FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT between MORGAN CREEK SERIES TRUST and
Exhibit (h)(2)
between
XXXXXX CREEK SERIES TRUST
and
INDEX
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1.
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APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
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1
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2.
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DUTIES OF GFS
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2
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3.
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FEES AND EXPENSES
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3
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4.
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STANDARD OF CARE, INDEMNIFICATION AND RELIANCE
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4
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5.
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LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
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6
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6.
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EXPENSES ASSUMED BY THE TRUST
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6
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7.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
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7
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8.
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CONFIDENTIALITY
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8
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9.
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PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
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8
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10.
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ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES
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9
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11.
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ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
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9
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12.
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EFFECTIVE DATE, TERM AND TERMINATION
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9
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13.
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MISCELLANEOUS
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10
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Appendix I – Transfer Agency Services
Appendix II – List of Funds Services & Fees
XXXXXX CREEK SERIES TRUST
THIS FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”)effective as of the 3rd day of June, 2013, by and between Xxxxxx Creek Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust having its principal office and place of business at 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000 (the “Trust”)and GEMINI FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company having its principal office and place of business at 00000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 (“GFS”). This Agreement replaces and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements between the parties hereto for the services described below.
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue shares (“Shares”)in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in the series as set forth on Appendix II attached hereto (each such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 10, being herein referred to as a “Fund,” and collectively as the “Funds”); and
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that GFS perform the transfer agency services selected on Appendix II (collectively the “Services”)for the Funds and GFS is willing to provide those services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, the Trust and GFS hereby agree as follows:
1.
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APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
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(a)
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The Trust, on behalf of each Fund listed in Appendix II attached hereto, hereby appoints GFS to be the transfer agent of the Trust and each Fund and to provide the Services to the Trust as selected in Appendix II attached hereto, for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. GFS accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the Services herein set forth in return for the compensation as provided in Section 3 and Appendix II of this Agreement. A description of all the services offered by GFS is set forth on Appendices I and II.
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(b)
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In connection therewith the Trust has delivered to GFS copies of:
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(i)
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the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws (collectively, the "Organizational Documents");
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(ii)
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the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A and all amendments thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the 1940 Act (the "Registration Statement");
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1
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(iii)
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the Trust’s notification of registration under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A as filed with the SEC;
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(iv)
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the Trust's current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for each Fund (collectively, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented, the "Prospectus");
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(v)
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each Fund’s current plan of distribution adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan");
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(vi)
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each Fund’s investment advisory agreement;
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(vii)
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each Fund’s underwriting agreement (or other distribution agreements);
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(viii)
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contact information for each Fund’s service providers, including, but not limited to, the Fund’s administrator, custodian, independent auditors, legal counsel, underwriter, and chief compliance officer; and
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(ix)
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a copy of all the compliance procedures adopted by the Trust, in respect of the Funds, in accordance with the rules and regulations under the 1940 Act, including, without limitation, Rule 38a-1.
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(c)
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The Trust shall promptly furnish GFS with all amendments of or supplements to the items listed in Section 1(b)above, and shall deliver to GFS a copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board")appointing GFS and authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
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2.
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DUTIES OF GFS
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GFS’s duties with respect to Transfer Agency Services are detailed in Appendix I to this Agreement.
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(a)
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In order for GFS to perform the Services, the Trust (i)shall cause all service providers to the Funds of the Trust to furnish any and all information to GFS, and assist GFS as may be required and (ii)shall ensure that GFS has access to all records and documents maintained by the Trust or any service provider to the Trust or a Fund of the Trust necessary for GFS to perform the Services.
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(b)
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GFS shall, for all purposes herein, be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust.
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(c)
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Whenever, in the course of performing its duties under this Agreement, GFS determines, on the basis of information supplied to GFS by the Trust, that a violation of applicable law has occurred, or that, to its knowledge, a possible violation of applicable law may have occurred, or with the passage of time could occur, GFS shall promptly notify the Trust and its legal counsel of such violation.
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2
3.
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FEES AND EXPENSES
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(a)
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Fees. As compensation for the Services provided by GFS to the Trust pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to pay GFS the fees set forth in Appendix II attached hereto. Fees will begin to accrue for each Fund on the latter of the date of this Agreement or the date GFS begins providing services to such Fund. For the purpose of determining fees calculated as a function of a Fund’s assets, the value of the Fund’s assets and net assets shall be computed as required by its currently effective Prospectus, generally accepted accounting principles, and resolutions of the Board. GFS will render, after the close of each month in which services have been furnished, a statement reflecting all of the charges for such month. Fees for the Services provided for partial months shall be subject to pro ration.
