Exhibit 8(d)
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this ________ day of _________, ___________, between
_________________________ (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust having
its principal place of business at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, and
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC. ("BISYS"), a Delaware corporation having its principal
place of business at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000.
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that BISYS perform certain services for each
series of the Trust (individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and
collectively as the "Funds"); and
WHEREAS, BISYS is willing to perform such services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants
herein set forth, the parties agree as follows:
1. Services.
BISYS shall perform for the Trust the transfer agent services set forth
in Schedule A hereto. BISYS also agrees to perform for the Trust such special
services incidental to the performance of the services enumerated herein as
agreed to by the parties from time to time. BISYS shall perform such additional
services as are provided on an amendment to Schedule A hereof, in consideration
of such fees as the parties hereto may agree.
BISYS may, in its discretion, appoint in writing other parties qualified
to perform transfer agency services reasonably acceptable to the Trust
(individually, a "Sub-transfer Agent") to carry out some or all of its
responsibilities under this Agreement with respect to a Fund; provided, however,
that the Sub-transfer Agent shall be the agent of BISYS and not the agent of the
Trust or such Fund, and that BISYS shall be fully responsible for the acts of
such Sub-transfer Agent and shall not be relieved of any of its responsibilities
hereunder by the appointment of such Sub-transfer Agent.
2. Fees.
The Trust shall pay BISYS for the services to be provided by BISYS under
this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in, Schedule B
hereto. Fees for any additional services to be provided by BISYS pursuant to an
amendment to Schedule A hereto shall be subject to mutual agreement at the time
such amendment to Schedule A is proposed.
3. Reimbursement of Expenses.
In addition to paying BISYS the fees described in Section 2 hereof, the
Trust agrees to reimburse BISYS for BISYS' out-of-pocket expenses in providing
services hereunder, including without limitation, the following:
(a) All freight and other delivery and bonding charges incurred by BISYS
in delivering materials to and from the Trust and in delivering all
materials to shareholders;
(b) All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy or other
electronic transmission expenses incurred by BISYS in communication
with the Trust, the Trust's investment adviser or custodian,
dealers, shareholders or others as required for BISYS to perform the
services to be provided hereunder;
(c) Costs of postage, couriers, stock computer paper, statements,
labels, envelopes, checks, reports, letters, tax forms, proxies,
notices or other form of printed material which shall be required by
BISYS for the performance of the services to be provided hereunder;
(d) The cost of microfilm or microfiche of records or other materials;
and
(e) Any expenses BISYS shall incur at the written direction of an
officer of the Trust thereunto duly authorized.
4. Effective Date.
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above
(the "Effective Date").
5. Term.
This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to a Fund, unless
earlier terminated by either party hereto as provided hereunder, until
____________________ (the "Initial Term"). Thereafter, unless otherwise
terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall be renewed automatically for
successive one-year periods ("Rollover Periods"). This Agreement may be
terminated without penalty (i) by provision of a notice of nonrenewal in the
manner set forth below, (ii) by mutual agreement of the parties or (iii) for
"cause," as defined below, upon the provision of 60 days advance written notice
by the party alleging cause. Written notice of nonrenewal must be provided
within 60 days of the end of the Initial Term or any Rollover Period, as the
case may be.
For purposes of this Agreement, "cause" shall mean (a) a material breach
of this Agreement that has not been cured within thirty (30) days following
written notice of such breach from the non-breaching party; (b) a final,
unappealable judicial, regulatory or administrative ruling or order in which the
party to be terminated has been found guilty of criminal or unethical behavior
in the conduct of its business; or (c) financial difficulties on the part of the
party to be terminated which are evidenced by the authorization or commencement
of, or involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent or acquiescence in, a
voluntary or involuntary case under Title 11 of the United States Code, as from
time to time is in effect, or any applicable law, other than said Title 11, of
any jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or reorganization of debtors or to
the modification or alteration of the rights of creditors.
