As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2016
Securities Act Registration No. 033-24962
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-05186
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 149 (X)
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 151 (X)
Check appropriate box or boxes
ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter
655 Broad Street, 17th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code
(973) 367-7521
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code
Deborah A. Docs
655 Broad Street, 17 th Floor
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Name and Address of Agent for Service
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
__ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
X _ on January 3, 2017 pursuant to paragraph (b)
__ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
__ on (____) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
__ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
__ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
__ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
 
 
 
ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
PROSPECTUS • January 3, 2017
The Advanced Series Trust (the Trust and each series thereof, a Portfolio) is an investment vehicle for life insurance companies (the Participating Insurance Companies) writing variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (each, a Contract and together, the Contracts). Shares of the Trust may also be sold directly to certain tax-deferred retirement plans. Each Contract involves fees and expenses not described in this prospectus (the Prospectus). Please read the prospectus of your Contract for information regarding the Contract, including its fees and expenses. The Portfolio offered in this Prospectus is set forth on this cover (the Portfolio).
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission or the SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) nor has the Commission or the CFTC passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Prudential, the Prudential logo, and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.
AST Bond Portfolio 2028
 
 

Table of Contents
1 SUMMARY: AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2028
5 ABOUT THE TRUST
6 MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE PORTFOLIO INVESTS
11 MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES USED BY THE PORTFOLIO
18 PRINCIPAL RISKS
23 HOW THE TRUST IS MANAGED
27 HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO
32 OTHER INFORMATION
33 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Table of Contents
SUMMARY: AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2028
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Portfolio is to seek the highest total return for a specific period of time, consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity needs. Total return is comprised of current income and capital appreciation.
PORTFOLIO FEES AND EXPENSES
The table below shows the fees and expenses that you may pay if you invest in shares of the Portfolio. The table does not include Contract charges. Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the table. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) (1)
Management Fees 0.48%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 Fees) 0.25%
Other Expenses (2) 0.08%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses 0.81%
(1) The Portfolio will commence operations on or about January 3, 2017.
(2) Estimate based in part on assumed average daily net assets of $200 million for the Portfolio for the fiscal period ending December 31, 2017.
Example. The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The table does not include Contract charges. Because Contract charges are not included, the total fees and expenses that you will incur will be higher than the fees and expenses set forth in the example. See your Contract prospectus for more information about Contract charges.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
  1 Year 3 Years
AST Bond Portfolio 2028 $83 $259
Portfolio Turnover. The Portfolio pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the example, affect the Portfolio's performance. No portfolio turnover rate is presented for the Portfolio, because it is new.
INVESTMENTS, RISKS AND PERFORMANCE
Principal Investment Strategies . The Portfolio uses both top-down and bottom-up approaches to invest in a wide array of bond market sectors, including US Treasuries, agency securities, corporate bonds, structured products sectors including asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage backed securities, and to a small extent emerging markets debt and high yield debt (commonly known as junk bonds). In pursuing its investment objective, the Portfolio normally invests at least 80% of its assets (net assets plus any borrowings made for investment purposes) in bonds. For purposes of this 80% policy, bonds include: (i) all debt securities and all fixed income securities, excluding preferred stock, issued by both government and non-government issuers, and (ii) all derivatives and synthetic instruments that have economic characteristics that are similar to such debt securities and such fixed income securities. The Portfolio’s Subadviser may use derivative instruments for any reason, including to manage or adjust the Portfolio’s risk profile when asset flows are volatile.
1

Table of Contents
Contract owners cannot select the Portfolio for investment. Instead, if a Contract owner selected certain benefits under their Contract, the Contract owner’s account value may be allocated to and from the Portfolio in accordance with a mathematical formula under the Contract. The Contracts using the Portfolio are issued by Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation and Allstate Life Insurance Company. For more information, Contract owners should see their Contract prospectus or contact the relevant Participating Insurance Company or their financial professional.
The Portfolio is managed to mature on or about the end of the year identified in its name in order to match the related liability under certain living benefit programs. In addition, the Portfolio’s duration and weighted average maturity will decline over time as the maturity date approaches. To that end, the Portfolio’s Subadviser expects to maintain the duration of the Portfolio within +/– 0.50 years of the secondary benchmark index for the Portfolio. The secondary benchmark index for the Portfolio is the Bloomberg Barclays Fixed Maturity (2028) Zero Coupon Swaps Index. The primary benchmark index for the Portfolio is the Bloomberg Barclays US Government/Credit Bond Index. On or about the Portfolio’s maturity date, all of the securities held by the Portfolio will be sold and all of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Portfolio will be redeemed. Proceeds from that redemption will be reallocated in accordance with the procedures applicable to the Contract owner’s variable Contract.
The Portfolio’s Subadviser currently intends to maintain an overall weighted average credit quality rating of A- or better for the Portfolio. This target overall credit quality for the Portfolio will be based on ratings as of the date of purchase. In the event the overall credit quality drops below A- due to downgrades of individual portfolio securities, the Portfolio’s Subadviser will take appropriate action based upon the relevant facts and circumstances.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Portfolio. The risks summarized below are the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio. All investments have risks to some degree and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. While the Portfolio makes every effort to achieve its objectives, the Portfolio cannot guarantee success.
Asset-Backed and/or Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk . Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, mortgage loans. Like fixed income securities, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk, which may be heightened in connection with investments in loans to “subprime” borrowers. Certain asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to the risk that those obligations will be repaid sooner than expected or later than expected, either of which may result in lower than expected returns. Mortgage-backed securities, because they are backed by mortgage loans, are also subject to risks related to real estate, and securities backed by private-issued mortgages may experience higher rates of default on the underlying mortgages than securities backed by government-issued mortgages.
Asset Transfer Program Risk . Predetermined, nondiscretionary mathematical formulas used by the Participating Insurance Companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with certain benefit programs under the Contracts may result in systematic transfers of assets among the investment options under the Contracts, including the Portfolio. The formulas may result in transfers between your selected portfolios and this Portfolio and/or transfers between this Portfolio and a bond portfolio with a different maturity date. These formulas may result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the Portfolio, which could adversely affect the Portfolio, including its risk profile, expenses and performance. For example, the asset flows may adversely affect performance by requiring the Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at inopportune times, by otherwise limiting the subadviser’s ability to fully implement the Portfolio’s investment strategies, or by requiring the Portfolio to hold a larger portion of its assets in highly liquid securities than it otherwise would hold. The asset flows may also result in high turnover, low asset levels and high operating expense ratios for the Portfolio. The asset flows could remove all or substantially all of the assets of the Portfolio. The efficient operation of the asset flows depends on active and liquid markets. If market liquidity is strained, the asset flows may not operate as intended which in turn could adversely affect performance.
2

Table of Contents
Derivatives Risk . A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of one or more underlying investments, such as an asset, reference rate, or index. The use of derivatives involves a variety of risks, including the risk that: the party on the other side of a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation; leverage created by investing in derivatives may result in losses to the Portfolio; derivatives may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to buy or sell at an opportune time or price, and may be difficult to terminate or otherwise offset; derivatives used for hedging may reduce or magnify losses but also may reduce or eliminate gains; and the price of commodity-linked derivatives may be more volatile than the prices of traditional equity and debt securities.
The SEC has proposed a new rule related to the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, which, if adopted by the SEC as proposed, may limit the Portfolio’s ability to engage in transactions that involve potential future payment obligations (including derivatives such as forwards, futures, swaps and written options) and may limit the ability of the Portfolio to invest in accordance with its stated investment strategy.
Expense Risk . The actual cost of investing in the Portfolio may be higher than the expenses shown in the “Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses” table above for a variety of reasons, including, for example, if the Portfolio’s average net assets decrease.
Fixed Income Securities Risk . Investment in fixed income securities involves a variety of risks, including that: an issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable to pay obligations when due; due to decreases in liquidity, the Portfolio may be unable to sell its securities holdings at the price it values the security or at any price; the Portfolio’s investment may decrease in value when interest rates rise. Volatility in interest rates and in fixed income markets may increase the risk that the Portfolio’s investment in fixed income securities will go down in value. Risks associated with rising interest rates are currently heightened because interest rates in the US are at, or near, historic lows.
High Yield Risk . Investments in fixed income securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities of similar credit quality (i.e., high yield securities or junk bonds) may be more sensitive to interest rate, credit and liquidity risks than investments in investment grade securities, and have predominantly speculative characteristics.
Liquidity and Valuation Risk . The Portfolio may hold one or more securities for which there are no or few buyers and sellers or the securities are subject to limitations on transfer. The Portfolio may be unable to sell those portfolio holdings at the desired time or price, and may have difficulty determining the value of such securities for the purpose of determining the Portfolio’s net asset value. In such cases, investments owned by the Portfolio may be valued at fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Portfolio’s Board of Trustees. No assurance can be given that the fair value prices accurately reflect the value of security.
Market and Management Risk . Markets in which the Portfolio invests may experience volatility and go down in value, and possibly sharply and unpredictably. The investment techniques, risk analysis and investment strategies used by a subadviser in making investment decisions for the Portfolio may not produce the intended or desired results.
Recent Events Risk . Events in the financial markets have caused, and may continue to cause, increased volatility and a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. As a result, identifying investment risks and opportunities may be especially difficult. There is no assurance that steps taken by governments, and their agencies and instrumentalities, to support financial markets will continue, and the impact of regulatory changes on the markets may not be known for some time.
Regulatory Risk . The Portfolio is subject to a variety of laws and regulations which govern its operations. The Portfolio is subject to regulation by the SEC and/or the CFTC. Similarly, the businesses and other issuers of the securities and other instruments in which the Portfolio invests are also subject to considerable regulation. A change in laws and regulations may materially impact the Portfolio, a security, business, sector or market.
3

Table of Contents
US Government Securities Risk. US Government securities may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates, a default by, or decline in the credit quality of, the US Government, and may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government.
Past Performance. No performance history is presented for this Portfolio, because it does not yet have a full calendar year of performance.
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIO
Investment Manager Subadviser Portfolio Managers Title Service Date
Prudential Investments LLC PGIM Fixed Income Richard Piccirillo Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager January 2017
    Malcolm Dalrymple Principal and Portfolio Manager January 2017
    Erik Schiller, CFA Managing Director January 2017
    David Del Vecchio Principal and Portfolio Manager January 2017
TAX INFORMATION
Contract owners should consult their Contract prospectus for information on the federal tax consequences to them. In addition, Contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in the Contracts and the Portfolio, including the application of state and local taxes. The Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits are “passed through” pro rata directly to the Participating Insurance Companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes.
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION
If you purchase your Contract through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Participating Insurance Company, the Portfolio or their related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of the Contract, the selection of the Portfolio and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Contract over another investment or insurance product, or to recommend the Portfolio over another investment option under the Contract. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
4

Table of Contents
ABOUT THE TRUST
About the TRUST and its Portfolio
This prospectus provides information about the Trust and the AST Bond Portfolio 2028. The Portfolio is a diversified investment company as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act).
Prudential Investments LLC (PI or the Manager), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential Financial), serves as the sole investment manager for the Portfolio.
PI and AST Investment Services, Inc. (ASTIS) serve as the co-investment managers of each of the portfolios of the Trust not covered by this prospectus, except for the AST AB Global Bond Portfolio, AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio, AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio, AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio, AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio, AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio, AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio, AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio, AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio, AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio, AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio, AST Bond Portfolio 2026, AST Bond Portfolio 2027, AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio, AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio, AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio, AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio, and AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio for which PI serves as the sole investment manager.
Prudential Financial, which is incorporated in the United States, has its principal place of business in the United States. Neither Prudential Financial nor any of its subsidiaries are affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. The Manager has retained one or more subadvisers (each, a Subadviser), to manage the day-to-day investment of the assets of the Portfolio in a multi-manager structure.
More information about the Manager, the Subadviser and the multi-manager structure is included in “How the Trust is Managed” later in this Prospectus.
The Trust offers one class of shares in the Portfolio. Shares of the Portfolio are sold only to separate accounts of Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Pramerica of Bermuda Life Assurance Company, Ltd. (collectively, Prudential), Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York as investment options under variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts. Shares of the Portfolio may be sold directly to certain qualified retirement plans.
Additional information about the Portfolio is set forth in the following sections, and is also provided in the Statement of Additional Information (the SAI).
5

Table of Contents
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW THE PORTFOLIO INVESTS
Introduction
We describe the Portfolio's investment objective and policies on the following pages. We describe certain investment instruments that appear below in the section entitled “More Detailed Information About Other Investments and Strategies Used by the Portfolio.”
Although we make every effort to achieve the Portfolio's objective, we can't guarantee success and it is possible that you could lose money. The Portfolio’s investment objective is a non-fundamental investment policy and, therefore, may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board) without shareholder approval.
An investment in the Portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
The Portfolio has investment strategies and policies that include percentage estimates and limitations. Those percentages are generally applied at the time the Portfolio makes an investment.
The Portfolio has a policy to normally invest at least 80% of its assets in a particular category of investments based on the name of the Portfolio. This 80% policy relates to the Portfolio’s net assets plus borrowings, if any, for investment purposes. The 80% requirement is applied at the time the Portfolio makes an investment. The 80% policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Portfolio, however, will provide 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders of any change in the 80% policy based on the Portfolio's name if required by applicable rules.
A change in the securities held by the Portfolio is known as “portfolio turnover.” The Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading to try to achieve its investment objective and may have a portfolio turnover rate of over 100% annually. Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher brokerage fees or other transaction costs, which can reduce performance. If the Portfolio realizes capital gains when it sells investments, it generally must pay those gains to shareholders, increasing its taxable distributions.
In response to adverse market conditions or when restructuring the Portfolio, we may temporarily invest up to 100% of the Portfolio’s total assets in money market instruments. Investing heavily in money market securities limits our ability to achieve our investment objective, but can help to preserve the value of the Portfolio’s assets when markets are unstable.
AST BOND PORTFOLIO 2028
Investment Objective: The highest total return for a specific period of time, consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity needs. Total return is comprised of current income and capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Policies: In pursuing its investment objective, the Portfolio normally invests at least 80% of its assets (net assets plus any borrowings made for investment purposes) in bonds. For purposes of this 80% policy, bonds include: (i) all debt securities and all fixed-income securities, excluding preferred stock, issued by both government and non-government issuers, and (ii) all derivatives and synthetic instruments that have economic characteristics that are similar to such debt securities and such fixed-income securities. The above-described 80% policy is a non-fundamental investment policy of the Portfolio and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Portfolio, however, will provide 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders of any change in its 80% policy as described above.
The Portfolio is managed to mature on or about the end of the year identified in its name in order to match the related liability under certain living benefit programs. In addition, the Portfolio's duration and weighted average maturity will decline over time as the maturity date approaches. To that end, the Portfolio’s Subadviser expects to maintain the duration of the Portfolio within +/– 0.50 years of the secondary benchmark index for the Portfolio. The
6

Table of Contents
secondary benchmark index for the Portfolio is the Bloomberg Barclays Fixed Maturity (2028) Zero Coupon Swaps Index. The primary benchmark index for the Portfolio is the Bloomberg Barclays US Government/Credit Bond Index. On or about the Portfolio's maturity date, all of the securities held by the Portfolio will be sold and all of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Portfolio will be redeemed. Proceeds from that redemption will be reallocated in accordance with the procedures applicable to the contact owner's variable Contract.
The Portfolio’s Subadviser currently intends to maintain an overall weighted average credit quality rating of A- or better for the Portfolio. This target overall credit quality for the Portfolio will be based on ratings as of the date of purchase. In the event the Portfolio's overall credit quality drops below A- due to downgrades of individual portfolio securities, the Portfolio’s Subadviser will take appropriate action based upon the relevant facts and circumstances.
Principal Investments of the Portfolio
General . The Subadviser has a team of fixed-income professionals, including credit analysts and traders, with experience in many sectors of the US and foreign fixed-income securities markets. The Subadviser will use fundamental credit research and quantitative analysis to evaluate each bond issue considered for the Portfolio. In selecting portfolio securities for the Portfolio, the Subadviser will consider economic conditions and interest rate fundamentals. The Subadviser will also evaluate individual issues within each bond sector based upon their relative investment merit and will consider factors such as yield and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity and risk.
The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality bonds and other securities and instruments. To that end, the Portfolio emphasizes investments in several different types of securities and financial instruments, including, without limitation: (i) US Government securities; (ii) certain debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government and government-related entities, including mortgage-related securities; (iii) privately-issued mortgage-related and asset-backed securities; (iv) debt obligations of US corporate issuers; and (v) derivatives and synthetic instruments that have economic characteristics that are similar to these types of securities and obligations. The Portfolio also may invest up to 50% of its total assets in US dollar-denominated debt securities issued in the United States by certain foreign issuers (referred to herein as Yankee obligations).
US GOVERNMENT SECURITIES . US Government securities include debt obligations issued by the US Treasury (the Treasury). Treasury securities are all backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government, which means that payment of interest and principal is guaranteed, but yield and market value are not. The Portfolio may also acquire US Government securities in the form of custodial receipts that show ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain US Treasury notes or bonds. Such notes or bonds are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are commonly referred to as Treasury strips.
US Government securities also include debt obligations issued by federal government agencies and government sponsored enterprises, which may include mortgage-backed securities. Securities issued by government sponsored enterprises are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government and for more information about this risk, as well as other risks associated with US Government Securities, please see below under “Other Debt Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by the US Government and Government-Related Entities.”
OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS ISSUED OR GUARANTEED BY THE US GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-RELATED ENTITIES . Securities issued by agencies of the US Government or instrumentalities of the US Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or Ginnie Mae), the Farmers Home Administration, the Export-Import Bank, and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or Freddie Mac), the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the United States Postal Service are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the Portfolio generally must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the
7

Table of Contents
obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. The yield and market value of these securities are not guaranteed by the US government or the relevant government sponsored enterprise.
Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by federal government agencies such as Ginnie Mae, or by government sponsored enterprises such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the federal government and some Federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the Federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are authorized to borrow from the US Treasury to meet their obligations. Although the US government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.
PRIVATELY-ISSUED MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES . The Portfolio may also invest in privately issued mortgage-related securities. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies or government-sponsored enterprises. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not guaranteed by US governmental entities and generally have one or more types of credit enhancement to ensure timely receipt of payments and to protect against default.
Mortgage-related securities are usually pass-through instruments that pay investors a share of all interest and principal payments from an underlying pool of fixed or adjustable rate mortgages. Mortgage pass-through securities include collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO), real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMIC), multi-class pass-through securities, stripped mortgage-backed securities and balloon payment mortgage-backed securities. A CMO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities (MBS) that may be issued or guaranteed by a bank or by US governmental entities. CMOs rely on assumptions about the timing of cash flows on the underlying mortgages, including expected prepayment rates. The primary risk of a CMO is that these assumptions are wrong, which would either shorten or lengthen the bond's maturity. A REMIC is a security issued by a US Government agency or private issuer and secured by real property. REMICs consist of classes of regular interest, some of which may be adjustable rate, and a single class of residual interests. The Portfolio does not intend to invest in residual interests. A multi-class pass-through security is an equity interest in a trust composed of underlying mortgage assets. Payments of principal of and interest on the mortgage assets and any reinvestment income thereon provide funds to pay debt service on the CMO or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through security. An MBS strip may be issued by US governmental entities or by private institutions. MBS strips take the pieces of a debt security (principal and interest) and break them apart. The resulting securities may be sold separately and may perform differently. The Portfolio may also invest in balloon payment mortgage-backed securities, which are amortizing mortgage securities offering payments of principal and interest, the last payment of which is predominantly principal.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES . Asset-backed securities directly or indirectly represent a participation interest in, or are secured by and payable from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets such as motor vehicle or credit card receivables. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations.
Pass-through certificates are asset-backed securities that represent an undivided fractional ownership interest in an underlying pool of assets. Pass-through certificates usually provide for payments of principal and interest to be passed through to their holders, usually after deduction for certain costs and expenses incurred in administering the pool. Because pass-through certificates represent an ownership interest in the underlying assets, the holders thereof bear directly the risk of any defaults by the obligors on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support.
8

Table of Contents
Asset-backed securities issued in the form of debt instruments, also known as collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Such assets are most often trade, credit card or automobile receivables. The assets collateralizing such asset-backed securities are pledged to a trustee or custodian for the benefit of the holders thereof. Such issuers generally hold no assets other than those underlying the asset-backed securities and any credit support provided. As a result, although payments on such asset-backed securities are obligations of the issuers, in the event of defaults on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support, the issuing entities are unlikely to have sufficient assets to satisfy their obligations on the related asset-backed securities.
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS . The Portfolio also may invest in the bonds of corporations. For purposes of this policy, the term “corporations” includes all non-government issuers. Corporate bonds are subject to the risk of the issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer, and general market liquidity. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate bonds can be expected to decline. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate movements than those with shorter maturities.
DERIVATIVE STRATEGIES . The Subadviser may use various derivative strategies to try to improve the Portfolio's investment returns. The Subadviser may also use hedging techniques to try to protect the Portfolio's assets.
JUNK BONDS . The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its investable assets in non-investment grade bonds (also referred to herein as high-yield debt securities or junk bonds).
Other Investments and Strategies of the Portfolio
In addition to the principal strategies, the Subadviser also may use the following investments and strategies to try to increase the Portfolio's returns or protect its assets if market conditions warrant:
ZERO COUPON BONDS, PAY-IN-KIND (PIK) AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES . The Portfolio may invest in zero coupon bonds, pay-in-kind (PIK) or deferred payment securities. Zero coupon bonds do not pay interest during the life of the security. An investor purchases the security at a price that is less than the amount the investor will receive when the borrower repays the amount borrowed (face value). PIK securities pay interest in the form of additional securities. Deferred payment securities pay regular interest after a predetermined date. The Portfolio will record the amount these securities rise in price each year (phantom income) for accounting and federal income tax purposes, but does not receive income currently. Because the Portfolio generally distributes income to its shareholders each year, in certain circumstances, the Portfolio may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous conditions or borrow to generate enough cash to distribute phantom income and the value of the paid-in-kind interest.
SHORT SALES . The Portfolio may make short sales of a security. The Portfolio also may make short sales “against the box.”
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES AND PREFERRED STOCK . The Portfolio may invest in convertible securities, which include preferred stocks and debt securities of a corporation that may be converted into underlying shares of common stock either because they have warrants attached or otherwise permit the holder to buy common stock of the corporation at a set price. Convertible securities provide an income stream (usually lower than non-convertible bonds) and give investors opportunities to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. Convertible securities typically offer greater potential for appreciation than nonconvertible debt securities. The Portfolio will sell common stock received upon conversion.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS . The Portfolio may use repurchase agreements, where a party agrees to sell a security to the Portfolio and then repurchases it at an agreed-upon price at a stated time.
9

