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EXHIBIT (j)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
GT GLOBAL FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
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CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
This Contract between GT Global Floating Rate Fund, Inc., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of Maryland, having its principal place of
business at 00 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 hereinafter
called the "Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts
trust company, having its principal place of business at 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 00000, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It.
The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of its assets,
including securities which it desires to be held in places within the United
States ("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the
United States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Articles
of Incorporation. The Fund agrees to deliver to the Custodian all securities
and cash owned by it, and all payments of income, payments of principal or
capital distributions received by it with respect to all securities owned by
the Fund from time to time, and the cash consideration received by it for such
new or shares of beneficial interest $.001 par value, ("Shares") of the Fund as
may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible
for any property of the Fund held or received by the Fund and not delivered to
the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article 4),
the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians located
in the United States, but only in accordance with an applicable vote by the
Board of Directors of the Fund, and provided that the Custodian shall have no
more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any actions
or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to
the Custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian for the Fund's foreign
securities and other assets the foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories designated in Schedule A hereto but only in accordance
with the provisions of Article 3.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By the
Custodian in the United States.
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
for the account of the Fund all non-cash property, to be held by it in the
United States including all domestic securities owned by the Fund, other
than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 in
a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry
system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, collectively
referred to herein as "Securities Systems" and (b) commercial paper of an
issuer for which State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and
paying agent ("Direct
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Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System of
the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
domestic securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a
Securities System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct
Paper book entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for securities of the Fund;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called,
redeemed, repurchased, retired or otherwise become payable; provided
that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of
the Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian
or into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to
Section 2.9 or into the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange for a different
number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities are to be deliveries to the Custodian.
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Fund, to
the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination
in accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided that in any such
case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving
payment for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's
own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions
for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any
deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
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9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar
securities or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary
securities for definitive securities; provided that, in any such case,
the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by
the Fund, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed
upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund, which may be in
the form of cash or obligations issued by the United States
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in
connection with any loans for which collateral is to be credited to
the Custodian's account in the book-entry system authorized by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Custodian will not be held liable
or responsible for the delivery of securities owned by the Fund prior
to the receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but only against
receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of
The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange, or of
any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance
with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any
Contract Market, or any similar organization or organizations,
regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
14) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of,
in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution
of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee signed by an
officer and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
specifying the securities of the Fund to be delivered, setting forth
the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such
purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Fund
or in the name of any nominee of the Fund or of any nominee of the
Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund, unless
the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used
in common with other registered investment companies having the same
investment adviser as the Fund, or in the name or nominee name of any agent
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appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted by
the Custodian on behalf of the Fund under the terms of this Contract shall
be in "street name" or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund
directs the Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the
Custodian shall utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due
the Fund on such securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis
only of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency
of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of the Fund which
shall contain only property held by the Custodian as Custodian for the
Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to
the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts,
subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the
account of the Fund, other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank
account established and used in accordance with Rule l7f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian for the Fund
may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the Banking Department
of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its
discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every such
bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and that each such bank or trust company
and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall be
approved by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund. Such
funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and
shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund
and the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper
Instructions, make federal funds available to the Fund as of specified
times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the Custodian in the
amount of checks received in payment for Shares of the Fund which are
deposited into the Fund's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
with respect to United States registered securities held hereunder to which
the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments with respect to United States bearer domestic securities if,
on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the
Custodian or its agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected,
to the Fund's custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons
and other income items requiring presentation as and when they become due
and shall collect interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income
due the Fund on United States securities loaned pursuant to the provisions
of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian
will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to
provide the Fund with such information or data as
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may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to
the Custodian of the income to which the Fund is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may
be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
Custodian shall pay out monies of the Fund in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts for the account of the Fund
but only (a) against the delivery of such securities or evidence of
title to such options, futures contracts or options on futures
contracts to the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm or trust company
doing business in the United States or abroad which is qualified under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian
and has been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this
purpose) registered in the name of the Fund or in the name of a
nominee of the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in
proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected
through a Securities System, in accordance with the conditions set
forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase involving
the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the conditions set forth
in Section 2.11; (d) in the case of repurchase agreements entered into
between the Fund and the Custodian, or another bank, or a
broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the
securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting
the Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank with such
securities or (ii) against delivery of the receipt evidencing
purchase by the Fund of securities owned by the Custodian along with
written evidence of the agreement by the Custodian to repurchase such
securities from the Fund or (e) for transfer to a time deposit account
of the Fund in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such transfer