After such termination, for so long as BISYS, with the written consent
of the Trust, in fact continues to perform any one or more of the services
contemplated by this Agreement or any Schedule or exhibit hereto, the provisions
of this Agreement, including without limitation the provisions dealing with
indemnification, shall continue in full force and effect. Fees and out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by BISYS but unpaid by the Trust upon such termination shall
be immediately due and payable upon and notwithstanding such termination. BISYS
shall be entitled to collect from the Trust, in addition to the fees and
disbursements provided by Sections 2 and 3 hereof, the amount of all of BISYS'
cash disbursements in connection with BISYS' activities in effecting such
termination, including without limitation, the delivery to the Trust and/or its
distributor or investment adviser and/or other parties, of the Trust's property,
records, instruments and documents, or any copies thereof. To the extent that
BISYS may retain in its possession copies of any Trust documents or records
subsequent to such termination which copies had not been requested by or on
behalf of the Trust in connection with the termination process described above,
BISYS, for a reasonable fee, will provide the Trust with reasonable access to
such copies.
If, for any reason, BISYS is replaced as transfer agent, or if a third
party is added to perform all or a part of the services provided by BISYS under
this Agreement (excluding any sub-transfer agent appointed by BISYS as provided
in Section 1 hereof), then the Trust shall make a one-time cash payment, as
liquidated damages to, BISYS equal to the balance due BISYS for the remainder of
the term of this Agreement, assuming for purposes of calculation of the payment
that the number of shareholder accounts within the Trust on the date BISYS is
replaced, or a third party is added, will remain constant for the balance of the
contract term.
In the event the Trust is merged into another legal entity in part or in
whole or is otherwise liquidated in part or in whole pursuant to a business
reorganization prior to the expiration of the then-current term of this
Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that (i) the liquidated damages
provision set forth above shall be applicable in those instances in which BISYS
is not retained by the surviving entity to provide transfer agency services and
(ii) for purposes of calculating the payment amount representing liquidated
damages, the number of shareholder accounts within the Trust shall be the
greater of: (i) the number of shareholder accounts at the time the Trust's Board
of Trustees receives notification of an intention on the part of Fund management
to effect such a business reorganization; (ii) the number of shareholder
accounts at the time the Trust's Board of Trustees formally approves such a
business reorganization; or (iii) the number of shareholder accounts on the day
prior to the first day during which assets are transferred by the Trust to the
surviving entity pursuant to the plan of reorganization. The one-time cash
payment referenced above shall be due and payable on the day prior to the first
day during which assets are transferred to the surviving entity pursuant to the
plan of reorganization.
The parties further acknowledge and agree that, in the event BISYS is
replaced, or a third party is added, as set forth above, (i) a determination of
actual damages incurred by BISYS would be extremely difficult, and (ii) the
liquidated damages provision contained herein is intended to adequately
compensate BISYS for damages incurred and is not intended to constitute any form
of penalty.
6. Uncontrollable Events.
BISYS assumes no responsibility hereunder, and shall not be liable for
any damage, loss of data, delay or any other loss whatsoever caused by events
beyond its reasonable control.
7. Legal Advice.
BISYS shall notify the Trust at any time BISYS believes that it is in
need of the advice of counsel (other than counsel in the regular employ of BISYS
or any affiliated companies) with regard to BISYS' responsibilities and duties
pursuant to this Agreement; and after so notifying the Trust, BISYS, at its
discretion, shall be entitled to seek, receive and act upon advice of legal
counsel of its choosing, such advice to be at the expense of the Trust or Funds
unless relating to a matter involving BISYS' willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard with respect to BISYS' responsibilities
and duties hereunder and BISYS shall in no event be liable to the Trust or any
Fund or any shareholder or beneficial owner of the Trust for any action
reasonably taken pursuant to such advice.
8. Instructions.
Whenever BISYS is requested or authorized to take action hereunder
pursuant to instructions from a shareholder, or a properly authorized agent of a
shareholder ("shareholder's agent"), concerning an account in a Fund, BISYS
shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate, letter or other instrument or
communication, believed by BISYS to be genuine and to have been properly made,
signed or authorized by an officer or other authorized agent of the Trust or by
the shareholder or shareholder's agent, as the case may be, and shall be
entitled to receive as conclusive proof of any fact or matter required to be
ascertained by it hereunder a certificate signed by an officer of the Trust or
any other person authorized by the Trust's Board of Trustees or by the
shareholder or shareholder's agent, as the case may be.
As to the services to be provided hereunder, BISYS may rely conclusively
upon the terms of the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information of
the Trust relating to the Funds to the extent that such services are described
therein unless BISYS receives written instructions to the contrary in a timely
manner from the Trust.