Table of Contents
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS . The Portfolio may use reverse repurchase agreements, where the Portfolio sells a security with an obligation to repurchase it at an agreed-upon price and time, which constitutes a borrowing.
DOLLAR ROLLS . The Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls.
BANK LOANS . The Portfolio may invest in bank loans. Bank loans include fixed and floating rate loans that are privately negotiated between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions, including, but not limited to, term loans, revolvers, delayed draw loans, synthetic letters of credit, and other instruments issued in the bank loan market. The Portfolio may acquire interests in loans directly (by way of assignment from the selling institution) or indirectly (by way of the purchase of a participation interest from the selling institution). Under a bank loan assignment, the Portfolio generally will succeed to all the rights and obligations of an assigning lending institution and becomes a lender under the loan agreement with the relevant borrower in connection with that loan. Under a bank loan participation, the Portfolio generally will have a contractual relationship only with the lender, not with the relevant borrower. As a result, the Portfolio generally will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest, and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the relevant borrower.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES . The Portfolio may purchase securities, including money market obligations or other obligations on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS . The Portfolio may invest in money market instruments, including commercial paper of a US or foreign company, foreign government securities, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, time deposits of domestic and foreign banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the US government or its agencies. These obligations may be US dollar-denominated or denominated in a foreign currency.
TRACERS AND TRAINS . Tradable Custodial Receipts or TRACERS represent an interest in a basket of investment grade corporate credits. Targeted Return Index Securities or TRAINS represent an interest in a basket of high yield securities of varying credit quality. Interests in TRACERS and TRAINS provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing individual issues.
YANKEE OBLIGATIONS . The Portfolio may invest up to 50% of its total assets in Yankee obligations. Yankee obligations are US dollar-denominated debt securities of foreign corporations issued in the United States and US dollar-denominated debt securities issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by governments, quasi-governmental entities, government agencies, and other governmental entities of foreign countries and supranational entities, which securities are issued in the United States. Debt securities of quasi-governmental entities are issued by entities owned by either a national, state, or equivalent government or are obligations of a political unit that is not backed by the national government's full faith and credit and general taxing powers.
ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES . The Portfolio follows certain policies when it borrows money (the Portfolio can borrow up to 33 1⁄3% of the value of its total assets); lends its securities to others (the Portfolio can lend up to 33 1⁄3% of the value of its total assets); and holds illiquid securities (the Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, those without a readily available market and repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days). The Subadviser seeks to maintain an adequate level of portfolio liquidity for the Portfolio, based on all relevant facts and circumstances, with consideration given to the Portfolio's exposure to illiquid securities in the event the market value of such securities exceeds 15% of the Portfolio's net assets due to an increase in the aggregate value of its illiquid securities and/or a decline in the aggregate value of its other portfolio securities. The Portfolio is subject to certain other investment restrictions that are fundamental policies, which means they cannot be changed without shareholder approval. For more information about these restrictions, please see the SAI.
10

Table of Contents
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS & STRATEGIES USED BY THE PORTFOLIO
Additional Investments & Strategies
As indicated above, a Portfolio may invest in the following types of securities and/or use the following investment strategies to increase returns or protect Portfolio assets if market conditions warrant.
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) —Certificates representing the right to receive foreign securities that have been deposited with a US bank or a foreign branch of a US bank.
Asset-Backed Securities —An asset-backed security is a type of pass-through instrument that pays interest based upon the cash flow of an underlying pool of assets, such as automobile loans or credit card receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of corporate bonds, including junk bonds, or other securities.
Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs) —A CDO is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of debt obligations, typically including one or more of the following types of investments: high yield securities, investment grade securities, bank loans, futures or swaps. A CDO provides a single security that has the economic characteristics of a diversified portfolio. The cash flows generated by the collateral are used to pay interest and principal to investors.
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs)— A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, as well as loans rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The risks of an investment in a CLO depend largely on the quality of the underlying loans and may be characterized by the Portfolio as illiquid securities.
Convertible Debt and Convertible Preferred Stock —A convertible security is a security—for example, a bond or preferred stock—that may be converted into common stock, the cash value of common stock or some other security of the same or different issuer. The convertible security sets the price, quantity of shares and time period in which it may be so converted. Convertible stock is senior to a company's common stock but is usually subordinated to debt obligations of the company. Convertible securities provide a steady stream of income which is generally at a higher rate than the income on the company's common stock but lower than the rate on the company's debt obligations. At the same time, convertible securities offer—through their conversion mechanism—the chance to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. The price of a convertible security tends to increase and decrease with the market value of the underlying common stock.
Credit Default Swaps —In a credit default swap, a Portfolio and another party agree to exchange payment of the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default on that debt obligation in return for a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided no event of default has occurred. See also “Swaps” defined below.
Credit-Linked Securities —Credit linked securities are securities that are collateralized by one or more credit default swaps on corporate credits. A Portfolio has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the credit-linked security at an agreed-upon interest rate, and a return of principal at the maturity date. See also “Credit Default Swaps” defined above.
Depositary Receipts —A Portfolio may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of Depositary Receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and American Depositary Shares (ADSs) are receipts or shares typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) are receipts issued in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs and ADSs, in registered form, are designed for use in the US securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer
11

Table of Contents
form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Portfolio may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into or for which they may be converted or exchanged.
Derivatives —A derivative is an instrument that derives its price, performance, value, or cash flow from one or more underlying securities or other interests. Derivatives involve costs and can be volatile. With derivatives, the investment adviser tries to predict whether the underlying interest—a security, market index, currency, interest rate or some other benchmark—will go up or down at some future date. A Portfolio may use derivatives to try to reduce risk or to increase return consistent with the Portfolio's overall investment objective. The adviser will consider other factors (such as cost) in deciding whether to employ any particular strategy, or use any particular instrument. Any derivatives used may not fully offset a Portfolio's underlying positions and this could result in losses to the Portfolio that would not otherwise have occurred.
Dollar Rolls —Dollar rolls involve the sale by a Portfolio of a security for delivery in the current month with a promise to repurchase from the buyer a substantially similar—but not necessarily the same—security at a set price and date in the future. During the “roll period,” the Portfolio does not receive any principal or interest on the security. Instead, it is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the price of the future purchase, as well as any interest earned on the cash proceeds from the original sale.
Energy Companies —Companies that are involved in oil or gas exploration, production, refining or marketing, or any combination of the above are greatly affected by the prices and supplies of raw materials such as oil or gas. The earnings and dividends of energy companies can fluctuate significantly as a result of international economics, politics and regulation.
Equity Swaps —In an equity swap, a Portfolio and another party agree to exchange cash flow payments that are based on the performance of equities or an equity index. See also “Swaps” defined below.
Event-Linked Bonds —Event-linked bonds are fixed income securities for which the return of principal and payment of interest is contingent on the non-occurrence of a specific “trigger” event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or weather-related phenomenon. If a trigger event occurs, a Portfolio may lose a portion or all of its principal invested in the bond. Event-linked bonds often provide for an extension of maturity to process and audit loss claims where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. Event-linked bonds may also expose a Portfolio to certain unanticipated risks including credit risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences. Event-linked bonds may also be subject to liquidity risk.
Exchange-Traded Funds —An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional mutual fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and a Portfolio could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs may be subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (i) the market price of an ETF's shares may trade above or below their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained; or (iii) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers'' (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.
Financial Services Companies —Financial services companies are subject to extensive government regulation that may affect their profitability in many ways, including by limiting the amount and types of loans and other commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge. A financial services company’s
12

Table of Contents
profitability, and therefore its stock prices, is especially sensitive to interest rate changes as well as the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. Changing regulations, continuing consolidations, and development of new products and structures all are likely to have a significant impact on financial services companies.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts —A foreign currency forward contract is an obligation to buy or sell a given currency on a future date at a set price. When a Portfolio enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when a Portfolio anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividends or interest payments on a security which it holds, the Portfolio may desire to ”lock-in“ the US dollar price of the security or the US dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for a fixed amount of dollars, for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the Portfolio will be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the US dollar and the foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received. At the maturity of a forward contract, a Portfolio may either sell the security and make delivery of the foreign currency or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an ”offsetting“ contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency.
Futures Contracts —A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a set quantity of an underlying product at a future date, or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index. When a futures contract is entered into, each party deposits with a futures commission merchant (or in a segregated account) approximately 5% of the contract amount. This is known as the ”initial margin.“ Every day during the futures contract, either the buyer or the futures commission merchant will make payments of ”variation margin.“ In other words, if the value of the underlying security, index or interest rate increases, then the buyer will have to add to the margin account so that the account balance equals approximately 5% of the value of the contract on that day. The next day, the value of the underlying security, index or interest rate may decrease, in which case the borrower would receive money from the account equal to the amount by which the account balance exceeds 5% of the value of the contract on that day. A stock index futures contract is an agreement between the buyer and the seller of the contract to transfer an amount of cash equal to the daily variation margin of the contract. No physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is made.
Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) —GDRs are receipts issued by a non-US financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities and are usually denominated in foreign currencies. They may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities they represent. Generally, GDRs are designed for use in the foreign securities markets. Investments in GDRs involve certain risks unique to foreign investments. These risks are set forth in the section entitled “Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk” above.
Healthcare Technology Companies —These companies will be affected by government regulatory requirements, regulatory approval for new drugs and medical products, patent considerations, product liability, and similar matters. In addition, this industry is characterized by competition and rapid technological developments that may make a company’s products or services obsolete in a short period of time.
Illiquid Securities —An illiquid security is one that may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price used to determine a Portfolio's net asset value. Each Portfolio (other than the Government Money Market Portfolio) generally may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The Government Money Market Portfolio may invest up to 5% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Each Portfolio may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined to be liquid pursuant to the procedures of the Portfolios. Those securities are not subject to the 15% and 5% limits. The 15% and 5% limits are applied as of the date the Portfolio purchases an illiquid security. In the event the market value of a Portfolio's illiquid securities exceeds the 15% or 5% limits due to an increase in the aggregate value of its illiquid securities and/or a decline in the aggregate value of its other securities, the Portfolio: (i) will not purchase additional illiquid securities and (ii) will consider taking other appropriate steps to maintain adequate liquidity, including, without limitation, reducing its holdings of illiquid securities in an orderly fashion.
13

Table of Contents
Inflation-Indexed Securities —Inflation-indexed securities have a tendency to react to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates lowered by the anticipated effect of inflation. In general, the price of an inflation-indexed security can decrease when real interest rates increase, and can increase when real interest rates decrease. Interest payments on inflation indexed securities will fluctuate as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation and can be unpredictable. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-protected debt security will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors, such as a Portfolio, do not receive their principal until maturity.
Interest Rate Swaps —In an interest rate swap, a Portfolio and another party agree to exchange interest payments. For example, the Portfolio may wish to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate. See also “Swaps” defined below.
Joint Repurchase Account —In a joint repurchase transaction, uninvested cash balances of various Portfolios are added together and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each of the participating Portfolios receives a portion of the income earned in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.
Loans and Assignments —Loans are privately negotiated between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions. A Portfolio acquires interests in loans directly (by way of assignment from the selling institution) or indirectly (by way of the purchase of a participation interest from the selling institution. Purchasers of loans depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of interest and repayment of principal. If scheduled interest or principal payments are not made, the value of the instrument may be adversely affected. Interests in loans are also subject to additional liquidity risks. Loans are not generally traded in organized exchange markets but are traded by banks and other institutional investors engaged in loan syndications. Consequently, the liquidity of a loan will depend on the liquidity of these trading markets at the time that a Portfolio sells the loan.
In assignments, a Portfolio will have no recourse against the selling institution, and the selling institution generally makes no representations about the underlying loan, the borrowers, the documentation or the collateral. In addition, the rights against the borrower that are acquired by the Portfolio may be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.
Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) —MLP investments may include, but are not limited to: MLPs structured as LPs or LLCs; MLPs that are taxed as “C” corporations; I-Units issued by MLP affiliates; parent companies of MLPs; shares of companies owning MLP general partnership interests and other securities representing indirect beneficial ownership interests in MLP common units; “C” corporations that hold significant interests in MLPs; and other equity and fixed income securities and derivative instruments, including pooled investment vehicles and ETPs, that provide exposure to MLP investments. MLPs generally own and operate assets that are used in the energy sector, including assets used in exploring, developing, producing, generating, transporting (including marine), transmitting, terminal operation, storing, gathering, processing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or electricity, or that provide energy related equipment or services. A Portfolio’s MLP investments may be of any capitalization size.
Mortgage-Related Securities —Mortgage-related securities are usually pass-through instruments that pay investors a share of all interest and principal payments from an underlying pool of fixed or adjustable rate mortgages. The Portfolios may invest in mortgage-related securities issued and guaranteed by the US Government or its agencies and mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae and debt securities issued by Freddie Mac that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The Portfolios may also invest in private mortgage-related securities that are not guaranteed by US Governmental entities but that generally have one or more types of credit enhancement that facilitate the timely receipt of payments and protect against default. The Portfolios may invest in mortgage-related securities that are backed by a pool or pools of loans that are originated and/or serviced by an entity affiliated with the Manager or Subadviser.
14

Table of Contents
Mortgage-related securities include collateralized mortgage obligations, multi-class pass through securities and stripped mortgage-backed securities. A collateralized mortgage-backed obligation (CMO) is a security backed by an underlying portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that may be issued or guaranteed by entities such as banks, US Governmental entities or broker-dealers. A multi-class pass-through security is an equity interest in a trust composed of underlying mortgage assets.
Payments of principal and interest on the mortgage assets and any reinvestment income provide the money to pay debt service on the CMO or to make scheduled distributions on the multi-class pass-through security. A stripped mortgage-backed security (MBS strip) may be issued by US Governmental entities or by private institutions. MBS strips take the pieces of a debt security (principal and interest) and break them apart. The resulting securities may be sold separately and may perform differently. MBS strips are highly sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates.
Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (NVDRs) —NVDRs are listed securities on the Stock Exchange of Thailand through which investors receive the same financial benefits as those who invest directly in a company’s ordinary shares; however, unlike ordinary shareholders, NVDR holders cannot be involved in company decision-making. NVDRs are designed for use in the Thailand securities market. Investments in NVDRs involve certain risks unique to foreign investments. These risks are set forth in the section entitled “Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk” above.
Options —A call option on stock is a short-term contract that gives the option purchaser or “holder” the right to acquire a particular equity security for a specified price at any time during a specified period. For this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a certain amount of money or “premium” which is set before the option contract is entered into. The seller or “writer” of the option is obligated to deliver the particular security if the option purchaser exercises the option. A put option on stock is a similar contract. In a put option, the option purchaser has the right to sell a particular security to the option seller for a specified price at any time during a specified period. In exchange for this right, the option purchaser pays the option seller a premium. Options on debt securities are similar to stock options except that the option holder has the right to acquire or sell a debt security rather than an equity security. Options on stock indexes are similar to options on stocks, except that instead of giving the option holder the right to receive or sell a stock, it gives the holder the right to receive an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index is greater than (in the case of a call) or less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. The amount of cash the holder will receive is determined by multiplying the difference between the index's closing price and the option's exercise price, expressed in dollars, by a specified “multiplier.” Unlike stock options, stock index options are always settled in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the stock market generally (or a particular market segment, depending on the index) rather than the price movement of an individual stock.
Participation Notes (P-Notes) —P-Notes are a type of equity-linked derivative which generally are traded over-the-counter. Even though a P-Note is intended to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities, the performance of a P-Note will not replicate exactly the performance of the issuers or markets that the P-Note seeks to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Investments in P-Notes involve risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. In addition, P-Notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues the P-Notes will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with a Portfolio.
Prepayment —Debt securities are subject to prepayment risk when the issuer can “call” the security, or repay principal, in whole or in part, prior to the security’s maturity. When a Portfolio reinvests the prepayments of principal it receives, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the existing security, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s income, yield and its distributions to shareholders. Securities subject to prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and have greater price volatility. Prepayment risk is greater in periods of falling interest rates.
Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPEs) —A PIPE is an equity security in a private placement that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class. Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted
15

Table of Contents
period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and a Portfolio cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) —A REIT is a company that manages a portfolio of real estate to earn profits for its shareholders. Some REITs acquire equity interests in real estate and then receive income from rents and capital gains when the buildings are sold. Other REITs lend money to real estate developers and receive interest income from the mortgages. Some REITs invest in both types of interests.
Repurchase Agreements —In a repurchase transaction, a Portfolio agrees to purchase certain securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the same securities at an agreed upon price on a specified date. This creates a fixed return for the Portfolio.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements —In a reverse repurchase transaction, a Portfolio sells a security it owns and agrees to buy it back at a set price and date. During the period the security is held by the other party, the Portfolio may continue to receive principal and interest payments on the security.
Short Sales —In a short sale, a Portfolio sells a security it does not own to take advantage of an anticipated decline in the stock's price. A Portfolio borrows the stock for delivery and if it can buy the stock later at a lower price, a profit results. A Portfolio that sells a security short in effect borrows and then sells the security with the expectation that it will later repurchase the security at a lower price and then return the amount borrowed with interest. In contrast, when a Portfolio buys a security long, it purchases the security with cash with the expectation that it later will sell the security at a higher price. A Portfolio that enters into short sales exposes the Portfolio to the risk that it will be required to buy the security sold short (also known as “covering” the short position) at a time when the security has appreciated in value, thus resulting in a loss to the Portfolio. Theoretically, the amount of these losses can be unlimited. Although a Portfolio may try to reduce risk by holding both long and short positions at the same time, it is possible that the Portfolio's securities held long will decline in value at the same time that the value of the Portfolio's securities sold short increases, thereby increasing the potential for loss.
Short Sales Against-the-Box —A short sale against the box involves selling a security that a Portfolio owns, or has the right to obtain without additional costs, for delivery at a specified date in the future. A Portfolio may make a short sale against the box to hedge against anticipated declines in the market price of a portfolio security. If the value of the security sold short increases instead, the Portfolio loses the opportunity to participate in the gain.
Swap Options —A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a swap agreement or to shorten, extend cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement at some designated future time on specified terms. See also “Options” defined above.
Swaps —Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Credit Default Swaps, Equity Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps and Total Return Swaps are four types of swap agreements.
Temporary Defensive Investments —In response to adverse market, economic, or political conditions, a Portfolio may take a temporary defensive position and invest up to 100% of the Portfolio’s assets in money market instruments, including short-term obligations of, or securities guaranteed by, the US Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or in high-quality obligations of banks and corporations, repurchase agreements, or hold up to 100% of the Portfolio’s assets in cash, cash equivalents or shares of affiliated short-term bond funds and/or affiliated or unaffiliated
16

Table of Contents
money market funds. Investing heavily in these securities will limit the subadviser’s ability to achieve a Portfolio’s investment objectives, but can help to preserve the Portfolio’s assets during adverse economic environments. The use of temporary defensive investments may be inconsistent with a Portfolio’s investment objectives.
Total Return Swaps —In a total return swap, payment (or receipt) of an index's total return is exchanged for the receipt (or payment) of a floating interest rate. See also “Swaps” defined above.
Unrated Debt Securities —Unrated debt securities determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality to rated securities which a Portfolio may purchase may pay a higher interest rate than such rated debt securities and be subject to a greater risk of illiquidity or price changes. Less public information is typically available about unrated securities or issuers.
Utilities Industry —Utility company equity securities, which are generally purchased for their dividend yield, historically have been sensitive to interest rate movements: when interest rates have risen, the stock prices of these companies have tended to fall. In some states, utility companies and their rates are regulated; other states have moved to deregulate such companies thereby causing non-regulated companies’ returns to generally be more volatile and more sensitive to changes in revenue and earnings. Certain utilities companies face risks associated with the operation of nuclear facilities for electric generation, including, among other considerations, litigation, the problems associated with the use of radioactive materials and the effects of natural or man-made disasters. In general, all utility companies may face additional regulation and litigation regarding their power plant operations; increased costs from new or greater regulation of these operations; the need to purchase expensive emissions control equipment or new operations due to regulations, and the availability and cost of fuel, all of which may lower their earnings.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities —With when-issued or delayed delivery securities, the delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the transaction. A Portfolio will make commitments for when-issued transactions only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities. A Portfolio's custodian will maintain in a segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than such commitments. If a Portfolio chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition, it could, as with the disposition of any other security, incur a gain or loss.
17

Table of Contents
PRINCIPAL RISKS
The risks identified below are the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio. The Summary lists the principal risks applicable to the Portfolio. This section provides more detailed information about each risk.
All investments have risks to some degree and it is possible that you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. While the Portfolio makes every effort to achieve its objective, the Portfolio cannot guarantee success.
Asset-Backed and/or Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk . Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities that represent an interest in an underlying pool of assets, such as credit card receivables or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, mortgage loans on residential and/or commercial real estate. Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk, which are further described under Fixed Income Securities Risk.
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities may also be subject to prepayment and extension risks. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may repay principal on mortgages or other loan obligations underlying a security more quickly than anticipated, which may require a Portfolio to reinvest the repayment proceeds in securities that pay lower interest rates (prepayment risk). In a period of rising interest rates, prepayments may occur at a slower rate than expected, which may prevent a Portfolio from reinvesting repayment proceeds in securities that pay higher interest rates (extension risk). The more a Portfolio invests in longer-term securities, the more likely it will be affected by changes in interest rates, which may result in lower than anticipated yield-to-maturity and expected returns as well as reduced market value of such securities.
The risks associated with investments in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, particularly credit risk, are heightened in connection with investments in loans to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. Some mortgage-backed securities receive government or private support, but there is no assurance that such support will remain in place.
Mortgage-backed securities are a specific type of asset-backed security—one backed by mortgage loans on residential and/or commercial real estate. Therefore, they also have risks related to real estate, including significant sensitivity to changes in real estate prices and interest rates and, in the case of commercial mortgages, office and factory occupancy rates. Moreover, securities backed by mortgages issued by private, non-government issuers may experience higher rates of default on the underlying mortgages than government issued mortgages because private issuer mortgage loans often do not meet the underwriting standards of government-issued mortgages. Private issuer mortgage-backed securities may include loans on commercial or residential properties.
A Portfolio may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the US government or its agencies and instrumentalities, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Unlike Ginnie Mae securities, securities issued or guaranteed by US government-related organizations such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US government, and no assurance can be given that the US government would provide financial support to such securities.
Asset Transfer Program Risk. The Portfolios may be used in connection with certain benefit programs under the Contracts. In order for the Participating Insurance Companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these benefit programs, the Participating Insurance Companies generally require Contract owners to participate in certain specialized asset transfer programs under which the Participating Insurance Companies will monitor each Contract owner’s account value and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts among investment options. The transfers are based on pre-determined, non-discretionary mathematical formulas which generally focus on the amounts guaranteed at specific future dates or the present value of the estimated lifetime payments to be made.
18

Table of Contents
As an example of how the asset transfer formulas operate under certain market environments, a downturn in the equity markets (i.e., a reduction in a Contract owner’s account value within the selected investment options) and certain market return scenarios involving “flat” returns over a period of time may cause the Participating Insurance Companies to transfer some or all of such Contract owner’s account value to a fixed income investment option. In general terms, such transfers are designed to ensure that an appropriate percentage of the projected guaranteed amounts are supported by fixed income investments. The formulas may also trigger transfers from a fixed income investment option back to selected equity and asset allocation options. Under some benefits using bond investment options with specific maturities, the transfer formulas may transfer account value among bond investment options with differing maturities based on guarantee calculations, not necessarily market movements. For more information on the benefit programs and asset transfer formulas, please see your Contract prospectus.
These formulas may result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the Portfolios, which, in certain instances, could adversely affect the Portfolios, including their risk profiles, expenses and performance. For example, the asset flows may adversely affect performance by requiring a Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at inopportune times, by otherwise limiting a subadviser’s ability to fully implement a Portfolio’s investment strategies, or by requiring a Portfolio to hold a larger portion of its assets in highly liquid securities than it otherwise would hold. The asset flows may cause high turnover, which can result in transaction costs. The asset flows may also result in low asset levels and high operating expense ratios for a Portfolio. The asset flows could remove all or substantially all of the assets of the Portfolio. The efficient operation of the asset flows depends on active and liquid markets. If market liquidity is strained, the assets flows may not operate as intended. For example, it is possible that illiquid markets or other market stress could cause delays in the transfer of cash from one Portfolio to another Portfolio, which in turn could adversely affect performance.
Derivatives Risk . A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of one or more underlying investments, such as an asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies, and currency exchange rates. Derivatives in which the Portfolios may invest include exchange-traded instruments as well as privately negotiated instruments, also called over-the-counter instruments. Examples of derivatives include options, futures, forward agreements, interest rate swap agreements, credit default swap agreements, and credit-linked securities. A Portfolio may, but is not required to, use derivatives to earn income or enhance returns, manage or adjust its risk profile, replace more traditional direct investments, or obtain exposure to certain markets. The use of derivatives to seek to earn income or enhance returns may be considered speculative.
The use of derivatives involves a variety of risks and costs that are different from, or possibly greater than, investing directly in traditional equity and debt securities, including:
Counterparty credit risk . There is a risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to a Portfolio. This risk is especially important in the context of privately negotiated instruments. For example, a Portfolio would be exposed to counterparty credit risk to the extent it enters into a credit default swap, that is, it purchases protection against a default by a debt issuer, and the swap counterparty does not maintain adequate reserves to cover such a default.
Leverage risk . Certain derivatives and related trading strategies create debt obligations similar to borrowings, and therefore create, leverage. Leverage can result in losses to a Portfolio that exceed the amount the Portfolio originally invested. To mitigate leverage risk, a Portfolio will segregate liquid assets or otherwise cover the transactions that may give rise to such risk. The use of leverage may cause a Portfolio to liquidate Portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation or coverage requirements.
Liquidity and valuation risk . Certain exchange-traded derivatives may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time that the seller would like, or at the price that the seller believes the derivative is currently worth. Privately negotiated instruments may be difficult to terminate, and from time to time, a Portfolio may find it difficult to enter into a transaction that would offset the losses incurred by another derivative that it holds. Derivatives, and especially privately negotiated instruments, also involve the risk of incorrect valuation (that is, the value assigned to the derivative may not always reflect its risks or potential rewards).
Hedging risk . Hedging is a strategy in which a Portfolio uses a derivative to offset the risks associated with its other portfolio holdings. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or magnify losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by the Portfolio. Hedging also involves the
19

