FUND SUB-ADMINISTRATION SERVICING AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.8
FUND SUB-ADMINISTRATION SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of [ ] by and between TIDAL ETF SERVICES LLC (the “Administrator” or “Tidal”), with respect to VS Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC d/b/a U.S. BANK GLOBAL FUND SERVICES, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“Fund Services”)
WHEREAS, each Fund is operated as a commodity pool under the Commodity Exchange Act and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by means of a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-3, as applicable (each a “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”);
WHEREAS, the Trust and Administrator desire to retain Fund Services to provide fund administration services to each series of the Trust listed on Exhibit A attached hereto (as amended from time to time) (each, a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
1. | Appointment of Fund Services as Sub-Administrator |
The Administrator hereby appoints Fund Services as sub-administrator for the term of this Agreement to perform the services and duties described herein. Fund Services hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth in this Agreement. The services and duties of Fund Services shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against Fund Services hereunder.
2. | Services and Duties of Fund Services |
Fund Services shall provide some or all of the following sub-administration services as may be authorized and directed by the Administrator from time to time as well as such services set out in Exhibit C:
A. | General Fund Management: |
(1) | Act as liaison among Fund service providers, including but not exclusive to the Fund’s sponsor (“Sponsor”), investment sub-adviser(s), authorized participants, external legal counsel, independent audit firms and external compliance consultants. |
(2) | Supply: |
a. | Office facilities (which may be in Fund Services’, an affiliate’s, or Fund’s own offices). |
b. | Non-investment-related statistical and research data as requested. |
(3) | Audits: |
a. | For the annual Fund audit and quarterly review, assist with and provide information for appropriate schedules and materials. Provide requested information to the independent auditors, and facilitate the audit process. |
b. | For SEC or other regulatory audits, provide requested information to the SEC or other regulatory agencies and facilitate the audit process. |
c. | For all audits, provide office facilities, as needed. |
(4) | Assist with overall operations of the Fund. |
(5) | Pay Trust and Fund expenses upon written authorization from an approved authorized representative of the Trust or Sponsor. |
(6) | Keep the Trust’s governing documents, including its charter and bylaws, but only to the extent such documents are provided to Fund Services by the Trust or its representatives for safe keeping. Maintain required books and records for each Fund, as required by all applicable statutes, rules and regulations. This will be subject to and in accordance with Section 9 of the Agreement, maintain files of registration statements, Fund contracts, compliance materials and other Fund documents that are prepared by Fund Services or furnished to Fund Services by the Fund, as required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), National Futures Association (“NFA”) and NYSE rules adopted thereunder, as they may be amended from time to time, and other requirements. |
B. | Compliance: |
(1) | Regulatory Compliance: |
a. | Monitor each Fund’s compliance with the policies and investment limitations as set forth in its prospectus (the “Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (the “SAI”) (or similar disclosure documents) included in its registration statement on Form N-1A filed with the SEC (“Registration Statement”). |
b. | Perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications reasonably requested by the Trust in connection with (i) any certification required of the Trust pursuant to the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) or any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, and (ii) the operation of Fund Services’ compliance program as it relates to the Trust, provided the same shall not be deemed to change Fund Services’ standard of care as set forth herein. |
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c. | Monitor applicable regulatory and operational service issues, including exchange listing requirements, and update the Trust periodically. |
(2) | SEC Registration and Reporting: |
a. | Within the appropriate production cycle, prepare one Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Funds for each of the first three fiscal quarters of the Funds, or as necessary. The preparation of each Form 10-Q includes the coordination of all printer and author edits, the review of printer drafts and the review of final printer invoices. |
b. | Within the appropriate production cycle, assist with preparation of an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Funds’ fiscal year. |
c. | At the request of the Trust, assist with the coordination of the requests for information/documentation from the SEC, CFTC, NFA and NYSE. |
d. | Upon review and approval of each Form 10-K and 10-Q by the Trust’s Principal Financial Officer (or such person performing such functions), Fund Services shall edgarize and file, or cause to be edgarized and filed, such reports (including the XBRL versions) with the SEC, CFTC, NFA and NYSE, as required, including any applicable executive officer certifications or other exhibits to such reports. Fund Services shall also coordinate with the printer an XBRL file and web-ready file that can be uploaded to the Fund’s website. |