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(b)
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Expenses. GFS will bear its own expenses, in connection with the performance of the Services under this Agreement, except as provided herein or as agreed to by the parties. In addition to the fees paid under Section 3(a), the Trust agrees to reimburse GFS for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or advances, which are incurred by GFS to perform the Services or otherwise incurred by GFS at the request or with the consent of the Trust. For reports, analyses and services requested in writing by the Trust and provided by GFS, not in the ordinary course, GFS shall charge hourly fees as specified in Appendix II attached hereto.
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(c)
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Fee Changes. On each anniversary date of this Agreement (determined from the “Effective Date” for each Fund as set forth on Appendix II), the base and/or minimum fees enumerated in Appendix II attached hereto, may be increased by the change in the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast region (the “CPI”)for the twelve-month period ending with the month preceding such annual anniversary date. Any CPI increases not charged in any given year may be included in prospective CPI fee increases in future years. GFS Agrees to provide the Board prior written notice of any CPI increase.
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(d)
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Due Date. All fees contemplated under Section 3(a)above and reimbursement for all expenses contemplated under Section 3(b)above are due and payable within ten (10)days of receipt of an invoice provided by GFS. Any fees or reimbursements due hereunder not received by its due date may be assessed interest at the maximum amount permitted by law.
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(e)
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Books and Records. The accounts, books, records and other documents maintained by GFS in connection with its performance of the Services (the “Records”)shall be the property of the Funds, and shall be surrendered to the Funds, at the reasonable expense of the Funds, promptly upon request by the Funds in the form in which such Records have been maintained or preserved, provided that all service fees and expenses charged by GFS in the performance of its duties hereunder have been fully paid to the satisfaction of GFS. GFS agrees to maintain a backup set of Records of the Funds (which backup set shall be updated on at least a weekly basis)at a location other than that where the original Records are stored. GFS shall assist the Funds’ independent auditors, or, upon approval of the Funds, any regulatory body, in any requested review of the Funds’ Records. GFS shall preserve the Records, as they are required to be maintained and preserved by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act.
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3
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(f)
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De-Conversion Fees. Upon termination of this Agreement, GFS will charge a “De-Conversion” fee to compensate GFS for providing to the Fund’s new service providers, all material records, history and data maintained by GFS under this Agreement. The amount of the De-Conversion fees are specified in Appendix II attached hereto. In addition, GFS reserves the right to charge for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with the De-Conversion, as specified in Section 12(d)of this Agreement.
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(g)
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Post-Engagement Audit Support Fees. After a De-Conversion, GFS is often called upon to provide support to a Fund’s service provider and assist with a Fund’s annual audit. Services provided by GFS to accommodate a Fund’s request following termination of this Agreement shall be subject to GFS’s standard hourly rates existing at the time of the request. The Fund agrees to compensate GFS, at GFS’s standard hourly rates, for accommodating a Fund’s request following termination of this Agreement.
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4.
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STANDARD OF CARE, INDEMNIFICATION AND RELIANCE
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(a)
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Indemnification of GFS. The Trust shall, on behalf of each applicable Fund, indemnify and hold GFS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable attorney or consultant fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Trust’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of any representation or warranty made by the Trust contained in this Agreement, or which arise out of the Trust’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Trust’s performance under or in connection with this Agreement.
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(b)
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Indemnification of the Trust. GFS shall indemnify and hold the Trust and each applicable Fund harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable attorney or consultant fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to GFS’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of any representation or warranty made by GFS contained in this Agreement or which arise out of GFS’s lack of good faith, gross negligence, or willful misconduct with respect to GFS’s performance under or in connection with this Agreement.