may be effected prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker
and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper Instructions as defined
in Article 4;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities
owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of
the Fund: interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer agent and
legal fees, and operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such
expenses are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred
expenses;
4) For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant to the governing
documents of the Fund;
5) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
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6) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of in addition
to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board
of Directors or of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such purpose
to be a proper purpose, and naming the Person or persons to whom such
payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every
case where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the account of
the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities
purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from the Fund to
so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund
for such securities to the same extent as if the securities had been
received by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and its rules or regulations, to act as a custodian, as
its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the
Custodian may from time to time direct; provided, however, that the
appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian (as distinguished
from a sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3) of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder. In the event of any loss,
damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Fund caused by or resulting
from the negligence or willful misconduct of any agent appointed by the
Custodian pursuant to this paragraph 2.9, the Custodian shall promptly
reimburse the Fund in the amount of such loss, damage, or expense.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by the Fund in a
clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a
securities depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies, collectively
referred to herein as "Securities Systems" in accordance with applicable
Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and
regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
1) The custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities of
the Fund in a Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the
Securities System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian
other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers;
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2) The records of the Custodian with respect to domestic securities of
the Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for domestic securities purchased for the
account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities
System that such securities have been transferred to the Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund. The Custodian
shall transfer domestic securities sold for the account of the Fund
upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that payment for
such securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and payment for the account of the Fund. Copies of all
advices from the Securities System of transfers of domestic securities
for the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund, be maintained
for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its
request. The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each
transfer to or from the account of the Fund in the form of a written
advice or notice and shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the
Securities System for the account of the Fund on the next business
day;
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by
the Custodian (or by any agent appointed by the custodian pursuant to
Section and furnished to the custodian) on the Securities Systems
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received the initial certificate required
by Article 12 hereof,
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss, damage or expense
to the Fund resulting from use of the Securities System by reason of
any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of
its agents or of any of its or their employees or from failure of the
Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it
may have against the Securities System; at the election of the Fund,
it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian
with respect to any claim against the Securities System or any other
person which the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss,
damage or expense if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made
whole for any such loss, damage or expense. The Custodian agrees to
cooperate with the Fund in connection with the enforcement of the
Fund's subrogation rights.
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2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in the
Direct Paper System of the Custodian Subject to the following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper system
will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in the Direct Paper
System only if such securities are represented in an account
("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper System which shall
not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the Fund
which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchases for the account
the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the custodian
to reflect such payment and transfer of securities to the account of
the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account
of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt of payment for the
account of the Fund;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer
to or from the account of the Fund, in the form of a written advice or
notice, of Direct Paper on the next business day following such
transfer and shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the Securities System for
the account of the Fund;
6) The Custodian and any agent appointed pursuant to paragraph 2.9
shall provide the Fund with any report on their respective systems of
internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request from
time to time.
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for
and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an
account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the
Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a
member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The
Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered
contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by
the Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government securities
in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Fund or
commodity futures contracts or options thereon
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purchased or sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the
Fund with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release
No.10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies and (iv) as mutually agreed upon from time
to time in writing by the Custodian and the Fund.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state
tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to domestic securities of the Fund held by it and in connection
with transfers of securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities
held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of
such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the
name of the Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials
and all notices relating to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities. Subject to the
provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to
the Fund all written information (including, without limitation, pendency
of calls and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights
in connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or
sold by the Fund) received by the Custodian from issuers of the domestic
securities being held for the Fund. With respect to tender or exchange
offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all written
information received by the Custodian from issuers of the domestic
securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or his
Agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Fund desires to take
action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other
similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least three
business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action.
2.16 Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants.
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may
reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts, including domestic securities deposited and/or maintained in a
Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian
under this Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in
sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide
reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by
such examination, and, there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall
so state.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
Outside of the United States.
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3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Fund's
securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories
designated on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt
of "Proper Instructions", as defined in Section 4 of this Contract,
together with a certified resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors, the
Custodian and the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to
time to designate additional foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the employment
of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the
Fund's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"foreign securities, as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in
such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect the Fund's foreign securities transactions. The
Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Fund, the
foreign securities of the Fund held by each foreign sub-custodian.
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon
in writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Funds shall be
maintained in foreign securities depositories only through arrangements
implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
pursuant to the terms hereof. Where possible, such arrangements shall
include entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth in
Section 3.5 hereof.