C. | Financial Reporting: |
(1) | Provide financial data required by the Registration Statement for each Fund. |
(2) | Within the appropriate time period following the end of the Funds’ required monthly reporting period, prepare an Account Statement in compliance with the requirements of CFTC Rule § 4.22(a), including a Statement of Income (Loss) and a Statement of Changes in Net Asset Value; Fund Services shall coordinate the filing of the Account Statements with the NFA. Upon review and approval of each above-mentioned report by the Sponsor, Fund Services shall file such reports with the CFTC and/or NFA, as required, including any applicable executive officer certifications or other exhibits to such reports. |
(3) | Supervise the Fund’s custodian and fund accountants in the maintenance of each Fund’s general ledger and in the preparation of each Fund’s financial statements, including oversight of expense accruals and payments, the determination of net asset value and the declaration and payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders. |
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(4) | Monitor expense accruals and make adjustments as necessary; notify the Trust’s management of adjustments expected to materially affect a Fund’s expense ratio. |
(5) | Prepare financial statements for each Fund, which include, without limitation, the following items: |
a. | Statement of Financial Condition. |
b. | Statement of Investments. |
c. | Statement of Operations. |
d. | Statement of Changes in Net Assets. |
e. | Statement of Cash Flows. |
f. | Notes to the Financial Statements. |
g. | Review of other financial data included in 10-Qs and 10-Ks. |
h. | Any other information that may be required by rule or regulation. |
D. | Tax Reporting (as applicable): |
(1) | Prepare for the review of the independent auditor and/or Fund’s federal and state tax returns including, without limitation, Form 1120 RIC and applicable state returns including any necessary schedules. Fund Services will prepare annual federal and state income tax return filings for each Fund as authorized by and based on the instructions received by the Fund and/or its independent auditor. |
(2) | Provide the Sponsor and independent auditor with tax reporting information pertaining to each Fund and make available to Fund Services as required in a timely manner. |
(3) | Monitor wash sale losses. |
(4) | As needed, calculate Qualified Dividend Income (“QDI”) for qualifying Fund Shareholders. |
3. | License of Data; Warranty; Termination of Rights |
A. | Fund Services hereby informs Administrator that Fund Services has entered into agreements with MSCI index data services (“MSCI”), Standard & Poor Financial Services LLC (“S&P”), and FactSet Research Systems Inc. (“FACTSET”) which obligates Fund Services to include a list of required provisions in this Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B. The index data services being provided to the Administrator and the Fund by Fund Services pursuant hereto (collectively, the “Data”) are being licensed, not sold, to the Administrator (with a right to sublicense the same to the Fund) for internal purposes and use in the normal conduct of its business and the Fund’s business and will not redistribute the Data in any form or manner to any third party, except to the Trust, and the advisers, agents and consultants of the Fund and the Administrator. The provisions in Exhibit B shall not have any effect upon the standard of care and liability Fund Services has set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. |
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B. | The Administrator agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Fund Services, its information providers, and any other third party involved in or related to the making or compiling of the Data, their affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, as incurred, arising in and any manner out of the Administrator’s or any third party’s use of, or inability to use, the Data or any breach by the Administrator of any provision contained in this Agreement regarding the Data. The immediately preceding sentence shall not have any effect upon the standard of care and liability of Fund Services as set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. |
4. | Compensation |
Fund Services shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit C hereto (as amended from time to time in writing by the parties to this Agreement). Fund Services shall also be reimbursed for such reasonable and documented miscellaneous expenses as set forth on Exhibit C hereto as are reasonably incurred by Fund Services in performing its duties hereunder. The Administrator shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days following receipt of the monthly billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good faith dispute. The Administrator shall notify Fund Services in writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Administrator is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Administrator shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee or expense the Administrator is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices shall accrue a finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date.