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(c)
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Reliance. Except to the extent that GFS may be liable pursuant to Sections 4(a)above, the Trust shall hold GFS harmless and GFS shall not be liable for any action taken or failure to act in reliance upon, and shall be entitled to rely upon:
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(i)
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advice of the Trust, its officers, independent auditors or counsel to the Trust;
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(ii)
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any oral instruction which it receives and which it reasonably believes in good faith was transmitted by the person or persons authorized by the Board to give such oral instruction pursuant to the parties standard operating practices;
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(iii)
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any written instruction or certified copy of any resolution of the Board, and GFS may rely upon the genuineness of any such document, copy or facsimile thereof reasonably believed by GFS to have been validly executed;
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4
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(iv)
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any signature, instruction, request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of counsel, statement, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or other document reasonably believed by GFS to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the Trust or other proper party or parties;
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(v)
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any instruction, information, data, records or documents provided to GFS or its agents or subcontractors furnished (pursuant to procedures mutually agreed to by GFS and the Trust’s service providers)by machine readable input, data entry, email, facsimile or other similar means authorized by the Trust; and
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(vi)
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any authorization, instruction, approval, item or set of data, or information of any kind transmitted to GFS in person or by telephone, email, facsimile or other electronic means, furnished and reasonably believed by GFS to be genuine and to have been given by the proper person or persons that the Trust designates in writing. GFS shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust.
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GFS shall not be under any duty or obligation to inquire into the validity or invalidity or authority or lack of authority of any statement, oral or written instruction, resolution, signature, request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of counsel, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or any other document or instrument which GFS reasonably believes to be genuine.
At any time, GFS may apply to any officer of the Trust for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel to the Trust with respect to any matter arising in connection with the routine services to be performed by GFS under this Agreement, and GFS and its agents or subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust on behalf of the applicable Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in reasonable reliance upon such instructions or upon the advice of such counsel. GFS agrees to consult first with a Fund’s adviser before engaging in any non-routine legal consultation that may result in additional legal costs to the Fund.
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(d)
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Reliance on Electronic Instructions. If the Trust has the ability to originate electronic instructions to GFS in order to (i)effect the transfer or movement of cash or Shares or (ii)transmit Shareholder information or other information, then in such event GFS shall be entitled to rely on the validity and authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further inquiry as long as such instruction is undertaken in conformity with security procedures established and agreed upon by GFS and the Fund’s investment adviser.
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(e)
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Notification of Claims. In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party’s prior written consent.
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5
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(f)
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Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, GFS’s maximum liability to the Trust or any applicable Fund arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether arising in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence)or otherwise, shall not exceed the direct loss to the Trust or such Fund (as applicable). IN NO EVENT SHALL GFS BE LIABLE FOR TRADING LOSSES, LOST REVENUES, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE OR GFS WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE PREMISED UPON THE LIMITATION STATED IN THIS SECTION.
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5.
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LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
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The Board and the shareholders of each Fund shall not be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the Funds under this Agreement, and GFS agrees that, in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement, it shall look only to the assets and property of the Fund (or Funds)to which GFS’s rights or claims relate in settlement of such rights or claims, and not to the Board or the shareholders of the Funds. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust personally, but bind only the trust property of the Trust, as provided in the Trust’s Organizational Documents. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Board of the Trust and signed by the officers of the Trust, acting as such, and neither such authorization by the Board and shareholders nor such execution and delivery by such officers shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the property of the Trust as provided in its Declaration of Trust. A copy of the Certificate of Trust of the Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of Delaware.
6.
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EXPENSES ASSUMED BY THE TRUST
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Except as otherwise specifically stated in this Agreement, GFS shall pay all expenses incurred by it in performing the Services under this Agreement. Each Fund of the Trust will bear all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by GFS when performing Services under this Agreement and all other expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund (other than those borne by the investment adviser to the Fund)including, but not limited to:
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(a)
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taxes;
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(b)
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interest;
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(c)
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brokerage fees and commissions, if any;
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(d)
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fees for trustees who are not officers, directors, partners, employees or holders of five percent (5%)or more of the outstanding voting securities of the investment adviser or GFS;
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(e)
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SEC fees (including XXXXX filing fees);
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(f)
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state blue sky registration or qualification fees;
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(g)
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advisory fees;
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(h)
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charges of custodians;
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(i)
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transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees;
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(j)
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insurance premiums;
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6
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(k)
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outside auditing and legal expenses;
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(l)
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costs of maintaining trust existence;
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(m)
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costs attributable to shareholder services, including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses;
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(n)
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costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes;
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(o)
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costs of shareholders' reports, Trust meetings and related expenses;
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(p)
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Trust legal fees; and
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(q)
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any extraordinary expenses.
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7.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
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(a)
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Representations of GFS. GFS represents and warrants to the Trust that:
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(i)
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it is a limited liability company duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nebraska;
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(ii)
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it is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;
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(iii)
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it has access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and
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(iv)
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it is registered as a transfer agent under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall continue to be registered throughout the remainder of this Agreement.