9. Standard of Care; Reliance on Records and Instructions; Indemnification.
BISYS shall use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of all services
performed under this Agreement, but shall not be liable to the Trust for any
action taken or omitted by BISYS in the absence of bad faith, willful
misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and
duties. The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BISYS, its employees,
agents, directors, officers and nominees from and against any and all claims,
demands, actions and suits, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and
against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges,
counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character arising out of or
in any way relating to BISYS' actions taken or nonactions with respect to the
performance of services under this Agreement or based, if applicable, upon
reasonable reliance on information, records, instructions or requests given or
made to BISYS by the Trust, the investment adviser and on any records provided
by any fund accountant or custodian thereof; provided that this indemnification
shall not apply to actions or omissions of BISYS in cases of its own bad faith,
willful misfeasance, negligence or from reckless disregard by it of its
obligations and duties; and further provided that prior to confessing any claim
against it which may be the subject of this indemnification, BISYS shall give
the Trust written notice of and reasonable opportunity to defend against said
claim in its own name or in the name of BISYS.
10. Record Retention and Confidentiality.
BISYS shall keep and maintain on behalf of the Trust all books and
records which the Trust or BISYS is, or may be, required to keep and maintain
pursuant to any applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including without
limitation Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), relating to the maintenance of books and records in
connection with the services to be provided hereunder. BISYS further agrees that
all such books and records shall be the property of the Trust and to make such
books and records available for inspection by the Trust or by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") at reasonable times and otherwise to keep
confidential all books and records and other information relative to the Trust
and its shareholders, except when requested to divulge such information by
duly-constituted authorities or court process, or requested by a shareholder or
shareholder's agent with respect to information concerning an account as to
which such shareholder has either a legal or beneficial interest or when
requested by the Trust, the shareholder, or shareholder's agent, or the dealer
of record as to such account.
11. Reports.
BISYS will furnish to the Trust and to its properly-authorized auditors,
investment advisers, examiners, distributors, dealers, underwriters, salesmen,
insurance companies and others designated by the Trust in writing, such reports
at such times as are prescribed in Schedule C attached hereto, or as
subsequently agreed upon by the parties pursuant to an amendment to Schedule C.
The Trust agrees to examine each such report or copy promptly and will report or
cause to be reported any errors or discrepancies therein not later than three
business days from the receipt thereof. In the event that errors or
discrepancies, except such errors and discrepancies as may not reasonably be
expected to be discovered by the recipient within three days after conducting a
diligent examination, are not so reported within the aforesaid period of time, a
report will for all purposes be accepted by and be binding upon the Trust and
any other recipient, and BISYS shall have no liability for errors or
discrepancies therein and shall have no further responsibility with respect to
such report except to perform reasonable corrections of such errors and
discrepancies within a reasonable time after requested to do so by the Trust.
12. Rights of Ownership.
All computer programs and procedures developed to perform services
required to be provided by BISYS under this Agreement are the property of BISYS.
All records and other data except such computer programs and procedures are the
exclusive property of the Trust and all such other records and data will be
furnished to the Trust in appropriate form as soon as practicable after
termination of this Agreement for any reason.
13. Return of Records.
BISYS may at its option at any time, and shall promptly upon the Trust's
demand, turn over to the Trust and cease to retain BISYS' files, records and
documents created and maintained by BISYS pursuant to this Agreement which are
no longer needed by BISYS in the performance of its services or for its legal
protection. If not so turned over to the Trust, such documents and records will
be retained by BISYS for six years from the year of creation. At the end of such
six-year period, such records and documents will be turned over to the Trust
unless the Trust authorizes in writing the destruction of such records and
documents.
14. Bank Accounts.
The Trust and the Funds shall establish and maintain such bank accounts
with such bank or banks as are selected by the Trust, as are necessary in order
that BISYS may perform the services required to be performed hereunder. To the
extent that the performance of such services shall require BISYS directly to
disburse amounts for payment of dividends, redemption proceeds or other
purposes, the Trust and Funds shall provide such bank or banks with all
instructions and authorizations necessary for BISYS to effect such
disbursements.
15. Representations of the Trust.
The Trust certifies to BISYS that: (a) as of the close of business on
the Effective Date, each Fund which is in existence as of the Effective Date has
authorized unlimited shares, and (b) by virtue of its Declaration of Trust,
shares of each Fund which are redeemed by the Trust may be sold by the Trust
from its treasury, and (c) this Agreement has been duly authorized by the Trust
and, when executed and delivered by the Trust, will constitute a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust 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.
