sale of any Shares of any Fund,
or the sufficiency of the amount to be received therefor;
4. The legality of the redemption of any Shares of any Fund, or
the propriety of the amount to be paid therefor;
5. The legality of the declaration or payment of any dividend
by the Trust in respect of Shares of any Fund;
6. The legality of any borrowing by the Trust on behalf of the
Trust or any Fund, using Securities as collateral;
7. Whether the Trust or a Fund is in compliance with the 1940
Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the
Trust's charter documents or by-laws, or its investment
objectives and policies as then in effect.
C. NO DUTY TO COLLECT AMOUNTS DUE FROM DIVIDEND AND TRANSFER AGENT. The
Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action to effect
collection of any amount due to the Trust from any Dividend and Transfer Agent
of the Trust nor to take any action to effect payment or distribution by any
Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust of any amount paid by the Custodian to
any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Trust in accordance with this Agreement.
D. NO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS. Notwithstanding Section D of Article V, the
Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action, by legal
means or otherwise, to effect collection of any amount, if the Securities upon
which such amount is payable are in default, or if payment is refused after due
demand or presentation, unless and until (i) it shall be directed to take such
action by Written Instructions and (ii) it shall be assured to its satisfaction
(including prepayment thereof) of reimbursement of its costs and expenses in
connection with any such action.
E. AUTHORITY TO USE AGENTS AND SUB-CUSTODIANS. The Trust acknowledges
and hereby authorizes the Custodian to hold Securities through its various
agents described in Appendix C annexed hereto. The Trust hereby represents that
such authorization has been duly approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust
as required by the Act.
1. Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Trust hereby
authorizes and instructs the Custodian to employ as
sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and other assets
maintained outside the United State the foreign banking
institutions and foreign securities depositories designated
on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, together with a certified
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Trust as
required by the Act, the Custodian and the Fund may agree to
amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate
additional foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Trust may instruct the
Custodian to cease the employment of any one or more such
sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the Fund's assets.
The Custodian shall limit the securities and other assets
maintained in the custody of the
foreign sub-custodians to: (i) "foreign securities", as
defined in paragraph (c) (1) of Rule 17 f-5 under the Act,
and (ii) cash and cash equivalents in such amounts as the
Custodian or the Trust may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect the Trust's foreign securities
transactions.
2. Foreign Securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise
agreed upon in writing by the Custodian and the Trust,
assets of the Fund shall be maintained in foreign securities
depositories only through arrangements implemented by the
foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
pursuant to the terms hereof.
3. Segregation of Securities. The Custodian shall identify on
its books as belonging to the Fund, the foreign securities
of the Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian. Each
agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a foreign
banking institution (an "Institution") shall require that
such Institution establish a custody account for the
Custodian on behalf of the Fund and physically segregate in
that account, securities and other assets of the Fund, and,
in the event that such Institution deposits the Fund's
securities in a foreign securities depository, such
agreement shall provide that the Institution shall identify
on its books as belonging to the Custodian, as agent for the
Fund, the securities so deposited.
4. Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement
with an Institution shall also provide that: (i)
indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any
combination of the foregoing) will be provided such that the
Fund will be adequately protected against the risk of loss
of assets held in accordance with such agreement; (ii) to
the Fund's assets will not be subject to any right, charge,
security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the
Institution or its creditors or agent, except a claim of
payment for their safe custody or administration; (iii)
beneficial ownership of the Fund's assets will be freely
transferable without the payment of money or value other
than for custody or administration; (iv) adequate records
will be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to
the Fund; (v) officers of or auditors employed by, or other
representatives of the Custodian, including to the extent
permitted under applicable law the independent public
accountants for the Fund, will be given access to the books
and records of the foreign banking institution relating to
its actions under its agreement with the Custodian; and (v)
the Fund will receive periodic reports with respect to the
safekeeping of the Fund's assets notification of any
transfer to or from the Fund's account or a third party
account containing assets held for the benefit of the Fund.
5. Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish
annually to the Fund information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information
shall be similar in kind and scope to that
furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Agreement. In addition, the Custodian will
promptly inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian
learns of (i) any change in an arrangement with a
sub-custodian that affects compliance with Subsection 4.)
above; or (ii) a material adverse change in the financial
condition of a foreign sub-custodian.
F. NO DUTY TO SUPERVISE INVESTMENTS. The Custodian shall not be under
any duty or obligation to ascertain whether any Securities at any time delivered
to or held by it for the account of the Trust are such as properly may be held
by the Trust under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and the
Trust's By-Laws.