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(b)
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Representations of the Trust. The Trust represents and warrants to GFS that:
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(i)
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it is a trust duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;
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(ii)
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it is empowered under applicable laws and by its Organizational Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement;
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(iii)
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all proceedings required by said Organizational Documents have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement;
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(iv)
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it is an open-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act and will operate in conformance with the 1940 Act and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder during the term of this Agreement;
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(v)
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a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 is currently or will be effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings as required, have been or will be made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale; and
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(vi)
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each Fund’s Organizational Documents, Registration Statement and Prospectus are true and accurate and will remain true and accurate at all times during the term of this Agreement in conformance with applicable federal and state securities laws.
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7
8.
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CONFIDENTIALITY
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GFS and the Trust agree that all books, records, information, and data pertaining to the business of the other party which are exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this Agreement shall remain confidential, and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person, except that GFS may:
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(a)
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prepare or assist in the preparation of periodic reports to shareholders and regulatory bodies such as the SEC;
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(b)
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provide the standard type of information supplied by mutual fund complexes in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information regarding investment companies; and
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(c)
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release such information as permitted or required by law or approved in writing by the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where GFS may be exposed to civil or criminal liability or proceedings for failure to release the information, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or when so requested by the Trust and the Advisers.
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Except as provided above, in accordance with Title 17, Chapter II, part 248 of the Code of Federal Regulations (17 CFR 248.1 – 248.30)(“Reg S-P”), GFS will not directly, or indirectly through an affiliate, disclose any non-public personal information as defined in Reg S-P, received from a Fund to any person that is not affiliated with the Fund or with GFS and provided that any such information disclosed to an affiliate of GFS shall be under the same limitations on non-disclosure.
Both parties agree to communicate sensitive information via secured communication channels (i.e. encrypted format).
9.
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PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
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(a)
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Proprietary Information of GFS. The Trust acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by GFS on databases under the control and ownership of GFS or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, “GFS Proprietary Information”)of substantial value to GFS or the third party. The Trust agrees to treat all GFS Proprietary Information as proprietary to GFS and further agrees that it shall not divulge any GFS Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement.
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(b)
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Proprietary Information of the Trust. GFS acknowledges that the Shareholder list and all information related to shareholders furnished to GFS by the Trust or by a shareholder in connection with this Agreement (collectively, “Customer Data”)all information regarding the Trust portfolios, arrangements with brokerage firms, compensation paid to or by the Trust, trading strategies and all such related information (collectively, Trust Proprietary Information”)constitute proprietary information of substantial value to the Trust. In no event shall GFS Proprietary Information be deemed Trust Proprietary Information or Customer Data. GFS agrees to treat all Trust Proprietary Information and Customer Data as proprietary to the Trust and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Trust Proprietary Information or Customer Data to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement or as may be directed by the Trust or as may be duly requested by regulatory authorities.
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8
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(c)
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Each party shall take reasonable efforts to advise its employees of their obligations pursuant to this Section 9. The obligations of this section shall survive any earlier termination of this Agreement.
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10.
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ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES
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In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series of Shares or one or more classes of Shares after the effectiveness of this Agreement, such series of Shares or classes of Shares, as the case may be, shall become Funds and classes under this Agreement with necessary changes made to Appendix II; however, either GFS or the Trust may elect not to make any such series or classes subject to this Agreement.
11. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
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 without the prior written consent of GFS. GFS may subcontract any or all of its responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement to one or more companies, trusts, firms, individuals or associations (“Subcontractors”), which may or may not be affiliated persons of GFS and which agree to comply with the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that any such subcontracting shall not relieve GFS of its responsibilities hereunder and that any such Subcontractor not affiliated with GFS shall have been approved in writing by the Trust or its agent. GFS may pay such persons for their services, but no such payment will increase fees due from the Trust hereunder.
12.
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EFFECTIVE DATE, TERM AND TERMINATION
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(a)
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Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective on the date first above written and the effective date with respect to each Fund is set forth on the applicable Appendix II attached hereto.
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(b)
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Term. This Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of three (3)years from the applicable Fund(s)effective date and shall continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such Agreement is not terminated by either party pursuant to paragraph (c)of this section.