16. Representations of BISYS.
BISYS represents and warrants that: (a) BISYS has been in, and shall
continue to be in, substantial compliance with all provisions of law, including
Section 17A(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), required in connection with the performance of its duties under this
Agreement; and (b) the various procedures and systems which BISYS has
implemented with regard to safekeeping from loss or damage attributable to fire,
theft or any other cause of the blank checks, records, and other data of the
Trust and BISYS' records, data, equipment, facilities and other property used in
the performance of its obligations hereunder are adequate and that it will make
such changes therein from time to time as are required for the secure
performance of its obligations hereunder.
17. Insurance.
BISYS shall notify the Trust should its insurance coverage with respect
to professional liability or errors and omissions coverage be canceled or
reduced. Such notification shall include the date of change and the reasons
therefor. BISYS shall notify the Trust 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 Trust from time to time as may be
appropriate of the total outstanding claims made by BISYS under its insurance
coverage.
18. Information to be Furnished by the Trust and Funds.
The Trust has furnished to BISYS the following:
(a) Copies of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and of any
amendments thereto, certified by the proper official of the state in
which such Declaration has been filed.
(b) Copies of the following documents:
1. The Trust's By-Laws and any amendments thereto;
2. Certified copies of resolutions of the Board of Trustees
covering the following matters:
A. Approval of this Agreement and authorization of a specified
officer of the Trust to execute and deliver this Agreement
and authorization for specified officers of the Trust to
instruct BISYS hereunder; and
B. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for the
Trust on behalf of the Funds.
(c) A list of all officers of the Trust, together with specimen
signatures of those officers, who are authorized to instruct BISYS
in all matters.
(d) Two copies of the following (if such documents are employed by the
Trust):
1. Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information;
2. Distribution Agreement; and
3. All other forms commonly used by the Trust or its Distributor
with regard to their relationships and transactions with
shareholders of the Funds.
(e) A certificate as to shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
authorized, issued, and outstanding as of the Effective Date of
BISYS' appointment as Transfer Agent (or as of the date on which
BISYS' services are commenced, whichever is the later date) and as
to receipt of full consideration by the Trust for all shares
outstanding, such statement to be certified by the Treasurer of the
Trust.
19. Information Furnished by BISYS.
BISYS has furnished to the Trust the following:
(a) BISYS' Articles of Incorporation.
(b) BISYS' Bylaws and any amendments thereto.
(c) Certified copies of actions of BISYS covering the following matters:
1. Approval of this Agreement, and authorization of a specified
officer of BISYS to execute and deliver this Agreement;
2. Authorization of BISYS to act as Transfer Agent for the Trust.
(d) A copy of the most recent independent accountants' report relating
to internal accounting control systems as filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 under the Exchange Act.
20. Amendments to Documents.
The Trust shall furnish BISYS written copies of any amendments to, or
changes in, any of the items referred to in Section 18 hereof forthwith upon
such amendments or changes becoming effective. In addition, the Trust agrees
that no amendments will be made to the Prospectuses or Statement of Additional
Information of the Trust which might have the effect of changing the procedures
employed by BISYS in providing the services agreed to hereunder or which
amendment might affect the duties of BISYS hereunder unless the Trust first
obtains BISYS' approval of such amendments or changes.
21. Reliance on Amendments.
BISYS may rely on any amendments to or changes in any of the documents
and other items to be provided by the Trust pursuant to Sections 18 and 20 of
this Agreement and the Trust hereby indemnifies and holds harmless BISYS from
and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities,
losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of every nature
and character which may result from actions or omissions on the part of BISYS in
reasonable reliance upon such amendments and/or changes. Although BISYS is
authorized to rely on the above-mentioned amendments to and changes in the
documents and other items to be provided pursuant to Sections 18 and 20 hereof,
BISYS shall be under no duty to comply with or take any action as a result of
any of such amendments or changes unless the Trust first obtains BISYS' written
consent to and approval of such amendments or changes.
22. Compliance with Law.
Except for the obligations of BISYS set forth in Section 10 hereof, the
Trust assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents, and
distribution of each prospectus of the Trust as to compliance with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"), the 1940 Act, and any other laws, rules and regulations of governmental
authorities having jurisdiction. BISYS shall have no obligation to take
cognizance of any laws relating to the sale of the Trust's shares. The Trust
represents and warrants that no shares of the Trust will be offered to the
public until the Trust's registration statement under the 1933 Act and the 1940
Act has been declared or becomes effective.