5. | Representations and Warranties |
A. | The Administrator hereby represents and warrants to Fund Services, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
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(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Administrator in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Administrator, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; |
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. |
B. | Fund Services hereby represents and warrants to the Administrator, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
(1) | It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
(2) | This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Fund Services in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of Fund Services, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
(3) | It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement. |
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6. | Standard of Care; Indemnification; Limitation of Liability |
A. | Fund Services shall use best efforts and exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. Fund Services shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Administrator, the Trust or a Fund in connection with its duties under this Agreement, except a loss arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or from its bad faith, fraud, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or breach of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Fund Services has used best efforts and exercised reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the Administrator shall indemnify and hold harmless Fund Services from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that Fund Services may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against Fund Services by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in performing the services hereunder (i) in accordance with the foregoing standards, or (ii) in reasonable reliance upon any written or oral instruction provided to Fund Services by any duly authorized officer of the Administrator or the Fund, except for any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities arising out of or relating to Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of this Agreement, or from its bad faith, fraud, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, or breach of this Agreement. Fund Services shall endeavor to provide the Administrator such reasonable estimates, including reasonable estimates related to amounts incurred for services provided hereunder, in connection with claims for which Fund Services seeks indemnity from the Administrator, provided that the Administrator’s continuing obligations to indemnify Fund Services after the termination of this Agreement shall relate to solely those claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) sustained in connection with Fund Services provision of services pursuant to this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Administrator, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement; provided that the Administrator’s continuing obligations to indemnify Fund Services after the termination of this Agreement shall relate to solely those claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) sustained in connection with Fund Services’ provision of services pursuant to this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Fund Services” shall include Fund Services’ directors, officers and employees. |
Fund Services shall indemnify and hold the Administrator harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Administrator may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Administrator, the Trust or a Fund by any person arising out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by Fund Services as a result of Fund Services’ refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of this Agreement, or from Fund Services’ bad faith, fraud, negligence, or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of Fund Services, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Administrator” shall include the Administrator’s directors, officers and employees, and the term the “Trust” shall include the Trust’s trustees, officers and employees.
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In no case shall either party be liable to the other for (i) any special, indirect or consequential damages, loss of profits or goodwill (even if advised of the possibility of such); or (ii) any delay by reason of circumstances beyond its control, which may include acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdown, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of transportation or power supply.
In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure of communication or power supplies beyond its reasonable control, Fund Services shall take all reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions for any period that such interruption continues. Fund Services will make every reasonable effort to restore any lost or damaged data and correct any errors resulting from such a breakdown at the expense of Fund Services. Fund Services agrees that it shall, at all times, have reasonable business continuity and disaster recovery contingency plans with appropriate parties, making reasonable provision for emergency use of electrical data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. Representatives of the Administrator shall be entitled to inspect Fund Services’ premises and operating capabilities at any time during regular business hours of Fund Services, upon reasonable notice to Fund Services. Moreover, Fund Services shall provide the Administrator, at such times as the Administrator may reasonably require, copies of reports rendered by independent auditor on the internal controls and procedures of Fund Services relating to the services provided by Fund Services under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the above, Fund Services reserves the right to reprocess and correct non-material administrative errors at its own expense; provided that Fund Services shall provide advance written notice to the Administrator detailing the action it intends to take prior to taking such action. For material administrative errors, Fund Services reserves the right to reprocess and correct administrative errors at its own expense upon consultation with the Administrator and in such manner as agreed to by the Administrator.