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(c)
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Termination. This Agreement can be terminated at the end of the initial term or subsequent renewal period upon ninety (90)days’ prior written notice by either party. Upon termination of this Agreement, GFS shall have no further obligation to provide Services to the terminating Fund(s)and all outstanding payments due from such Fund(s)under this Agreement shall become immediately due and payable to GFS, including any unpaid fees earned through the date of termination and the balance of all future minimum fees due under the remaining term of this Agreement. In the event of termination, GFS agrees that it will cooperate to facilitate the smooth transition of services and to minimize disruption to each applicable Fund and its shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate this agreement upon thirty (30)days’ written notice in the event of a breach. The parties have a right to attempt to cure a breach within the thirty-day notice period. If the breach is not cured within said period, then the parties hereto will submit to arbitration, in accordance with Section 14(g), below. In any event, this Agreement can be terminated with respect to a particular Fund or Funds at any time upon thirty (30)days’ prior written notice if the Board makes a determination to liquidate such Fund(s).
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9
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(d)
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Reimbursement of GFS’s Expenses. If this Agreement is terminated with respect to a Fund or Funds, GFS shall be entitled to collect from the Fund or Funds, in addition to the compensation described under Section 3 of this Agreement, the amount of all of GFS’s reasonable labor charges and cash disbursements for services in connection with GFS’s activities in effecting such termination, including, without limitation, the labor costs and expenses associated with the de-conversion of the Trusts records of each Fund from its computer systems, and the delivery to the Trust and/or its designees of the Trust’s property, records, instruments and documents, or any copies thereof. Subsequent to such termination, for a reasonable fee, GFS will provide the Trust with reasonable access to all Trust documents or records, if any, remaining in its possession.
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(e)
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Survival of Certain Obligations. The obligations of Sections 3, 4, 8, 9, and 12 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
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13.
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MISCELLANEOUS
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(a)
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Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended, or any provision hereof waived, except in writing signed by the party against which the enforcement of such amendment or waiver is sought.
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(b)
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Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
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(c)
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Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof whether oral or written.
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(d)
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Counterparts. The parties may execute this Agreement on any number of counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
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(e)
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Severability. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected by such determination, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid.
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10
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(f)
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Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform if the failure results from a cause beyond its control, including, without limitation, fire, electrical, mechanical, or equipment breakdowns, delays by third party vendors and/or communications carriers, civil disturbances or disorders, terrorist acts, strikes, acts of governmental authority or new governmental restrictions, or acts of God.
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(g)
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Arbitration. The parties understand and agree that, to the extent permitted by law, all claims arising out of this Agreement will be resolved through final and binding arbitration pursuant to the terms hereof. In this regard, the parties acknowledge and agree that: (i)such arbitration will be final and binding on the parties; (ii)the parties are hereby waiving their rights to seek remedies in court, including the right to a jury trial; (iii)pre-arbitration discovery is generally more limited than and different from discovery conducted in connection with litigation; (iv)the arbitrator's award is not required to include factual findings or legal reasoning; and (v)a party's right to appeal or seek modification of rulings by the arbitrator will be strictly limited.
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Such arbitration will be conducted in New York according to the securities arbitration rules then in effect of the American Arbitration Association. Both parties understand that the other party may initiate arbitration by serving or mailing a written notice to the other party hereto by certified mail, return receipt requested. Any award the arbitration panel makes will be final, and judgment on it may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
This arbitration provision shall be enforced and interpreted exclusively in accordance with applicable federal law, including the Federal Arbitration Act. Any costs, fees, or taxes involved in enforcing the award shall be fully assessed against and paid by the party resisting enforcement of said award. The prevailing party shall also be entitled to an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement. No person shall bring a putative or certified class action to arbitration, nor seek to enforce any pre-dispute arbitration agreement against any person who has initiated in court a putative class action who is a member of a putative class action until:
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·
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The class certification is denied;
|
|
·
|
The class is decertified; or
|
|
·
|
The person is excluded from the class by the court.
|
Such forbearance to enforce an agreement to arbitrate shall not constitute a waiver of any rights under this Agreement except to the extent stated herein.
|
(h)
|
Headings. Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
|
|
(i)
|
Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or by overnight, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by facsimile to each party at the address set forth below or at such new address designated by such party by notice given pursuant to this Section.
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11
To the Trust:
|
To GFS:
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Xxxx X. Xxxxx
|
Xxxxx Xxxx
|
President
|
President
|
Xxxxxx Creek Series Trust
|
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
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000 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
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00 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
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Xxxxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
|
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
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Telephone: (000)000-0000
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Telephone: (000)000-0000
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xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
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With a copy to:
|
With a copy to:
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Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Esq.
|
Officer
|
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
|
Xxxxxx Creek Series Trust
|
00000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0
|
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
|
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
|
Xxxxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
|
xxxxxx@xxxxx-xxxxxxxxx.xxx
|
xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
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|
(j)
|
Safekeeping. GFS shall establish and maintain facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Trust for the safekeeping and control of records maintained by GFS under this Agreement including the preparation and use of check forms, facsimile, email or other electronic signature imprinting devices.