23. Notices.
Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when sent by
registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with such notice
at the following address: 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000, or at such
other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the
other party pursuant to this Section.
24. Headings.
Paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only
and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
25. Assignment.
This Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be
assignable by either of the parties hereto except by the specific written
consent of the other party. This Section 25 shall not limit or in any way affect
BISYS' right to appoint a Sub-transfer Agent pursuant to Section 1 hereof. This
Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
26. Governing Law and Matters Relating to the Trust as a Massachusetts
Business Trust.
This Agreement shall be governed by and provisions shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio. It is expressly agreed that the
obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the
Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust
personally, but shall bind only the trust property of the Trust. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Trustees, and this
Agreement has been signed and delivered by an authorized officer of the Trust,
acting as such, and neither such authorization by the Trustees nor such
execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by any
of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but
shall bind only the trust property of the Trust as provided in the Trust's
Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
___________________________________
By:________________________________
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
By:________________________________
Dated:____________
SCHEDULE A
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
-------------------------
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
1. Shareholder Transactions
a. Process shareholder purchase and redemption orders.
b. Set up account information, including address, dividend option,
taxpayer identification numbers and wire instructions.
c. Issue confirmations in compliance with Rule 10 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
d. Issue periodic statements for shareholders.
e. Process transfers and exchanges.
f. Process dividend payments, including the purchase of new shares,
through dividend reimbursement.
2. Shareholder Information Services
a. Make information available to shareholder servicing unit and other
remote access units regarding trade date, share price, current
holdings, yields, and dividend information.
b. Produce detailed history of transactions through duplicate or special
order statements upon request.
c. Provide mailing labels for distribution of financial reports,
prospectuses, proxy statements or marketing material to current
shareholders.
3. Compliance Reporting
a. Provide reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National
Association of Securities Dealers and the States in which the Fund is
registered.
b. Prepare and distribute appropriate Internal Revenue Service forms for
corresponding Fund and shareholder income and capital gains.
c. Issue tax withholding reports to the Internal Revenue Service.
4. Dealer/Load Processing (if applicable)
a. Provide reports for tracking rights of accumulation and purchases made
under a Letter of Intent.
b. Account for separation of shareholder investments from transaction sale
charges for purchase of Fund shares.
c. Calculate fees due under 12b-1 plans for distribution and marketing
expenses.
d. Track sales and commission statistics by dealer and provide for payment
of commissions on direct shareholder purchases in a load Fund.
5. Shareholder Account Maintenance
a. Maintain all shareholder records for each account in the Trust.
b. Issue customer statements on scheduled cycle, providing duplicate
second and third party copies if required.
c. Record shareholder account information changes.
d. Maintain account documentation files for each shareholder.
SCHEDULE B
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
-------------------------
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
TRANSFER AGENT FEES
Annual Per Fund Fee: $
Annual Per Account Fee:
Daily/Monthly Dividend $
Annual Dividend $
Closed Accounts $
Additional Services:
Additional services such as XXX processing, development of interface
capabilities, servicing of 403(b) and 408(c) accounts, management of cash sweeps
between DDAs and mutual fund accounts and coordination of the printing and
distribution of prospectuses, annual reports and semi-annual reports are subject
to additional fees which will be quoted upon request. Programming costs or
database management fees for special reports or specialized processing will be
quoted upon request.
Multiple Classes of Shares:
Classes of shares which have different net asset values or pay different
daily dividends will be treated as separate classes, and the fee schedule above,
including the appropriate minimums, will be charged for each separate class.
Out-of-pocket Expenses:
BISYS shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses including, but not limited to, the expenses set forth in Section 3 of
the Transfer Agency Agreement to which this Schedule B is attached.
SCHEDULE C
TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
-------------------------
AND
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
REPORTS
1. Daily Shareholder Activity Journal
2. Daily Fund Activity Summary Report
a. Beginning Balance
b. Dealer Transactions
c. Shareholder Transactions
d. Reinvested Dividends
e. Exchanges
f. Adjustments
g. Ending Balance
3. Daily Wire and Check Registers
4. Monthly Dealer Processing Reports
5. Monthly Dividend Reports
6. Sales Data Reports for Blue Sky Registration
7. Annual report by independent public accountants concerning BISYS'
shareholder system and internal accounting control systems to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
