1
Part C
Exhibit (8) (a)
Xxxxx Investment Trust
Bank and Insurance Fund
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT, dated as of February 3, 1998, by and between XXXXX
INVESTMENT TRUST (the "Trust"), a business trust organized under the laws of the
State of Delaware, acting with respect to its BANK AND INSURANCE FUND series,
and such other series as shall be designated from time to time by the Trust
(individually, a "Fund" and, collectively, the "Funds"), each of them a series
of the Trust and each of them operated and administered by the Trust, and STAR
BANK, N.A., a national banking association (the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that the Funds' 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:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
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 Funds 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 any Fund.
1.5 "Fund Custody Account" shall mean any of the accounts in the name of
the Trust, which is provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.6 "NASD" shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
1.7 "Officer" shall mean the Chairman, the President, any Vice
President, any Assistant Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary,
the Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
1.8 "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)
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orally confirmed by the Custodian. The Trust shall cause all Oral Instructions
to be confirmed by Written Instructions prior to the end of the next Business
Day. 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.
1.9 "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 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 Funds) any other clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (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 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
similar property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to
service.
1.12 "Shares" shall mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of
beneficial interest issued by the Trust on account of such Fund.
1.13 "Sub-Custodian" shall mean and include (i) any branch of a "U.S.
Bank," as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, (ii) any
"Eligible Foreign Custodian," as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the
1940 Act, having a contract with the Custodian which the Custodian has
determined will provide reasonable care of assets of the Funds based on the
standards specified in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall include provisions
that provide: (i) for indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any
combination of the foregoing) such that the Funds will be adequately protected
against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract; (ii)
that the Funds' assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Sub-Custodian or its
creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration, in
the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of the
Sub-Custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws; (iii) that
beneficial ownership of the Funds' assets will be freely transferable without
the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration;
(iv) that adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets as
belonging to the Funds or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the
Funds; (v) that the Funds' independent public accountants will be given access
to those records or confirmation of the contents of those records; and (vi) that
the Funds will receive periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping of the
Funds' assets, including, but not limited to, notification of any transfer to or
from a Fund's account or a third party account containing assets held for the
benefit of the Fund. Such contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of the
provisions specified above, such other provisions that the Custodian determines
will provide, in their entirety, the same or greater level of care and
protection for Fund assets as the specified provisions, in their entirety.
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1.14 "Written Instructions" shall mean (i) written communications
actually received by the Custodian and signed by an Authorized Person, or (ii)
communications by telex or any other such system from one or more persons
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons, or (iii)
communications between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that
the use of such devices and the procedures for the use thereof shall have been
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
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
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
Funds at any time during the period of this Agreement.
2.2 Acceptance. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such
custodian and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth.
2.3 Documents to be Furnished. The following documents, including any
amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution of the
Agreement to the Custodian by the Trust:
a. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust certified
by the Secretary;
b. A copy of the Bylaws of the Trust certified by the
Secretary;
c. A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the
Trust appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary;
d. A copy of the then current Prospectus of each Fund; and
e. A certification of the Chairman and Secretary of the
Trust setting forth the names and signatures of the current
Officers of the Trust and other Authorized Persons.
2.4 Notice of Appointment of Dividend and Transfer Agent. The Trust
agrees to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or
change in appointment of any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Funds.
ARTICLE III
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
3.1 Segregation. All Securities and non-cash property held by the
Custodian for the account of a 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
(including the Securities and non-cash property of the other Funds) and shall be
identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.2 Fund Custody Accounts. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall open and
maintain in its trust department a custody account in the name of the Trust
coupled with the name of such 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 such Fund which are delivered to it.
3.3 Appointment of Agents. (a) In its discretion, the Custodian may
appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to act as Securities Depositories or as
sub-custodians to hold Securities and cash of the Funds and to carry out such
other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine, provided, however, that
the appointment of any such agents and maintenance of any Securities and cash of
the Fund shall be at the Custodian's expense and shall not relieve the Custodian
of any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement.
(b) If, after the initial approval of Sub-Custodians by the Board of
Trustees in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes
to appoint other Sub-Custodians to hold property of the Funds, it
will so notify the Trust
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and provide it with information reasonably necessary to determine
any such new Sub-Custodian's eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under
the 1940 Act, including a copy of the proposed agreement with
such Sub-Custodian. The Trust shall at the meeting of the Board
of Trustees next following receipt of such notice and information
give a written approval or disapproval of the proposed action.
(c) The Agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting
hereunder shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule
17f-5(a)(1)(iii).