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(k)
|
Distinction of Funds. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund and that no Fund shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise.
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(l)
|
Representation of Signatories. Each of the undersigned expressly warrants and represents that they have full power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated and that their signature will bind the party indicated to the terms hereof.
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized persons, effective as of the day and year first above written.
XXXXXX CREEK SERIES TRUST
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GEMINI FUND SERVICES, LLC
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||
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx
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By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxx
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||
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxx
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Name: Xxxxx Xxxx
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||
Title: President
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Title: President
|
12
APPENDIX I
Transfer Agency Services
With respect to each Fund electing Transfer Agency Services, GFS shall provide the following services subject to, and in compliance with the objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Trust’s Registration Statement, the Trust’s Organizational Documents, applicable laws and regulations, and resolutions and policies established by the Trust’s Board:
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1)
|
Provide the services of a transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, agent in connection with accumulation, open-account or similar plans (including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program)that are customary for open-end management investment companies including:
|
|
a.
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maintaining all shareholder accounts;
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b.
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preparing shareholder meeting lists;
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c.
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preparing and certifying direct shareholder lists in conjunction with proxy solicitations;
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d.
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preparing periodic mailing of year-end tax and statement information;
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e.
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mailing shareholder reports and prospectuses to current shareholders;
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f.
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withholding taxes on U.S. resident and non-resident alien accounts;
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g.
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preparing and filing U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate forms required by federal authorities with respect to distributions for shareholders;
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h.
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preparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account to shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other confirmable transactions in shareholder accounts; and
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i.
|
providing account information in response to inquiries from shareholders.
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2)
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Receiving for acceptance, orders for the purchase of Shares, and promptly delivering payment and appropriate documentation therefore to the Custodian of the Fund authorized by the Board (the “Custodian”); or, in the case of a Fund operating in a master-feeder or fund of funds structure, to the transfer agent or interest-holder record keeper for the master portfolios in which the Fund invests;
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3)
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Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of Shares and hold such Shares in the appropriate shareholder account;
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4)
|
Receiving for acceptance, redemption requests and redemption directions and delivering the appropriate documentation therefore to the Custodian or, in the case of Fund operating in a master-feeder or fund of funds structure, to the transfer agent or interest-holder record keeper for the master portfolios in which the Fund invests;
|
|
5)
|
As and when the Fund receives monies paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, paying over or cause to be paid over the redemption proceeds as required by the Prospectus pursuant to which the redeemed Shares were offered and as instructed by the redeeming shareholders;
|
|
6)
|
Effecting transfers of Shares upon receipt of appropriate instructions from shareholders;
|
|
7)
|
Monitoring and making appropriate filings with respect to the escheatment laws of the various states and territories of the United States;
|
Appendix I | 1
|
8)
|
Preparing and transmitting to shareholders (or crediting the appropriate shareholder accounts)payments for all distributions and dividends declared by the Trust with respect to Shares of each Fund;
|
|
9)
|
Receiving from shareholders and/or debiting shareholder accounts for sales commissions, including contingent deferred, deferred and other sales charges, and service fees (i.e., wire redemption charges)and prepare and transmit payments to underwriters, selected dealers and others for commissions and service fees received and provide necessary tracking reports to the Fund’s and/or the Fund’s principal underwriter;
|
|
10)
|
Recording the issuance of shares of a Fund and maintaining pursuant to SEC Rule 17Ad-10(e)a record of the total number of shares of the Fund which are authorized, based upon data provided to it by the Fund, issued and outstanding; and
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|
11)
|
Providing the Trust on a regular basis with each Fund’s total number of shares that are authorized and issued and outstanding.
|
Issuance of Shares.
GFS, in its capacity as transfer agent, shall make original issues of Shares of each Fund in accordance with the Fund’s Prospectus, only upon receipt of:
|
a.
|
instructions requesting the issuance,
|
|
b.
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a copy of a resolution of the Board authorizing the issuance,
|
|
c.