B. | In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this section shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek indemnification under this section. The indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with the indemnitor’s prior written consent. |
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C. | The indemnity and defense provisions set forth in this Section 6 shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
D. | If Fund Services is acting in another capacity for the Administrator pursuant to a separate agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve Fund Services of any of its obligations in such other capacity. |
E. | In conjunction with the tax services provided to the Trust, on behalf of a Fund, by Fund Services hereunder, Fund Services shall not be deemed to act as an income tax return preparer for any purpose including as such term is defined under Section 7701(a)(36) of the IRC, or any successor thereof. Any information provided by Fund Services to a Fund for income tax reporting purposes with respect to any item of income, gain, loss, or credit will be performed solely in Fund Services’ administrative capacity. Fund Services shall not be required to determine, and shall not take any position with respect to whether, the reasonable belief standard described in Section 6694 of the IRC has been satisfied with respect to any income tax item. The Trust, on behalf of a Fund, and any appointees thereof, shall have the right to inspect the transaction summaries produced and aggregated by Fund Services, and any supporting documents thereto, in connection with the tax reporting services provided to each Fund by Fund Services. Fund Services shall not be liable for the provision or omission of any tax advice with respect to any information provided by Fund Services to a Fund. The tax information provided by Fund Services shall be pertinent to the data and information made available to Fund Services, and is neither derived from nor construed as tax advice. |
7. | Data Necessary to Perform Services |
The Administrator or the Trust or their respective agents shall furnish to Fund Services the data necessary to perform the services described herein at such times and in such form as mutually agreed upon.
8. | Proprietary and Confidential Information |
Fund Services agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Administrator or the Trust, all records and other information relative to the Administrator or the Trust and prior, present, or potential Fund shareholders of the Trust (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Administrator or the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where Fund Services may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities provided that Fund Services shall promptly notify the Administrator of such request if permitted by applicable law, or (iii) when so requested by the Administrator or the Trust. Records and other information which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of Fund Services or any of its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the possession of Fund Services prior to receipt thereof from the Administrator, the Trust or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
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Further, Fund Services will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Trust pursuant to Title V of the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this regard, Fund Services shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the Administrator or the Trust and underlying Fund shareholders.
9. | Records |
Fund Services shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Trust, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the rules of the stock exchange on which the Funds’ shares are listed, 17 C.F.R. 4.23 (specifically, the records specified in 17 C.F.R. 4.23(a)(1) through (8), (10) through (12) and (b)(1)), and other applicable federal securities laws and created pursuant to the performance of the Administrator’s obligations under this Agreement. Fund Services will also maintain those records of the Trust and the Funds including any changes, modifications or amendments thereto (the “Fund Records”) and will act as document repository for such Fund Records. Upon receipt of such Fund Records, Fund Services will issue a receipt for such Fund Records. Fund Services shall maintain a complete and orderly inventory of all Fund Records for which it has issued a receipt. Fund Services shall be under no duty or obligation to audit or reconcile the content, nor shall it be responsible for the accuracy or completeness of those Fund Records not created by it. Upon written request in a form to be determined by Fund Services and the Trust, Fund Services will return or release the requested Fund Records to such persons or entities pursuant to the Instructions provided by the Trust. Once one or more Fund Records have been returned or released by Fund Services, Fund Services shall have no further duty or obligation to act as repository for said previously released Fund Records. The Administrator represents and warrants that: (a) promptly after the date of this Agreement, it will, at its own expense, deliver, cause to be delivered or make available to Fund Services all of the Fund Records in effect as of the date of this Agreement; (b) it will, on a continuing basis and at its own expense, promptly deliver, cause to be delivered or make available to Fund Services any Fund Records created after the date of this Agreement; (c) it has adequate record-keeping policies and procedures in effect to ensure that all Fund Records are promptly provided to Fund Services pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; (d) it shall be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of any Fund Records not created by Fund Services; and (e) it shall be responsible for ensuring the Trust’s or the Funds’ compliance with, fulfillment of its obligations under or enforcement of, any Fund Records not created by Fund Services. Fund Services acknowledges that the records maintained and preserved by it pursuant to this Agreement are the property of the Trust and will be, at the Trust’s expense, surrendered promptly upon reasonable request. In performing its obligations under this Section, Fund Services may utilize micrographic and electronic storage media as well as independent third party storage facilities.