(d) At the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide
written reports notifying the Board of Trustees of the placement
of the Securities and cash of the Funds with a particular
Sub-Custodian and of any material changes in the Funds'
arrangements. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as may
be required to withdraw assets of the Funds from any
Sub-Custodian that has ceased to meet the requirements of Rule
17f-5 under the 1940 Act.
(e) With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.3, the
Custodian hereby warrants to the Trust that it agrees to exercise
reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having
responsibility for the safekeeping of property of the Funds. The
Custodian further warrants that a Fund's assets will be subject
to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to
custodians in the relevant market, if maintained with each
Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the
safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation: (i)
the Sub-Custodian's practices, procedures, and internal controls,
including, but not limited to, the physical protections available
for certificated securities (if applicable), the method of
keeping custodial records, and the security and data protection
practices; (ii) whether the Sub-Custodian has the requisite
financial strength to provide reasonable care for Fund assets;
(iii) the Sub-Custodian's general reputation and standing and, in
the case of a Securities Depository, the Securities Depository's
operating history and number of participants; and (iv) whether
the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce
judgments against the Sub-Custodian, such as by virtue of the
existence of any offices of the Sub-Custodian in the United
States or the Sub-Custodian's consent to service of process in
the United States.
(f) The Custodian shall establish a system to monitor the
appropriateness of maintaining the Funds' assets with a
particular Sub-Custodian and the contract governing the Funds'
arrangements with such Sub-Custodian.
3.4 Delivery of Assets to Custodian. The Trust shall deliver, or
cause to be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Funds' Securities, cash and
other assets, including (a) all payments of income, payments of principal and
capital distributions received by the Funds with respect to such Securities,
cash or other assets owned by the Funds at any time during the period of this
Agreement, and (b) all cash received by the Funds 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 Funds in a Securities Depository or in
a Book-Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Prior to a deposit of Securities of the Funds in any Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, the Trust 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
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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.
(b) Securities of the Funds 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.
(c) The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of a Fund
maintained in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall,
by book-entry, identify such Securities as belonging to such
Fund.
(d) If Securities purchased by a 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 a
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 Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for
the account of such Fund.
(e) 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 Funds 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
a 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 person from any loss or
damage to the Funds arising from the use of such Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, if and to the extent that the
Funds have not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
3.6 Disbursement of Moneys from Fund Custody Accounts. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from a Fund Custody
Account but only in the following cases:
(a) For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in
accordance 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
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such receipts as are required by the customs prevailing among
dealers in such options; (iii) 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; administration, 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;
(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
purpose 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 Accounts. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver Securities from
a 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 Fund; provided that,
in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
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(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 or 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, 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 Trust, 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;
(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 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 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
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.
3.8 Actions Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless otherwise
instructed by the Trust, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held
for a 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;
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(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;
(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 a 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 if eligible therefor. All other Securities held for a Fund
may be registered in the name of such 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. The Trust shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate
instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for
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 a Fund.
3.10 Records. (a) The Custodian shall maintain, by Fund, complete and
accurate records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the
Funds, 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
receivable; and (iii) canceled checks and bank records related thereto. The
Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Funds 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-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 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 by Fund and a summary of all transfers to or
from each 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, by Fund, of the Securities and moneys held by the Custodian
and the Sub-Custodians for the Funds under this a Agreement.
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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.
3.13 Proxies and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all
proxies relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of a 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
promptly deliver to the Trust such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and
all notices relating to such Securities.
3.14 Information on Corporate Actions. The Custodian shall promptly
deliver to the Trust all information received by the Custodian and pertaining to
Securities being held by the Funds with respect to optional tender or exchange
offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration of rights as described
in the Standards of Service Guide attached as Exhibit B. If the Trust desires to
take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or other similar
transaction, the Trust shall notify the Custodian at least five Business Days
prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action. The Trust will
provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all relevant information for
any Security which has unique put/option provisions at least five Business Days
prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUNDS
4.1 Purchase of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities
for a Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying
(a) the Fund for which the purchase was made, (b) the name of the issuer or
writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (c) the
number of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units
purchased, (d) the date of purchase and settlement, (e) the purchase price per
unit, (f) the total amount payable upon such purchase, and (g) the name of the
person to whom such amount is payable. The Custodian shall upon receipt of such
Securities purchased by a Fund pay out of the moneys held for the account of
such Fund the total amount specified in such 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 a Fund, if in the relevant
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 a Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the Securities
purchased but in the absence of specified Written 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 a
Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a)
the Fund for which the sale was made, (b) the name of the issuer or writer of
such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (c) the number of
Shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold,
(d) the date of sale and settlement, (e) the sale price per unit, (f) the total
amount payable upon such sale, and (g) 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, 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.
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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 for which such Securities
were delivered 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 relevant 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, 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 a 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 a Fund's transactions in its Fund Custody Account. Any such
advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by Custodian.
ARTICLE V
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
5.1 Transfer of Funds. From such funds as may be available for the
purpose in the relevant Fund Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper
Instructions specifying that the funds are required to redeem Shares of a Fund,
the Custodian shall wire each amount 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
SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of a 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
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,
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(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 declaring
such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
Each segregated account established under this Article VI shall be
established and maintained for a single Fund only. All Proper Instructions
relating to a segregated account shall specify the Fund involved.
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 any 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 a Fund is in
compliance with the 1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the
Trust's charter documents or bylaws, 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 a 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 a 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 rely upon any Oral Instructions and 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.
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7.7 Co-operation. The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply
necessary information, by Fund, to the entity or entities appointed by the Trust
to keep the books of account of the Funds and/or compute the value of the assets
of the Funds. 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.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Indemnification by Trust. 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.
8.2 Indemnification by Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Trust 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 from the negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the Custodian
or any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or any nominee of
the Custodian or of such Sub-Custodian.
8.3 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.
8.4 Security. If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to a
Fund for any purpose, either at the Trust's request or as otherwise
contemplated in this Agreement, or in the event that the Custodian or its
nominee incurs, in connection with its performance under this Agreement, any
loss, damage, cost, expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements),
liability or claim (except such as may arise from its or its nominee's
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct), then, in any such event, any
property at any time held for the account of such Fund shall be security
therefor, and should such Fund fail promptly to repay or indemnify the
Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash of such
Fund and to dispose of other assets of such Fund to the extent necessary to
obtain reimbursement or indemnification.
ARTICLE IX
FORCE MAJEURE
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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
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian in the event of a failure
or delay (i) shall not discriminate against the Funds 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 its
execution 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 sixty (60) 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 a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the
Funds 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 Funds 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 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 (a) is
a "bank" as defined in the 1940 Act and (b) has aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits as shown on its then most recent published report of not less
than $25 million, all Securities, cash and other property held by Custodian
under this Agreement and to transfer to an account of or for the Funds at such
bank or trust company all Securities of the Funds 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 Funds are set forth in Exhibit C attached
hereto.
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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 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:
Xxxxx Investment Trust
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
To Custodian:
Star Bank, N.A.
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X. 0000
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attention: Mutual Fund Custody Services
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
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 a Fund and such other
printed matter as merely identifies Custodian as custodian for one or more
Funds. 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.
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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 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.
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: XXXXX INVESTMENT TRUST
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Vice President and Secretary Chairman
STAR BANK, N.A.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Senior Vice President
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EXHIBIT A TO CUSTODY AGREEMENT
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons
authorized by the Trust to administer the Fund Custody Accounts.
Name Signature
---- ---------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxx /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx
M. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx /s/ M. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx /s/ Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxx /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxx
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EXHIBIT B TO CUSTODY AGREEMENT
STAR BANK, N.A.
STANDARDS OF SERVICE GUIDE
Star Bank, N.A., is committed to providing superior quality service to
all customers and their agents at all times. We have compiled this guide as a
tool for our clients to determine our standards for the processing of security
settlements, payment collection, and capital change transactions. Deadlines
recited in this guide represent the times required for Star Bank to guarantee
processing. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in settlement at our
client's risk. In all cases, Star Bank will make every effort to complete all
processing on a timely basis.
Star Bank is a direct participant of the Depository Trust Company, a
direct member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the Bankers
Trust Company as its agent for ineligible and foreign securities.
For corporate reorganizations, Star Bank utilizes SEI's Reorg Source,
Financial Information, Inc., XCITEK, DTC Important Notices, and the Wall Street
Journal,
For bond calls and mandatory puts, Star Bank utilizes SEI's Bond Source,
Xxxxx Information Systems, Standard & Poor's Corporation, and DTC Important
Notices. Star Bank will not notify clients of optional put opportunities.
Any securities delivered free to Star Bank or its agents must be
received three (3) business days prior to any payment or settlement in order for
the Star Bank standards of service to apply.
Should you have any questions regarding the information contained in
this guide, please feel free to contact your account representative.
The information contained in this Standards of Service Guide is subject to
change. Should any changes be made Star Bank will provide you with an updated
copy of its Standards of Service Guide.
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