G. ALL RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL. The Custodian shall treat all records and
other information relating to the Trust and the assets of all Funds as
confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any other
person unless (i) the Trust shall have consented thereto in writing or (ii) such
disclosure is required by law.
H. COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN. The Custodian shall be entitled to
receive and the Trust agrees to pay to the Custodian such compensation as shall
be determined pursuant to Appendix E attached hereto, or as shall be determined
pursuant to amendments to Appendix E. The Custodian shall be entitled to charge
against any money held by it for the account of any Fund, the amount of any of
its fees, any loss, damage, liability or expense, including counsel fees. The
expenses which the Custodian may charge against the account of a Fund include,
but are not limited to, the expenses of agents or sub-custodians incurred in
settling transactions involving the purchase and sale of Securities of the Fund.
I. RELIANCE UPON INSTRUCTIONS. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely
upon any Proper Instructions. The Trust agrees to forward to the Custodian
Written Instructions confirming Oral Instructions in such a manner so that such
Written Instructions are received by the Custodian, whether by hand delivery,
telex, facsimile or otherwise, on the same Business Day on which such Oral
Instructions were given. The Trust agrees that the failure of the Custodian to
receive such confirming instructions shall in no way affect the validity of the
transactions or enforceability of the transactions hereby authorized by the
Trust. The Trust agrees that the Custodian shall incur no liability to the Trust
for acting upon Oral Instructions given to the Custodian hereunder concerning
such transactions.
J. BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Custodian will (i) set up and maintain proper
books of account and complete records of all transactions in the accounts
maintained by the Custodian hereunder in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Act, with particular attention to Section 31
thereof and Rules 3la-1 and 3la-2 thereunder and those records are the property
of the Trust, and (ii) preserve for the periods prescribed by applicable Federal
statute or regulation all records required to be so preserved. All such books
and records shall be the property of the Trust, and shall be available, upon
request, for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the
Trust and employees of the SEC.
K. INTERNAL ACCOUNTING CONTROL SYSTEMS. The Custodian shall send to the
Trust any
report received on the systems of internal accounting control of the Custodian,
or its agents or sub-custodians, as the Trust may reasonably request from time
to time.
L. NO MANAGEMENT OF ASSETS BY CUSTODIAN. The Custodian performs only
the services of a custodian and shall have no responsibility for the management,
investment or reinvestment of the Securities or other assets from time to time
owned by any Fund. The Custodian is not a selling agent for Shares of any Fund
and performance of its duties as custodian shall not be deemed to be a
recommendation to any Fund's depositors or others of Shares of the Fund as an
investment. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations whatsoever except
such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Agreement, and
no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement against the
Custodian.
M. VERIFICATION OF SECURITIES. The Custodian shall take all reasonable
action, that the Trust may from time to time request, to assist the Trust in
obtaining favorable opinions from the Trust's independent accountants, with
respect to the Custodian's activities hereunder, including without limitation,
verification of the Securities held by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N- 17f-1 or other
certificates or reports to the SEC.
X. XXXXX OF SECURITY INTEREST. The Trust hereby pledges to and grants
the Custodian a security interest in the assets of any Fund to secure the
payment of any liabilities of the Trust to the Custodian, as permitted by the
Act, whether acting in its capacity as Custodian or otherwise, or on account of
money borrowed from the Custodian. This pledge is in addition to any other
pledge of collateral by the Trust to the Custodian.
ARTICLE IX
INITIAL TERM; TERMINATION
A. INITIAL TERM. This Agreement shall become effective as of its
execution and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as
hereinafter provided.
B. TERMINATION. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement after
the Initial Term for any reason by giving to the other party a notice in writing
specifying the date of such termination, which shall be not less than ninety
(90) days after the date of giving of such notice. If such notice is given by
the Trust, it shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary of the Trust, electing to
terminate this Agreement and designating a successor custodian or custodians. In
the event such notice is given by the Custodian, the Trust shall, on or before
the termination date, deliver to the Custodian a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Trust, certified by the Secretary, designating a
successor custodian or custodians to act on behalf of the Trust. In the absence
of such designation by the Trust, the Custodian may designate a successor
custodian which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than
$100,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits. Upon the date
set forth in such notice this Agreement shall terminate, and the Custodian,
provided that it has received a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian,
shall deliver, on that date, directly to the successor custodian all Securities
and moneys then owned by the Fund and held by it as Custodian. Upon termination
of this Agreement, the Trust shall pay to
the Custodian on behalf of the Trust such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination. The Trust agrees on behalf of the Trust that the
Custodian shall be reimbursed for its reasonable costs in connection with the
termination of this Agreement, which are mutually agreed upon.