Table of Contents
  risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match the value of the holdings being hedged, to the extent expected by the Portfolio, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced and in fact may be increased. No assurance can be given that any hedging strategy will reduce risk or that hedging transactions will be either available or cost effective. A Portfolio is not required to use hedging and may choose not to do so.
Commodity risk . A commodity-linked derivative instrument is a financial instrument, the value of which is determined by the value of one or more commodities, such as precious metals and agricultural products, or an index of various commodities. The prices of these instruments historically have been affected by, among other things, overall market movements or fluctuations, such as demand, supply disruptions and speculation, and changes in interest and exchange rates. Commodity-linked derivative instruments may be more volatile than investments in traditional equity and debt securities.
The SEC has proposed a new rule related to the use derivatives for registered investment companies which, if adopted by the SEC as proposed, may limit the Portfolio’s ability to engage in transactions that involve potential future payment obligations (including derivatives such as forwards, futures, swaps and written options) and may limit the ability of the Portfolio to invest in accordance with its stated investment strategy.
Expense Risk . Your actual cost of investing in the Portfolio may be higher than the expenses shown in “Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses” for a variety of reasons. For example, portfolio operating expense ratios may be higher than those shown if the Portfolio’s average net assets decrease, fee waivers or expense limitations change, or the Portfolio incurs more expenses than expected.
Fixed Income Securities Risk . Investment in fixed income securities involves a variety of risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk.
Credit risk . Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or guarantor of a security will be unable to pay principal and interest when due, or that the value of the security will suffer because investors believe the issuer is less able to make required principal and interest payments. Credit ratings are intended to provide a measure of credit risk. However, credit ratings are only the opinions of the credit rating agency issuing the ratings and are not guarantees as to quality. The lower the rating of a debt security held by the Portfolio, the greater the degree of credit risk that is perceived to exist by the credit rating agency with respect to that security. Increasing the amount of Portfolio assets allocated lower-rated securities generally will increase the credit risk to which the Portfolio is subject. Information on the ratings issued to debt securities by certain credit rating agencies is included in Appendix I to the Statement of Additional Information (SAI). Not all securities are rated. In the event that the relevant credit rating agencies assign different ratings to the same security, the Portfolio’s subadviser may determine which rating it believes best reflects the security’s quality and risk at that time. Some but not all US government securities are insured or guaranteed by the US government, while others are only insured or guaranteed by the issuing agency, which must rely on its own resources to repay the debt. Although credit risk may be lower for US government securities than for other investment-grade securities, the return may be lower.
Liquidity risk . Liquidity risk is the risk that the Portfolio may not be able to sell some or all of the securities it holds, either at the price it values the security or at any price. Liquidity risk also includes the risk that there may be delays in selling a security, if it can be sold at all. A rise in interest rates may result in periods of volatility and increased redemptions, which may cause the Portfolio to have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices and times, which could reduce the returns of the Portfolio. The reduction in dealer market-making capacity in the fixed income markets that has occurred in recent years also has the potential to decrease liquidity.
Interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of an investment may go down in value when interest rates rise. The prices of fixed income securities generally move in the opposite direction to that of market interest rates. The Portfolio may be subject to a heightened risk of rising interest rates because interest rates in the US are at, or near, historic lows. Volatility in interest rates and in fixed income markets may increase the risk that the Portfolio’s investment in fixed income securities will go down in value. A wide variety of factors can cause interest rates to rise, including central bank monetary policies and inflation rates. Generally, the longer the maturity of a fixed income security, the greater is the decline in its value when rates increase. As a result, portfolios with longer durations and longer weighted average maturities generally have more volatile share prices than portfolios with shorter durations and shorter weighted average maturities. Certain securities acquired by the Portfolio may pay interest at a variable rate or the principal amount of the security periodically adjusts according
20

Table of Contents
  to the rate of inflation or other measure. In either case, the interest rate at issuance is generally lower than the fixed interest rate of bonds of similar seniority from the same issuer; however, variable interest rate securities generally are subject to a lower risk that their value will decrease during periods of increasing interest rates and increasing inflation. Decreases in interest rates create the potential for a decrease in income earned by the Portfolio.
High-Yield Risk . Investments in high-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “high yield securities” or “junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit and liquidity risk than investments in investment grade securities. High-yield securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for high-yield securities and reduce a Portfolio’s ability to sell its high-yield securities. In addition, the market for lower-rated bonds may be thinner and less active than the market for higher-rated bonds, and the prices of lower-rated bonds may fluctuate more than the prices of higher-rated bonds, particularly in times of market stress.
Liquidity and Valuation Risk . From time to time, a Portfolio may hold one or more securities for which there are no or few buyers and sellers or the securities are subject to limitations on transfer. In those cases, a Portfolio may have difficulty determining the values of those securities for the purpose of determining a Portfolio’s net asset value. A Portfolio also may have difficulty disposing of those securities at the values determined by the Portfolio for the purpose of determining the Portfolio’s net asset value, especially during periods of significant net redemptions of Portfolio shares. For example, private equity investments and private real estate-related investments are generally considered illiquid and generally cannot be readily sold. As a result, private real estate-related investments owned by a Portfolio may be valued at fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Portfolio’s Board of Trustees. No assurance can be given that the fair value prices accurately reflect the price a Portfolio would receive upon the sale of the investment.
Portfolios with principal investment strategies that involve foreign securities, private placement investments, derivatives or securities with substantial market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity and valuation risk.
Market and Management Risk . Market risk is the risk that the markets in which the Portfolio invests will experience market volatility and go down in value, including the possibility that a market will go down sharply and unpredictably. All markets go through cycles, and market risk involves being on the wrong side of a cycle. Factors affecting market risk include political events, broad economic and social changes, and the mood of the investing public. If investor sentiment turns negative, the price of all securities may decline. Management risk is the risk that the investment strategy or PI or the subadviser will not work as intended. All decisions by PI or the subadviser require judgment and are based on imperfect information. In addition, if the Portfolio is managed using an investment model it is subject to the risk that the investment model may not perform as expected.
Recent Events Risk . The ongoing financial and debt crises have caused increased volatility and significant declines in the value and liquidity of many securities in US and foreign financial markets. This environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult. These market conditions may continue or get worse. In response to these crises, the US and other governments, and their agencies and instrumentalities such as the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks, have taken steps to support financial markets. The reduction or withdrawal of these measures could negatively affect the overall economy and/or the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, the impact of legislation enacted in the United States calling for reform of many aspects of financial regulation, and the corresponding regulatory changes on the markets and the practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time.
Regulatory Risk . The Portfolio is subject to a variety of laws and regulations which govern its operations. The Portfolio is subject to regulation by the SEC. Similarly, the businesses and other issuers of the securities and other instruments in which the Portfolio invests are also subject to considerable regulation. These laws and regulations are subject to change. A change in laws and regulations may materially impact the Portfolio, a security, business, sector or market.
21

Table of Contents
For example, a change in laws or regulations made by the government or a regulatory body may impact the ability of the Portfolio to achieve its investment objective, or may impact the Portfolio’s investment policies and/or strategies, or may reduce the attractiveness of an investment.
US Government Securities Risk . US Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the US Government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and US Government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government. For example, securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Banks are neither insured nor guaranteed by the US Government. These securities may be supported by the ability to borrow from the US Treasury or only by the credit of the issuing agency, authority, instrumentality or enterprise and, as a result, are subject to greater credit risk than securities issued or guaranteed by the US Treasury.
22

Table of Contents
HOW THE TRUST IS MANAGED
Board of Trustees
The Board oversees the actions of the investment manager and the Subadviser, and decides on general policies. The Board also oversees the Trust's officers who conduct and supervise the daily business operations of the Trust.
Investment Manager
PI , 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey, serves as the investment manager (the Manager) of the Portfolio. PI and ASTIS serve as co-investment managers for each of the other portfolios of the Trust not covered by this prospectus, except for the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio, AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio, AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio, AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio, AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio, AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio, AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio, AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio, AST Bond Portfolio 2026, AST Bond Portfolio 2027, AST AB Global Bond Portfolio, AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio, AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio, AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio, AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio, AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio, AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio and the AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio for which PI serves as the sole investment manager.
ASTIS has been in the business of providing advisory services since 1992. PI has been in the business of providing advisory services since 1996.
PI has registered with the National Futures Association (NFA) as a “commodity pool operator” under the Commodities Exchange Act (CEA) with respect to the AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio, the AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio, the AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio, the AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio, the AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio, the AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio, the AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio and the AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio.
The Trust's Investment Management Agreement with the Manager on behalf of the Portfolio (the Management Agreement), provides that the Manager will furnish the Portfolio with investment advice and administrative services subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the applicable Portfolio. The Manager must also provide, or obtain and supervise, the executive, administrative, accounting, custody, transfer agent and shareholder servicing services that are deemed advisable by the Board.
The Manager has engaged the Subadviser to conduct the investment programs of the Portfolio, including the purchase, retention and sale of portfolio securities and other financial instruments. The Manager is responsible for monitoring the activities of the Subadviser and reporting on such activities to the Board. The Trust has obtained an exemption from the SEC that permits the Manager, subject to approval by the Board, to change subadvisers for the Portfolio by entering into new subadvisory agreements with affiliated and non-affiliated subadvisers, without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes. This exemption (which is similar to exemptions granted to other investment companies that are organized in a manner similar to the Trust) is intended to facilitate the efficient supervision and management of the Subadviser by the Manager and the Board. PI also participates in the day-to-day management of the Portfolio, as noted both in the Summary section for the Portfolio earlier in this Prospectus and the “Portfolio Managers” section later in this Prospectus.
Once available, a discussion regarding the basis for the Board's initial approval of the Management Agreement and subadvisory agreement will be available in the Trust's semi-annual report for the period ended June 30, 2017.
Legal Proceedings. On October 30, 2015, a lawsuit was filed against Prudential Investments LLC (“Defendant”) in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland bearing the caption North Valley GI Medical Group, et al. v. Prudential Investments LLC , No. 1:15-cv-03268, by North Valley GI Medical Group and certain other purported
23

Table of Contents
shareholders on behalf of six Prudential retail mutual funds: Prudential Jennison Growth Fund, Prudential Jennison Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Real Estate Fund, Prudential Jennison Equity Income Fund, Prudential Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., and Prudential Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (collectively, the “Named Funds”). None of the Named Funds is a party to the lawsuit. Plaintiffs allege that Defendant violated Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) by receiving allegedly excessive investment advisory fees from each Named Fund and seek, among other things, a declaration that Defendant has violated Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, rescission of the investment advisory agreements between Defendant and the Named Funds, an award of compensatory damages, including repayment to each Named Fund of all allegedly excessive investment advisory fees paid by such Fund from one year prior to the filing of the lawsuit through the date of trial of the action, plus purported lost investment returns on those amounts and interest thereon, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Defendant believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.
24

Table of Contents
Investment Subadvisers
The Portfolio’s Subadviser provides the day-to-day investment management of the Portfolio. PI also participates in the day-to-day management of the Portfolio, as noted in the “Portfolio Managers” section later in this Prospectus. The Manager pays the Subadviser a subadvisory fee out of the fee that the Manager receives from the Trust. The Subadviser for the Portfolio of the Trust is described below:
PGIM, Inc. (PGIM, formerly Prudential Investment Management, Inc.) is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. that was organized in 1984 and was registered with the SEC as an investment adviser in December 1984. Its address is 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. As of September 30, 2016, PGIM managed approximately $1.09 trillion in assets.
PGIM Fixed Income (formerly Prudential Fixed Income) is the primary public fixed-income asset management unit of PGIM, with $681 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2016, and is the unit of PGIM that provides investment advisory services to the Portfolio.
PGIM Fixed Income is organized into groups specializing in different sectors of the fixed-income market: US and non-US government bonds, mortgages and asset-backed securities, US and non-US investment grade corporate bonds, high-yield bonds, emerging markets bonds, municipal bonds, and money market securities.
25

Table of Contents
Portfolio Managers
Information about the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio is set forth below. In addition to the information set forth below, the Portfolio's SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager's compensation, other accounts managed by each portfolio manager, and each portfolio manager's ownership of shares of the Trust's Portfolio.
Richard Piccirillo, Malcolm Dalrymple, Erik Schiller and David Del Vecchio are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio.
Richard Piccirillo is a Managing Director and senior portfolio manager for PGIM Fixed Income’s Core, Long Government/Credit, Core Plus, Absolute Return, and other multi-sector Fixed Income strategies. Mr. Piccirillo has specialized in mortgage-and asset- backed securities since joining the Firm in 1993. Before joining the Firm, Mr. Piccirillo was a fixed income analyst with Fischer Francis Trees & Watts. Mr. Piccirillo started his career as a financial analyst at Smith Barney. He received a BBA in Finance from George Washington University and an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University.
Malcolm Dalrymple is Principal and corporate bond portfolio manager for the Investment Grade Corporate Team and is responsible for intermediate and short corporate strategies as well as corporate security selection in intermediate multi-sector, Core, and Core Plus portfolios. He has specialized in corporate bonds since 1990. From 1983 to 1990, Mr. Dalrymple was a money markets portfolio manager. He joined the Firm in 1979 as a securities lending trader and a bank analyst. Mr. Dalrymple received a BS in Finance from the University of Delaware and an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University.
Erik Schiller, CFA, is a Managing Director and Head of Developed Market Interest Rates for PGIM Fixed Income's Multi-Sector and Liquidity Team, specializing in government securities, futures, interest rate swaps/derivatives, and agency debentures. Mr. Schiller holds a senior portfolio management role, where he develops portfolio strategy, performs quantitative analysis, and designs and implements risk positions within the liquidity relative value strategy portfolios, multi-sector fixed income portfolios, liability-driven portfolios, and government securities focused mutual funds. He has held this role since 2006. Formerly, Mr. Schiller was a Vice President for PGIM Fixed Income's U.S. Liquidity Sector Team, and previously a hedge fund analyst within the Portfolio Analysis Group. Mr. Schiller joined the Firm in 2000 as an operations associate in the mortgage-backed securities group. He received a BA with high honors in Economics from Hobart College and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
David Del Vecchio is a Principal and portfolio manager for PGIM Fixed Income’s Investment Grade Corporate Bond Team. Mr. Del Vecchio’s responsibilities include intermediate and short corporate strategies as well as corporate security selection in intermediate and short multi-sector strategies. Prior to his current role, Mr. Del Vecchio was a taxable money markets portfolio manager for the Money Markets Group, responsible for managing proprietary fixed income accounts, as well as the securities lending portfolios. Prior to joining the Money Markets Group in 2000, he was responsible for the lending/repurchase agreements of US government, agency, and STRIP securities in PGIM Fixed Income’s Securities Lending Group. Mr. Del Vecchio joined the Firm in 1995. He received a BS in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from The College of New Jersey, and an MBA in Finance from New York University.
26

Table of Contents
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES OF THE PORTFOLIO
Purchasing and Redeeming PORTFOLIO Shares
The way to invest in is through certain variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts. Together with this prospectus, you should have received a prospectus for such a Contract. You should refer to that prospectus for further information on investing in the Portfolio.
Shares are redeemed for cash within seven days of receipt of a proper notice of redemption or sooner if required by law. There is no redemption charge. We may suspend the right to redeem shares or receive payment when the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is closed (other than weekends or holidays), when trading on the NYSE is restricted, or as permitted by the SEC.
Redemption in Kind
The Trust may pay the redemption price to shareholders of record (generally, the insurance company separate accounts holding Trust shares) in whole or in part by a distribution in-kind of securities from the relevant investment portfolio of the Trust, in lieu of cash, in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC and procedures adopted by the Board. Securities will be readily marketable and will be valued in the same manner as in a regular redemption.
If shares are redeemed in kind, the recipient will incur transaction costs in converting such assets into cash. These procedures govern the redemption by the shareholder of record, generally an insurance company separate account. The procedures do not affect payments by an insurance company to a contract owner under a variable contract.
Frequent Purchases or Redemptions of Portfolio Shares
The Trust is part of the group of investment companies advised by PI that seeks to prevent patterns of frequent purchases and redemptions of shares by its investors (the PI funds). Frequent purchases and redemptions may adversely affect the investment performance and interests of long-term investors in the Portfolios. When an investor engages in frequent or short-term trading, the PI funds may have to sell portfolio securities to have the cash necessary to pay the redemption amounts. This may cause the PI funds to sell Portfolio securities at inopportune times, hurting their investment performance. When large dollar amounts are involved, frequent trading can also make it difficult for the PI funds to use long-term investment strategies because they cannot predict how much cash they will have to invest. In addition, if a PI fund is forced to liquidate investments due to short-term trading activity, it may incur increased transaction and tax costs.
Similarly, the PI funds may bear increased administrative costs as a result of the asset level and investment volatility that accompanies patterns of short-term trading. Moreover, frequent or short-term trading by certain investors may cause dilution in the value of PI fund shares held by other investors. To the extent a Portfolio invests in foreign securities, a Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to frequent trading, because time zone differences among international stock markets can allow an investor engaging in short-term trading to exploit fund share prices that may be based on closing prices of foreign securities established some time before the fund calculates its own share price. To the extent a Portfolio invests in certain fixed income securities, such as high-yield bonds or certain asset-backed securities, a Portfolio may also constitute effective vehicle for an investor’s frequent trading strategies.
The Boards of Directors/Trustees of the PI funds, including the Trust, have adopted policies and procedures designed to discourage or prevent frequent trading by investors. The policies and procedures for the Trust are limited, however, because the Trust does not directly sell its shares directly to the public. Instead, Portfolio shares are sold only to insurance company separate accounts that fund variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Therefore, Participating Insurance Companies, not the Trust, maintain the individual contract owner account records. Each Participating Insurance Company submits to the Trust's transfer agent daily aggregate orders combining the transactions of many contract owners. Therefore, the Trust and its transfer agent do not monitor trading by individual contract owners.
27

Table of Contents
Under the Trust's policies and procedures, the Trust has notified each Participating Insurance Company that the Trust expects the insurance company to impose restrictions on transfers by contract owners. The current Participating Insurance Companies are Prudential and two insurance companies not affiliated with Prudential. The Trust may add additional Participating Insurance Companies in the future. The Trust receives reports on the trading restrictions imposed by Prudential on variable contract owners investing in the Portfolios, and the Trust monitors the aggregate cash flows received from unaffiliated insurance companies. In addition, the Trust has entered shareholder information agreements with Participating Insurance Companies as required by Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act. Under these agreements, the Participating Insurance Companies have agreed to: (i) provide certain information regarding contract owners who engage in transactions involving Portfolio shares and (ii) execute any instructions from the Trust to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Portfolio shares by contract owners who have been identified by the Trust as having engaged in transactions in Portfolio shares that violate the Trust's frequent trading policies and procedures. The Trust and its transfer agent also reserve the right to reject all or a portion of a purchase order from a Participating Insurance Company. If a purchase order is rejected, the purchase amount will be returned to the insurance company.
The Trust also employs fair value pricing procedures to deter frequent trading. Those procedures are described in more detail under “Net Asset Value,” below.
The AST Bond Portfolio 2028 may be used in connection with certain living benefit programs, including, without limitation, certain “guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit” programs and certain “guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit” programs. In order for the Participating Insurance Companies to manage the guarantees offered in connection with these benefit programs, the Participating Insurance Companies generally: (i) limit the number and types of variable sub-accounts in which contract holders may allocate their account values (referred to in this Prospectus as the Permitted Sub-Accounts) and (ii) require contract holders to participate in certain specialized asset transfer programs. Under these asset transfer programs, the Participating Insurance Companies will monitor each contract owner's account value from time to time and, if necessary, will systematically transfer amounts among the Permitted Sub-Accounts as dictated by certain non-discretionary mathematical formulas. These mathematical formulas will generally focus on the amounts guaranteed at specific future dates or the present value of the estimated lifetime payments to be made, as applicable.
As an example of how these asset transfer programs will operate under certain market environments, a downturn in the equity markets (i.e., a reduction in a contract holder's account value within the Permitted Sub-Accounts) and certain market return scenarios involving “flat” returns over a period of time may cause Participating Insurance Companies to transfer some or all of such contract owner's account value to the AST Bond Portfolio 2028. In general terms, such transfers are designed to ensure that an appropriate percentage of the projected guaranteed amounts are offset by assets in investments like the AST Bond Portfolio 2028.
The above-referenced asset transfer programs are an important part of the guarantees offered in connection with the applicable living benefit programs. Such asset transfers may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the AST Bond Portfolio 2028. Such asset transfers could adversely affect the AST Bond Portfolio 2028’s investment performance by requiring the investment adviser or Subadviser to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times and by otherwise limiting the ability of the investment adviser or Subadviser to fully implement the AST Bond Portfolio 2028’s investment strategies. In addition, these asset transfers may result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high transaction costs and operating expense ratios for AST Bond Portfolio 2028 compared to other similar funds.
Investors seeking to engage in frequent trading activities may use a variety of strategies to avoid detection and, despite the efforts of the Trust and the Participating Insurance Companies to prevent such trading, there is no guarantee that the Trust or the Participating Insurance Companies will be able to identify these investors or curtail their trading practices. Therefore, some Trust investors may be able to engage in frequent trading, and, if they do, the other Trust investors would bear any harm caused by that frequent trading. The Trust does not have any arrangements intended to permit trading in contravention of the policies described above.
28

Table of Contents
For information about the trading limitations applicable to you, please see the prospectus for your contract or contact your insurance company.
Net Asset Value
Any purchase or sale of Portfolio shares is made at the net asset value, or NAV, of such shares. The price at which a purchase or redemption is made is based on the next calculation of the NAV after the order is received in good order. The NAV of each share class of each Portfolio is determined on each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of the exchange's regular trading session (which is generally 4:00 p.m. New York time). The NYSE is closed on most national holidays and Good Friday. The Trust does not price, and shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem, the Trust's shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary markets for the Trust's foreign securities are open, even though the value of these securities may have changed. Conversely, the Trust will ordinarily price its shares, and shareholders may purchase and redeem shares, on days that the NYSE is open but foreign securities markets are closed.
The securities held by each of the Trust's portfolios are valued based upon market quotations or, if not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board. The Trust may use fair value pricing if it determines that a market quotation is not reliable based, among other things, on market conditions that occur after the quotation is derived or after the closing of the primary market on which the security is traded, but before the time that the NAV is determined. This use of fair value pricing commonly occurs with securities that are primarily traded outside of the US, because such securities present time-zone arbitrage opportunities when events or conditions affecting the prices of specific securities or the prices of securities traded in such markets generally occur after the close of the foreign markets but prior to the time that a Portfolio determines its NAV.
The Trust may also use fair value pricing with respect to US traded securities if, for example, trading in a particular security is halted and does not resume before a Portfolio calculates its NAV or the exchange on which a security is traded closes early. In addition, fair value pricing is used for securities where the pricing agent or principal market maker does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of PI (or Subadviser) does not represent fair value. Different valuation methods may result in differing values for the same security. The fair value of a portfolio security that a Portfolio uses to determine its NAV may differ from the security's published or quoted price. If a Portfolio needs to implement fair value pricing after the NAV publishing deadline but before shares of the Portfolio are processed, the NAV you receive or pay may differ from the published NAV price. For purposes of computing the Trust's NAV, we will value the Trust's futures contracts 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Except when we fair value securities, we normally value each foreign security held by the Trust as of the close of the security's primary market.
Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for a Portfolio's securities and its NAV that are reasonable in light of the circumstances which make or have made market quotations unavailable or unreliable, and to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance, however, that fair value pricing will more accurately reflect the market value of a security than the market price of such security on that day or that it will prevent dilution of a Portfolio's NAV by short-term traders.
The NAV for each of the Portfolios is determined by a simple calculation. It's the total value of a Portfolio (assets minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding. Each business day, each Portfolio’s current NAV per share is transmitted electronically to insurance companies that use the Portfolios as underlying investment options for Contracts.
To determine a Portfolio's NAV, its holdings are valued as follows:
Equity Securities for which the primary market is on an exchange (whether domestic or foreign) shall be valued at the last sale price on such exchange or market on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities included within the NASDAQ market shall be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (NOCP) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP issued, at the last sale price on such day. Securities
29