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necessary funds for the payment of any original issue tax applicable to such Shares, and
|
|
d.
|
an opinion of the Trust’s legal counsel as to the legality and validity of the issuance, which opinion may provide that it is contingent upon the filing by the Trust of an appropriate notice with the SEC, as required by Section 24 of the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder. If such opinion is contingent upon a filing under Section 24 of the 1940 Act, the Trust shall indemnify GFS for any liability arising from the failure of the Trust to comply with such section or the rules thereunder.
|
The responsibility of GFS for each Fund’s state registration status is solely limited to the reporting of transactions to the Trust, and GFS shall have no obligation, when recording the issuance of Shares, to monitor the issuance of such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Fund, its distributor or other agent.
Transfer of Shares.
Transfers of Shares of each Fund shall be registered on the shareholder records maintained by GFS. In registering transfers of Shares, GFS may rely upon the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of Nebraska or any other statutes that, in the opinion of GFS’s legal counsel, protect GFS and the Trust from liability arising from:
|
a.
|
not requiring complete documentation;
|
|
b.
|
registering a transfer without an adverse claim inquiry;
|
|
c.
|
delaying registration for purposes of such inquiry; or
|
|
d.
|
refusing registration whenever an adverse claim requires such refusal.
|
Appendix I | 2
As transfer agent, GFS will be responsible for delivery to the transferor and transferee of such documentation as is required by the Uniform Commercial Code.
Purchase Orders.
Shares shall be issued in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus after GFS or its agent receives either:
|
a.
|
an instruction directing investment in a Fund, a check (other than a third party check)or a wire or other electronic payment in the amount designated in the instruction and in the case of an initial purchase, a completed account application; or
|
|
b.
|
the information required for purchases pursuant to a selected dealer agreement, processing organization agreement, or a similar contract with a financial intermediary.
|
Distribution Eligibility.
Shares issued in a Fund after receipt of a completed purchase order shall be eligible to receive distributions of the Fund at the time specified in the prospectus pursuant to which the Shares are offered.
Determination of Federal Funds.
Shareholder payments shall be considered “Federal Funds” no later than on the day indicated below unless other times are noted in the Prospectus:
|
a.
|
for a wire received, at the time of the receipt of the wire;
|
|
b.
|
for a check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, on the second Fund Business Day following receipt of the check; and
|
|
c.
|
for a check drawn on an institution that is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, at such time as GFS is credited with Federal Funds with respect to that check.
|
Lost Shareholders.
GFS shall perform such services as are required in order to comply with Rules 17a-24 and 17Ad-17 (the “Lost Shareholder Rules”)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, those set forth below. GFS may, in its sole discretion, use the services of a third party approved in advance in writing by the Trust or its agent to perform some of or all such services.
|
a.
|
documentation of search policies and procedures;
|
|
b.
|
execution of required searches;
|
|
c.
|
tracking results and maintaining data sufficient to comply with the Lost Shareholder Rules; and
|
|
d.
|
preparation and submission of data required under the Lost Shareholder Rules.
|
Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”)Delegation.
The Trust hereby delegates to GFS certain AML duties under this Agreement, as permitted by law and in accordance with the Trust’s Anti-Money Laundering Policies and Procedures as may be amended from time to time. Such duties delegated to GFS include procedures reasonably designed to prevent and detect money laundering activities and to ensure that each Fund can have a reasonable belief that it knows the identity of each person or entity opening an account with the Fund. GFS’s procedures will include, as appropriate, procedures to assist the Fund(s)to:
Appendix I | 3
|
·
|
detect and report suspicious activities;
|
|
·
|
comply with “know your customer” requirements;
|
|
·
|
monitor high-risk accounts; and
|
|
·
|
maintain required records.
|
GFS shall provide for proper supervision and training of its personnel. With respect to assisting the Trust with its Customer Identification Program (“CIP”)designed to ensure the identity of any person opening a new account with a Fund (a “Customer”), GFS will assist the Fund(s)through the use of the following:
|
·
|
risk-based procedures to verify the identity of each Customer to the extent reasonable and practicable, such that the Fund may have a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of each Customer;
|
|
·
|
before opening an account, obtain a Customer’s name, date of birth (for an individual), address, and identification number1;
|
|
·
|
procedures to verify the identity of a Customer within a reasonable time after the account is opened;
|
|
·
|
procedures for maintenance of records relating to Customer identification and supporting the verification; and
|
|
·
|
procedures to determine whether the Customer’s name appears on any list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations issued by any federal government agency and designated as such by the Department of the Treasury in consultation with the federal functional regulators, within a reasonable period of time after the account is opened.
