CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS
AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 24th day of October, 2007, by
and
between TRUST FOR PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS, a Delaware statutory
trust (the “Trust” (the “Trust”) on behalf of its series named in Exhibit
C hereto, (each a “Fund”, and collectively the “Funds”), and U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and
existing under the laws of the United States of America with its principal
place
of business at Cincinnati, Ohio (the “Custodian”).
WHEREAS,
the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company, and is
authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with
each
such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and
other assets;
WHEREAS,
the Custodian is a bank having the qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(1)
of the 1940 Act;
WHEREAS,
the Trust desires to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of the cash and
securities of each series of the Trust listed on Exhibit C hereto (as
amended from time to time); and
WHEREAS,
the Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated to the Custodian the
responsibilities set forth in Rule 17f-5(c) under the 1940 Act and the Custodian
is willing to undertake the responsibilities and serve as the foreign custody
manager for the Company.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein
contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which
is
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do
hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS
Whenever
used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings
set forth below unless the context otherwise requires:
1.01 “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.
1.02 “Board
of Trustees” shall mean the trustees from time to time serving under the
Trust’s declaration of trust, as amended from time to time.
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1.03 “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.
1.04 “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 the Fund.
1.05 “Eligible
Foreign Custodian” has the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-5(a)(1), including
a majority-owned or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank (as defined in Rule
17f-5), a bank holding company meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign
Custodian (as set forth in Rule 17f-5 or by other appropriate action of the
SEC), or a foreign branch of a Bank (as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 0000
Xxx) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940
Act; the term does not include any Eligible Securities Depository.
1.06 “Eligible
Securities Depository” shall mean a system for the central handling of
securities as that term is defined in Rule 17f-4 and 17f-7 under the 1940
Act.
1.07 “Foreign
Securities” means any of the [Trust’s/Fund’s] investments (including foreign
currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such
cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the
[Trust/Fund’s] transactions in such investments.
1.08 “Fund
Custody Account” shall mean any of the accounts in the name of the Trust,
which is provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.09 “IRS”
shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.
1.10 “FINRA”
shall mean The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
1.11 “Officer”
shall mean the Chairman, President, any Vice President, any Assistant Vice
President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any
Assistant Treasurer of the Trust.
1.12 “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 any two Authorized Persons, (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 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 that 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.
1.13 “Proper
Instructions” shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions.
1.14 “SEC”
shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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1.15 “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 or its agents have the facilities to clear and
service.
1.16 “Securities
Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company and any other clearing
agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the Securities 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.
1.17 “Shares”
shall mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest issued
by
the Trust on account of the Fund.
1.18 “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, and (ii) any “Eligible Foreign Custodian”
having a contract with the Custodian which the Custodian has determined will
provide reasonable care of assets of the Fund based on the standards specified
in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall be in writing and shall
include provisions that provide: (i) for indemnification or insurance
arrangements (or any combination of the foregoing) such that the Fund will
be
adequately protected against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance
with
such contract; (ii) that the Foreign Securities 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 for the Foreign Securities 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 Fund or as being held by a third party for the
benefit of the Fund; (v) that the Fund’s independent public accountants will be
given access to those records or confirmation of the contents of those records;
and (vi) that the Fund will receive periodic reports with respect to the
safekeeping of the Fund’s 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 in (i)-(vi) above, such other
provisions that the Custodian determines will provide, in their entirety, the
same or a greater level of care and protection for Fund assets as the specified
provisions.
1.19 “Written
Instructions” shall mean (i) written communications actually received by the
Custodian and signed by any two Authorized Persons, (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.
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ARTICLE
II.
APPOINTMENT
OF CUSTODIAN
2.01 Appointment. The
Trust hereby appoints the Custodian as custodian of all Securities and cash
owned by or in the possession of the Fund at any time during the period of
this
Agreement, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the
Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services
and
duties set forth in this Agreement. The Trust hereby delegates to the
Custodian, subject to Rule 17f-5(b), the responsibilities with respect to the
Fund’s Foreign Securities, and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation as
foreign custody manager with respect to the Fund. The services and
duties of the Custodian shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth
herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against the
Custodian hereunder.
2.02 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)
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A
copy of the Trust’s declaration of trust, certified by the
Secretary;
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(b)
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A
copy of the Trust’s bylaws, certified by the
Secretary;
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(c)
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A
copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust appointing
the Custodian, certified by the
Secretary;
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(d)
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A
copy of the current prospectus of the Fund (the
“Prospectus”);
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(e)
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A
certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary
of the
Trust setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers
of
the Trust and other Authorized Persons;
and
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(f)
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An
executed authorization required by the Shareholder Communications
Act of
1985, attached hereto as Exhibit
E.
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2.03 Notice
of Appointment of Transfer Agent. The Trust agrees to notify the
Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or change in appointment
of
any transfer agent of the Fund.
ARTICLE
III.
CUSTODY
OF CASH AND SECURITIES
3.01 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, Eligible
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 series of the
Trust, if applicable) and shall be identified as subject to this
Agreement.
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3.02 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 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 such Fund which are delivered to it.
3.03 Appointment
of Agents.
(a)
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In
its discretion, the Custodian may appoint one or more Sub-Custodians
to
establish and maintain arrangements with (i) Eligible Securities
Depositories or (ii) Eligible Foreign Custodians who are members
of the
Sub-Custodian’s network to hold Securities and cash of the Fund 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. The Custodian shall be liable
for the actions of any Sub-Custodians (regardless of whether assets
are
maintained in the custody of a Sub-Custodian, a member of its network
or
an Eligible Securities Depository) appointed by it as if such actions
had
been done by the Custodian.
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(b)
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If,
after the initial appointment 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 Fund, it will so notify the
Trust
and make the necessary determinations as to any such new Sub-Custodian's
eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940
Act.
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(c)
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In
performing its delegated responsibilities as foreign custody manager
to
place or maintain the Fund’s assets with a Sub-Custodian, the Custodian
will determine that the Fund’s assets will be subject to reasonable care,
based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in
which
the Fund’s assets will be held by that Sub-Custodian, after considering
all factors relevant to safekeeping of such assets, including, without
limitation the factors specified in Rule
17f-5(c)(1).
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(d)
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The
agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting hereunder
shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule 17f-5(c)(2)
under
the 1940 Act.
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(e)
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At
the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide written
reports notifying the Board of Trustees of the withdrawal or placement
of
the Securities and cash of the Fund with a Sub-Custodian and of any
material changes in the Fund’s arrangements. Such reports shall
include an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining
assets with any Eligible Securities Depositories. The Custodian
shall promptly take such steps as may be required to withdraw assets
of
the Fund from any Sub-Custodian arrangement that has ceased to meet
the
requirements of Rule 17f-5 or Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act, as
applicable.
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(f)
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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 Fund. The Custodian further
warrants that the Fund's assets will be subject to reasonable care
if
maintained with a 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 for certificated securities (if applicable), its
method
of keeping custodial records, and its 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.
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5
(g)
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The
Custodian shall establish a system or ensure that its Sub-Custodian
has
established a system to monitor on a continuing basis (i) the
appropriateness of maintaining the Fund’s assets with a Sub-Custodian or
Eligible Foreign Custodians who are members of a Sub-Custodian’s network;
(ii) the performance of the contract governing the Fund’s arrangements
with such Sub-Custodian or Eligible Foreign Custodian’s members of a
Sub-Custodian’s network; and (iii) the custody risks of maintaining assets
with an Eligible Securities Depository. The Custodian must
promptly notify the Fund or its investment adviser of any material
change
in these risks.
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(h)
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The
Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all
income
and other payments with respect to Foreign Securities to which the
Fund
shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to
the
Trust. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to
collect such income, the Trust and Custodian shall consult as to
the
measurers and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian
relating to such measures.
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3.04 Delivery
of Assets to Custodian. The Trust shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Custodian all of the Fund's Securities, cash and other
investment assets, including (i) all payments of income, payments of 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 (ii) all cash received by the Fund for the issuance of
Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities,
cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.05 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)
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The
Custodian, on an on-going basis, shall deposit in a Securities Depository
or Book-Entry System all Securities eligible for deposit therein
and shall
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.
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(b)
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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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6
(c)
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The
records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of the Fund maintained
in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall, by book-entry,
identify such Securities as belonging to the
Fund.
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(d)
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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 the 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 Custodian to reflect
such transfer and payment for the account of the
Fund.
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(e)
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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.
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(f)
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Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Custodian shall be
liable
to the Trust for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from (i)
the use
of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason of any
negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or
any
Sub-Custodian, or (ii) failure of the Custodian or any 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 Fund arising from the use of such
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if and to the extent
that the
Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or
damage.
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(g)
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With
respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.5 and pursuant
to Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, the Custodian hereby warrants to
the Trust that it agrees to (i) exercise due care in accordance with
reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities
intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain such assets,
(ii) provide, promptly upon request by the Trust, such reports as are
available concerning the Custodian’s internal accounting controls and
financial strength, and (iii) require any Sub-Custodian to exercise
due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging
its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain
assets corresponding to the security entitlements of its entitlement
holders.
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3.06 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)
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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) 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 any Sub-Custodian) of 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 any 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;
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7
(b)
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In
connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth
in
Section 3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the
Fund;
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(c)
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For
the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions declared
by the
Fund;
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(d)
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In
payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section
5.1
below;
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(e)
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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, director 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;
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(f)
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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 FINRA, 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;
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(g)
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For
transfer 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;
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(h)
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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
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(i)
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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.
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8
3.07 Delivery
of Securities from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver, or cause the
Sub-Custodian to release and deliver, Securities from the Fund Custody Account
but only in the following cases:
(a)
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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;
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(b)
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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;
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(c)
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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)
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To
the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of
the
Fund, the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or 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;
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(e)
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To
the broker selling the Securities, for examination in accordance
with the
“street delivery” custom;
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(f)
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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,
the
new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
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(g)
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Upon
receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse
repurchase agreement entered into by the
Fund;
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(h)
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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;
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(i)
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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;
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(j)
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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;
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(k)
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Pursuant
to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger,
consolidation or recapitalization of the
Trust;
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(l)
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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 FINRA, 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;
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9
(m)
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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;
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(n)
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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;
or
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(o)
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To
brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination
or trade
execution in accordance with market custom; provided that in any
such case
the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss
arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment
for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian’s own
negligence or willful misconduct.
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3.08 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 9.4 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;
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(b)
|
Present
for payment and, subject to Section 9.4 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;
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(d)
|
Surrender
interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for Securities in
definitive form;
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(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 IRS and 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
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(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
other assets of the Fund.
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10
3.09 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 if eligible therefor. All other Securities held for the Fund
may be registered in the name of the Fund, the Custodian, a Sub-Custodian or
any
nominee thereof, or in the name of a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository
or
any nominee of either thereof. The records of the Custodian with
respect to foreign securities of the Fund that are maintained with a
Sub-Custodian in an account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian
for
the benefit of its customers shall identify those securities as belonging to
the
Fund. 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 referred to above
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 receivable; (iii) canceled
checks and bank records related thereto; and (iv) all records relating
to
its activities and obligations under this Agreement. 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-2
promulgated thereunder.
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(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 the rules
and
regulations of the SEC, (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 SEC, and (iii) if required
to be
maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved for the
periods
prescribed in Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the 1940
Act.
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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 each Fund
Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least
monthly, the Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a detailed statement of
the
Securities and moneys held by the Custodian and the Sub-Custodians for the
Fund
under this Agreement.
3.12 Other
Reports by Custodian. As the Trust may reasonably request from
time to time, the Custodian shall provide the Trust with reports on the internal
accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities which are
employed by the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian.
3.13 Proxies
and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all proxies
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
promptly deliver to the Trust such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials
and
all notices relating to such Securities. With respect to the foreign
Securities, the Custodian will use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate
the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject to the laws,
regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such
securities are issued. The Trust acknowledges that local conditions,
including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice
and
other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of the Trust
to exercise shareholder rights.
11
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 Fund 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 three
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 three Business Days prior to the beginning date of the
tender period.
ARTICLE
IV.
PURCHASE
AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
4.01 Purchase
of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities for the
Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying
(i)
the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (ii) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any) or other units purchased, (iii) the date of purchase and
settlement, (iv) the purchase price per unit, (v) the total amount payable
upon
such purchase, and (vi) 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 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.
4.02 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 and in the
absence of specified Written Instructions to so pay in advance, the Custodian
shall be liable to the Fund for such payment.
4.03 Sale
of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by the Fund,
Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the
name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (ii) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any), or other units sold, (iii) the date of sale and settlement,
(iv) the sale price per unit, (v) the total amount payable upon such sale,
and
(vi) 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.
12
4.04 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.
4.05 Payment
for Securities Sold. 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, 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 the 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.
4.06 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 the Fund Custody Account. Any
such advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by
Custodian.
ARTICLE
V.
REDEMPTION
OF FUND SHARES
5.01 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 the Fund, the
Custodian shall wire each amount specified in such Proper Instructions to or
through such bank or broker-dealer as the Trust may designate.
5.02 No
Duty Regarding Paying Banks. Once the Custodian has wired amounts
to a bank or broker-dealer pursuant to Section 5.1 above, the Custodian
shall not be under any obligation to effect any further payment or distribution
by such bank or broker-dealer.
13
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 the Fund, into which account
or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including Securities
maintained in a Depository Account:
(a)
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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 FINRA (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;
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(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
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(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.
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Each
segregated account established under this Article VI shall be established and
maintained for the Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a
segregated account shall specify the Fund.
ARTICLE
VII.
COMPENSATION
OF CUSTODIAN
7.01 Compensation. The
Custodian shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this
Agreement in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit D
hereto (as amended from time to time). The Custodian shall also be
compensated for such out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., telecommunication charges,
postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges) as are reasonably
incurred by the Custodian in performing its duties hereunder. The
Trust shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar
days
following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject
to a good faith dispute. The Trust shall notify the Custodian in
writing within 30 calendar days following receipt of each invoice if the Trust
is disputing any amounts in good faith. The Trust shall pay such disputed
amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which the parties agree to the
amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee or expense the Trust
is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices shall accrue
a
finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary, amounts owed by the Trust to the Custodian shall only be paid
out
of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved.
14
7.02 Overdrafts. The
Trust is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of short term cash
investments to accommodate cash outflows. The Trust may obtain formal
line of credit for potential overdrafts of its custody account. In
the event of an overdraft or in the event the line of credit is insufficient
to
cover an overdraft, the overdraft amount or the overdraft amount that exceeds
the line of credit will be charged in accordance with the fee schedule set
forth
on Exhibit D hereto (as amended from time to time)
ARTICLE
VIII.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
8.01 Representations
and Warranties of the Trust. The Trust hereby represents and
warrants to the Custodian, which representations and warranties shall be deemed
to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:
(a)
|
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction
of its
organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder;
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(b)
|
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Trust in
accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and
legally
binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable in accordance with its
terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and
other
laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors
and secured parties; and
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(c)
|
It
is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects
with all
applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has
obtained
all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now
conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment
binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract
binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution
or
performance of this Agreement.
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8.02 Representations
and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian hereby represents
and warrants to the Trust, which representations and warranties shall be deemed
to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:
(a)
|
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction
of its
organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder;
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(b)
|
It
is a U.S. Bank as defined in section (a)(7) of Rule
17f-5.
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15
(c)
|
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Custodian in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes
a valid
and legally binding obligation of the Custodian, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights
and
remedies of creditors and secured parties;
and
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(d)
|
It
is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects
with all
applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has
obtained
all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now
conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment
binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract
binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution
or
performance of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE
IX.
CONCERNING
THE CUSTODIAN
9.01 Standard
of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in the
performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Custodian shall
not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss
suffered by the Trust in connection with its duties under this Agreement, except
a loss arising out of or relating to the Custodian’s (or a Sub-Custodian’s)
refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any
sub-custody agreement) or from its (or a Sub-Custodian’s) bad faith, negligence
or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement
(or
any sub-custody agreement). 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.
9.02 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.
9.03 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.
9.04 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.
9.05 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.
9.06 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 (i) the preparation of the Trust's reports on Form N-1A and
Form
N-SAR and any other reports required by the SEC, and (ii) the fulfillment by
the
Trust of any other requirements of the SEC.
16
ARTICLE
X.
INDEMNIFICATION
10.01 Indemnification
by Trust. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian, any Sub-Custodian and any nominee thereof (each, an “Indemnified
Party” and collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all
claims, demands, losses, expenses and liabilities of any and every nature
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) that an Indemnified Party may sustain
or
incur or that may be asserted against an Indemnified Party by any person arising
directly or indirectly (i) from the fact that Securities are registered in
the
name of any such nominee, (ii) from any action taken or omitted to be taken
by
the Custodian or such Sub-Custodian (a) at the request or direction of or in
reliance on the advice of the Trust, or (b) upon Proper Instructions, or (iii)
from the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any sub-custody
agreement, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such Sub-Custodian shall
be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such claim, demand, loss,
expense or liability arising out of or relating to its refusal or failure to
comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement), or
from
its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties
under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity
shall be a continuing obligation of the Trust, its successors and assigns,
notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this
paragraph, the terms “Custodian” and “Sub-Custodian” shall include their
respective directors, officers and employees.
10.02 Indemnification
by Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Trust from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and
liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that
the Trust may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Trust by
any
person arising directly or indirectly out of any action taken or omitted to
be
taken by an Indemnified Party as a result of the Indemnified Party’s refusal or
failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody
agreement), or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the
performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody
agreement). This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the
Custodian, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this
Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Trust” shall include
the Trust’s directors, officers and employees.
10.03 Security. If
the Custodian advances cash or Securities to the 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 claim, demand, loss, expense or liability
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) (except such as may arise from its or
its
nominee's bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct), then, in any such event,
any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be security
therefor, and should the 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.
17
10.04 Miscellaneous.
(a)
|
Neither
party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for
consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of
this
Agreement.
|
(b)
|
The
indemnity provisions of this Article shall indefinitely survive the
termination and/or assignment of this
Agreement.
|
(c)
|
In
order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article
shall
apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be
asked to
indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be
fully
and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation
in
question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use
all
reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any
situation
that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim
for
indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the
indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this
indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it
will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall
take over
complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation
initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek
indemnification under this section. The indemnitee shall in no
case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which
the
indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with
the
indemnitor’s prior written consent.
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ARTICLE
XI.
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; acts of terrorism; 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 in the event of a failure or delay,
the
Custodian (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
XII.
PROPRIETARY
AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
12.01 The
Custodian agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees
to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust, all records
and other information relative to the Trust and prior, present, or potential
shareholders of the Trust (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use
such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of
its
responsibilities and duties hereunder, except (i) after prior notification
to
and approval in writing by the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld and may not be withheld where the Custodian may be exposed to civil
or
criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, (ii) when requested to
divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or (iii) when so
requested by the Trust. Records and other information which have
become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Custodian or any
of
its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already
in
the possession of the Custodian prior to receipt thereof from the Trust or
its
agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
18
12.02 Further,
the Custodian will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Trust pursuant
to Title V of the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, as may be modified from time to
time. In this regard, the Custodian shall have in place and maintain
physical, electronic and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect
the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized
access to or use of, records and information relating to the Trust and its
shareholders.
ARTICLE
XIII.
EFFECTIVE
PERIOD; TERMINATION
13.01 Effective
Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date
first written above and will continue in effect for a period of three
years.
13.02 Termination. Subsequent
to the initial three-year term, this Agreement may be terminated by either
party
upon giving 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter
period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by any party upon the breach of
the
other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured
within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. In
addition, the 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.
13.03 Early
Termination. In the absence of any material breach of this
agreement, should the Trust elect to terminate this agreement prior to the
end
of the term, the trust agrees to pay the following fees:
a)
All
monthly fees through the life of the contract, including the
rebate
of
any negotiated discounts;
b)
All
fees associated with converting services to successor service
provider;
c)
All
fees associated with any record retention and/or tax reporting
obligations
that may not be eliminated due to the conversion to a
successor
service provider;
All
out-of-pocket costs associated with a-c above
19
13.04 Appointment
of Successor Custodian. 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 (i) 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 Fund and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (ii)
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. In addition, the Custodian shall, at the expense of the
Trust, transfer to such successor all relevant books, records, correspondence,
and other data established or maintained by the Custodian under this Agreement
in a form reasonably acceptable to the Trust (if such form differs from the
form
in which the Custodian has maintained the same, the Trust shall pay any expenses
associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in
the
transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance
from the Custodian’s personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other
data by such successor. Upon such delivery and transfer, the
Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this
Agreement.
13.05 Failure
to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian is not
designated by the Trust on or before the date of termination of this Agreement,
then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company
of
its own selection, which bank or trust company (i) is a “bank” as defined in the
1940 Act, and (ii) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits as
shown
on its 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 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. In
addition, under these circumstances, all books, records and other data of the
Trust shall be returned to the Trust.
ARTICLE
XIV.
MISCELLANEOUS
14.01 Compliance
with Laws. The Trust has and retains primary responsibility for
all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to
compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of 2002 and the policies and
limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth
in
its Prospectus and statement of additional information. The
Custodian’s services hereunder shall not relieve the Trust of its
responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Trustee’s
oversight responsibility with respect thereto.
14.02 Amendment. This
Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written
agreement executed by the Custodian and the Trust, and authorized or approved
by
the Board of Trustees.
14.03 Assignment. This
Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall
not be assignable by the Trust without the written consent of the Custodian,
or
by the Custodian without the written consent of the Trust accompanied by the
authorization or approval of the Board of Trustees.
20
14.04 Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to conflicts
of
law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State
of Ohio, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable
provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall
be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order
of
the SEC thereunder.
14.05 No
Agency Relationship. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
authorize or empower either party to act as agent for the other party to this
Agreement, or to conduct business in the name, or for the account, of the other
party to this Agreement.
14.06 Services
Not Exclusive. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict
the Custodian from providing services to other parties that are similar or
identical to some or all of the services provided hereunder.
14.07 Invalidity. Any
provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. In such case,
the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such provision consistent
with the original intent of the parties.
14.08 Notices. Any
notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall
be
in writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered
personally or by courier service, or three days after sent by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent
and confirmed received by facsimile transmission to the other party’s address
set forth below:
Notice
to
the Custodian shall be sent to:
U.S
Bank,
N.A.
0000
X.
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xx., XX-XX-X000
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attn: Xxx
Xxxxxx
Phone:
000-000-0000
Fax:
000-000-0000
and
notice to the Trust shall be sent to:
U.S.
Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
000
X.
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
21
14.09 Multiple
Originals. This Agreement may be executed on two or more
counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, but
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same
instrument.
14.10 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.
14.11 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.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
by
a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first
above
written.
TRUST FOR PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS | U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. XxXxx |
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxx
|
Title: Chairman | Title: Vice President |
22
EXHIBIT
A
AUTHORIZED
PERSONS
Set
forth below are the names and
specimen signatures of the persons authorized by the Trust for Professional
Managers to administer the Fund Custody Accounts.
Authorized
Persons
|
Specimen
Signatures
|
|
23
EXHIBIT
B
U.S.
Bank Institutional Custody Services
Standards
of Service Guide
U.S.
Bank, N.A. (“USBank”) 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 USBank to guarantee processing. Failure to meet these
deadlines will result in settlement at our client's risk. In all
cases, USBank will make every effort to complete all processing on a timely
basis.
USBank
is
a direct participant of the Depository Trust Company, a direct member of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the Bank of New York as its
agent for ineligible and foreign securities.
For
corporate reorganizations, USBank utilizes SEI's Reorg Source, Financial
Information, Inc., XCITEK, DTC Important Notices, Capital Changes Daily (CCH)
and the Wall Street Journal.
For
bond
calls and mandatory puts, USBank utilizes SEI's Bond Source, Xxxxx Information
Systems, Standard & Poor's Corporation, XCITEK, and DTC Important
Notices. USBank will not notify clients of optional put
opportunities.
Any
securities delivered free to USBank or its agents must be received three (3)
business days prior to any payment or settlement in order for the USBank
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 USBank will provide you with an
updated copy of its Standards of Service Guide.
24
USBank
Security Settlement Standards
Transaction
Type
|
Instructions
Deadlines*
|
Delivery
Instructions
|
DTC
|
1:30
P.M. on Settlement Date
|
DTC
Participant #0000
Xxxxx
Xxxx XX 00000
Institutional
#________________
For
Account #____________
|
Federal
Reserve Book Entry
|
12:30
P.M. on Settlement Date
|
Federal
Reserve Bank of Cleveland
for
US Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000
XXXXX/1050
For
Account #_____________
|
Federal
Reserve Book Entry (Repurchase
Agreement
Collateral Only)
|
1:00
P.M. on Settlement Date
|
Federal
Reserve Bank of Cleveland
for
US Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000
XXXXX/1040
For
Account #_____________
|
PTC
Securities
(GNMA
Book Entry)
|
12:00
P.M. on Settlement Date
|
PTC
For Account BYORK
US
Bank / 117612
|
Physical
Securities
|
9:30
A.M. EST on Settlement Date
(for
Deliveries, by 4:00 P.M. on Settlement Date
minus
1)
|
Bank
of New York
One
Xxxx Xxxxxx- 0xx
Xxxxx –
Window A
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
For
account of US Bank / Cust #117612
Attn:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
CEDEL/EURO-CLEAR
|
11:00
A.M. on Settlement Date minus 2
|
Cedel
a/c 55021
FFC:
a/c 387000
US
Bank /Global Omnibus
Euroclear
a/c 97816
FFC: a/c
387000
US
Bank/Global Omnibus
|
Cash
Wire Transfer
|
3:00
P.M.
|
US
Bank, X.X. Xxxxx/Trust ABA# 000000000
Credit
Account #112950027
Account
of US Bancorp Trust Services
Further
Credit to ___________
Account
# _______________
|
* All
times listed are Eastern Standard Time.
25
USBank
Payment Standards
Security
Type
|
Income
|
Principal
|
Equities
|
Payable
Date
|
|
Municipal
Bonds*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
Corporate
Bonds*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
Federal
Reserve Bank Book Entry*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
PTC
GNMA's (P&I)
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
CMOs
*
|
||
DTC
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Bankers
Trust
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
SBA
Loan Certificates
|
When
Received
|
When
Received
|
Unit
Investment Trust Certificates*
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
Certificates
of Deposit*
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Limited
Partnerships
|
When
Received
|
When
Received
|
Foreign
Securities
|
When
Received
|
When
Received
|
*Variable
Rate Securities
|
||
Federal
Reserve Bank Book Entry
|
Payable
Date
|
Payable
Date
|
DTC
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Bankers
Trust
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
Payable
Date + 1
|
|
NOTE:
|
If
a payable date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment will be
made on
the immediately following business
day.
|
26
USBank
Corporate Reorganization Standards
Type
of Action
|
Notification to
Client
|
Deadline
for Client Instructions
to
USBank
|
Transaction
Posting
|
|
Rights,
Warrants,
and
Optional Mergers
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to
expiration
or receipt of notice
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Mandatory
Puts with
Option
to Retain
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to
expiration
or receipt of notice
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Class
Actions
|
10
business days prior to expiration
date
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Voluntary
Tenders,
Exchanges,
and
Conversions
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to
expiration
or receipt of notice
|
5
business days prior to expiration
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Mandatory
Puts, Defaults,
Liquidations,
Bankruptcies,
Stock
Splits, Mandatory
Exchanges
|
At
posting of funds or securities
received
|
None
|
Upon
receipt
|
|
Full
and Partial Calls
|
Later
of 10 business days prior to
expiration
or receipt of notice
|
None
|
Upon
receipt
|
NOTE: Fractional
shares/par amounts resulting from any of the above will be sold.
27
EXHIBIT
C
Fund
Names
Name of Series | Date Added |
Bristlecone Fund | on or after October 24, 2007 |
28
EXHIBIT E
SHAREHOLDER
COMMUNICATIONS ACT AUTHORIZATION
The
Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 requires banks and trust companies to
make an effort to permit direct communication between a company which issues
securities and the shareholder who votes those securities.
Unless
you specifically require us to NOT release your name and address to requesting
companies, we are required by law to disclose your name and
address.
Your
“yes” or “no” to disclosure will apply to all securities U.S. Bank holds for you
now and in the future, unless you change your mind and notify us in
writing.
______
YES
|
U.S.
Bank is authorized to provide the
Trust’s
name, address and security position
to
requesting companies whose stock is
owned
by the Trust.
|
|
______
NO
|
U.S.
Bank is NOT authorized to provide the
Trust’s
name, address and security position
to
requesting companies whose stock is
owned
by the Trust.
|
on
behalf of its series listed on Exhibit C
By:
/s/ Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
Title:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Chairman
Date:October
24, 2007
29