Table of Contents
included within the NASDAQ market for which there is no NOCP and no last sale price on the day of valuation shall be valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Equity securities that are not sold on an exchange or NASDAQ are generally valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker.
A Portfolio may own securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Portfolios do not price their shares. Therefore, the value of a Portfolio's assets may change on days when shareholders cannot purchase or redeem Portfolio shares.
Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at cost with interest accrued or discount amortized to the date of maturity, unless such valuation, in the judgment of PI or a Subadviser, does not represent fair value.
Convertible debt securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed convertible debt securities for which the primary market is believed by PI and a Subadviser, as available, to be over-the-counter, shall be valued on the day of valuation at an evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing agent or, in the absence of a valuation provided by an independent pricing agent, at the bid price provided by a principal market maker or primary market dealer.
Other debt securities —those that are not valued on an amortized cost basis—are valued using an independent pricing service.
Options on stock and stock indexes that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no such sale on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange.
Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are valued at the last sale price at the close of the commodities exchange or board of trade on which they are traded. If there has been no sale that day, the securities will be valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on that exchange or board of trade.
Forward currency exchange contracts are valued at the cost of covering or offsetting such contracts calculated on the day of valuation. Securities which are valued in accordance herewith in a currency other than US dollars shall be converted to US dollar equivalents at a rate obtained from a recognized bank, dealer or independent service on the day of valuation.
Over-the-counter (OTC) options are valued at the mean between bid and asked prices provided by a dealer (which may be the counterparty). A subadviser will monitor the market prices of the securities underlying the OTC options with a view to determining the necessity of obtaining additional bid and ask quotations from other dealers to assess the validity of the prices received from the primary pricing dealer.
All short-term debt securities held by the Portfolios, including bonds, notes, debentures and other debt securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks, with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).
Distributor & DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
The Trust offers a single class of shares on behalf of the Portfolio. Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (PAD) serves as the distributor for the shares of the Portfolio. Each class of shares is offered and redeemed at its net asset value without any sales load. PAD is an affiliate of PI and ASTIS. PAD is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
30

Table of Contents
The Trust has adopted a Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the 12b-1 Plan) for the shares of the Portfolio. Under the 12b-1Plan, the shares the Portfolio are charged an annual fee to compensate PAD and its affiliates for providing various administrative and distribution services to the Portfolio. The maximum annual shareholder services and distribution (12b-1) fee for the Portfolio’s shares is 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio. Because these fees are paid out of the Portfolio’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time, the fees will increase your cost of investing and may cost you more than other types of charges.
PAD has contractually agreed to reduce its 12b-1 fees for the AST Bond Portfolio 2028, so that the effective distribution and service fee rate paid by the AST Bond Portfolio 2028 is reduced based on the average daily net assets of the AST Bond Portfolio 2028. The contractual waiver does not include an expiration or termination date as it is contractually guaranteed by PAD on a permanent basis, and the Manager and PAD cannot terminate or otherwise modify the waiver. The contractual waiver is calculated as follows for the AST Bond Portfolio 2028:
Average Daily Net Assets of Portfolio Distribution and Service Fee Rate Including Waiver
Up to and including $300 million 0.25% (no waiver)
Over $300 million up to and including $500 million 0.23%
Over $500 million up to and including $750 million 0.22%
Over $750 million 0.21%
PAD may receive payments from the Subadviser or its affiliates to help defray expenses for sales meetings or seminar sponsorships that may relate to the Contracts and/or the Portfolio. These sales meetings or seminar sponsorships may provide the Subadviser with increased access to persons involved in the distribution of the Contracts. PAD also may receive marketing support from the Subadviser in connection with the distribution of the Contracts.
31

Table of Contents
OTHER INFORMATION
Federal Income Taxes
Each Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, each Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits are “passed through” pro rata directly to the Participating Insurance Companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes. Distributions may be made to the various separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies in the form of additional shares (not in cash).
Owners of variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies should consult the prospectuses of their respective contracts or policies for information on the federal income tax consequences to such holders. In addition, variable contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in the Trust, including the application of state and local taxes.
Monitoring for Possible Conflicts
The Trust sells its shares to fund variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity contracts and is authorized to offer its shares to qualified retirement plans. Because of differences in tax treatment and other considerations, it is possible that the interest of variable life insurance contract owners, variable annuity contract owners and participants in qualified retirement plans could conflict. The Trust will monitor the situation and in the event that a material conflict did develop, the Trust would determine what action, if any, to take in response.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Portfolio's portfolio securities is included in the SAI and on the Trust's website at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios.
Payments to Affiliates
PI and ASTIS and their affiliates, including a subadviser or PAD, may compensate affiliates of PI and ASTIS, including the insurance companies issuing variable annuity or variable life contracts by providing reimbursement, defraying the costs of, or paying directly for, among other things, marketing and/or administrative services and/or other services they provide in connection with the variable annuity and/or variable life contracts which offer the Portfolios as investment options. These services may include, but are not limited to: sponsoring or co-sponsoring various promotional, educational or marketing meetings and seminars attended by distributors, wholesalers, and/or broker dealer firms' registered representatives, and creating marketing material discussing the contracts, available options, and the Portfolios.
The amounts paid depend on the nature of the meetings, the number of meetings attended by PI or ASTIS, the subadviser, or PAD, the number of participants and attendees at the meetings, the costs expected to be incurred, and the level of PI's, ASTIS’, subadviser's or PAD’s participation. These payments or reimbursements may not be offered by all advisers, subadvisers, or PAD and the amounts of such payments may vary between and among each adviser, subadviser and PAD depending on their respective participation.
With respect to variable annuity contracts, the amounts paid under these arrangements to Prudential-affiliated insurers are set forth in the prospectuses for the variable annuity contracts which offer the Portfolios as investment options.
32

Table of Contents
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Introduction
The Portfolio is expected to commence operations on or around the date of this Prospectus, thus no financial highlights data is provided.
33

Table of Contents
INVESTOR INFORMATION SERVICES:
Shareholder inquiries should be made by calling (800) 778-2255 or by writing to Advanced Series Trust at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. Additional information about the Portfolio is included in the SAI, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about the Portfolio’s investments is available in the Trust's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the annual reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolio's performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI and additional copies of annual and semi-annual reports are available without charge by calling the above number. The SAI and the annual and semi-annual reports are also available without charge on the Trust’s website at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios .
Delivery of Prospectus and Other Documents to Households . To lower costs and eliminate duplicate documents sent to your address, the Trust, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, may begin mailing only one copy of the Trust's prospectus, prospectus supplements, annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and information statements, or any other required documents to your address even if more than one shareholder lives there. If you have previously consented to have any of these documents delivered to multiple investors at a shared address, as required by law, and you wish to revoke this consent or would otherwise prefer to continue to receive your own copy, you should call the number above, or write to the Trust at the above address. The Trust will begin sending individual copies to you within thirty days of revocation.
The information in the Trust's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the SAI) is available from the SEC. Copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of duplicating fees, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-0102. The information can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Finally, information about the Trust is available on the EDGAR database on the SEC's internet site at www.sec.gov.
Investment Company File Act No. 811-05186



































ASTFUNDPROS5
Advanced Series Trust
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • JANUARY 3, 2017
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) of Advanced Series Trust (the Trust, and each series thereof, a Portfolio) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Trust dated January 3, 2017, which can be obtained, without charge, by calling (800) 778-2255 or by writing to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102. This SAI has been incorporated by reference into the Trust's Prospectus. The Portfolio of the Trust which is discussed in this SAI is noted on this front cover (the Portfolio).
AST Bond Portfolio 2028
 
 

Table of Contents
3 PART I
3 INTRODUCTION
4 Trust PORTFOLIOS, INVESTMENT POLICIES & STRATEGIES
4 FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
5 INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
12 MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
17 PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: OTHER ACCOUNTS
17 PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: COMPENSATION & CONFLICTS POLICIES
21 OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
23 PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS & BROKERAGE
24 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
25 PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
25 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
26 PART II
26 INVESTMENT RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS
50 NET ASSET VALUES
52 TAXATION
52 DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
54 PROXY VOTING
55 CODES OF ETHICS
55 APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
58 APPENDIX II: PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF THE SUBADVISERS


Table of Contents
PART I
INTRODUCTION
This SAI sets forth information about the Trust and the Portfolio covered by the SAI. Part I provides additional information about the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), certain investments restrictions that apply to the Portfolio, the advisory services provided to and the management fees paid by the Trust, and information about other fees paid by and services provided to the Trust. Part II provides additional information about certain investments and investment strategies that may be used by the Portfolio and explanations of various investments and strategies which may be used by the Portfolio and explanations of these investments and strategies, and should be read in conjunction with Part I.
Before reading the SAI, you should consult the Glossary below, which defines certain of the terms used in the SAI:
Glossary  
Term Definition
ADR American Depositary Receipt
ADS American Depositary Share
ASTIS AST Investment Services, Inc.
Board Trust’s Board of Directors or Trustees
Board Member A trustee or director of the Trust’s Board
CFTC Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Code Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
EDR European Depositary Receipt
ETF Exchange-Traded Fund
Fannie Mae Federal National Mortgage Association
Fitch Fitch, Inc.
Freddie Mac The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
Global Depositary Receipt GDR
Ginnie Mae Government National Mortgage Association
IPO Initial Public Offering
IRS Internal Revenue Service
1933 Act Securities Act of 1933, as amended
1934 Act Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
1940 Act Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate
Moody’s Moody’s Investor Services, Inc.
NASDAQ National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System
NAV Net Asset Value
NYSE New York Stock Exchange
OTC Over the Counter
PI Prudential Investments LLC
PMFS Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC
REIT Real Estate Investment Trust
RIC Regulated Investment Company, as the term is used in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
S&P Standard & Poor’s Corporation
SEC US Securities & Exchange Commission
World Bank International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

3

Table of Contents
Trust PORTFOLIOS, INVESTMENT POLICIES & STRATEGIES
The Trust is an open-end management investment company (commonly known as a mutual fund) that is intended to provide a range of investment alternatives through its separate portfolios, each of which is, for investment purposes, in effect a separate fund. The Portfolio offered by the Trust which is discussed in this SAI is set forth below:
AST Bond Portfolio 2028
References to “a Portfolio” or the “the Portfolio” relate to the AST Bond Portfolio 2028 unless the context requires otherwise.
The Trust offers one class of shares in the Portfolio. Shares of the Portfolio are sold only to separate accounts of Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Pramerica of Bermuda Life Assurance Company, Ltd. (collectively, Prudential), Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company and Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York as investment options under variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the Contracts) (A separate account keeps the assets supporting certain insurance contracts separate from the general assets and liabilities of the insurance company).
In order to sell shares to both Prudential and non-Prudential insurance companies, the Trust has obtained an exemptive order (the Order) from the SEC. The Trust and its Portfolios are managed in compliance with the terms and conditions of that Order.
Prudential Investments LLC (PI or the Manager or the Investment Manager), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential Financial), serves as overall investment manager of the Portfolio. As discussed in the Prospectus, the Portfolio may invest in money market instruments and comparable securities as part of assuming a temporary defensive position. The investment objective of the Portfolio is discussed in the Prospectus.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Set forth below are certain investment restrictions applicable to the Portfolio. Fundamental restrictions may not be changed without a majority vote of shareholders as required by the 1940 Act. Non-fundamental restrictions may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS:
Under its fundamental investment restrictions, the Portfolio may not:
1. Issue senior securities or borrow money or pledge its assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and rules thereunder, exemptive order, SEC release, no-action letter or similar relief or interpretations. For purposes of this restriction, the purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, short sales, derivative and hedging transactions such as interest rate swap transactions, and collateral arrangements with respect thereto, and transactions similar to any of the foregoing and collateral arrangements with respect thereto, and obligations of the Portfolio to Trustees pursuant to any deferred compensation arrangements are not deemed to be a pledge of assets or the issuance of a senior security.
2. Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that the Portfolio may be deemed to be an underwriter (within the meaning of the 1933 Act) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.
3. Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit the Portfolio from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or in securities of companies engaged in the real estate business.
4. Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit the Portfolio from (i) engaging in permissible options and futures transactions and forward foreign currency contracts in accordance with the Portfolio's investment policies, or (ii) investing in securities of any kind.
5. Make loans, except that the Portfolio may (i) lend portfolio securities in accordance with the Portfolio's investment policies in amounts up to 33  1 3 % of the total assets of the Portfolio taken at market value, (ii) purchase money market securities and enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) acquire publicly distributed or privately placed debt securities, and (iv) make loans of money to other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any exemption there from that may be granted by the SEC or any SEC releases, no-action letters or similar relief or interpretive guidance.

    4

Table of Contents
6. Purchase any security if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of the Portfolio's assets would be invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same industry; provided that this restriction does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or to municipal securities (or repurchase agreements with respect thereto). For purposes of this limitation, investments in other investment companies shall not be considered an investment in any particular industry.
7. With respect to 75% of the value of its total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the US Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, (i) more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or (ii) more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be held by the Portfolio.
If a restriction of the Portfolio's investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of the Portfolio assets invested in certain securities or other instruments, or change in average duration of the Portfolio's investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Portfolio's total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.
With respect to investment restriction (5), the restriction on making loans is not considered to limit Portfolio's investments in loan participations and assignments.
With respect to investment restriction (6), the Portfolio will not consider a bank-issued guaranty or financial guaranty insurance as a separate security for purposes of determining the percentage of the Portfolio's assets invested in the securities of issuers in a particular industry.
With respect to investment restrictions (1) and (5), the Portfolio will not borrow or lend to any other fund unless it applies for and receives an exemptive order from the SEC, if so required, or the SEC issues rules permitting such transactions.
INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Information about the Trustees and the Officers of the Trust is set forth below. Trustees who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” Trustees who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust are referred to as “Interested Trustees.” The Trustees are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Trust and perform the various duties imposed on the trustees of investment companies by the 1940 Act.
Independent Trustees (1)    
Name, Address, Age
No. of Portfolios Overseen
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years Other Directorships Held
Susan Davenport Austin (49)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Senior Managing Director of Brock Capital (Since 2014); Vice Chairman (Since 2013), Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2007-2012) and Vice President of Strategic Planning and Treasurer (2002-2007) of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation; formerly President of Sheridan Gospel Network (2004-2014); formerly Vice President, Goldman, Sachs & Co. (2000-2001); formerly Associate Director, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (1997-2000); formerly Vice President, Salomon Brothers Inc. (1993-1997); President of the Board, The MacDowell Colony (Since 2010); Presiding Director (Since 2014) and Chairman (2011-2014) of the Board of Directors, Broadcast Music, Inc.; Member of the Board of Directors, Hubbard Radio, LLC (Since 2011); President, Candide Business Advisors, Inc. (Since 2011); formerly Member of the Board of Directors, National Association of Broadcasters (2004-2010). Director of NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP) (February 2015-Present).
Sherry S. Barrat (66)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Formerly, Vice Chairman of Northern Trust Corporation (financial services and banking institution) (2011–June 2012); formerly President, Personal Financial Services, Northern Trust Corporation (2006-2010); formerly Chairman & CEO, Western US Region, Northern Trust Corporation (1999-2005); formerly President & CEO, Palm Beach/Martin County Region, Northern Trust. Director of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) (1998-Present); Director of Arthur J. Gallagher & Company (Since July 2013).
Jessica M. Bibliowicz (56)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Senior Adviser (Since 2013) of Bridge Growth Partners (private equity firm); formerly Director (2013-2016) of Realogy Holdings Corp.(residential real estate services); formerly Chief Executive Officer (1999-2013) of National Financial Partners (independent distributor of financial services products). Director (since 2006) of The Asia-Pacific Fund, Inc.; Sotheby’s (since 2014) (auction house and art-related finance).

5

Table of Contents
Independent Trustees (1)    
Name, Address, Age
No. of Portfolios Overseen
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years Other Directorships Held
Kay Ryan Booth (65)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Partner, Trinity Private Equity Group (Since September 2014); formerly, Managing Director of Cappello Waterfield & Co. LLC (2011-2014); formerly Vice Chair, Global Research, J.P. Morgan (financial services and investment banking institution) (June 2008 – January 2009); formerly Global Director of Equity Research, Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. (financial services and investment banking institution) (1995-2008); formerly Associate Director of Equity Research, Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. (1987-1995). None.
Delayne Dedrick Gold (78)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Marketing Consultant (1982-present); formerly Senior Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors, Prudential Bache Securities, Inc. None.
Robert F. Gunia (69)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Independent Consultant (Since October 2009); formerly Director of ICI Mutual Insurance Company (June 2012-June 2015); formerly Chief Administrative Officer (September 1999-September 2009) and Executive Vice President (December 1996-September 2009) of Prudential Investments LLC; formerly Executive Vice President (March 1999-September 2009) and Treasurer (May 2000-September 2009) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; formerly President (April 1999-December 2008) and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (December 2008-December 2009) of Prudential Investment Management Services LLC; formerly Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Vice President and Director (May 2003-September 2009) of AST Investment Services, Inc. Director (Since May 1989) of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.
Thomas T. Mooney (74)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Formerly Chief Executive Officer, Excell Partners, Inc. (2005-2007);founding partner of High Technology of Rochester and the Lennox Technology Center; formerly President of the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce (1976-2004); formerly Rochester City Manager (1973); formerly Deputy Monroe County Executive (1974-1976). None.
Thomas M. O'Brien (65)
No. of Portfolios Overseen: 112
Director, President and CEO Sun Bancorp, Inc. N.A. (NASDAQ: SNBC) and Sun National Bank (Since July 2014); formerly Consultant, Valley National Bancorp, Inc. and Valley National Bank (January 2012-June 2012); formerly President and COO (November 2006-December 2011) and CEO (April 2007-December 2011) of State Bancorp, Inc. and State Bank; formerly Vice Chairman (January 1997-April 2000) of North Fork Bank; formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (December 1984-December 1996) of North Side Savings Bank; formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (May 2000-June 2006) Atlantic Bank of New York. Formerly Director, BankUnited, Inc. and BankUnited N.A. (NYSE: BKU) (May 2012-April 2014); formerly Director (April 2008-January 2012) of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York; formerly Director (December 1996-May 2000) of North Fork Bancorporation, Inc.; formerly Director (May 2000-April 2006) of Atlantic Bank of New York; Director (November 2006 – January 2012) of State Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: STBC) and State Bank of Long Island.
    
Interested Trustee (1)    
Timothy S. Cronin (50)
Number of Portfolios Overseen: 112
President of Prudential Annuities (Since June 2015); Chief Investment Officer and Strategist of Prudential Annuities (Since January 2004); Director of Investment & Research Strategy (Since February 1998); President of AST Investment Services, Inc. (Since June 2005). None.
(1) The year that each Trustee joined the Board is as follows: Susan Davenport Austin, 2011; Sherry S. Barrat, 2013; Jessica Bibliowicz, 2014, Kay Ryan Booth, 2013; Timothy S. Cronin, 2009; Delayne Dedrick Gold, 2003; Robert F. Gunia, 2003; Thomas T. Mooney, 2003; Thomas M. O'Brien, 1992.
Trust Officers (a)(1)  
Name, Address and Age
Position with the Trust
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Raymond A. O’Hara (60)
Chief Legal Officer
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since July 2010) of Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential); Vice President (March 2011-Present) of Pruco Life Insurance Company and Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey; Vice President and Corporate Counsel (March 2011-Present) of Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation; Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Investments LLC (since June 2012); Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (since June 2012) and Corporate Counsel of AST Investment Services, Inc. (since June 2012); formerly Assistant Vice President and Corporate Counsel (September 2008-July 2010) of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.; formerly Associate (September 1980-December 1987) and Partner (January 1988–August 2008) of Blazzard & Hasenauer, P.C. (formerly, Blazzard, Grodd & Hasenauer, P.C.).

    6

Table of Contents
Trust Officers (a)(1)  
Name, Address and Age
Position with the Trust
Principal Occupation(s) During the Past Five Years
Deborah A. Docs (57)
Secretary
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2001) of Prudential; Vice President (since December 1996) and Assistant Secretary (since March 1999) of Prudential Investments LLC; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.
Jonathan D. Shain (57)
Assistant Secretary
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since August 1998) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since May 2001) of Prudential Investments LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since February 2001) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC; formerly Vice President and Assistant Secretary (May 2003-June 2005) of AST Investment Services, Inc.
Claudia DiGiacomo (41)
Assistant Secretary
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since January 2005) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Prudential Investments LLC (since December 2005); Associate at Sidley Austin Brown Wood LLP (1999-2004).
Andrew R. French (53)
Assistant Secretary
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since February 2010) of Prudential; formerly Director and Corporate Counsel (2006-2010) of Prudential; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of Prudential Investments LLC; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since January 2007) of Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC.
Kathleen DeNicholas (41)
Assistant Secretary
Vice President and Corporate Counsel (since May 2013) of Prudential; Managing Counsel at The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (2011-2013); formerly Senior Counsel (2007-2011) and Assistant General Counsel (2001-2007) of The Dreyfus Corporation; Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of MBSC Securities Corporation (2011-2013); Vice President and Assistant Secretary of The Dreyfus Family of Funds (2010-2012).
Chad A. Earnst (40)
Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Compliance Officer (September 2014-Present) of Prudential Investments LLC; Chief Compliance Officer (September 2014-Present) of the Prudential Investments Funds, Target Funds, Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential's Gibraltar Fund, Inc., Prudential Global Short Duration High Yield Income Fund, Inc., Prudential Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc. and Prudential Jennison MLP Income Fund, Inc.; formerly Assistant Director (March 2010-August 2014) of the Asset Management Unit, Division of Enforcement, US Securities & Exchange Commission; Assistant Regional Director (January 2010-August 2014), Branch Chief (June 2006–December 2009) and Senior Counsel (April 2003-May 2006) of the Miami Regional Office, Division of Enforcement, US Securities & Exchange Commission.
Theresa C. Thompson (53)
Deputy Chief Compliance Officer
Vice President, Compliance, Prudential Investments LLC (since April 2004); and Director, Compliance, Prudential Investments LLC (2001-2004).
Richard W. Kinville (47)
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer
Vice President, Corporate Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Unit (since January 2005) of Prudential; committee member of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (since January 2007); formerly Investigator and Supervisor in the Special Investigations Unit for the New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company (August 1994-January 1999); Investigator in AXA Financial's Internal Audit Department and Manager in AXA's Anti-Money Laundering Office (January 1999-January 2005); first chair of the American Council of Life Insurers Anti-Money Laundering and Critical Infrastructure Committee (June 2007-December 2009 ).
M. Sadiq Peshimam (51)
Treasurer and Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer
Vice President (since 2005) of Prudential Investments LLC; formerly Assistant Treasurer of funds in the Prudential Mutual Fund Complex (2006-2014).
Peter Parrella (57)
Assistant Treasurer
Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2004-2007) within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration; formerly Tax Manager at SSB Citi Fund Management LLC (1997-2004).
Lana Lomuti (48)
Assistant Treasurer
Vice President (since 2007) and Director (2005-2007), within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration; formerly Assistant Treasurer (December 2007-February 2014) of The Greater China Fund, Inc.
Linda McMullin (54)
Assistant Treasurer
Vice President (since 2011) and Director (2008-2011) within Prudential Mutual Fund Administration.
Robert A. Szuhany (63)
Assistant Treasurer
Vice President—Tax Department, Prudential Financial, Inc. (since October 1999).
(a) Excludes Mr. Cronin, an interested Trustee who also serves as President.
(1) The year in which each individual became an Officer is as follows: Raymond A. O’Hara, 2012; Deborah A. Docs, 2005; Jonathan D. Shain, 2005; Claudia DiGiacomo, 2005; Andrew R. French, 2006; Kathleen DeNicholas, 2013; Chad A. Earnst, 2014; Theresa C. Thompson, 2008; Peter Parrella, 2007; M. Sadiq Peshimam, 2006; Lana Lomuti, 2014; Linda McMullin, 2014; Robert Szuhany, 2016; Richard W. Kinville, 2011.
Explanatory Notes to Tables:
Trustees are deemed to be “Interested”, as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of their affiliation with PI and/or an affiliate of PI. Timothy S. Cronin is an Interested Trustee because he is employed by an affiliate of the Manager.
Unless otherwise noted, the address of all Trustees and Officers is c/o Prudential Investments LLC, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.
There is no set term of office for Trustees or Officers. The Independent Trustees have adopted a retirement policy, which calls for the retirement of Trustees on December 31 of the year in which they reach the age of 78, provided that the Board may extend the retirement age on a year-by-year basis for a Trustee.
“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the 1934 Act (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
“No. of Portfolios Overseen” includes all investment companies managed by PI and/or ASTIS that are overseen by the Trustee. The investment companies for which PI and/or ASTIS serves as Manager include The Prudential Variable Contract Accounts, The Prudential Series Fund, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential's Gibraltar Fund, Inc., the Prudential Investments Funds, the Target Funds, the Prudential Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc. and Prudential Global Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.