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10. | Compliance with Laws |
The Trust has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Funds, including but not limited to compliance with the 1933 Act, 1934 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the rules and regulations of the SEC, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, National Futures Association, the securities exchange on which any Shares are listed and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its registration statement. Fund Services’ services hereunder shall not relieve the Trust or Administrator of its responsibilities for assuring such compliance.
11. | Terms of Agreement; Amendment |
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and will continue in effect for a period of two (2) years. However, this Agreement may be terminated at the end of the initial term by either party upon giving 90 days’ prior written notice to the other party or such shorter notice period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Subsequent to the end of the two (2) year period, this Agreement continues until one party gives 90 days’ prior written notice to the other party or such shorter period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. In addition, the Administrator may, at any time, immediately terminate this Agreement in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for Fund Services by regulatory authorities or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by Fund Services and the Administrator.
12. | Early Termination |
In the absence of any material breach of this Agreement, should the Administrator elect to terminate this Agreement prior to the end of the two (2) year term, the Administrator agrees to pay the following fees:
a. | all monthly fees through the life of the Agreement, including the repayment of any negotiated discounts; |
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b. | all fees associated with converting services to successor service provider; |
c. | all fees associated with any record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that may not be eliminated due to the conversion to a successor service provider; |
d. | all reasonable and documented miscellaneous expenses associated with a.-c. above. |
13. | Duties in the Event of Termination |
In the event that, in connection with termination, a successor to any of Fund Services’ duties or responsibilities hereunder is designated by the Administrator by written notice to Fund Services, Fund Services will promptly, upon such termination and at the expense of the Trust (which shall include only reasonable and documented miscellaneous expenses), transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by Fund Services under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrator (if such form differs from the form in which Fund Services has maintained the same, the Administrator shall pay any reasonable and documented miscellaneous expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from Fund Services’ personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. If no such successor is designated, then such books, records and other data shall be returned to the Administrator.
14. | Assignment |
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Administrator without the written consent of Fund Services, or by Fund Services without the written consent of the Administrator.
15. | Governing Law |
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1933 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.
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16. | No Agency Relationship |
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement.
17. | Services Not Exclusive |
Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Fund Services from providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
18. | Invalidity |
Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent with the original intent of the parties.
19. | Legal-Related Services |
Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to appoint Fund Services and its officers, directors and employees as the Trust attorneys, form attorney-client relationships or require the provision of legal advice. The Administrator acknowledges that in-house Fund Services attorneys exclusively represent Fund Services and rely on outside counsel retained by the Trust to review all services provided by in-house Fund Services attorneys and to provide independent judgment on the Trust’s behalf. The Administrator acknowledges that because no attorney-client relationship exists between in-house Fund Services attorneys and the Trust, any information provided to Fund Services attorneys may not be privileged and may be subject to compulsory disclosure under certain circumstances. Fund Services represents that it will maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed to its in-house attorneys on a best efforts basis.
20. | Insurance |
Fund Services shall maintain a fidelity bond covering larceny and embezzlement, an insurance policy with respect to directors and officers errors and omissions coverage and electronic data processing insurance coverage, in amounts that are appropriate in light of its duties and responsibilities hereunder. Upon the request of the Administrator, Fund Services shall provide evidence that coverage is in place. Fund Services shall notify the Administrator should its insurance coverage with respect to professional liability or errors and omissions coverage be reduced or canceled. Such notification shall include the date of cancellation or reduction and the reasons therefore. Fund Services shall notify the Administrator promptly of any material claims against it with respect to services performed under this Agreement, whether or not they may be covered by insurance, and shall notify the Administrator promptly should the total outstanding claims made by Fund Services under its insurance coverage materially impair, or threaten to materially impair, the adequacy of its coverage.