3.4 Holding Securities. The Custodian may hold securities and other non-cash
property for all of its customers, including the Portfolios of the Fund,
with a foreign sub-custodian in a single account that is identified as
belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided
however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect to securities
and other non-cash property of the Portfolios which are maintained in
such account shall identify by book-entry those securities and other
non-cash property belonging to the Portfolios and (ii) the Custodian
shall require that securities and other non-cash property so held by the
foreign sub-custodian be held separately from any assets of the foreign
sub-custodian or of others.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a
foreign banking institution shall be substantially in the form set forth
in Exhibit 1 hereto and shall provide that: (a) the Fund's assets will
not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of
any kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or its creditors or
agent, except a claim of payment for their safe custody or
administration; (b) beneficial ownership of the Fund's assets will be
freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for
custody or administration; (c) adequate records will be maintained
identifying the assets as belonging to the Fund; (d) officers of or
auditors employed by, or
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other representatives of the Custodian including to the extent
permitted under applicable law the independent public accountants for the
Fund, will be given access to the books and records or the foreign banking
institution relating to its actions under its agreement with the
Custodian; and (e) assets of the Fund held by the foreign sub-custodian
will be subject only to the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the
Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the
independent accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and
records of any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign
sub-custodian insofar as such books and records relate to the performance
of such foreign banking institution under its agreement with the
Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time
to time, as agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and other
assets of the Fund held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not
limited to an identification of entities having possession of the Fund's
securities and other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers
of securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign
banking institution for the Custodian on behalf or the Fund indicating, as
to securities acquired for the Fund, the identity of the entity having
physical possession of such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise
provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.8, the provision of Sections
2.2 and 2.7 of this Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign
securities of the Fund held outside the United States by foreign
sub-custodians.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of the
Fund and delivery of securities maintained for the account of the Fund
may be effected in accordance with the customary established
securities trading or securities processing practices and procedures
in the jurisdiction or market in which the transaction occurs,
including, without limitation, delivering securities to the purchaser
thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or
dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of receiving later
payment for such securities from such purchaser or dealer.
c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian may
be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same extent
as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the Fund agrees to
hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of
record of such securities.
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which
the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in
the performance of its duties and to indemnify and hold harmless, the
Custodian and the Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the institutions
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performance of such obligations. At the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to
any claims against a foreign banking institution as a consequence of any
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent
that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim.
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set
forth with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and,
regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a
U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph 3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall
not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim
resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or
acts of war or terrorism or any loss where the sub-custodian has
otherwise exercised reasonable care. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph 3.10, in delegating custody duties to State
Street London Ltd., the Custodian shall not be relieved of any
responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such delegation, such loss
as may result from (a) political risk (including, but not limited to,
exchange control restrictions, confiscation, expropriation,
nationalization, insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b)
other losses (excluding a bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London
Ltd. not caused by political risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident
or other losses under circumstances where the Custodian and State Street
London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.
3.11 Reimbursement or Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance
cash or securities for any purpose including the purchase or sale of
foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event
that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes,
charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful
misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund
shall be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian
promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to
dispose of Fund assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to
the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be
similar in kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with
the initial approval of this Contract. In addition, the Custodian will
promptly inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a
material adverse change in the financial condition of a foreign
sub-custodian or any material loss of the assets of the Fund or in the
case of any foreign sub-custodian not the subject of an exemptive order
from the Securities and Exchange Commission is notified by such foreign
sub-custodian that there appears to be a substantial likelihood that its
shareholders' equity will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the
equivalent
14
thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below S200 million
(in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted U.S.
accounting principles).
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this
Contract, the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of the
Funds assets are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution
which is a "bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940 meeting the qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said
Act. The appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be
governed by paragraph 1 of this Contract.
(b) Cash held for the Fund in the United Kingdom shall be maintained
in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with the
Custodian's London branch, which account shall be subject to the
direction of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or both.