C. FAILURE TO DESIGNATE SUCCESSOR CUSTODIAN. If a successor custodian
is not designated by the Trust, or by the Custodian in accordance with the
preceding paragraph, or the designated successor cannot or will not serve, the
Trust shall, upon the delivery by the Custodian to the Trust of all Securities
(other than Securities held in the Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered
to the Trust) and moneys then owned by the Trust, be deemed to be the custodian
for the Trust, and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all duties and
responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement, other than the duty with respect to
Securities held in the Book-Entry System, which cannot be delivered to the
Trust, which shall be held by the Custodian in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
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; 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 the Custodian, in the event of a failure
or delay, shall use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such
failure or delay.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
A. DESIGNATION OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS. Appendix A sets forth the names
and the signatures of all Authorized Persons as of this date, as certified by
the Secretary of the Trust. The Trust agrees to furnish to the Custodian a new
Appendix A in form similar to the attached Appendix A, if any present Authorized
Person ceases to be an Authorized Person or if any other or additional
Authorized Persons are elected or appointed. Until such new Appendix A shall be
received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in acting under the provisions
of this Agreement upon Oral Instructions or signatures of the then current
Authorized Persons as set forth in the last delivered Appendix A.
B. LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY. No recourse under any obligation
of this Agreement or for any claim based thereon shall be had against any
organizer, shareholder, officer, trustee, past, present or future as such, of
the Trust or of any predecessor or successor, either directly or through the
Trust or any such predecessor or successor, whether by virtue of any
constitution, statute or rule of law or equity, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or
penalty or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that this
Agreement and the obligations thereunder are enforceable solely against the
Trust, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or
shall be incurred by, the organizers, shareholders, officers, or trustees of the
Trust or of any predecessor or successor, or any of them as such. To the extent
that any such liability exists, it is hereby expressly waived and released by
the Custodian as a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of
this Agreement.
C. AUTHORIZATION BY BOARD. The obligations set forth in this Agreement
as having been made by the Trust have been made by the Board of Trustees, acting
as such Trustees for and on behalf of the Trust, pursuant to the authority
vested in them under the laws of the State of Delaware, the Declaration of Trust
and the By-Laws of the Trust. This Agreement has been executed by Officers of
the Trust as officers, and not individually, and the obligations contained
herein are not binding upon any of the Trustees, Officers, agents or holders of
shares, personally, but bind only the Trust.
D. CUSTODIAN'S CONSENT TO USE OF ITS NAME. The Trust shall review with
the Custodian all provisions of the Prospectus and any other documents
(including advertising material) specifically mentioning the Custodian (other
than merely by name and address) and shall obtain the Custodian's consent prior
to the publication and/or dissemination or distribution thereof.
E. NOTICES TO CUSTODIAN. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, shall be
sufficiently given if addressed to the Custodian and mailed or delivered to it
at its offices at Firstar Bank Center, 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X. X. 0000,
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, attention Mutual Fund Custody Department, or at such
other place as the Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
F. NOTICES TO TRUST. Any notice or other instrument in writing,
authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Trust shall be
sufficiently given when delivered to the Trust or on the second Business Day
following the time such notice is deposited in the U.S. mail postage prepaid and
addressed to the Trust at its office at 0000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000 or at such other place as the Trust may from time to time
designate in writing.
G. AMENDMENTS IN WRITING. This Agreement, with the exception of the
Appendices, may not be amended or modified in any manner except by a written
agreement executed by both parties with the same formality as this Agreement,
and authorized and approved by a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the
Trust.
H. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be
binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns;
provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust or
by the Custodian, and no attempted assignment by the Trust or the Custodian
shall be effective without the written consent of the other party hereto.
I. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Ohio.
J. JURISDICTION. Any legal action, suit or proceeding to be instituted
by either party with respect to this Agreement shall be brought by such party
exclusively in the courts of the State of Ohio or in the courts of the United
States for the Southern District of Ohio, and each party, by its execution of
this Agreement, irrevocably (i) submits to such jurisdiction and (ii) consents
to the service of any process or pleadings by first class U.S. mail, postage
prepaid and return receipt requested, or by any other means from time to time
authorized by the laws of such jurisdiction.
K. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such
counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
L. HEADINGS. The headings of paragraphs in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective Officers, thereunto duly authorized as of the day
and year first above written.
TRUST: VENUS SERIES TRUST
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
----------------------------
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
President
CUSTODIAN: FIRSTAR BANK, N.A.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
----------------------------
Xxxxxx X Xxxxxxx
Senior Vice President