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21. | Entire Agreement |
This Agreement, together with any exhibits, attachments, appendices or schedules expressly referenced herein, sets forth the sole and complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements relating thereto, whether written or oral, between the parties.
22. | Notices |
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below, or such other address(es) as may be specified in writing by one party to the other party:
Notice to Fund Services shall be sent to:
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
Attn: President
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Notice to the Administrator shall be sent to:
Tidal ETF Services LLC
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
000 X. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Notice to the Trust shall be sent to:
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
000 X Xxxxxxx Xx., Xxxxx 000
Xx. Xxxxx, XX 00000
23. | Construction |
Any reference in this Agreement to a form, statute or regulation shall include any successor thereto.
24. | Multiple Originals |
This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first above written.
U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Date: | ||
TIDAL ETF SERVICES LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Date: |
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Exhibit A to the Sub-Fund Administration Servicing Agreement
Separate Series of VS Trust
Name of Series
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Exhibit B to the Fund Sub-Administration Servicing Agreement
REQUIRED PROVISIONS OF MSCI, S&P AND FACTSET
The Administrator hereby represents and warrants that, pursuant to the Fund Administration Agreement between the Administrator and the Trust:
● | The Trust shall represent that it will use the Data solely for internal purposes and use in the normal conduct of its business and will not redistribute the Data in any form or manner to any third party, except its advisers, agents and consultants. |
● | The Trust shall represent that it will not use or permit anyone else to use the Data in connection with creating, managing, advising, writing, trading, marketing or promoting any securities or financial instruments or products, including, but not limited to, funds, synthetic or derivative securities (e.g., options, warrants, swaps, and futures), whether listed on an exchange or traded over the counter or on a private-placement basis or otherwise or to create any indices (custom or otherwise). |
● | The Trust shall represent that it will treat the Data as proprietary to MSCI, S&P and FACTSET. Further, the Trust shall acknowledge that MSCI, S&P and FACTSET are the sole and exclusive owners of the Data and all trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights in or to the Data. |
● | The Trust shall represent that, except as expressly permitted by the Agreement, it will not (i) copy any component of the Data, (ii) alter, modify or adapt any component of the Data, including, but not limited to, translating, decompiling, disassembling, reverse engineering or creating derivative works, or (iii) make any component of the Data available to any other person or organization (including, without limitation, the Trust’s present and future parents, subsidiaries or affiliates) directly or indirectly, for any of the foregoing or for any other use, including, without limitation, by loan, rental, service bureau, external time sharing or similar arrangement. |
● | The Trust shall be obligated to reproduce on all permitted copies of the Data all copyright, proprietary rights and restrictive legends appearing on the Data. |
● | The Trust shall acknowledge that it assumes the entire risk of using the Data and shall agree to hold MSCI or S&P or FACTSET harmless from any claims that may arise in connection with any use of the Data by the Trust. |
● | The Trust shall acknowledge that MSCI or S&P or FACTSET may, in its sole and absolute discretion and at any time, terminate Fund Services’ right to receive and/or use the Data. |
● | The Trust shall acknowledge that MSCI, S&P and FACTSET are third party beneficiaries of the Customer Agreement between S&P, MSCI, FACTSET and Fund Services, entitled to enforce all provisions of such agreement relating to the Data. |
THE DATA IS PROVIDED TO THE TRUST ON AN “AS IS” BASIS. FUND SERVICES, ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, AND ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE DATA (OR THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE USE THEREOF). FUND SERVICES, ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS AND ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
THE TRUST ASSUMES THE ENTIRE RISK OF ANY USE THE TRUST MAY MAKE OF THE DATA. IN NO EVENT SHALL FUND SERVICES, ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS OR ANY THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA, BE LIABLE TO THE TRUST, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY, FOR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE INABILITY OF THE TRUST TO USE THE DATA, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, EVEN IF FUND SERVICES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN OR RELATED TO THE MAKING OR COMPILING OF THE DATA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF OR OTHERWISE MIGHT HAVE ANTICIPATED THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.