3.14 Tax law. The Custodian shall have no responsible or liability for any
obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as
custodian of the Fund by the tax law of the United States of America or
any state or political subdivision whereof. It shall be the responsibility
of the Custodian to use reasonable efforts and due care (a) to perform
such ministerial steps as are required to collect any tax refund, (b) to
ascertain the appropriate rate of tax withholding and (c) to provide such
documents as may be required to enable the Fund to receive appropriate
tax treatment under applicable tax laws and any applicable treaty
provisions. Unless otherwise informed by the Fund, the Custodian, in
performance of its duties under this Section, shall be entitled to apply
categorical treatment of the Fund according to the nationality of the
Fund, the particulars of its organization and other relevant details that
shall be supplied by the Fund. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on
any information supplied by the Fund. The Custodian may engage reasonable
professional advisors disclosed to the Fund by the Custodian, which may
include attorneys, accountants or financial institutions in the regular
business of investment administration and may rely upon advice received
therefrom. It shall be the duty of the Fund to inform the Custodian of any
change in the organization, domicile or other relevant fact concerning tax
treatment of the Fund and further to inform the Custodian if the Fund is
or becomes the beneficiary of any special ruling or treatment not
applicable to the general nationality and category or entity of which
the Fund is a part under general laws and treaty provisions.
4. Proper Instructions
Proper Instructions as used herein means a writing or tested telex signed
or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of Directors shall
have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested, and may be in the
form of standing instructions. Oral instructions will be considered Proper
Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a
person authorized to give such instructions with respect to the transaction
involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to
15
be confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary as to the authorization by the Board of Directors of the
Fund accompanied by a detailed description of procedures approved by the Board
of Directors, Proper Instructions may include communications effected directly
between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided; the Board of
Directors and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate
safeguards for the Funds assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper
Instructions shall include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to
any three party agreement which requires a segregated asset account in
accordance with Section 2.12.
5. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the
Fund:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this
Contract, provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to
the Fund;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, in
general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with
the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other
dealings with the securities and property of the Fund except as
otherwise directed by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
6. Evidence of Authority
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it to be
genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the Fund. The
Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person
to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action
by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as described
in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
7. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation
of Net Asset Value and Net Income
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund to keep the
books of account of the Fund and/or compute the net asset value per share of the
outstanding shares of the Fund or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund
pursuant to Proper Instructions, shall itself keep such books of account and/or
compute such net asset value per share. The net asset value of the Fund's shares
will be determined weekly as determined by the Fund's Board of Directors and
will also be determined monthly as of the close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. The net asset value per share will be computed by
dividing the value of the securities held by the
16
Fund plus any cash or other assets (including interest and dividends accrued
but not yet received and earned discount) minus all liabilities (including
accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding at such time. If so
directed, the Custodian shall also calculate weekly the net income of the Fund
as described in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to the Fund
and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent weekly of the total amounts of
such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do
so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net
income among its various components. The calculations of the net asset value per
share and the weekly income of the Fund shall be made at the time or times
described from time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus.
8. Mitigation by Custodian
Upon the occurrence of any event connected with the duties of the
Custodian under this Contract which causes or may cause any loss, damage or
expense to the Fund, (i) the Custodian shall, and (ii) shall exercise reasonable
efforts to cause any subcustodian to, use reasonable efforts and take all
reasonable steps under the circumstances to mitigate the effects of such event
and to avoid continuing harm to the Fund.
9. Notification of Litigation; Right to Proceed
The Fund shall not be liable for indemnification under this Contract to
the extent that the Fund's ability to defend against any litigation or
proceeding brought against the Custodian in respect of which indemnity may be
sought under this Contract is prejudiced by the Custodian's failure to give
prompt notice of the Commencement or any such litigation or proceeding with
respect to claims in such litigation or proceedings for which indemnity by the
Fund may be sought and subject to applicable law and the ruling of any court of
competent jurisdiction, the Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such
litigation or proceeding and, after written notice from the Fund to the
Custodian, the Fund may assume the defense of such litigation or proceeding with
counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the
litigation for which the Fund may be subject to an indemnification obligation;
provided, however, that the Custodian shall be entitled to participate in the
defense of any such litigation or proceeding. If the Fund has acknowledged in
writing its obligation to indemnify the Custodian with respect to such
litigation or proceeding, the Custodian's participation shall be at its own
expense and the Fund shall control the defense of the litigation or proceeding.
If the Fund is not permitted to participate in or control such litigation or
proceeding under applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent
jurisdiction, the Custodian shall reasonably prosecute such litigation or
proceeding. The Custodian shall not consent to the entry of any judgment or
enter into any settlement in any such litigation or proceeding without providing
the Fund with adequate notice of any such settlement or judgment, and without
the Fund's prior written consent. The Custodian shall submit written evidence to
the Fund with respect to any cost or expense for which it is seeking
indemnification in such form and detail as the Fund may reasonably request.