|
For purposes of verifying the identity of a Customer, GFS may rely on documents, so long as, based on that information, GFS can form a reasonable belief that it knows the identity of the Customer, including:
|
·
|
an individual’s unexpired government-issued identification evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard, (such as a driver’s license or passport); or
|
|
·
|
documents showing the existence of an entity, such as articles of incorporation, a government-issued business license, a partnership agreement, or trust instrument.
|
To the extent that the Customer’s identity cannot be verified by relying on documents, other methods may be used by GFS, including, (i)contacting a Customer; (ii)independently verifying the Customer’s identity through the comparison of information provided by the Customer with information obtained from a consumer reporting agency, public database, or other source; (iii)checking references with other financial institutions; and (iv)obtaining a financial statement.
In the event that GFS is not able to verify the identity of a Customer sufficiently that it can form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of a Customer, then GFS may, as appropriate:
|
·
|
not open an account for the Customer;
|
1
|
An identification number may be a taxpayer identification number, passport number and country of issuance, alien identification card number, or number and country of issuance of any other government-issued document evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard.
|
Appendix I | 4
|
·
|
apply limited terms under which a Customer may use an account until the Customer’s identity is verified;
|
|
·
|
close an account, after attempts to verify a Customer’s identity have failed; or
|
|
·
|
assist the Fund in filing a Suspicious Activity Report in accordance with applicable law and regulation, regarding the Customer.
|
Each Fund represents and agrees that it will provide Customers with adequate disclosure that the Fund is requesting information to verify their identities. The disclosure will be included in the application or the prospectus, or a document accompanying the application or prospectus.
Anti-Identity Theft Delegation.
To the extent that a Fund has covered accounts that allow redemption proceeds to go to third parties, GFS will assume Anti-Identity Theft monitoring duties for the Fund under this Agreement, pursuant to legal requirements. Any out of pocket expenses occurred in this regard are due and payable by the Fund.
Rule 22c-2 Compliance.
Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act requires that a fund’s principal underwriter or transfer agent enter into a shareholder information agreement with any financial intermediary or its agent where it, through itself or its agent, purchases or redeems shares directly from a fund, its principal underwriter or transfer agent, or through a registered clearing agency. Each Fund shall ensure that its principal underwriter (unless such principal underwriter is affiliated with GFS)enters into such agreements, which permits GFS as transfer agent to request information from such financial intermediaries to insure that the Trust’s procedures are being followed with respect to market timing and, where applicable, early redemption fees. The Trust’s procedures in this regard would trigger the information requests, under certain conditions, with respect to said financial intermediaries’ omnibus accounts in the respective Fund.
Processing through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (the “NSCC”).
GFS will: (i)process accounts through Networking and the purchase, redemption, transfer and exchange of shares in such accounts through Fund/SERV (Networking and Fund/SERV being programs operated by the NSCC on behalf of NSCC’s participants, including the Trust), in accordance with, instructions transmitted to and received by GFS by transmission from NSCC on behalf of broker-dealers and banks which have been established by, or in accordance with the instructions of authorized persons, as hereinafter defined on the dealer file maintained by GFS; (ii)issue instructions to each Fund’s Custodian for the settlement of transactions between the Fund and NSCC (acting on behalf of its broker-dealer and bank participants); (iii)provide account and transaction information from the affected Trust’s records on an appropriate computer system in accordance with NSCC’s Networking and Fund/SERV rules for those broker-dealers; and (iv)maintain Shareholder accounts through Networking.
Transfer Agency Records.
GFS shall maintain the following shareholder account information:
Appendix I | 5
|
·
|
name, address and United States Tax Identification or Social Security number;
|
|
·
|
number of Shares held and number of Shares for which certificates, if any, have been issued, including certificate numbers and denominations;
|
|
·
|
historical information regarding the account of each shareholder, including dividends and distributions paid and the date and price for all transactions on a shareholder’s account;
|
|
·
|
any stop or restraining order placed against a shareholder’s account;
|
|
·
|
any correspondence relating to the current maintenance of a shareholder’s account;
|
|
·
|
information with respect to withholdings; and
|
|
·
|
any information required in order for GFS to perform any calculations by this Agreement.
|
All out-of-pocket expenses will be billed as set forth on Appendix II. GFS may from time to time adopt new procedures, or modify existing procedures, in order to carry out its Transfer Agency Services. Any modification of the Transfer Agency Services provided by GFS as set forth in this Appendix I shall be delivered to the Trust in writing.
Appendix I | 6