7

Table of Contents
COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS. Pursuant to a Management Agreement with the Trust, the Investment Manager pays all compensation of Trustees, officers and employees of the Trust, other than the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Investment Manager or any subadviser. The Trust pays each of its Independent Trustees annual compensation in addition to certain out-of-pocket expenses. Trustees who serve on Board Committees may receive additional compensation.
Independent Trustees may defer receipt of their fees pursuant to a deferred fee agreement with the Trust. Under the terms of the agreement, the Trust accrues deferred Trustees' fees daily which, in turn, accrue interest at a rate equivalent to the prevailing rate to 90-day US Treasury Bills at the beginning of each calendar quarter or, at the daily rate of return of one or more funds managed by PI chosen by the Trustee. Payment of the interest so accrued is also deferred and becomes payable at the option of the Trustee. The Trust's obligation to make payments of deferred Trustees' fees, together with interest thereon, is a general obligation of the Trust. The Trust does not have a retirement or pension plan for its Trustees.
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid by the Trust for the Trusts most recently completed fiscal year to the Independent Trustees for service on the Trust's Board, and the Board of any other investment company in the Fund Complex for the most recently completed calendar year. Trustees and officers who are “interested persons” of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) do not receive compensation from the Fund Complex.
Name Aggregate Fiscal Year
Compensation from Trust (1)
Pension or Retirement Benefits
Accrued as Part of Trust
Expenses
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon
Retirement
Total Compensation from Trust
and Fund Complex for Most
Recent Calendar Year
Susan Davenport Austin $277,600 None None $323,500 (3/113)*
Sherry S. Barrat $252,740 None None $295,000 (3/113)*
Jessica M. Bibliowicz $242,625 None None $267,650 (3/113)*
Kay Ryan Booth $255,810 None None $298,500 (3/113)*
Timothy S. Cronin None None None None
Delayne Dedrick Gold $299,480 None None $348,500 (3/113)*
Robert F. Gunia** $299,480 None None $348,500 (3/113)*
W. Scott McDonald, Jr.**/*** $277,600 None None $323,500 (3/113)*
Thomas T. Mooney** $351,770 None None $408,500 (3/113)*
Thomas M. O'Brien** $299,480 None None $348,500 (3/113)*
Explanatory Notes to Compensation Table
(1) Compensation relates to portfolios that were in existence during 2015.
* Number of funds and portfolios represents those in existence as of December 31, 2015 and excludes funds that have merged or liquidated during the year. Additionally the number of portfolios includes those which were approved as of December 31, 2015, but which may not have commenced operations as of December 31, 2015. No compensation is paid to Trustees with respect to portfolios that have not yet commenced operations.
** Under the Trust’s deferred fee arrangement, certain Trustees have elected to defer all or part of their total compensation. The total amount of deferred compensation accrued during the calendar year ended December 31, 2015, including investment results during the year on cumulative deferred fees, amounted to $1,681, ($31,814), ($24,177), and ($106,763) for Messrs. Gunia, McDonald, Mooney, and O'Brien, respectively.
*** Mr. McDonald retired from the Board effective December 31, 2015.
BOARD COMMITTEES. The Board of Trustees (the Board) has established four standing committees in connection with governance of the Trust—Audit, Compliance, Governance, and Investment Review and Risk. Information on the membership of each standing committee and its functions is set forth below.
Audit Committee. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is not an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in overseeing the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, accounting policies and procedures, and other areas relating to the Trust's auditing processes. The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all audit services and any permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm directly to the Trust. The Audit Committee is also responsible for pre-approving permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to (1) the Investment Manager and (2) any entity in a control relationship with the Investment Manager that provides ongoing services to the Trust, provided that the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm relates directly to the operation and financial reporting of the Trust. The scope of the Audit Committee's responsibilities is oversight. It is management's responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal control and the independent registered public accounting firm's responsibility to plan and carry out an audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The Audit Committee Charter is available at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios . The number of Audit Committee meetings held during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below.

    8

Table of Contents
The membership of the Audit Committee is set forth below:
Thomas M. O’Brien (Chair)
Susan Davenport Austin
Delayne Dedrick Gold
Robert F. Gunia
Thomas T. Mooney (ex-officio)
Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee serves as a liaison between the Board and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The Compliance Committee is responsible for considering, in consultation with the Board's Chair and outside counsel, any material compliance matters that are identified and reported by the CCO to the Compliance Committee between Board meetings. The Compliance Committee is also responsible for considering, when requested by the CCO, the CCO's recommendations regarding the materiality of compliance matters to be reported to the Board. The Compliance Committee reviews compliance matters that it determines warrant review between Board meetings. Further, when the CCO wishes to engage an independent third party to perform compliance-related work at the Trust’s expense, the Compliance Committee will evaluate with the CCO which third party to recommend to the Board as well as the appropriate scope of the work. The number of Compliance Committee meetings held during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Compliance Committee Charter is available on the Trust's website at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios .
The membership of the Compliance Committee is set forth below:
Robert F. Gunia (Chair)
Jessica M. Bibliowicz
Kay Ryan Booth
Sherry S. Barrat
Thomas M. O’Brien
Thomas T. Mooney (ex-officio)
Governance Committee. The Governance Committee of the Board is responsible for nominating Trustees and making recommendations to the Board concerning Board composition, committee structure and governance, director compensation and expenses, director education, and governance practices. The Board has determined that each member of the Governance Committee is not an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act. The number of Governance Committee meetings held during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year is set forth in the table below. The Governance Committee Charter is available on the Trust's website at www.prudential.com/variableinsuranceportfolios .
The membership of the Governance Committee is set forth below:
Delayne Dedrick Gold (Chair)
Susan Davenport Austin
Sherry S. Barrat
Jessica M. Bibliowicz
Kay Ryan Booth
Thomas T. Mooney (ex-officio)
Investment Review and Risk Committee (IRRC). The IRRC consists of all members of the Board and is chaired by Mr. Mooney, the Chairman of the Board. The Board created the IRRC to help the Board in reviewing certain types of risk, especially those risks related to portfolio investments, the subadvisers for the Portfolios and other related risks. The responsibilities of the IRRC include, but are not limited to: reviewing written materials and reports pertaining to Portfolio performance, investments and risk from subadvisers, the Strategic Investment Review Group (SIRG) of PI and others; considering presentations from subadvisers, the Investment Manager, SIRG or other service providers on matters relating to Portfolio performance, investments and risk; and periodically reviewing management’s evaluation of various types of risks to the Portfolios.
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES. The Board is responsible for oversight of the Trust. The Trust has engaged the Investment Manager to manage the Trust on a day-to-day basis. The Board oversees the Investment Manager and certain other principal service providers in the operations of the Trust. The Board is currently composed of ten members, nine of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board meets in-person at regularly scheduled meetings twelve times throughout the year. In addition, the Board Members may meet in-person or by telephone at special meetings. As described above, the Board has established four standing committees—Audit, Compliance, Governance, and Investment Review and Risk—and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities.

9

Table of Contents
The Board is chaired by an Independent Trustee. As Chair, this Independent Trustee leads the Board in its activities. Also, the Chair acts as a member or an ex-officio member of each standing committee and any ad hoc committee of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees have determined that the Board's leadership and committee structure is appropriate because the Board believes it sets the proper tone to the relationships between the Trust, on the one hand, and the Investment Manager, the subadviser(s) and certain other principal service providers, on the other, and facilitates the exercise of the Board's independent judgment in evaluating and managing the relationships. In addition, the structure efficiently allocates responsibility among committees.
The Board has concluded that, based on each Trustee's experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, each Trustee should serve as a Trustee. Among other attributes common to all Trustees are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the various service providers to the Trust, and to exercise reasonable business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees. In addition, the Board has taken into account the actual service and commitment of the Trustees during their tenure in concluding that each should continue to serve. A Trustee's ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained through a Trustee's educational background or professional training; business, consulting, public service or academic positions; experience from service as a Trustee of the Trust, other funds in the Fund Complex, public companies, or non-profit entities or other organizations; or other experiences. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a Trustee.
Ms. Gold and Messrs. Mooney and O'Brien have each served for more than 10 years as a Trustee of mutual funds advised by the Investment Manager or its predecessors, including some or all of the following funds: Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential's Gibraltar Fund, Inc, and/or other mutual funds advised by the Investment Manager or its predecessors. Ms. Gold has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Mr. Mooney has more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership positions with municipal organizations and other companies and has experience serving on the boards of other entities. Mr. O'Brien has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the banking industry, and has experience serving on the boards of other entities. Mr. Gunia has served for more than 10 years as a Board Member of mutual funds advised by the Investment Manager or its predecessors. In addition, Mr. Gunia served in senior leadership positions for more than 28 years with the Investment Manager and its affiliates and predecessors. Ms. Austin currently serves as Vice Chairman of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation and Senior Managing Director of Brock Capital. In addition to her experience in senior leadership positions with private companies, Ms. Austin has more than 10 years of experience in the investment banking industry, and has experience serving on boards of other public companies and non-profit entities. Ms. Barrat has more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the financial services and banking industries. In addition, Ms. Barrat has over 10 years experience serving on boards of other public companies and non-profit entities. Ms. Bibliowicz has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the financial services and investment management industries. In addition, Ms. Bibliowicz also has experience in serving on the boards of other public companies, investment companies, and non-profit organizations. Ms. Booth has more than 35 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the investment management and investment banking industries. Ms. Booth is currently a Partner of Trinity Private Equity Group. In addition to her experience in senior leadership positions with private companies, Ms. Booth has experience serving on the boards of other entities.  Mr. Cronin, an Interested Trustee of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager since 2009, served as Vice President of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager from 2009-2015, as President of the Trust and other funds advised by the Investment Manager since 2015, and has held senior positions with Prudential Financial (and American Skandia, which was purchased by Prudential Financial) since 1998.
Specific details about each Trustee's professional experience is set forth in the professional biography tables, above.
Risk Oversight. Investing in general and the operation of a mutual fund involve a variety of risks, such as investment risk, compliance risk, and operational risk, among others. The Board oversees risk as part of its oversight of the Trust. Risk oversight is addressed as part of various regular Board and committee activities. The Board, directly or through its committees, reviews reports from among others, the Investment Manager, sub-advisers, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, counsel, and internal auditors of the Investment Manager or its affiliates, as appropriate, regarding risks faced by the Trust and the risk management programs of the Investment Manager and certain service providers. The actual day-to-day risk management with respect to the Trust resides with the Investment Manager and other service providers to the Trust. Although the risk management policies of the Investment Manager and the service providers are designed to be effective, those policies and their implementation vary among service providers and over time, and there is no guarantee that they will be effective. Not all risks that may affect the Trust can be identified or processes and controls developed to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects, and some risks are simply beyond any control of the Trust or the Investment Manager, its affiliates or other service providers.
Selection of Trustee Nominees. The Governance Committee is responsible for considering trustee nominees for Trustees at such times as it considers electing new members to the Board. The Governance Committee may consider recommendations by business and personal contacts of current Board members, and by executive search firms which the Committee may engage from time to time and

    10

Table of Contents
will also consider shareholder recommendations. The Governance Committee has not established specific, minimum qualifications that it believes must be met by a nominee. In evaluating nominees, the Governance Committee considers, among other things, an individual's background, skills, and experience; whether the individual is an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act; and whether the individual would be deemed an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of applicable SEC rules. The Governance Committee also considers whether the individual's background, skills, and experience will complement the background, skills, and experience of other nominees and will contribute to the diversity of the Board. There are no differences in the manner in which the Governance Committee evaluates nominees for the Board based on whether the nominee is recommended by a shareholder.
A shareholder who wishes to recommend a director for nomination should submit his or her recommendation in writing to the Chair of the Board (Thomas T. Mooney) or the Chair of the Governance Committee (Delayne D. Gold), in either case in care of the Trust, at 655 Broad Street, 17 th Floor, Newark, New Jersey 07102. At a minimum, the recommendation should include: the name, address, and business, educational, and/or other pertinent background of the person being recommended; a statement concerning whether the person is an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act; any other information that the Trust would be required to include in a proxy statement concerning the person if he or she was nominated; and the name and address of the person submitting the recommendation, together with the number of shares held by such person and the period for which the shares have been held. The recommendation also can include any additional information which the person submitting it believes would assist the Governance Committee in evaluating the recommendation.
Shareholders should note that a person who owns securities issued by Prudential Financial, Inc. (the parent company of the Trust's Manager) would be deemed an “interested person” under the 1940 Act. In addition, certain other relationships with Prudential Financial, Inc. or its subsidiaries, with registered broker-dealers, or with the Trust's outside legal counsel may cause a person to be deemed an “interested person.” Before the Governance Committee decides to nominate an individual to the Board, Committee members and other Board members customarily interview the individual in person. In addition, the individual customarily is asked to complete a detailed questionnaire which is designed to elicit information which must be disclosed under SEC and stock exchange rules and to determine whether the individual is subject to any statutory disqualification from serving on the board of a registered investment company.
Shareholder Communications with the Board of Trustees. Shareholders of the Trust can communicate directly with the Board of Trustees by writing to the Chair of the Board, c/o the Trust, 1 Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484. Shareholders can communicate directly with an individual Trustee by writing to that Trustee, c/o the Trust, 1 Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484. Such communications to the Board or individual Trustees are not screened before being delivered to the addressee.
Board Committee Meetings (for most recently completed fiscal year)  
Audit Committee Governance Committee Compliance Committee Investment Review and Risk Committee
5 4 4 6
Share Ownership. Information relating to each Trustee's share ownership in the Trust, other funds that are overseen by the respective Trustee as well as any other funds that are managed by the Manager as of the most recently completed calendar year is set forth in the chart below.
Name Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Trust
Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities Owned
by Trustee in All
Registered Investment
Companies in Fund Complex*
Trustee Share Ownership    
Susan Davenport Austin None over $100,000
Sherry S. Barrat None over $100,000
Jessica M. Bibiliowicz None over $100,000
Kay Ryan Booth None over $100,000
Timothy S. Cronin None over $100,000
Delayne Dedrick Gold None over $100,000
Robert F. Gunia None over $100,000
Thomas T. Mooney None over $100,000
Thomas M. O'Brien None over $100,000

11

Table of Contents
* “Fund Complex” includes Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund, Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc., the Prudential Investments Funds, Target Funds, and any other funds that are managed by the Investment Manager.
Because the Portfolios of the Trust serve as investment options under variable annuity and life insurance contracts, federal tax law prohibits the sale of Portfolio shares directly to individuals, including the Trustees.  Individuals, including a Trustee, may, however, have an interest in a Portfolio if he or she purchases a variable contract and selects the Portfolio as an investment option.
Other than as set forth in the following paragraph, none of the Independent Trustees, or any member of his/her immediate family, owned beneficially or of record any securities in an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of a Portfolio as of the most recently completed calendar year.
Between September 17, 2014 and January 29, 2015, Ms. Bibliowicz was the beneficial owner of stock issued by Franklin Resources, Inc. (Franklin) due to the ownership of such stock by trusts of which Ms. Bibliowicz is the grantor and of which her sons are the beneficiaries (the Bibliowicz Trusts). Two of the Portfolios of the Trust, AST Templeton Global Bond Portfolio and AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio, are subadvised by entities that are subsidiaries of Franklin. The AST Templeton Global Bond Portfolio is subadvised by Franklin Advisers, Inc. The AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio is subadvised by each of Franklin Advisers, Inc., Templeton Global Advisors Limited and K2/D&S Management Co., L.L.C. The Bibliowicz Trusts sold all shares of Franklin stock as of January 28, 2015, resulting in proceeds of $133,322.40.
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
TRUST MANAGEMENT . PI, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey, serves as the investment manager of the Portfolio covered by this Statement of Additional Information.
As of October 31, 2016, PI served as the investment manager to all of the Prudential US and offshore open-end investment companies, and as administrator to closed-end investment companies, with aggregate assets of approximately $251.7 billion. PI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIFM HoldCo LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Asset Management Holding Company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial. PI has been in the business of providing advisory services since 1996.
Services Provided by the Investment Manager . Pursuant to a Management Agreements with the Trust (the Management Agreement), the Investment Manager, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Portfolios, manages both the investment operations and composition of each Portfolio, including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of securities and other assets. In connection therewith, the Investment Manager is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Portfolios. The Investment Manager is authorized to enter into subadvisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Portfolios. The Investment Manager continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services performed pursuant to any such subadvisory agreements.
The Investment Manager is specifically responsible for overseeing and managing the Portfolios and the subadvisers. In this capacity, the Investment Manager reviews the performance of the Portfolios and the subadvisers and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the retention of investment subadvisers, the renewal of contracts, and the reorganization and merger of Portfolios, and other legal and compliance matters. The Investment Manager utilizes the Strategic Investments Research Group (SIRG), a unit of PI, to assist the Investment Manager in regularly evaluating and supervising the Portfolios and the subadvisers, including with respect to investment performance. SIRG is a centralized research department of PI that is comprised of a group of highly experienced analysts. SIRG utilizes proprietary processes to analyze large quantities of industry data, both on a qualitative and quantitative level, in order to effectively oversee the Portfolios and the subadvisers. The Investment Manager utilizes this data in directly overseeing the Portfolios and the subadvisers. SIRG provides reports to the Board and presents to the Board at special and regularly scheduled Board meetings. The Investment Manager bears the cost of the oversight program maintained by SIRG.
In addition, the Investment Manager generally provides all of the administrative functions necessary for the organization, operation and management of the Trust and its Portfolios. The Investment Manager administers the Trust's corporate affairs and, in connection therewith, furnish the Trust with office facilities, together with those ordinary clerical and bookkeeping services which are not being furnished by, the Trust's custodian (the Custodian), and the Trust's transfer agent. The Investment Manager is also responsible for the staffing and management of dedicated groups of legal, marketing, compliance and related personnel necessary for the operation of the Trust. The legal, marketing, compliance and related personnel are also responsible for the management and oversight of the various service providers to the Trust, including, but not limited to, the custodian, transfer agent, and accounting agent. The management services of the Investment Manager to the Trust are not exclusive under the terms of the Management Agreement and the Investment Manager is free to, and does, render management services to others.

    12

Table of Contents
The primary administrative services furnished by the Investment Manager is more specifically detailed below:
furnishing of office facilities;
paying salaries of all officers and other employees of the Investment Manager who are responsible for managing the Trust and the Portfolios;
monitoring financial and shareholder accounting services provided by the Trust’s custodian and transfer agent;
providing assistance to the service providers of the Trust and the Portfolios, including, but not limited to, the custodian, transfer agent, and accounting agent;
monitoring, together with each subadviser, each Portfolio’s compliance with its investment policies, restrictions, and with federal and state laws and regulations, including federal and state securities laws, the Internal Revenue Code and other relevant federal and state laws and regulations;
preparing and filing all required federal, state and local tax returns for the Trust and the Portfolios;
preparing and filing with the SEC on Form N-CSR the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, including supervising financial printers who provide related support services;
preparing and filing with the SEC required quarterly reports of portfolio holdings on Form N-Q;
preparing and filing the Trust’s registration statement with the SEC on Form N-1A, as well as preparing and filing with the SEC supplements and other documents, as applicable;
preparing compliance, operations and other reports required to be received by the Trust’s Board and/or its committees in support of the Board’s oversight of the Trust; and
organizing the regular and any special meetings of the Board of the Trust, including the preparing Board materials and agendas, preparing minutes, and related functions.
Expenses Borne by the Investment Manager. In connection with its management of the corporate affairs of the Trust, the Investment Manager bear certain expenses, including, but not limited to:
the salaries and expenses of all of their and the Trust's personnel except the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Investment Manager or any subadviser;
all expenses incurred by the Investment Manager or the Trust in connection with managing the ordinary course of a Trust's business, other than those assumed by the Trust as described below;
the fees, costs and expenses payable to any investment subadvisers pursuant to Subadvisory Agreements between the Investment Manager and such investment subadvisers; and
with respect to the compliance services provided by the Investment Manager, the cost of the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, the Trust’s Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, and all personnel who provide compliance services for the Trust, and all of the other costs associated with the Trust’s compliance program, which includes the management and operation of the compliance program responsible for compliance oversight of the Portfolios and the subadvisers.
Expenses Borne by the Trust. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Trust is responsible for the payment of Trust expenses not paid by the Investment Manager, including:
the fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with the management of the investment and reinvestment of the Trust's assets payable to the Investment Manager;
the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Investment Manager or any subadviser;
the fees and certain expenses of the custodian and transfer and dividend disbursing agent, including the cost of providing records to the Investment Manager in connection with their obligation of maintaining required records of the Trust and of pricing the Trust's shares;
the charges and expenses of the Trust's legal counsel and independent auditors;
brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with its securities (and futures, if applicable) transactions;
all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Trust to governmental agencies;
the fees of any trade associations of which the Trust may be a member;
the cost of share certificates representing and/or non-negotiable share deposit receipts evidencing shares of the Trust;
the cost of fidelity, directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance;
the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Trust and of its shares with the SEC and paying notice filing fees under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Trust's registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes;
allocable communications expenses with respect to investor services and all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing reports and notices to shareholders; and
litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust's business and distribution and service (12b-1) fees.