10. Records
The Custodian shall create and maintain and retain all records relating to
its activities and obligations under this Contract in such manner as will meet
the obligations of the Fund under the
17
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2
thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and in the event
of termination of this Contract shall be delivered to the Fund or a successor
custodian as instructed by the Fund. All such records shall at all times during
the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection and audit by
duly authorized officers, employees or agents of, attorneys for and auditors
employed by the Fund and employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Custodian shall, at the Fund's request, supply the Fund with a
tabulation of securities owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian and shall,
when requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed
upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such
tabulations.
11. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from time
to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's
independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection
with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-2 and Form N-SAR or other annual
reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other
requirements of such Commission.
12. Compensation of Custodian
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the
Fund and the Custodian.
13. Responsibility of Custodian
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of
any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it
pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to
be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any
futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party
futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care and diligence in carrying out the provisions of this Contract
and shall be liable to the Fund for all losses, damages and expenses suffered or
incurred by the Fund resulting from the failure of the Custodian to exercise
such reasonable care and diligence. The Fund agrees that the Custodian shall be
indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any action taken
or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely
on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Funds on all
matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or
omitted pursuant to such advice.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to subcustodians
located in the United States (except as specifically provided in Article 3.10)
and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
18
banking institution, a foreign securities depository, or a branch of a U.S. bank
as contemplated by paragraph 3.11 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for
any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from, or caused
by, the direction of or authorization by the Fund to maintain custody or any
securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country including, but not limited
to, losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions
or acts of war or terrorism.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the custodian or its nominee assigned to
the Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some
other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such
action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount equal to the
Custodian's reasonable estimate of the amount to be paid or for which the
Custodian may potentially be liable and in a form satisfactory to the Custodian.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or
agents, to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited
to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) or
in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be security
therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian
shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund's assets
to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
14. Effective Period; Termination and Amendment
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue
in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be
amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that the Custodian shall not act under Section 2.10 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Directors of the Fund has approved the initial use
of a particular Securities System, as required by Rule 17f-4 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and that the Custodian shall not act
under Section 2.11 hereof in the absence of receipt or an initial certificate of
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors has approved
the initial use of the Direct Paper System; provided further, however, that the
Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation, and further provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of
its Board of Directors (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the
Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii)
intermediately terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a
conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or
upon the
19
happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency
or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian
such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall
likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
15. Successor Custodian
If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of
the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor
custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for
transfer, all securities then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an
account of the successor custodian all of the Fund's securities held in a
Securities System unless otherwise instructed by the Fund.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, delivered at the office of the Custodian, transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or
trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act
of 1940, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having
an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian and all instruments held by the Custodian
relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Contract and to
transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the Fund's securities
held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or Trust Company shall be
the successor of the Custodian under this contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and
the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect. The Custodian agrees to
cooperate with the successor custodian and the Fund in execution of documents
and performance of other action necessary or desirable in order to substitute
the successor custodian for the Custodian.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the custodian and the
Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this
20
Contract as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of
this Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a
writing signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no
such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable
federal or state regulations or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation
of the Fund. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the
preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
17. Massachusetts Law to Apply
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
18. Prior Contracts
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund and the Custodian relating to the custody of the
Fund's assets.
19. Shareholder Communications Election
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the
Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to requesting
companies whose securities the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian "no",
the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If the
Fund tells the custodian "yes" or does not check either "yes" or "no" below, the
custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure
of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or
accounts established by the Fund. For the Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits
the requesting company from using the Fund's name and address for any purpose
other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund
consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name, address,
and share positions.
NO [ ] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
20. Assignment
Neither the Fund nor the Custodian shall have the right to assign any of
its rights or obligations under this Contract without the prior written consent
of the other party.
21. Severability
21
If any provision of this Contract is held to be unenforceable as a matter
of law, the other terms and provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby and
shall remain in full force and effect.
22
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 30th day of April, 1997.
ATTEST GT GLOBAL FLOATING RATE FUND INC.
/s/ [ILLEGIBLE] By /s/ XXXXX X. XXXXXXXXX
--------------------------- --------------------------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By
--------------------------- -------------------------------
23
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 30th day of April, 1997.
ATTEST GLOBAL FLOATING RATE FUND, INC,
By
--------------------------- -------------------------------
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ [ILLEGIBLE] By /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
--------------------------- -------------------------------
24
Schedule A
The following foreign bank institutions and foreign securities
depositories have been approved by the Board of Directors of GT Global Floating
Rate Fund, Inc. for use as sub-custodians for the Fund's Securities and other
assets:
(Insert banks and securities depositories)
Certified:
---------------------------
Fund's Authorized Officer
---------------------------
Date:
