CUSTODY AGREEMENT
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This AGREEMENT, dated as of _________, 1998, by and between DUNHILL
INVESTMENT TRUST (the "Trust"), a business trust organized under the laws of the
state of Ohio, acting with respect to the REGIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND: OHIO,
INDIANA, KENTUCKY, (the "Fund"), a series of the Trust operated and administered
by the Trust, and THE FIFTH THIRD BANK, a banking company organized under the
laws of the State of Ohio (the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H:
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WHEREAS, the Trust desires that the Fund Securities and cash be held
and administered by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Custodian represents that it is a bank having the
qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(i) of the 1940 Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made,
the Trust and the Custodian hereby agree as follows:
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ARTICLE I
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DEFINITIONS
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Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases,
unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Authorized Person" means any Officer or other person duly
authorized by resolution of the Board of Trustees to give Oral Instructions and
Written Instructions on behalf of the Fund and named in Exhibit A hereto or in
such resolutions of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, as may be
received by the Custodian from time to time.
1.2 "Board of Trustees" shall mean the Trustees from time to time
serving under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as from time to
time amended.
1.3 "Book-Entry System" shall mean a federal book-entry system as
provided in Subpart O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of
31 CFR Part 350, or in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are
substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
1.4 "Business Day" shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day by
The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Trust computes
the net asset value of Shares of Fund.
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1.5 "NASD" shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
1.6 "Officer" shall mean the Chairman, the President, any Vice
President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any
Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
1.7 "Oral Instructions" shall mean instructions orally transmitted to
and accepted by the Custodian because such instructions are: (i) reasonably
believed by the Custodian to have been given by an Authorized Person, (ii)
recorded and kept among the records of the Custodian made in the ordinary course
of business and (iii) orally confirmed by the Custodian. The Trust shall cause
all Oral Instructions to be confirmed by Written Instructions. If such Written
Instructions confirming Oral Instructions are not received by the Custodian
prior to a transaction, it shall in no way affect the validity of the
transaction or the authorization thereof by the Trust. If Oral Instructions vary
from the Written Instructions which purport to confirm them, the Custodian shall
notify the Trust of such variance but such Oral Instructions will govern unless
the Custodian has not yet acted.
1.8 "Fund Custody Account" shall mean any of the accounts in the name
of the Trust, which are provided for in Section 3.2 below.
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1.9 "Proper Instructions" shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions. Proper Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when
deemed appropriate by both parties.
1.10 "Securities Depository" shall mean The Participants Trust Company
or The Depository Trust Company and (provided that Custodian shall have received
a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer,
specifically approving the use of such clearing agency as a depository for the
Fund) any other clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under Section 17A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"1934 Act"), which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where
all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within
the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by
bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities.
1.11 "Securities" shall include, without limitation, common and
preferred stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities, other
money market instruments or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts,
warrants or other instruments or documents representing rights to receive,
purchase or subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing any other
rights or interests therein, or any
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similar property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to
service.
1.12 "Shares" shall mean the units of beneficial interest issued by the
Trust on account the Fund.
1.13 "Written Instructions" shall mean (i) written communications
actually received by the Custodian and signed by one or more Authorized Persons,
or (ii) communications by telex or any other such system from a person or
persons reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons, or (iii)
communications transmitted electronically through the Institutional Delivery
System (IDS), or any other similar electronic instruction system acceptable to
Custodian and approved by resolutions of the Board of Trustees, a copy of which,
certified by an Officer, shall have been delivered to the Custodian.
ARTICLE II
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APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
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2.1 Appointment. The Trust hereby constitutes and appoints the
Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by or in the possession
of the Trust at any time during the period of this Agreement, provided that such
Securities and cash at all times shall be and remain the property of the Trust.
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2.2 Acceptance. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such
custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE III
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CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
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3.1 Segregation. All Securities and non-cash property held by the
Custodian for the account of the Fund (other than Securities maintained in a
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System) shall be physically segregated from
other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian and
shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.2 Fund Custody Account. The Custodian shall open and maintain in its
trust department a custody account in the name of the Trust coupled with the
name of the Fund, subject only to draft or order of the Custodian, in which the
Custodian shall enter and carry all Securities, cash and other assets of Fund
which are delivered to it.
3.3 Appointment of Agents. (a) In its discretion, the Custodian may
appoint, and at any time remove, any domestic bank or trust company, which has
been approved by the Board of Trustees and is qualified to act as a custodian
under the 1940 Act, as sub-custodian to hold Securities and cash of the Fund and
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to carry out such other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine, and
may also open and maintain one or more banking accounts with such a bank or
trust company (any such accounts to be in the name of the Custodian and subject
only to its draft or order), provided, however, that the appointment of any such
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its obligations or liabilities
under this Agreement.
3.4 Delivery of Assets to Custodian. The Trust shall deliver, or cause
to be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Fund Securities, cash and other
assets, including (a) all payments of income, payments or principal and capital
distributions received by the Fund with respect to such Securities, cash or
other assets owned by the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement,
and (b) all cash received by the Fund for the issuance, at any time during such
period, of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities,
cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.5 Securities Depositories and Book-Entry Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Fund in a Securities Depository or in
a Book-Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Prior to a deposit of Securities of the Fund in any Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, the Trust
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shall deliver to the Custodian a resolution of the Board of
Trustees, certified by an Officer, authorizing and instructing
the Custodian on an on-going basis to deposit in such
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System all Securities
eligible for deposit therein and to make use of such
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent
possible and practical in connection with its performance
hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of
Securities, and deliveries and returns of collateral
consisting of Securities. So long as such Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System shall continue to be employed
for the deposit of Securities of the Fund, the Trust shall
annually re-adopt such resolution and deliver a copy thereof,
certified by an Officer, to the Custodian.
(b) Securities of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository shall be kept in an account ("Depository
Account") of the Custodian in such Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository which includes only assets held by the
Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers.
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(c) The records of the Custodian and the Custodian's account on
the books of the Book-Entry System and Securities Depository
as the case may be, with respect to Securities of the Fund
maintained in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository
shall, by book-entry or otherwise, identify such Securities as
belonging to the Fund.
(d) If Securities purchased by the Fund are to be held in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian
shall pay for such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from
the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that such
Securities have been transferred to the Depository Account,
and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account
of such Fund. If Securities sold by the Fund are held in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian
shall transfer such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from
the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that payment
for such Securities has been transferred to the Depository
Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the
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Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account
of the Fund.
(e) Upon request, the Custodian shall provide the Trust with
copies of any report (obtained by the Custodian from a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository in which Securities
of the Fund are kept) on the internal accounting controls and
procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in such
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository.
(f) Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any loss or
damage to the Fund resulting (i) from the use of a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository by reason of any negligence or
willful misconduct on the part of Custodian or any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above or any
of its or their employees, or (ii) from failure of Custodian
or any such sub-custodian to enforce effectively such rights
as it may have against a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository. At its election, the Trust shall be subrogated to
the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim against
a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository or any other
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person from any loss or damage to the Fund arising from the
use of such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if and
to the extent that the Fund have not been made whole for any
such loss or damage.
3.6 Disbursement of Moneys from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the Fund Custody
account but only in the following cases:
(a) For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only upon
compliance with Section 4.1 of this Agreement and only (i) in
the case of Securities (other than options on Securities,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts), against
the delivery to the Custodian (or any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above) of such Securities registered
as provided in Section 3.9 below or in proper form for
transfer, or if the purchase of such Securities is effected
through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.5 above;
(ii) in the case of options on Securities, against delivery to
the Custodian (or such sub-custodian) of such receipts as are
required by the customs prevailing among dealers in such
options; (iii)
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in the case of futures contracts and options on futures
contracts, against delivery to the Custodian (or such
sub-custodian) of evidence of title thereto in favor of the
Fund or any nominee referred to in Section 3.9 below; and (iv)
in the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements
entered into between the Trust and a bank which is a member of
the Federal Reserve System or between the Trust and a primary
dealer in U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the
purchased Securities either in certificate form or through an
entry crediting the Custodian's account at a Book-Entry System
or Securities Depository with such Securities;
(b) In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as
set forth in Section 3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the
Fund;
(c) For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions
declared by the Fund;
(d) In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in
Section 5.1 below;
(e) 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;
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administration, investment management, investment advisory,
accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian, trustee and
legal fees; and other operating expenses of the Fund; in all
cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or in
part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
(f) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the 1934 Act and a member of the NASD,
relating to compliance with 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;
(g) For transfer in accordance with the provision of any agreement
among the Trust, 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;
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(h) For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other
interest-bearing account with any banking institution
(including the Custodian), which deposit or account has a term
of one year or less; and
(i) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt, in
addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of
the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer, specifying the
amount and purposes of such payment, declaring such purpose to
be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom such payment is to be made.
3.7 Delivery of Securities from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver Securities from the
Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases:
(a) Upon the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but
only against receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified
or cashiers check or bank credit;
(b) In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 3.5 above;
(c) To an offeror's depository agent in connection with tender or
other similar offers for Securities of the
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Fund; provided that, in any such case, the cash or other
consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
(d) To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the
name of the Fund, the Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or of any nominee or nominees
of any of the foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different
number of 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 delivered to the
Custodian;
(e) To the broker selling Securities, for examination in
accordance with the "street delivery" custom;
(f) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or
readjustment of the issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to
provisions for conversion contained in such Securities, or
pursuant to any deposit agreement, including surrender or
receipt of underlying Securities in connection with the
issuance or cancellation of depository receipts; provided
that, in any such case,
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the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to
the Custodian;
(g) Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or
reverse repurchase agreement entered into by the Fund;
(h) In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon
the exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new
Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(i) For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the
Fund, but only against receipt of such collateral as the Trust
shall have specified to the Custodian in Proper Instructions;
(j) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by
the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but only
against receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
(k) Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation,
reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of
the Trust or the Fund;
(l) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the 1934 Act and a member of
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the 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;
(m) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Trust, 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; or
(n) For any other proper corporate purposes, but only upon
receipt, in addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer,
specifying the Securities 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.
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3.8 Actions Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless otherwise
instructed by the Trust, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held
for the Fund:
(a) Subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments to which the Fund is entitled either
by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business;
(b) Present for payment and, subject to Section 7.4 below, collect
on a timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which
may mature or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise
become payable;
(c) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks,
drafts and other negotiable instruments;
(d) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for
Securities in definitive form;
(e) Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or
certificates of ownership under the federal income tax laws or
the laws or regulations of any other taxing authority now or
hereafter in effect, and prepare and submit reports to the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and to the Trust at such
time, in such manner and containing such information as is
prescribed by the IRS;
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(f) Hold for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to
Securities held therein, through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, all rights and similar securities
issued with respect to Securities of the Fund; and
(g) In general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper
Instructions, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase,
transfer and other dealings with Securities and assets of the
Fund.
3.9 Registration and Transfer of Securities. All Securities held for
the Fund that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the
Custodian in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in a
Book-Entry System for the account of the Fund if eligible therefor. All other
Securities held for the Fund may be registered in the name of the Fund, the
Custodian, or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or in
the name of any nominee of any of them, or in the name of a Book-Entry System,
Securities Depository or any nominee of either thereof; provided, however, that
such Securities are held specifically for the account of the Fund. The Trust
shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian
to hold or deliver in proper form for
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transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees hereinabove referred
to or in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any
Securities registered in the name of the Fund.
3.10 Records. (a) The Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate
records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the Fund,
including (i) journals or other records of original entry containing an itemized
daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and all
receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records) reflecting
(A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical possession, (C) monies
and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together with a record
of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral), (D) dividends
and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and interest accrued; and
(iii) canceled checks and bank records related thereto. The Custodian shall keep
such other books and records of the Fund as the Trust shall reasonably request,
or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including, but not limited to, Section 31
of the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-1 and 31a-2 promulgated thereunder.
(b) All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be
maintained in a form acceptable to the Trust and in
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compliance with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
(ii) be the property of the Trust and at all times during the regular business
hours of the Custodian be made available upon request for inspection by duly
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Trust and employees or agents of
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (iii) if required to be maintained
by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in
Rule 31a-2 under the 0000 Xxx.
3.11 Fund Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Trust
with a daily activity statement and a summary of all transfers to or from the
Fund Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least monthly and
from time to time, the Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a detailed
statement of the Securities and moneys held for the Fund under this Agreement.
3.12 Other Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall provide the Trust
with such reports, as the Trust may reasonably request from time to time, on the
internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities, which
are employed by the Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section
3.3 above.
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3.13 Proxies and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all
proxies, if any, relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of
the Fund, to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities,
without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and
shall include all other proxy materials, if any, and shall promptly deliver to
the Trust such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials, which should include all
other proxy materials, if any, and all notices relating to such Securities.
3.14 Information on Corporate Actions. The Custodian will promptly
notify the Trust of corporate actions, limited to those Securities registered in
nominee name and to those Securities held at a Securities Depository or
sub-custodian acting as agent for the Custodian. Custodian will be responsible
only if the notice of such corporate actions is published by the Financial Daily
Card Service, X. X. Xxxxx Called Bond Service or Depository Trust Company, or
received by first class mail from the agent. For market announcements not yet
received and distributed by Custodian's services, Trust will inform its custody
representative with appropriate instructions. Custodian will, upon receipt of
Trust's response within the required deadline, affect such action for receipt or
payment for the Trust. For those responses received after the deadline,
Custodian will
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affect such action for receipt or payment, subject to the limitations of the
agent(s) affecting such actions. Custodian will promptly notify Trust for put
options only if the notice is received by first class mail from the agent. The
Trust will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all relevant
information contained in the prospectus for any Security which has unique
put/option provisions and provide Custodian with specific tender instructions at
least ten Business Days prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
ARTICLE IV
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PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
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4.1 Purchase of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities
for the Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian,
specifying (a) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the
title or other description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount
(and accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased, (c) the date of
purchase and settlement, (d) the purchase price per unit, (e) the total amount
payable upon such purchase, and (f) the name of the person to whom such amount
is payable. The Custodian shall upon receipt of such Securities purchased by the
Fund pay out of the moneys held for the account of the Fund the total amount
specified in such
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Written Instructions to the person named therein. The Custodian shall not be
under any obligation to pay out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of
Securities for the Fund, if in the Fund Custody Account there is insufficient
cash available to the Fund for which such purchase was made.
4.2 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities
Purchased. In any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities
for the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the Securities
purchased but in the absence of specified Written or Oral Instructions to so pay
in advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such Securities to the
same extent as if the Securities had been received by the Custodian.
4.3 Sale of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by the
Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a)
the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any), or other units sold, (c) the date of sale and settlement, (d)
the sale price per unit, (e) the total amount payable upon such sale, and (f)
the person to whom such Securities are to be delivered. Upon receipt of the
total amount payable to the Fund as specified in such Written Instructions,
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the Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the person specified in such
Written Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment
in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and
arrange for payment in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in
Securities.
4.4 Delivery of Securities Sold. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or
any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver
Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally
accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of
final payment therefor. In any such case, the Fund shall bear the risk that
final payment for such Securities may not be made or that such Securities may be
returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the person to whom they
were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability for any for the
foregoing.
4.5 Payment for Securities Sold, etc. In its sole discretion and from
time to time, the Custodian may credit the Fund Custody Account, prior to actual
receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the sale of Securities
which it has been instructed to deliver against payment, (ii) proceeds from the
redemption of Securities or other assets of the Fund,
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and (iii) income from cash, Securities or other assets of the Fund. Any such
credit shall be conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment
and may be reversed if final payment is not actually received in full. The
Custodian may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, permit the Fund to
use funds so credited to its Fund Custody Account in anticipation of actual
receipt of final payment. Any such funds shall be repayable immediately upon
demand made by the Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt of all
final payments in anticipation of which funds were credited to the Fund Custody
Account.
4.6 Advances by Custodian for Settlement. The Custodian may, in its
sole discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Trust to facilitate
the settlement of the Fund's transactions in its Fund Custody Account. Any such
advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by Custodian.
ARTICLE V
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REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
-------------------------
5.1 Transfer of Funds. From such funds as may be available for the
purpose in the Fund Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions
specifying that the funds are required to redeem Shares of the Fund, the
Custodian shall wire each amount
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specified in such Proper Instructions to or through such bank as the Trust may
designate with respect to such amount in such Proper Instructions.
5.2 No Duty Regarding Paying Banks. The Custodian shall not be under
any obligation to effect payment or distribution by any bank designated in
Proper Instructions given pursuant to Section 5.1 above of any amount paid by
the Custodian to such bank in accordance with such Proper Instructions.
ARTICLE VI
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SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
-------------------
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall 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 a Depository Account,
(a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
1934 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
- 27 -
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,
(b) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection
with securities options purchased or written by the Fund or in
connection with financial futures contracts (or options
thereon) purchased or sold by the Fund,
(c) which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by
the Fund,
(d) for purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under
the 1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies in connection with reverse
repurchase agreements and when-issued, delayed delivery and
firm commitment transactions, and
(e) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of,
in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees, certified by an Officer,
setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated
account and
- 28 -
declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
Each segregated account established under this Article VI shall be
established and maintained the Fund only.
ARTICLE VII
-----------
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
------------------------
7.1 Standard of Care. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement, and shall
be without liability to the Trust or the Fund for any loss, damage, cost,
expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim unless
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arises from negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct on its part or on the part of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely
on and may act upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without
liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
The Custodian shall promptly notify the Trust of any action taken or omitted by
the Custodian pursuant to advice of counsel. The Custodian shall not be under
any obligation at any time to ascertain whether the Trust or the Fund is in
compliance with the 1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the
- 29 -
provisions of the Trust's charter documents or by-laws, or its investment
objectives and policies as then in effect.
7.2 Actual Collection Required. The Custodian shall not be liable for,
or considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to the Fund or any
money represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the payment of
money, until the Custodian or its agents actually receive such cash or collect
on such instrument.
7.3 No Responsibility for Title, etc. So long as and to the extent that
it is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title
thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.4 Limitation on Duty to Collect. Custodian shall not be required to
enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due
and payable with respect to Securities held for the Fund if such Securities are
in default or payment is not made after due demand or presentation.
7.5 Reliance Upon Documents and Instructions. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing
received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall
be entitled to
- 30 -
rely upon any Oral Instructions and/or any Written Instructions actually
received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.6 Express Duties Only. The Custodian shall have no duties or
obligations whatsoever except such duties and obligations as are specifically
set forth in this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in
this Agreement against the Custodian.
7.7 Cooperation. The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply
necessary information to the entity or entities appointed by the Trust to keep
the books of account of the Fund and/or compute the value of the assets of the
Fund. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as the Trust may from
time to time request to enable the Trust to obtain, from year to year, favorable
opinions from the Trust's independent accountants with respect to the
Custodian's activities hereunder in connection with (a) the preparation of the
Trust's reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by
the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (b) the fulfillment by the Trust of
any other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- 31 -
ARTICLE VIII
------------
INDEMNIFICATION
---------------
8.1 Indemnification. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, and any
nominee of the Custodian or of such sub-custodian, from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability
(including, without limitation, liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities and/or
banking laws) or claim arising directly or indirectly (a) from the fact that
Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, or (b) from any
action or inaction by the Custodian or such sub-custodian (i) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Trust, or (ii) upon Proper
Instructions, or (c) generally, from the performance of its obligations under
this Agreement or any sub-custody agreement with a sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such
sub-custodian shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such
loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising from the Custodian's or
such sub-custodian's negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
- 32 -
8.2 Indemnity to be Provided. If the Trust requests the Custodian to
take any action with respect to Securities, which may, in the opinion of the
Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee becoming liable for the
payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Custodian shall
not be required to take such action until the Trust shall have provided
indemnity therefor to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to the
Custodian.
ARTICLE IX
----------
FORCE MAJEURE
-------------
Neither the Custodian nor the Trust shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power
failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable
control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
- 33 -
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian in the event of a failure
or delay (i) shall not discriminate against the Fund in favor of any other
customer of the Custodian in making computer time and personnel available to
input or process the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) shall
use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such failure or delay.
ARTICLE X
---------
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
-----------------------------
10.1 Effective Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of the
date first set forth above and shall continue in full force and effect until
terminated as hereinafter provided.
10.2 Termination. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by
giving to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such
termination, which shall be not less than ninety (90) days after the date of the
giving of such notice. If a successor custodian shall have been appointed by the
Board of Trustees, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance
by the successor custodian, on such specified date of termination (a) deliver
directly to the successor custodian all Securities (other than Securities held
in
- 34 -
a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the Fund
and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (b) transfer any Securities held in
a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to an account of or for the benefit
of the Fund at the successor custodian, provided that the Trust shall have paid
to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the payment or
reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. Upon such delivery and
transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this
Agreement. The Trust may at any time immediately terminate this Agreement in the
event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
regulatory authorities in the State of Ohio or upon the happening of a like
event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
10.3 Failure to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian
is not designated by the Trust on or before the date of termination specified
pursuant to Section 10.1 above, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to a bank or trust company of its own selection, which is (a) a "Bank"
as defined in the 1940 Act, (b) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits as shown on its then most recent published report of not less than $25
million, and (c) is doing business in New York, New York, all Securities, cash
and other property held
- 35 -
by Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer to an account of or for the
Fund at such bank or trust company all Securities of the Fund held in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such delivery and transfer,
such bank or trust company shall be the successor custodian under this Agreement
and the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
----------
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation as agreed upon from
time to time by the Trust and the Custodian. The fees and other charges in
effect on the date hereof and applicable to the Fund are set forth in Exhibit B
attached hereto.
ARTICLE XII
-----------
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
-----------------------
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 as provided in the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of
Trust, as from time to time amended. The execution and delivery
- 36 -
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 above-mentioned Agreement and
Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE XIII
------------
NOTICES
-------
Unless otherwise specified herein, all demands, notices, instructions,
and other communications to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
sent or delivered to the recipient at the address set forth after its name
hereinbelow:
To the Trust:
-------------
Dunhill Investment Trust
000 X. Xxxx Xxxx Xxx, Xxx. 000
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (513) -
To Custodian:
-------------
The Fifth Third Bank
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attention: Area Manager-Trust Operations
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
- 37 -
or at such other address as either party shall have provided to the other by
notice given in accordance with this Article XIII. Writing shall include
transmissions by or through teletype, facsimile, central processing unit
connection, on-line terminal and magnetic tape.
ARTICLE XIV
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
14.2 References to Custodian. The Trust shall not circulate any printed
matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written
approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the prospectus or
statement of additional information for the Fund and such other printed matter
as merely identifies Custodian as custodian for the Fund. The Trust shall submit
printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing
sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline
for printing.
14.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto to exercise, and no
delay by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any right hereunder shall not
preclude the
- 38 -
exercise of any other right, and the remedies provided herein are cumulative and
not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
14.4 Amendments. This Agreement cannot be changed orally and no
amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by an instrument
in writing executed by the parties hereto.
14.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
14.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or
impaired thereby.
14.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by
either party hereto without the written consent of the other party hereto.
- 39 -
14.8 Headings. The headings of sections in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Agreement to be executed and delivered in its name and on its behalf by its
representatives thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first
above written.
ATTEST: DUNHILL INVESTMENT TRUST
By:
------------------------------ -------------------------------
Its: President
ATTEST: THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
By:
------------------------------ -------------------------------
Its: President
- 40 -
EXHIBIT A
TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
DUNHILL INVESTMENT TRUST AND THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons
authorized by the Trust to Administer the Fund Custody Account.
Name Signature
---- ---------
------------------------------ -------------------------------
------------------------------ -------------------------------
------------------------------ -------------------------------
------------------------------ -------------------------------
- 41 -
EXHIBIT B
FIFTH THIRD BANK
FEE SCHEDULE
DUNHILL INVESTMENT TRUST
PER UNIT FEE
I Annual asset based Fees per fund
Under $25 Million 1 bp
$25 - $100 Million .75 bp
$100 - $200 Million .5 bp
Over $200 Million .25 bp
Minimum per fund $2,400.00
II Security Transaction Fees
DTC/Fed Eligible $ 9.00
Physical 25.00
Amortized Securities 25.00
Options 25.00
Mutual Funds 15.00
Foreign - Euroclear & Cedel 50.00
Foreign - Other TBD
III Systems
Automated Securities Workstation $150.00
$200.00 Initial Setup
Mainframe-To-Mainframe 150.00
$200.00 Initial Setup
IV. Miscellaneous Fees
Principal & Interest Collection $ 5.00
(on amortized securities)
Per additional issue for repo 5.00
collateral
Voluntary Corporate Actions 25.00
Wire Transfers (In/Out) 7.00
Check Requests 6.00
Automated Asset Reconciliation 25.00
Escrow Receipt 5.00
Special Services - per hr. fee 75.00
Overnight Packages 8.00
- 42 -