13

Table of Contents
Terms of the Management Agreement . The Management Agreement provides that the Investment Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment by PI or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) or loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties. The Management Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically, if assigned (as defined in the 1940 Act), and that it may be terminated without penalty by either the Investment Manager or the Trust by the Board or vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, (as defined in the 1940 Act) upon not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days written notice. The Management Agreement will continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date of execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Fees payable under the Management Agreement are computed daily and paid monthly. The Investment Manager may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of a Portfolio. Management fee waivers and subsidies will increase a Portfolio's total return. These voluntary waivers may be terminated at any time without notice.
SEC Manager-of-Managers Order. The manager-of-managers structure operates under exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The orders permit us to hire subadvisers or amend subadvisory agreements, without shareholder approval.
The most recent order imposes the following conditions:
1. Before a Portfolio may rely on the order requested in the application, the operation of the Portfolio in the manner described in the application, including the hiring of wholly-owned subadvisers, will be, or has been, approved by a majority of the Portfolio’s outstanding voting securities as defined in the 1940 Act, which in the case of a master fund will include voting instructions provided by shareholders of the feeder funds investing in such master fund or other voting arrangements that comply with section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii)(aa) of the 1940 Act (or, in the case of an insurance-related Portfolio, pursuant to the voting instructions provided by contract owners with assets allocated to any registered separate account for which the Portfolio serves as a funding medium), or, in the case of a new Portfolio whose public shareholders purchase shares on the basis of a prospectus containing the disclosure contemplated by condition 2 below, by the sole initial shareholder before offering the Portfolio’s shares to the public.
2. The prospectus for each Portfolio, and in the case of a master fund relying on the requested relief, the prospectus for each feeder fund investing in such master fund, will disclose the existence, substance and effect of any order granted pursuant to the application. Each Portfolio (and any such feeder fund) will hold itself out to the public as employing the Multi-Manager Structure described in the application. Each prospectus will prominently disclose that the Investment Manager have the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee the subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement.
3. The Investment Manager will provide general management services to a Portfolio, including overall supervisory responsibility for the general management and investment of the Portfolio’s assets. Subject to review and approval of the Board, the Investment Manager will (a) set a Portfolio’s overall investment strategies, (b) evaluate, select, and recommend subadvisers to manage all or a portion of a Portfolio’s assets, and (c) implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that subadvisers comply with a Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and restrictions. Subject to review by the Board, the Investment Manager will (a) when appropriate, allocate and reallocate a Portfolio’s assets among subadvisers; and (b) monitor and evaluate the performance of subadvisers.
4. A Portfolio will not make any ineligible subadviser changes without the approval of the shareholders of the applicable Portfolio, which in the case of a master fund will include voting instructions provided by shareholders of the feeder fund investing in such master fund or other voting arrangements that comply with section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii)(aa) of the 1940 Act.
5. A Portfolio will inform shareholders, and if the Portfolio is a master fund, shareholders of any feeder funds, of the hiring of a new subadviser within 90 days after the hiring of the new subadviser pursuant to the Modified Notice and Access Procedures.
6. At all times, at least a majority of the Board will be Independent Trustees, and the selection and nomination of new or additional Independent Trustees will be placed within the discretion of the then-existing Independent Trustees.
7. Independent legal counsel, as defined in rule 0-1(a)(6) under the 1940 Act, will be engaged to represent the Independent Trustees. The selection of such counsel will be within the discretion of the then-existing Independent Trustees.
8. The Investment Manager will provide the Board, no less frequently than quarterly, with information about the profitability of the Investment Manager on a per Portfolio basis. The information will reflect the impact on profitability of the hiring or termination of any subadviser during the applicable quarter.

    14

Table of Contents
9. Whenever a subadviser is hired or terminated, the Investment Manager will provide the Board with information showing the expected impact on the profitability of the Investment Manager.
10. Whenever a subadviser change is proposed for a Portfolio with an affiliated subadviser or a wholly-owned subadviser, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, will make a separate finding, reflected in the Board minutes, that such change is in the best interests of the Portfolio and its shareholders, and if the Portfolio is a master fund, the best interests of any applicable feeder funds and their respective shareholders, and does not involve a conflict of interest from which the Investment Manager or the affiliated subadviser or wholly-owned subadviser derives an inappropriate advantage.
11. No Board member or officer of a Prudential investment company, a Portfolio, or a feeder fund that invests in a Portfolio that is a master fund, or director, manager or officer of the Investment Manager, will own directly or indirectly (other than through a pooled investment vehicle that is not controlled by such person) any interest in a subadviser except for (a) ownership of interests in the Investment Manager or any entity, other than a wholly-owned subadviser, that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Investment Manager, or (b) ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding securities of any class of equity or debt of any publicly traded company that is either a subadviser or an entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, a subadviser.
12. Each Portfolio and any feeder fund that invests in a Portfolio that is a master fund will disclose an aggregate fee disclosure in its registration statement.
13. In the event the SEC adopts a rule under the 1940 Act providing substantially similar relief to that requested in the application, the requested order will expire on the effective date of that rule.
14. Any new Subadvisory Agreement or any amendment to a Portfolio’s existing Investment Management Agreement or Subadvisory Agreement that directly or indirectly results in an increase in the aggregate advisory fee rate payable by the Portfolio will be submitted to the Portfolio’s shareholders for approval.
Potential Conflicts. Under the manager-of-managers structure, the Investment Manager recommends the hiring and firing of subadvisers, determine the allocation of Portfolio assets among subadvisers for Portfolios with more than one subadviser, and report to the Board regarding subadviser performance. The Investment Manager also directly manages the assets for certain Portfolio sleeves or segments.
The Investment Manager may face potential conflicts inherent in serving as a manager-of-managers including, but not limited to: (i) an incentive to recommend that a Portfolio retain an affiliated subadviser; (ii) an incentive to recommend that a Portfolio retain a subadviser because the subadviser may provide distribution support or other services that benefit the Investment Manager or its affiliates or because of other relationships between the subadviser or its affiliates and the Investment Manager or its affiliates; (iii) an incentive to recommend that the Investment Manager provide direct management of assets for certain sleeves or segments; and (iv) an incentive to allocate assets among subadvisers of a single Portfolio based on profitability or other benefit to the Investment Manager or its affiliates.
To mitigate potential conflicts presented by these issues, the Investment Manager utilizes the services of SIRG, a unit of PI, which provides investment manager oversight, analysis and recommendations. SIRG provides its input to both the Investment Manager and the Board. SIRG representatives meet with the Board in connection with its quarterly meetings and any special meetings at which subadviser recommendations are made, and the Board makes the decision as to the retention of any subadviser. For recommendations involving a new subadviser or a replacement subadviser for a single asset class Portfolio or sleeve, SIRG conducts a search of qualified investment managers and provides a recommendation. SIRG reviews with the Board the search process, finalists and the reasons for the recommendation. SIRG’s investment analysis process is applied in the same manner to both affiliated and unaffiliated investment managers. The Board makes the final decision with respect to the retention of a new or replacement subadviser. For some Portfolios, the Investment Manager makes a recommendation for a subadviser based on the design of a Portfolio, such as a Portfolio designed in consultation with a specific subadviser. In those cases, SIRG reviews the proposed subadviser and reports to the Board regarding its assessment of the subadviser.
To the extent an investment manager’s affiliation or other business relationship with Prudential is a factor in any subadviser recommendation, the Investment Manager discusses the relevant factors with the Board, which makes the final decision on any new or replacement subadviser. SIRG personnel are not involved in subadvisory fee negotiations.
Management Fees. The tables below set forth the applicable contractual management fee rate for the Portfolio and the management fees paid by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio for the indicated fiscal years.

15

Table of Contents
Management Fee Rates (effective January 3, 2017 and thereafter)  
Portfolio Contractual Fee Rate
AST Bond Portfolio 2028* 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
*The current contractual investment management fee for each of the AST Bond Portfolio 2017, AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, AST Bond Portfolio 2020, AST Bond Portfolio 2021, AST Bond Portfolio 2022, AST Bond Portfolio 2023, AST Bond Portfolio 2024, AST Bond Portfolio 2025, AST Bond Portfolio 2026, AST Bond Portfolio 2027, AST Bond Portfolio 2028 and AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio is subject to certain breakpoints. The assets of each of these Portfolios will be aggregated for purposes of determining the fee rate applicable to each Portfolio.
Management Fees Paid by the Portfolios      
Portfolio 2016 2015 2014
AST Bond Portfolio 2028 N/A N/A N/A
FEE WAIVERS/SUBSIDIES. PI may from time to time waive all or a portion of its management fee and/or subsidize all or a portion of the operating expenses of the Portfolio. Fee waivers and subsidies will increase the Portfolio's return.
PI has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or limit total expenses (expressed as an annual percentage of average daily net assets) for certain Portfolios of the Fund, as set forth in the table below. The expense limitations may be discontinued or otherwise modified at any time.
Fee Waivers & Expense Limitations  
Portfolio Fee Waiver and/or Expense Limitation
AST Bond Portfolio 2028* limit Portfolio expenses to 0.93%
*The Manager has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Portfolio so that the Portfolio’s investment management fees plus other expenses (exclusive in all cases of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.93% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets through June 30, 2018. This waiver may not be terminated prior to June 30, 2018 without the prior approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. Expenses waived/reimbursed by the Manager may be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year during which such waiver/reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year.
SUBADVISER. The Manager has entered into a subadvisory agreement with the subadviser named in the table appearing below. The subadvisory agreement provides that the subadviser will furnish investment advisory services in connection with the management of the Portfolio. In connection therewith, the subadviser is obligated to keep certain books and records of the Trust. Under the subadvisory agreement, the subadviser, subject to the supervision of the Manager, is responsible for managing the assets of the Portfolio in accordance with the Portfolio's investment objectives, investment program and policies. The subadviser determines what securities and other instruments are purchased and sold for the Portfolio and are responsible for obtaining and evaluating financial data relevant to the Portfolio. The Manager continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services pursuant to the Management Agreement and supervises the subadviser’s performance of such services.
Pursuant to the subadvisory agreement, the Manager pays the subadviser a fee. The tables below set forth the current fee rates and fees paid by the Manager to the subadviser for the three most recent fiscal years. The fee rates represent the fees as a percentage of average daily net assets.
As discussed in the Prospectus, the Manager employs the subadviser under a “manager of managers” structure that allows the Manager to replace the subadviser or amend a subadvisory agreement without seeking shareholder approval. The Manager is authorized to select (with approval of the Board's independent trustees) one or more subadvisers to handle the actual day-to-day investment management of the Portfolio. The Manager monitors the subadviser's performance through quantitative and qualitative analysis and periodically report to the Board as to whether the subadviser's agreement should be renewed, terminated or modified. It is possible that the Manager will continue to be satisfied with the performance record of the existing subadvisers and not recommend any additional subadvisers. The Manager is also responsible for allocating assets among the subadvisers if the Portfolio has more than one subadviser. In those circumstances, the allocation for each subadviser can range from 0% to 100% of the Portfolio's assets, and the Manager can change the allocations without Board or shareholder approval. The Manager will review the allocations periodically and may adjust them without prior notice. The annual update to the Trust's prospectus will reflect these adjustments. Shareholders will be notified of any new subadvisers or materially amended subadvisory agreements.

    16

Table of Contents
Portfolio Subadviser and Fee Rates    
Portfolio Subadviser Fee Rate*
AST Bond Portfolio 2028 PGIM Fixed Income* 0.15% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.14% on next $1.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.12% over $2 billion of average daily net assets
* The combined average daily net assets of the AST Bond Portfolio 2017, AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, AST Bond Portfolio 2020, AST Bond Portfolio 2021, AST Bond Portfolio 2022, AST Bond Portfolio 2023, AST Bond Portfolio 2024, AST Bond Portfolio 2025, AST Bond Portfolio 2026, AST Bond Portfolio 2027, AST Bond Portfolio 2028 and the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio will include the assets of future portfolios of the Trust that are subadvised by PGIM Fixed Income pursuant to target maturity or constant duration investment strategies that are used in connection with non-discretionary asset transfers under certain living benefit programs.
Subadvisory Fees Paid by PI        
Portfolio Subadviser 2016 2015 2014
AST Bond Portfolio 2028 PGIM Fixed Income N/A N/A N/A
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: OTHER ACCOUNTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS Other Accounts and Portfolio Ownership. The following table sets forth information about the Portfolio and accounts other than the Portfolio for which the Portfolio's portfolio managers (the Portfolio Managers) are primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year. The table shows, for each portfolio manager, the number of accounts managed and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts whose fees are based on performance is indicated in italics typeface. The tables also set forth the dollar range of equity securities of the Portfolio of the Trust beneficially owned by the Portfolio Managers as of the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year.
AST Bond Portfolio 2028
Subadviser Portfolio Managers Registered Investment
Companies*
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles*
Other Accounts* Ownership of Fund
Securities*
PGIM Fixed Income Richard Piccirillo 37/$44,753,584,206 27/$10,941,749,541
2/$0
120/$44,841,800,088 None
  Malcolm Dalrymple 32/$26,371,576,921 19/$3,625,628,888 69/$17,918,362,510
1/$90,435,971
None
  Erik Schiller, CFA 36/$12,954,600,215 27/$10,092,745,852
2/$2,942,499,861
132/$36,810,319,737
2/$2,861,876,782
None
  David Del Vecchio 31/$26,346,784,483 19/$3,625,628,888 69/$17,918,362,510
1/$90,435,971
None
*Information is as of October 31, 2016.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS: COMPENSATION & CONFLICTS POLICIES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS—COMPENSATION AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. Set forth below, for each portfolio manager, is an explanation of the structure of and method(s) used by each subadviser to determine, portfolio manager compensation. Also set forth below, for each portfolio manager, is an explanation of any material conflicts of interest that may arise between a portfolio manager's management of the Portfolio's investments and investments in other accounts.
PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC
PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPENSATION. Prudential provides compensation opportunities to eligible employees to motivate and reward the achievement of outstanding results by providing market-based programs that:
Attract and reward highly qualified employees
Align with critical business goals and objectives
Link to the performance results relevant to the business segment and Prudential
Retain top performers
Pay for results and differentiate levels of performance
Foster behaviors and contributions that promote Prudential's success
The components of compensation for a Vice President in Prudential Investments consists of base salary, annual incentive compensation and long term incentive compensation.

17

Table of Contents
Base Pay Overview: The Prudential compensation structure is organized in grades, each with its own minimum and maximum base pay (i.e., salary). The grades reflect pay patterns in the market. Each job in the plan—from CEO through an entry-level job—is included in one of the grades. The main determinant of placement in the base pay structure is market data. On an annual basis, Corporate Compensation collects and analyzes market data to determine if any change to the placement of job in the structure is necessary to maintain market competitiveness. If necessary, structural compensation changes (e.g., increases to base pay minimum and maximums) will be effective on the plan's effective date for base pay increases.
Annual Incentive Compensation Overview: The plan provides an opportunity for all participants to share in the annual results of Prudential, as well as the results of their division or profit center. Results are reviewed and incentive payments are made as early as practicable after the close of the plan year. Incentive payments are awarded based on organizational performance—which determines the available dollar amounts—and individual performance. Individual performance will be evaluated on the basis of contributions relative to others in the organization. Incentive payments are granted from a budgeted amount of money that is made available by the Company. Initial budgets are developed by determining the competitive market rates for incentives as compared to our comparator companies. Each organization's budget pool may be increased or decreased based on organizational performance. Organizational performance is determined by a review of performance relative to our comparator group, as well as key measures indicated in our business plan, such as Return on Required Equity (RORE), earnings and revenue growth.
Long Term Incentive Compensation Overview: In addition, executives at the Vice President level and above are eligible to participate in a long term incentive program to provide an ownership stake in Prudential Financial. Long-Term incentives currently consist of restricted stock and stock options. The stock options vest  1 3 per year over 3 years and the restricted stock vests 100% at the end of 3 years.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. PI follows Prudential Financial's policies on business ethics, personal securities trading by investment personnel, and information barriers and has adopted a code of ethics, allocation policies, supervisory procedures and conflicts of interest policies, among other policies and procedures, which are designed to ensure that clients are not harmed by these potential or actual conflicts of interests; however, there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will detect and ensure avoidance, disclosure or mitigation of each and every situation in which a conflict may arise.
PGIM, Inc. (PGIM).
COMPENSATION . The base salary of an investment professional in the PGIM Fixed Income unit of PGIM is based on market data relative to similar positions as well as the past performance, years of experience and scope of responsibility of the individual. Incentive compensation, including the annual cash bonus, the long-term equity grant and grants under PGIM Fixed Income’s long-term incentive plan, is primarily based on such person’s contribution to PGIM Fixed Income’s goal of providing investment performance to clients consistent with portfolio objectives, guidelines and risk parameters and market-based data such as compensation trends and levels of overall compensation for similar positions in the asset management industry. In addition, an investment professional’s qualitative contributions to the organization are considered in determining incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not solely based on the performance of, or value of assets in, any single account or group of client accounts.
An investment professional’s annual cash bonus is paid from an annual incentive pool. The pool is developed as a percentage of PGIM Fixed Income’s operating income and is refined by business metrics, which may include:
business development initiatives, measured primarily by growth in operating income;
the number of investment professionals receiving a bonus; and/or
investment performance of portfolios (i) relative to appropriate peer groups and/or (ii) as measured against relevant investment indices.
Long-term compensation consists of Prudential restricted stock and grants under the long-term incentive plan. Grants under the long-term incentive plan are participation interests in notional accounts with a beginning value of a specified dollar amount. The value attributed to these notional accounts increases or decreases over a defined period of time based, in part, on the performance of investment composites representing a number of PGIM Fixed Income’s most frequently marketed investment strategies. An investment composite is an aggregation of accounts with similar investment strategies. The long-term incentive plan is designed to more closely align compensation with investment performance and the growth of PGIM Fixed Income’s business. Both the restricted stock and participation interests are subject to vesting requirements.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST . Like other investment advisers, PGIM Fixed Income is subject to various conflicts of interest in the ordinary course of its business. PGIM Fixed Income strives to identify potential risks, including conflicts of interest, that are inherent in its business, and conducts annual conflict of interest reviews. When actual or potential conflicts of interest are identified, PGIM Fixed Income seeks to address such conflicts through one or more of the following methods:

    18

Table of Contents
elimination of the conflict;
disclosure of the conflict; or
management of the conflict through the adoption of appropriate policies and procedures.
PGIM Fixed Income follows the policies of Prudential on business ethics, personal securities trading by investment personnel, and information barriers. PGIM Fixed Income has adopted a code of ethics, allocation policies and conflicts of interest policies, among others, and has adopted supervisory procedures to monitor compliance with its policies. PGIM Fixed Income cannot guarantee, however, that its policies and procedures will detect and prevent, or assure disclosure of, each and every situation in which a conflict may arise.
Side-by-Side Management of Accounts and Related Conflicts of Interest. PGIM Fixed Income’s side-by-side management of multiple accounts can create conflicts of interest. Examples are detailed below, followed by a discussion of how PGIM Fixed Income addresses these conflicts.
Performance Fees— PGIM Fixed Income manages accounts with asset-based fees alongside accounts with performance-based fees. This side-by-side management may be deemed to create an incentive for PGIM Fixed Income and its investment professionals to favor one account over another. Specifically, PGIM Fixed Income could be considered to have the incentive to favor accounts for which it receives performance fees, and possibly take greater investment risks in those accounts, in order to bolster performance and increase its fees.
Affiliated accounts— PGIM Fixed Income manages accounts on behalf of its affiliates as well as unaffiliated accounts. PGIM Fixed Income could be considered to have an incentive to favor accounts of affiliates over others.
Large accounts—large accounts typically generate more revenue than do smaller accounts and certain of PGIM Fixed Income’s strategies have higher fees than others. As a result, a portfolio manager could be considered to have an incentive when allocating scarce investment opportunities to favor accounts that pay a higher fee or generate more income for PGIM Fixed Income.
Long only and long/short accounts— PGIM Fixed Income manages accounts that only allow it to hold securities long as well as accounts that permit short selling. PGIM Fixed Income may, therefore, sell a security short in some client accounts while holding the same security long in other client accounts. These short sales could reduce the value of the securities held in the long only accounts. In addition, purchases for long only accounts could have a negative impact on the short positions.
Securities of the same kind or class— PGIM Fixed Income may buy or sell for one client account securities of the same kind or class that are purchased or sold for another client at prices that may be different. PGIM Fixed Income may also, at any time, execute trades of securities of the same kind or class in one direction for an account and in the opposite direction for another account due to differences in investment strategy or client direction. Different strategies trading in the same securities or types of securities may appear as inconsistencies in PGIM Fixed Income’s management of multiple accounts side-by-side.
Financial interests of investment professionals— PGIM Fixed Income investment professionals may invest in investment vehicles that it advises. Also, certain of these investment vehicles are options under the 401(k) and deferred compensation plans offered by Prudential. In addition, the value of grants under PGIM Fixed Income’s long-term incentive plan is affected by the performance of certain client accounts. As a result, PGIM Fixed Income investment professionals may have financial interests in accounts managed by PGIM Fixed Income or that are related to the performance of certain client accounts.
Non-discretionary accounts or models— PGIM Fixed Income provides non-discretionary investment advice and non-discretionary model portfolios to some clients and manages others on a discretionary basis. Trades in non-discretionary accounts could occur before, in concert with, or after PGIM Fixed Income executes similar trades in its discretionary accounts. The non-discretionary clients may be disadvantaged if PGIM Fixed Income delivers the model investment portfolio or investment advice to them after it initiates trading for the discretionary clients, or vice versa.
How PGIM Fixed Income Addresses These Conflicts of Interest. PGIM Fixed Income has developed policies and procedures designed to address the conflicts of interest with respect to its different types of side-by-side management described above.
The head of PGIM Fixed Income and its chief investment officer periodically review and compare performance and performance attribution for each client account within its various strategies.
In keeping with PGIM Fixed Income’s fiduciary obligations, its policy with respect to trade aggregation and allocation is to treat all of its accounts fairly and equitably over time. PGIM Fixed Income’s trade management oversight committee, which generally meets quarterly, is responsible for providing oversight with respect to trade aggregation and allocation. PGIM Fixed Income has compliance procedures with respect to its aggregation and allocation policy that include independent monitoring by its compliance group of the timing, allocation and aggregation of trades and the allocation of investment opportunities. In addition, its compliance group reviews a sampling of new issue allocations and related documentation each month to confirm compliance with the allocation procedures. PGIM Fixed Income’s compliance group reports the results of the monitoring processes to its trade management oversight committee. PGIM Fixed Income’s trade management oversight committee reviews forensic reports of new issue allocation throughout the year so that new issue allocation in each of its strategies is reviewed at least once during each year. This forensic analysis includes such data as: (i) the number of new issues allocated in the strategy; (ii) the size of new issue allocations to each portfolio in the strategy; and (iii) the profitability of new issue transactions. The results of these analyses are reviewed and discussed at PGIM Fixed Income’s trade management oversight committee meetings. PGIM Fixed Income’s trade

19

Table of Contents
  management oversight committee also reviews forensic reports on the allocation of trading opportunities in the secondary market. The procedures above are designed to detect patterns and anomalies in PGIM Fixed Income’s side-by-side management and trading so that it may assess and improve its processes.
PGIM Fixed Income has policies and procedures that specifically address its side-by-side management of long/short and long only portfolios. These policies address potential conflicts that could arise from differing positions between long/short and long only portfolios. In addition, lending opportunities with respect to securities for which the market is demanding a slight premium rate over normal market rates are allocated to long only accounts prior to allocating the opportunities to long/short accounts.
Conflicts Related to PGIM Fixed Income’s Affiliations. As an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential, PGIM Fixed Income is part of a diversified, global financial services organization. PGIM Fixed Income is affiliated with many types of US and non-US financial service providers, including insurance companies, broker-dealers, commodity trading advisors, commodity pool operators and other investment advisers. Some of its employees are officers of some of these affiliates.
Conflicts Arising Out of Legal Restrictions . PGIM Fixed Income may be restricted by law, regulation or contract as to how much, if any, of a particular security it may purchase or sell on behalf of a client, and as to the timing of such purchase or sale. These restrictions may apply as a result of its relationship with Prudential and its other affiliates. For example, PGIM Fixed Income’s holdings of a security on behalf of its clients may, under some SEC rules, be aggregated with the holdings of that security by other Prudential affiliates. These holdings could, on an aggregate basis, exceed certain reporting thresholds that are monitored, and PGIM Fixed Income may restrict purchases to avoid exceeding these thresholds. In addition, PGIM Fixed Income could receive material, non-public information with respect to a particular issuer and, as a result, be unable to execute transactions in securities of that issuer for its clients. For example, PGIM Fixed Income’s bank loan team often invests in private bank loans in connection with which the borrower provides material, non-public information, resulting in restrictions on trading securities issued by those borrowers. PGIM Fixed Income has procedures in place to carefully consider whether to intentionally accept material, non-public information with respect to certain issuers. PGIM Fixed Income is generally able to avoid receiving material, non-public information from its affiliates and other units within PGIM by maintaining information barriers. In some instances, it may create an isolated information barrier around a small number of its employees so that material, non-public information received by such employees is not attributed to the rest of PGIM Fixed Income.
Conflicts Related to Outside Business Activity . From time to time, certain of PGIM Fixed Income’s employees or officers may engage in outside business activity, including outside directorships. Any outside business activity is subject to prior approval pursuant to PGIM Fixed Income’s personal conflicts of interest and outside business activities policy. Actual and potential conflicts of interest are analyzed during such approval process. PGIM Fixed Income could be restricted in trading the securities of certain issuers in client portfolios in the unlikely event that an employee or officer, as a result of outside business activity, obtains material, nonpublic information regarding an issuer. The head of PGIM Fixed Income serves on the board of directors of the operator of an electronic trading platform. PGIM Fixed Income has adopted procedures to address the conflict relating to trading on this platform. The procedures include independent monitoring by PGIM Fixed Income’s chief investment officer and chief compliance officer and reporting on PGIM Fixed Income’s use of this platform to the President of PGIM.
Conflicts Related to Investment of Client Assets in Affiliated Funds . PGIM Fixed Income may invest client assets in funds that it manages or subadvises for an affiliate. PGIM Fixed Income may also invest cash collateral from securities lending transactions in these funds. These investments benefit both PGIM Fixed Income and its affiliate.
PICA General Account . Because of the substantial size of the general account of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (PICA), trading by PICA’s general account, including PGIM Fixed Income’s trades on behalf of the account, may affect market prices. Although PGIM Fixed Income doesn’t expect that PICA’s general account will execute transactions that will move a market frequently, and generally only in response to unusual market or issuer events, the execution of these transactions could have an adverse effect on transactions for or positions held by other clients.
Conflicts Related to Securities Holdings and Other Financial Interests.
Securities Holdings. PGIM, Prudential, PICA’s general account and accounts of other affiliates of PGIM Fixed Income (collectively, affiliated accounts) hold public and private debt and equity securities of a large number of issuers and may invest in some of the same companies as other client accounts but at different levels in the capital structure. These investments can result in conflicts between the interests of the affiliated accounts and the interests of PGIM Fixed Income’s clients. For example: (i) Affiliated accounts can hold the senior debt of an issuer whose subordinated debt is held by PGIM Fixed Income’s clients or hold secured debt of an issuer whose public unsecured debt is held in client accounts. In the event of restructuring or insolvency, the affiliated accounts as holders of senior debt may exercise remedies and take other actions that are not in the interest of, or are adverse to, other clients that are the holders of junior debt. (ii) To the extent permitted by applicable law, PGIM Fixed Income may also invest client assets in offerings of securities the proceeds of which are used to repay debt obligations held in affiliated accounts or other client accounts. PGIM Fixed Income’s interest in having the debt repaid creates a conflict of interest. PGIM Fixed Income has adopted a refinancing policy to address this conflict. PGIM Fixed Income may be unable to invest client assets in the securities of certain issuers as a result of the investments described above.
Conflicts Related to the Offer and Sale of Securities. Certain of PGIM Fixed Income’s employees may offer and sell securities of, and interests in, commingled funds that it manages or subadvises. There is an incentive for PGIM Fixed Income’s employees to offer these securities to investors regardless of whether the investment is appropriate for such investor since increased assets in these vehicles will result in increased advisory fees to it. In addition, such sales could result in increased compensation to the employee.

    20

Table of Contents
Conflicts Related to Long-Term Compensation. The performance of many client accounts is not reflected in the calculation of changes in the value of participation interests under PGIM Fixed Income’s long-term incentive plan. This may be because the composite representing the strategy in which the account is managed is not one of the composites included in the calculation or because the account is excluded from a specified composite due to guideline restrictions or other factors. As a result of the long-term incentive plan, PGIM Fixed Income’s portfolio managers from time to time have financial interests related to the investment performance of some, but not all, of the accounts they manage. To address potential conflicts related to these financial interests, PGIM Fixed Income has procedures, including trade allocation and supervisory review procedures, designed to ensure that each of its client accounts is managed in a manner that is consistent with PGIM Fixed Income’s fiduciary obligations, as well as with the account’s investment objectives, investment strategies and restrictions. For example, PGIM Fixed Income’s chief investment officer reviews performance among similarly managed accounts with the head of PGIM Fixed Income on a quarterly basis.
Other Financial Interests. PGIM Fixed Income and its affiliates may also have financial interests or relationships with issuers whose securities it invests in for client accounts. These interests can include debt or equity financing, strategic corporate relationships or investments, and the offering of investment advice in various forms. For example, PGIM Fixed Income may invest client assets in the securities of issuers that are also its advisory clients.
In general, conflicts related to the securities holdings and financial interests described above are addressed by the fact that PGIM Fixed Income makes investment decisions for each client independently considering the best economic interests of such client.
Conflicts Related to Valuation and Fees. When client accounts hold illiquid or difficult to value investments, PGIM Fixed Income faces a conflict of interest when making recommendations regarding the value of such investments since its management fees are generally based on the value of assets under management. PGIM Fixed Income believes that its valuation policies and procedures mitigate this conflict effectively and enable it to value client assets fairly and in a manner that is consistent with the client’s best interests.
Conflicts Related to Securities Lending Fees. When PGIM Fixed Income manages a client account and also serves as securities lending agent for the account, it could be considered to have the incentive to invest in securities that would yield higher securities lending rates. This conflict is mitigated by the fact that PGIM Fixed Income’s advisory fees are generally based on the value of assets in a client’s account. In addition, PGIM Fixed Income’s securities lending function has a separate reporting line to its chief operating officer (rather than its chief investment officer).
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
CUSTODIAN. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286 serves as Custodian for the Trust's portfolio securities and cash, and in that capacity, maintains certain financial accounting books and records pursuant to an agreement with the Trust. Subcustodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside the United States.
TRANSFER AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT. Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent of the Trust. PMFS is an affiliate of PI. PMFS provides customary transfer agency services to the Trust, including the handling of shareholder communications, the processing of shareholder transactions, the maintenance of shareholder account records, the payment of dividends and distributions, and related functions. For these services, PMFS receives compensation from the Trust and is reimbursed for its transfer agent expenses which include an annual fee per shareholder account, a monthly inactive account fee per shareholder account and its out-of-pocket expenses; including but not limited to postage, stationery, printing, allocable communication expenses and other costs.
BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (BNYAS) serves as sub-transfer agent to the Trust. PMFS has contracted with BNYAS, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, to provide certain administrative functions to the Transfer Agent. PMFS will compensate BNYAS for such services.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. KPMG LLP, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 served as the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, and in that capacity will audit the annual financial statements for the Trust for the next fiscal year.
SECURITIES LENDING AGENT. Goldman Sachs Bank USA, doing business as Goldman Sachs Agency Lending (GSAL), serves as the securities lending agent for the Trust, and in that role administers the Portfolio’s securities lending program. Prior to on or about July 6, 2016, PGIM served as the securities lending agent. Because the Portfolio is new, it has not paid GSAL or PGIM any amount as securities lending agent for the Portfolio.
DISTRIBUTOR. The Trust has distribution arrangements with PAD, pursuant to which PAD serves as the distributor for the shares of the Portfolio. PAD is an affiliate of the Manager.

21

Table of Contents
The Trust’s distribution agreement with respect to the Trust and the Portfolio (Distribution Agreement) has been approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, with respect to the Portfolio. The Distribution Agreement will remain in effect from year to year provided that the Distribution Agreement’s continuance is approved annually by (i) a majority of the Independent Trustees who are not parties to the agreement and, if applicable, who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan (the 12b-1Plan) or any such related agreement, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Agreements and (ii) either by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, as applicable.
The Trust has adopted the 12b-1Plan in the manner prescribed under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the 12b-1Plan, the Portfolio is authorized to pay PAD an annual shareholder services and distribution fee of 0.25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets.
The shareholder services and distribution fee paid by the Portfolio to PAD is intended to compensate PAD and its affiliates for various administrative services, including but not limited to the filing, printing and delivery of the Trust’s prospectus and statement of additional information, annual and semi-annual shareholder reports, and other required regulatory documents, responding to shareholder questions and inquiries relating to the Portfolio, and related functions and services. In addition, pursuant to the 12b-1Plan, the fee is intended to compensate PAD and its affiliates for various services rendered and expenses incurred in connection with activities intended to result in the sale or servicing of the shares of the Portfolio. These activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
printing and mailing of prospectuses, statements of additional information, supplements, proxy statement materials, and annual and semi-annual reports for current owners of variable life or variable annuity contracts indirectly investing in the shares (the Contracts);
reconciling and balancing separate account investments in the Portfolio;
reconciling and providing notice to the Trust of net cash flow and cash requirements for net redemption orders;
confirming transactions;
providing Contract owner services related to investments in the Portfolio, including assisting the Trust with proxy solicitations, including providing solicitation and tabulation services, and investigating and responding to inquiries from Contract owners that relate to the Portfolio;
providing periodic reports to the Trust and regarding the Portfolio to third-party reporting services;
paying compensation to and expenses, including overhead, of employees of PAD and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries that engage in the distribution of the shares including, but not limited to, commissions, service fees and marketing fees;
printing and mailing of prospectuses, statements of additional information, supplements and annual and semi-annual reports for prospective Contract owners;
paying expenses relating to the development, preparation, printing and mailing of advertisements, sales literature, and other promotional materials describing and/or relating to the Portfolio;
paying expenses of holding seminars and sales meetings designed to promote the distribution of the shares;
paying expenses of obtaining information and providing explanations to Contract owners regarding investment objectives, policies, performance and other information about the Trust and the Portfolio;
paying expenses of training sales personnel regarding the Portfolio; and
providing other services and bearing other expenses for the benefit of the Portfolio, including activities primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Trust.
The 12b-1Plan is of a type known as a “compensation” plan because payments are made for services rendered to the covered portfolios of the Trust regardless of the level of actual expenditures by PAD. However, as part of their oversight of the operations of the Trust and the 12b-1Plan, the Trustees consider and examine all payments made to PAD and all expenditures by PAD for purposes of reviewing operations under the 12b-1Plan. As required under Rule 12b-1, the 12b-1Plan provides that PAD and any other person(s) authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Portfolio pursuant to the 12b-1Plan or any related agreement will provide to the Board, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Fees payable to PAD under the 12b-1Plan are accrued daily and paid bi-weekly.
The 12b-1Plan and any related agreement will continue in effect, with respect to the Portfolio, for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of (a) the Board and (b) the Trust’s Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the 12b-1Plan or such agreement, as applicable. In addition, the 12b-1Plan and any related agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities representing the shares of the Portfolio. The

    22

Table of Contents
12b-1Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution and shareholder service fees permissible with respect to the Portfolio until it has been approved by the Board and by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities representing the shares of the Portfolio.
Because the Portfolio is new, it has not paid PAD any amounts pursuant to the 12b-1 Plan.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS & BROKERAGE
The Trust has adopted a policy pursuant to which the Trust and its Investment Manager, Subadvisers, and principal underwriter are prohibited from directly or indirectly compensating a broker-dealer for promoting or selling Trust shares by directing brokerage transactions to that broker. The Trust has adopted procedures for the purpose of deterring and detecting any violations of the policy. The policy permits the Trust, the Investment Manager, and the Subadvisers to use selling brokers to execute transactions in portfolio securities so long as the selection of such selling brokers is the result of a decision that executing such transactions is in the best interest of the Trust and is not influenced by considerations about the sale of Trust shares.
The Investment Manager is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, futures contracts and options on such securities and futures for the Trust, the selection of brokers, dealers and futures commission merchants to effect the transactions and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. On a national securities exchange, broker-dealers may receive negotiated brokerage commissions on Trust portfolio transactions, including options, futures, and options on futures transactions and the purchase and sale of underlying securities upon the exercise of options. On a foreign securities exchange, commissions may be fixed. For purposes of this section, the term “Investment Manager” includes the investment Subadvisers. Orders may be directed to any broker or futures commission merchant including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable laws, affiliates of the Investment Manager and/or Subadvisers (an affiliated broker). Brokerage commissions on US securities, options and futures exchanges or boards of trade are subject to negotiation between the Investment Manager and the broker or futures commission merchant.
In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a “net” basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market instruments and US government agency securities may be purchased directly from the issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. The Trust will not deal with an affiliated broker in any transaction in which an affiliated broker acts as principal except in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
In placing orders for portfolio securities of the Trust, the Investment Manager's overriding objective is to obtain the best possible combination of favorable price and efficient execution. The Investment Manager seeks to effect such transaction at a price and commission that provides the most favorable total cost of proceeds reasonably attainable in the circumstances. The factors that the Investment Manager may consider in selecting a particular broker, dealer or futures commission merchant (firms) are the Investment Manager's knowledge of negotiated commission rates currently available and other current transaction costs; the nature of the portfolio transaction; the size of the transaction; the desired timing of the trade; the activity existing and expected in the market for the particular transaction; confidentiality; the execution, clearance and settlement capabilities of the firms; the availability of research and research related services provided through such firms; the Investment Manager's knowledge of the financial stability of the firms; the Investment Manager's knowledge of actual or apparent operational problems of firms; and the amount of capital, if any, that would be contributed by firms executing the transaction. Given these factors, the Trust may pay transaction costs in excess of that which another firm might have charged for effecting the same transaction.
When the Investment Manager selects a firm that executes orders or is a party to portfolio transactions, relevant factors taken into consideration are whether that firm has furnished research and research-related products and/or services, such as research reports, research compilations, statistical and economic data, computer data bases, quotation equipment and services, research-oriented computer software, hardware and services, reports concerning the performance of accounts, valuations of securities, investment related periodicals, investment seminars and other economic services and consultations. Such services are used in connection with some or all of the Investment Manager's investment activities; some of such services, obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for one investment account, may be used in managing other accounts, and not all of these services may be used in connection with the Trust. The Investment Manager maintains an internal allocation procedure to identify those firms who have provided it with research and research-related products and/or services, and the amount that was provided, and to endeavor to direct sufficient commissions to them to ensure the continued receipt of those services that the Investment Manager believes provide a benefit to the Trust and its other clients. The Investment Manager makes a good faith determination that the research and/or service is reasonable in light of the type of service provided and the price and execution of the related portfolio transactions.

23

Table of Contents
When the Investment Manager deems the purchase or sale of equities to be in the best interests of the Trust or its other clients, including Prudential, the Investment Manager may, but is under no obligation to, aggregate the transactions in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the transactions, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Investment Manager in the manner it considers to be most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to its clients. The allocation of orders among firms and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the Trust's Board. Portfolio securities may not be purchased from any underwriting or selling syndicate of which any affiliated broker, during the existence of the syndicate, is a principal underwriter (as defined in the 1940 Act), except in accordance with rules of the SEC. This limitation, in the opinion of the Trust, will not significantly affect the Trust's ability to pursue its present investment objective. However, in the future in other circumstances, the Trust may be at a disadvantage because of this limitation in comparison to other Trusts with similar objectives but not subject to such limitations.
Subject to the above considerations, an affiliated broker may act as a broker or futures commission merchant for the Trust. In order for an affiliated broker to effect any portfolio transactions for the Trust, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the affiliated broker must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other firms in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities or futures being purchased or sold on an exchange or board of trade during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow the affiliated broker to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated firm in a commensurate arm's-length transaction. Furthermore, the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to the affiliated broker (or any affiliate) are consistent with the foregoing standard. In accordance with Section 11 (a) of the 1934 Act, an affiliated broker may not retain compensation for effecting transactions on a national securities exchange for the Trust unless the Trust has expressly authorized the retention of such compensation. The affiliated broker must furnish to the Trust at least annually a statement setting forth the total amount of all compensation retained by it from transactions effected for the Trust during the applicable period. Brokerage transactions with an affiliated broker are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon the broker by applicable law. Transactions in options by the Trust will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or different exchanges or are written or held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Trust may write or hold may be affected by options written or held by the Investment Manager and other investment advisory clients of the Investment Manager. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
Each Portfolio participates in a voluntary commission recapture program available through Russell Implementation Services, Inc. (Russell). Subadvisers that choose to participate in the program retains the responsibility to seek best execution and are under no obligation to place any specific trades with a broker available through the program (each, a designated broker). A portion of commissions on trades executed through designated brokers is rebated to a Portfolio as a credit that can be used by the Portfolio to pay expenses of the Portfolio. Because the Portfolio had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, no information concerning the brokerage commission paid by the Portfolio is included herein.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TRUST HISTORY. The Trust is a managed, open-end investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust, the separate Portfolios of which are diversified, unless otherwise indicated. Formerly, the Trust was known as the Henderson International Growth Fund, which consisted of only one Portfolio (The Henderson International Growth Fund is currently known as the AST J.P. Morgan International Equity Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Strong International Equity Portfolio, the AST AIM International Equity Portfolio, the AST Putnam International Equity Portfolio and the Seligman Henderson International Equity Portfolio)).The investment manager was Henderson International, Inc. Shareholders of what was, at the time, the Henderson International Growth Fund, approved certain changes in a meeting held April 17, 1992. These changes included engagement of a new investment manager, engagement of a Subadviser and election of new Trustees. Subsequent to that meeting, the new Trustees adopted a number of resolutions, including, but not limited to, resolutions renaming the Trust. Since that time the Trustees have adopted a number of resolutions, including, but not limited to, making new Portfolios available and adopting forms of Investment Management Agreements and subadvisory Agreements between the investment managers and the Trust and the investment managers and each subadviser, respectively.
Effective as of May 1, 2007, the Trust changed its name from American Skandia Trust to Advanced Series Trust.
If approved by the Trustees, the Trust may add more Portfolios and may cease to offer any existing Portfolios in the future.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES AND ORGANIZATION. As of the date of this SAI, the beneficial interest in the Trust is divided into 121 separate Portfolios, each offering one class of shares.

    24

Table of Contents
The Trust's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated December 1, 2005, which governs certain Trust matters, permits the Trust's Board to issue multiple classes of shares, and within each class, an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $.001 per share. Each share entitles the holder to one vote for the election of Trustees and on all other matters that are not specific to one class of shares, and to participate equally in dividends, distributions of capital gains and net assets of each applicable Portfolio. Only shareholders of shares of a specific Portfolio may vote on matters specific to that Portfolio. Shares of one class may not bear the same economic relationship to the Trust as shares of another class. In the event of dissolution or liquidation, holders of shares of a Portfolio will receive pro rata, subject to the rights of creditors, the proceeds of the sale of the assets held in such Portfolio less the liabilities attributable to such Portfolio. Shareholders of a Portfolio will not be liable for the expenses, obligations or debts of another Portfolio.
No preemptive or conversion rights apply to any of the Trust's shares. The Trust's shares, when issued, will be fully paid, non-assessable and transferable. The Trustees may at any time create additional series of shares without shareholder approval.
Generally, there will not be annual meetings of shareholders of any Portfolio of the Trust. A Trustee may, in accordance with certain rules of the SEC, be removed from office when the holders of record of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares either present a written declaration to the Trust's custodian or vote in person or by proxy at a meeting called for this purpose. In addition, the Trustees will promptly call a meeting of shareholders to remove a Trustee(s) when requested to do so in writing by record holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares. Finally, the Trustees shall, in certain circumstances, give such shareholders access to a list of the names and addresses of all other shareholders or inform them of the number of shareholders and the cost of mailing their request.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees to all parties, and each party thereto must expressly waive all rights of action directly against shareholders. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust's property for all loss and expense of any shareholder of the Trust held liable on account of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust would be unable to meet its obligations wherein the complaining party was held not to be bound by the disclaimer.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will have no personal liability to any person in connection with the Trust property or affairs of the Trust except for that arising from his bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duty to that person. All persons must look solely to the Trust property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the Trust's affairs. In general, the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification by the Trust of the Trustees and officers of the Trust except with respect to any matter as to which the Trustee or officer acted in bad faith, or with willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties.
From time to time, Prudential Financial, Inc. and/or its insurance company affiliates have purchased shares of the Trust to provide initial capital and to enable the Portfolios to avoid unrealistically poor investment performance that might otherwise result because the amounts available for investment are too small. Prudential will not redeem any of its shares until a Portfolio is large enough so that redemption will not have an adverse effect upon investment performance. Prudential will vote its shares in the same manner and in the same proportion as the shares held by the separate accounts that invest in the Trust, which in turn, are generally voted in accordance with instructions from Contract owners.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
To the knowledge of the Trust, the following persons/entities owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the Portfolio of the Trust as of December 12, 2016. As of December 12, 2016, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Trust.
As of December 12, 2016, there were no outstanding shares of the Portfolio. As a result, as of the date of this SAI, no person owned beneficially more than 5% of any class of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares.
The Participating Insurance Companies are not obligated to continue to invest in shares of the Portfolio under all circumstances. Variable annuity and variable life insurance policy holders should refer to the prospectuses for such products for a description of the circumstances in which such a change might occur.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Because the Portfolio has not yet commenced operations, no financial information is available. When available, the Trust’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports will be available upon request and without charge

25

Table of Contents
PART II
INVESTMENT RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS
Set forth below are descriptions of some of the types of investments and investment strategies that the Portfolio may use, and the risks and considerations associated with those investments and investment strategies. The Portfolio may invest in the types of investments and investment strategies that are consistent with its investment objective, policies and any limitations described in the prospectus and in the SAI.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. A Portfolio may invest in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities directly or indirectly represent a participation interest in, or are secured by and payable from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets such as motor vehicle or credit card receivables. Payments of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the entities issuing the securities. Asset-backed securities may be classified as pass-through certificates or collateralized obligations.
Pass-through certificates are asset-backed securities which represent an undivided fractional ownership interest in an underlying pool of assets. Pass-through certificates usually provide for payments of principal and interest received to be passed through to their holders, usually after deduction for certain costs and expenses incurred in administering the pool. Because pass-through certificates represent an ownership interest in the underlying assets, the holders thereof bear directly the risk of any defaults by the obligors on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support.
Asset-backed securities issued in the form of debt instruments, also known as collateralized obligations, are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Such assets are most often trade, credit card or automobile receivables. The assets collateralizing such asset-backed securities are pledged to a trustee or custodian for the benefit of the holders thereof. Such issuers generally hold no assets other than those underlying the asset-backed securities and any credit support provided. As a result, although payments on such asset-backed securities are obligations of the issuers, in the event of defaults on the underlying assets not covered by any credit support, the issuing entities are unlikely to have sufficient assets to satisfy their obligations on the related asset-backed securities.
Credit-Related Asset-Backed Securities. This type of asset-backed security is collateralized by a basket of corporate bonds or other securities, including junk bonds. Unlike the traditional asset-backed securities described above, these asset-backed securities often do have the benefit of a security interest or ownership interest in the related collateral. With a credit-related asset-backed security, the underlying bonds have the risk of being prepaid prior to maturity. Although generally not pre-payable at any time, some of the underlying bonds may have call options, while others may have maturity dates that are earlier than the asset-backed security itself. As with traditional asset-backed securities described above, the Portfolio bears the risk of loss of the resulting increase or decrease in yield to maturity after a prepayment of an underlying bond. However, the primary risk associated with credit-related asset-backed securities is the potential loss of principal associated with losses on the underlying bonds.
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs). This type of asset-backed security is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, as well as loans rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The risks of an investment in a CLO depend largely on the quality of the underlying loans and may be characterized by the Portfolio as illiquid securities.
For credit-related asset-backed securities and CLOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a trust typically has higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, other tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to particular underlying assets as a class.
BORROWING. A Portfolio may borrow up to 33  1 3 % of the value of its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing). The Portfolio may pledge up to 33  1 3 % of its total assets to secure these borrowings. If the Portfolio's asset coverage for borrowings falls below 300%, the Portfolio will take prompt action to reduce its borrowings. If the Portfolio borrows to invest in securities, any investment gains made on the securities in excess of interest paid on the borrowing will cause the net asset value of the shares to rise faster than would otherwise be the case. On the other hand, if the investment performance of the additional securities purchased fails to cover their cost (including any interest paid on the money borrowed) to the Portfolio, the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will decrease faster than would otherwise be the case. This is the speculative factor known as “leverage.”

    26

Table of Contents
A Portfolio may borrow from time to time, at the investment subadviser's discretion, to take advantage of investment opportunities, when yields on available investments exceed interest rates and other expenses of related borrowing, or when, in the investment adviser's opinion, unusual market conditions otherwise make it advantageous for the Portfolio to increase its investment capacity. A Portfolio will only borrow when there is an expectation that it will benefit a Portfolio after taking into account considerations such as interest income and possible losses upon liquidation. Borrowing by a Portfolio creates an opportunity for increased net income but, at the same time, creates risks, including the fact that leverage may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of Portfolio shares and in the yield on a Portfolio. A Portfolio may borrow through forward rolls, dollar rolls or reverse repurchase agreements, although no Portfolio currently has any intention of doing so, except for portfolios managed by PIMCO and Wellington Management.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest payments paid on corporate debt securities or the dividend preference on a preferred stock until such time as the convertible security matures or is redeemed or until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege. The characteristics of convertible securities make them appropriate investments for an investment company seeking a high total return from capital appreciation and investment income. These characteristics include the potential for capital appreciation as the value of the underlying common stock increases, the relatively high yield received from dividend or interest payments as compared to common stock dividends and decreased risks of decline in value relative to the underlying common stock due to their fixed income nature. As a result of the conversion feature, however, the interest rate or dividend preference on a convertible security is generally less than would be the case if the securities were issued in nonconvertible form.
In analyzing convertible securities, the Investment Manager will consider both the yield on the convertible security relative to its credit quality and the potential capital appreciation that is offered by the underlying common stock, among other things.
Convertible securities are issued and traded in a number of securities markets. Even in cases where a substantial portion of the convertible securities held by a Portfolio are denominated in US dollars, the underlying equity securities may be quoted in the currency of the country where the issuer is domiciled. With respect to convertible securities denominated in a currency different from that of the underlying equity securities, the conversion price may be based on a fixed exchange rate established at the time the security is issued. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the currency in which the debt security is denominated and the currency in which the share price is quoted will affect the value of the convertible security. As described below, a Portfolio is authorized to enter into foreign currency hedging transactions in which it may seek to reduce the effect of such fluctuations.
Apart from currency considerations, the value of convertible securities is influenced by both the yield of nonconvertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as its “investment value.” To the extent interest rates change, the investment value of the convertible security typically will fluctuate. However, at the same time, the value of the convertible security will be influenced by its “conversion value,” which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained if the convertible security were converted. Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying common stock. If, because of a low price of the common stock the conversion value is substantially below the investment value of the convertible security, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value.
To the extent the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the price of the convertible security will be influenced principally by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over the conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security. The yield and conversion premium of convertible securities issued in Japan and the Euromarket are frequently determined at levels that cause the conversion value to affect their market value more than the securities' investment value.
Holders of convertible securities generally have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to other debt securities of the same issuer. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the charter provision, indenture or other governing instrument pursuant to which the convertible security was issued. If a convertible security held by a Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Certain convertible debt securities may provide a put option to the holder, which entitles the holder to cause the security to be redeemed by the issuer at a premium over the stated principal amount of the debt security under certain circumstances.

27

Table of Contents
Synthetic convertible securities may be either (i) a debt security or preferred stock that may be convertible only under certain contingent circumstances or that may pay the holder a cash amount based on the value of shares of underlying common stock partly or wholly in lieu of a conversion right (a Cash-Settled Convertible), (ii) a combination of separate securities chosen by the Investment Manager in order to create the economic characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., a fixed income security paired with a security with equity conversion features, such as an option or warrant (a Manufactured Convertible) or (iii) a synthetic security manufactured by another party.
Synthetic convertible securities may include either Cash-Settled Convertibles or Manufactured Convertibles. Cash-Settled Convertibles are instruments that are created by the issuer and have the economic characteristics of traditional convertible securities but may not actually permit conversion into the underlying equity securities in all circumstances. As an example, a private company may issue a Cash-Settled Convertible that is convertible into common stock only if the company successfully completes a public offering of its common stock prior to maturity and otherwise pays a cash amount to reflect any equity appreciation. Manufactured Convertibles are created by the Investment Manager by combining separate securities that possess one of the two principal characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., fixed income (fixed income component) or a right to acquire equity securities (convertibility component). The fixed income component is achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed income securities, such as nonconvertible bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The convertibility component is achieved by investing in call options, warrants, or other securities with equity conversion features (equity features) granting the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of the underlying stocks within a specified period of time at a specified price or, in the case of a stock index option, the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of the underlying stock index.
A Manufactured Convertible differs from traditional convertible securities in several respects. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security having a unitary market value, a Manufactured Convertible is comprised of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the total “market value” of such a Manufactured Convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed income component and its convertibility component.
More flexibility is possible in the creation of a Manufactured Convertible than in the purchase of a traditional convertible security. Because many corporations have not issued convertible securities, the Investment Manager may combine a fixed income instrument and an equity feature with respect to the stock of the issuer of the fixed income instrument to create a synthetic convertible security otherwise unavailable in the market. The Investment Manager may also combine a fixed income instrument of an issuer with an equity feature with respect to the stock of a different issuer when the Investment Manager believes such a Manufactured Convertible would better promote a Portfolio's objective than alternate investments. For example, the Investment Manager may combine an equity feature with respect to an issuer's stock with a fixed income security of a different issuer in the same industry to diversify the Portfolio's credit exposure, or with a US Treasury instrument to create a Manufactured Convertible with a higher credit profile than a traditional convertible security issued by that issuer. A Manufactured Convertible also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately and, upon purchasing the separate securities, “combined” to create a Manufactured Convertible. For example, a Portfolio may purchase a warrant for eventual inclusion in a Manufactured Convertible while postponing the purchase of a suitable bond to pair with the warrant pending development of more favorable market conditions.
The value of a Manufactured Convertible may respond differently to certain market fluctuations than would a traditional convertible security with similar characteristics. For example, in the event a Portfolio created a Manufactured Convertible by combining a short-term US Treasury instrument and a call option on a stock, the Manufactured Convertible would likely outperform a traditional convertible of similar maturity that is convertible into that stock during periods when Treasury instruments outperform corporate fixed income securities and underperform during periods when corporate fixed income securities outperform Treasury instruments.
CORPORATE LOANS. Commercial banks and other financial institutions make corporate loans to companies that need capital to grow or restructure. Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the prime rate of US banks. As a result, the value of corporate loan investments is generally less responsive to shifts in market interest rates. Because the trading market for corporate loans is less developed than the secondary market for bonds and notes, a Portfolio may experience difficulties from time to time in selling its corporate loans. Borrowers frequently provide collateral to secure repayment of these obligations. Leading financial institutions often act as agent for a broader group of lenders, generally referred to as a “syndicate.” The syndicate's agent arranges the corporate loans, holds collateral and accepts payments of principal and interest. If the agent develops financial problems, a Portfolio may not recover its investment, or there might be a delay in the Portfolio's recovery. By investing in a corporate loan, a Portfolio becomes a member of the syndicate.
As in the case of junk bonds, the Corporate Loans in which a Portfolio may invest can be expected to provide higher yields than higher-rated fixed income securities but may be subject to greater risk of loss of principal and income. There are, however, some significant differences between Corporate Loans and junk bonds. Corporate Loans are frequently secured by pledges of liens and

    28

Table of Contents
security interests in the assets of the borrower, and the holders of Corporate Loans are frequently the beneficiaries of debt service subordination provisions imposed on the borrower's bondholders. These arrangements are designed to give Corporate Loan investors preferential treatment over junk bond investors in the event of a deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer. Even when these arrangements exist, however, there can be no assurance that the principal and interest owed on the Corporate Loans will be repaid in full. Corporate Loans generally bear interest at rates set at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate that may fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, in the case of the Prime Rate of a US bank, or that may be adjusted on set dates, typically 30 days but generally not more than one year, in the case of LIBOR. Consequently, the value of Corporate Loans held by a Portfolio may be expected to fluctuate significantly less than the value of fixed rate junk bond instruments as a result of changes in the interest rate environment. On the other hand, the secondary dealer market for Corporate Loans is not as well developed as the secondary dealer market for junk bonds, and therefore presents increased market risk relating to liquidity and pricing concerns.
A Portfolio may acquire interests in Corporate Loans by means of a novation, assignment or participation. In a novation, a Portfolio would succeed to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and become a contracting party under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation. As an alternative, a Portfolio may purchase an assignment, in which case the Portfolio may be required to rely on the assigning institution to demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower but would otherwise typically be entitled to all of such assigning institution's rights under the credit agreement. Participation interests in a portion of a debt obligation typically result in a contractual relationship only with the institution selling the participation interest and not with the borrower. In purchasing a loan participation, a Portfolio generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Portfolio may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a Portfolio will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation to the Portfolio.
CYBER SECURITY RISK. With the increasing use of technology and computer systems in general and, in particular, the Internet to conduct necessary business functions, each Portfolio is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. These risks, which are often collectively referred to as “cyber security” risks, may include deliberate or malicious attacks, as well as unintentional events and occurrences. Cyber security is generally defined as the technology, operations and related protocol surrounding and protecting a user’s computer hardware, network, systems and applications and the data transmitted and stored therewith. These measures ensure the reliability of a user’s systems, as well as the security, availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data assets.
Deliberate cyber attacks can include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to computer systems in order to misappropriate and/or disclose sensitive or confidential information; deleting, corrupting or modifying data; and causing operational disruptions. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (in order to prevent access to computer networks). In addition to deliberate breaches engineered by external actors, cyber security risks can also result from the conduct of malicious, exploited or careless insiders, whose actions may result in the destruction, release or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information stored on an organization’s systems.
Cyber security failures or breaches, whether deliberate or unintentional, arising from a Portfolio’s third-party service providers (e.g., custodians, financial intermediaries, transfer agents), subadvisers, shareholder usage of unsecure systems to access personal accounts, as well as breaches suffered by the issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests, may cause significant disruptions in the business operations of the Portfolio. Potential impacts may include, but are not limited to, potential financial losses for the Portfolio and the issuers’ securities, the inability of shareholders to conduct transactions with the Portfolio, an inability of the Portfolio to calculate net asset value (NAV), and disclosures of personal or confidential shareholder information.
In addition to direct impacts on Portfolio shareholders, cyber security failures by a Portfolio and/or its service providers and others may result in regulatory inquiries, regulatory proceedings, regulatory and/or legal and litigation costs to the Portfolio, and reputational damage. The Portfolio may incur reimbursement and other expenses, including the costs of litigation and litigation settlements and additional compliance costs. The Portfolio may also incur considerable expenses in enhancing and upgrading computer systems and systems security following a cyber security failure.
The rapid proliferation of technologies, as well as the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and others continue to pose new and significant cyber security threats. Although the Portfolio and its service providers and subadvisers may have established business continuity plans and risk management systems to mitigate cyber security risks, there can be no guarantee or assurance that such plans or systems will be effective, or that all risks that exist, or may develop in the future, have been completely anticipated and identified or can be protected against. Furthermore, the Portfolio cannot control or assure the efficacy of the cyber security plans and systems implemented by third-party service providers, the subadvisers, and the issuers in which a Portfolio invests.

29

Table of Contents
DEBT SECURITIES. Debt securities, such as bonds, involve credit risk. This is the risk that the issuer will not make timely payments of principal and interest. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer's financial condition and on the terms of the bonds. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of a Portfolio's investment in that issuer. Credit risk is reduced to the extent a Portfolio limits its debt investments to US Government securities. All debt securities, however, are subject to interest rate risk. This is the risk that the value of the security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. A Portfolio may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of Depositary Receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and American Depositary Shares (ADSs) are receipts or shares typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) are receipts issued in Europe that evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are receipts issued throughout the world that evidence a similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs and ADSs, in registered form, are designed for use in the US securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Portfolio may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into or for which they may be converted or exchanged.
DERIVATIVES. A Portfolio may use instruments referred to as derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments the value of which is derived from another security, a commodity (such as gold or oil), a currency or an index (a measure of value or rates, such as the S&P 500 Index or the prime lending rate). Derivatives allow a Portfolio to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Portfolio is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments. Each Portfolio may use Derivatives for hedging purposes. A Portfolio may also use derivatives to seek to enhance returns. The use of a Derivative is speculative if the Portfolio is primarily seeking to achieve gains, rather than offset the risk of other positions. When the Portfolio invests in a Derivative for speculative purposes, the Portfolio will be fully exposed to the risks of loss of that Derivative, which may sometimes be greater than the Derivative's cost. No Portfolio may use any Derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly.
The SEC has proposed a new rule related to the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, which, if adopted by the SEC as proposed, may limit the Portfolio’s ability to engage in transactions that involve potential future payment obligations (including derivatives such as forwards, futures, swaps and written options) and may limit the ability of the Portfolio to invest in accordance with its stated investment strategy.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS. Each Portfolio may invest in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). ETFs, which may be unit investment trusts or mutual funds, typically hold portfolios of securities designed to track the performance of various broad securities indexes or sectors of such indexes. ETFs provide another means, in addition to futures and options on indexes, of including stock index exposure in these Portfolios' investment strategies. A Portfolio will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such ETF. In addition, an investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies, and policies.
HEDGING. Hedging is a strategy in which a Derivative or security is used to offset the risks associated with other Portfolio holdings. Losses on the other investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a Derivative that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a different manner than anticipated by the Portfolio or if the cost of the Derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in the value of the Derivative will not match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by a Portfolio, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced or may be increased. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a Portfolio's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also a risk of loss by the Portfolio of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Portfolio has an open position in an option, a futures contract or a related option. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio's hedging strategies will be effective or that hedging transactions will be available to a Portfolio. No Portfolio is required to engage in hedging transactions and each Portfolio may choose not to do so.

    30

Table of Contents
INDEXED AND INVERSE SECURITIES. A Portfolio may invest in securities the potential return of which is based on an index or interest rate. As an illustration, a Portfolio may invest in a security whose value is based on changes in a specific index or that pays interest based on the current value of an interest rate index, such as the prime rate. A Portfolio may also invest in a debt security that returns principal at maturity based on the level of a securities index or a basket of securities, or based on the relative changes of two indices. In addition, a Portfolio may invest in securities the potential return of which is based inversely on the change in an index or interest rate (that is, a security the value of which will move in the opposite direction of changes to an index or interest rate). For example, a Portfolio may invest in securities that pay a higher rate of interest when a particular index decreases and pay a lower rate of interest (or do not fully return principal) when the value of the index increases. If a Portfolio invests in such securities, it may be subject to reduced or eliminated interest payments or loss of principal in the event of an adverse movement in the relevant interest rate, index or indices. Indexed and inverse securities may involve credit risk, and certain indexed and inverse securities may involve leverage risk, liquidity risk and currency risk. A Portfolio may invest in indexed and inverse securities for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns. When used for hedging purposes, indexed and inverse securities involve correlation risk. (Furthermore, where such a security includes a contingent liability, in the event of such an adverse movement, a Portfolio may be required to pay substantial additional margin to maintain the position.)
The Investment Manager recently reevaluated the financial statement presentation of certain inverse securities, which are commonly referred to as inverse floaters, under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140 (FAS 140). The application of the provisions of FAS 140 entailed a reclassification of transactions in which a Portfolio sells a municipal bond to a special purpose trust in order to create an inverse floater which the Portfolio receives from such trust in a financing transaction. The trust also issues floating rate notes to third parties. The Portfolio receives interest payments on inverse floaters that bear an inverse relationship to the interest paid on the floating rate notes. These transactions were previously classified as a sale for financial statement presentation purposes. While such inverse floaters expose the Portfolio to leverage risk, they do not constitute borrowings for purposes of the Portfolio's restrictions on borrowings. The application of the provisions of FAS 140 with respect to inverse floaters otherwise acquired by the Portfolio is not currently subject to this reevaluation.
Future financial statements for a Portfolio will reflect the application of the provisions of FAS 140, regardless of materiality. Pursuant to FAS 140, the Portfolio will record interest on the full amount of the municipal bonds held in the special purpose trusts as interest income and the Portfolio also will record the interest to holders of the floating rate certificates and fees associated with the trust as interest expense in the Statement of Operations. This change will cause the Portfolio's expense ratio to increase. However, neither the Portfolio's net income nor its distributions to shareholders is impacted since the increase in interest expense will be offset by a corresponding amount of increased income on the bonds now deemed to be owned by the Portfolio (instead of only the interest the Portfolio received on the inverse floater certificates it held directly).
To the extent that a Portfolio owns such inverse floaters as of the financial reporting period end, another important change pursuant to FAS 140 is that the Portfolio's gross assets would increase by the par amount of the floating rate certificates issued by the affected special purpose trusts, with a corresponding increase in the Portfolio's liabilities. The Portfolio's net assets and net asset value per share should not be affected by this change in accounting because the increase in gross assets will be offset by a corresponding increase in liabilities.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS. Each Portfolio may invest in initial public offerings (IPOs). An IPO is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public. IPOs are often issued by smaller, younger companies seeking capital to expand, but can also be done by large privately owned companies looking to become publicly traded.
In an IPO, the issuer obtains the assistance of an underwriting firm, which helps it determine what type of security to issue (common or preferred), best offering price and time to bring it to market. The volume of IPOs and the levels at which the newly issued stocks trade in the secondary market are affected by the performance of the stock market overall. If IPOs are brought to the market, availability may be limited and a Portfolio may not be able to buy any shares at the offering price, or if it is able to buy shares, it may not be able to buy as many shares at the offering price as it would like.
Investing in IPOs entails risks. Importantly, the prices of securities involved in IPOs are often subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than more established stocks. It is difficult to predict what the stock will do on its initial day of trading and in the near future since there is often little historical data with which to analyze the company. Also, most IPOs are of companies going through a transitory growth period, and they are therefore subject to additional uncertainty regarding their future value.
PARTICIPATION NOTES . Participation Notes (P-Notes) are a type of equity-linked derivative which generally are traded over-the-counter. Even though a P-Note is intended to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities, the performance of a P-Note will not replicate exactly the performance of the issuers or markets that the P-Note seeks to replicate due to transaction costs

31

Table of Contents
and other expenses. Investments in P-Notes involve risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. In addition, P-Notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues the P-Notes will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with a Portfolio.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. A Portfolio may enter into swap transactions, including but not limited to, interest rate, index, credit default, total return and, to the extent that it may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, currency exchange rate swap agreements. In addition, a Portfolio may enter into options on swap agreements (swap options). These swap transactions are entered into in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return.
Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on or calculated with respect to particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” that is, the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index or other investments or instruments.
Most swap agreements entered into by a Portfolio would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently the Portfolio's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the net amount). The Portfolio's current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Portfolio) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation of liquid assets.
To the extent that a Portfolio enters into swaps on other than a net basis, the amount maintained in a segregated account will be the full amount of the Portfolio's obligations, if any, with respect to such swaps, accrued on a daily basis. Inasmuch as segregated accounts are established for these hedging transactions, the investment adviser and the Portfolio believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Portfolio will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreement related to the transaction. Since swaps are individually negotiated, the Portfolio expects to achieve an acceptable degree of correlation between its rights to receive a return on its portfolio securities and its rights and obligations to receive and pay a return pursuant to swaps. The Portfolio will enter into swaps only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards of the investment subadviser. The investment subadviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such parties.
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS. A Portfolio may enter into credit default swap agreements and similar agreements, and may also buy credit-linked securities. The credit default swap agreement or similar instrument may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by a Portfolio. The protection “buyer” in a credit default contract may be obligated to pay the protection “seller” an up front or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided generally that no credit event on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. A Portfolio may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Portfolio is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Portfolio recovers nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Portfolio generally receives an up front payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap, provided that there is no credit event. If a credit event occurs, generally the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity that may have little or no value.
Credit default swaps and similar instruments involve greater risks than if a Portfolio had invested in the reference obligation directly, since, in addition to general market risks, they are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Portfolio will enter into credit default swap agreements and similar instruments only with counterparties who are rated investment grade quality by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization at the time of entering into such transaction or whose creditworthiness is believed by the Investment Manager to be equivalent to such rating. A buyer also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event occur and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the up front or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Portfolio. When a Portfolio acts as a seller of a credit default swap or a similar instrument, it is exposed to many of the same risks of leverage since, if a credit event occurs, the seller may be required to pay the buyer the full notional value of the contract net of any amounts owed by the buyer related to its delivery of deliverable obligations.

    32

Table of Contents
CREDIT LINKED SECURITIES. Among the income producing securities in which a Portfolio may invest are credit linked securities, which are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such a credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain fixed income markets. For instance, a Portfolio may invest in credit linked securities as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to a certain market and/or to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available.
Like an investment in a bond, investments in these credit linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer's receipt of payments from, and the issuer's potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the issuer invests. For instance, the issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the issuer would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that a Portfolio would receive. A Portfolio's investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. It is also expected that the securities will be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.
TOTAL RETURN SWAP AGREEMENTS. A Portfolio may enter into total return swap agreements. Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of the underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market. Total return swap agreements may effectively add leverage to the Portfolio's portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. Total return swap agreements entail the risk that a party will default on its payment obligations to the Portfolio thereunder. Swap agreements also bear the risk that the Portfolio will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. Generally, the Portfolio will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Portfolio's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of cash or liquid instruments having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by the Portfolio. If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of the Portfolio's obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of the Portfolio's obligations will be segregated by the Portfolio in an amount equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the total return swap agreement or the amount it would have cost the Portfolio initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount the Portfolio is obligated to pay or is to receive under the total return swap agreement.
Unless otherwise noted, a Portfolio's net obligations in respect of all swap agreements (i.e., the aggregate net amount owed by the Portfolio) is limited to 15% of its net assets.
NON-STANDARD WARRANTS . From time to time, a Portfolio may use synthetic foreign equity securities derivatives in the form non-standard warrants, often referred to as low exercise price warrants or participatory notes or low exercise price options (LEPOs), to gain indirect exposure to issuers in certain countries, such as India. These securities are issued by banks and other financial institutions. The buyer of a low exercise price warrant effectively pays the full value of the underlying common stock at the outset. LEPOs are different from standard warrants in that they do not give their holders the right to receive a security of the issuer upon exercise. Rather, LEPOs pay the holder the difference in price of the underlying security between the date the LEPO was purchased and the date it is sold. LEPOs entail the same risks as other over-the counter derivatives. These include the risk that the counterparty or issuer of the LEPO may not be able to fulfill its obligations, that the holder and counterparty or issuer may disagree as to the meaning or application of contractual terms, or that the instrument may not perform as expected. Additionally, while LEPOs may be listed on an exchange, there is no guaranty that a liquid market will exist or that the counterparty or issuer of a LEPO will be willing to repurchase the LEPO when the Portfolio wishes to sell it. A discussion of the risk factors relating to derivatives is set out in the sub-section entitled “Risk Factors In Derivatives”.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDEXES. A Portfolio may invest in options on individual securities, baskets of securities or particular measurements of value or rate (an index), such as an index of the price of treasury securities or an index representative of short term interest rates.

33

Table of Contents
Types of Options. A Portfolio may engage in transactions in options on individual securities, baskets of securities or securities indices, or particular measurements of value or rate (an index), such as an index of the price of treasury securities or an index representative of short term interest rates. Such investments may be made on exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets. In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties' obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but generally do not require the parties to post margin and are subject to greater credit risk. OTC options also involve greater liquidity risk. See “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives” below.
A Portfolio will write only “covered” options. A written option is covered if, so long as a Portfolio is obligated the option, it (1) owns an offsetting position in the underlying security or currency or (2) segregates cash or other liquid assets, in an amount equal to or greater than its obligation under the option.
CALL OPTIONS. A Portfolio may purchase call options on any of the types of securities or instruments in which it may invest. A call option gives a Portfolio the right to buy, and obligates the seller to sell, the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. A Portfolio also may purchase and sell call options on indices. Index options are similar to options on securities except that, rather than taking or making delivery of securities underlying the option at a specified price upon exercise, an index option gives the holder the right to receive cash upon exercise of the option if the level of the index upon which the option is based is greater than the exercise price of the option.
Each Portfolio may only write (i.e., sell) covered call options on the securities or instruments in which it may invest and to enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered call option is an option in which a Portfolio either owns an offsetting position in the underlying security or currency, or the Portfolio segregates cash or other liquid assets in an amount equal to or greater than its obligation under the option. The principal reason for writing call options is the attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing covered call options, a Portfolio gives up the opportunity, while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, a Portfolio's ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Portfolio enters into a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out a Portfolio's position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered call options also serve as a partial hedge to the extent of the premium received against the price of the underlying security declining.
PUT OPTIONS. A Portfolio may purchase put options to seek to hedge against a decline in the value of its securities or to enhance its return. By buying a put option, a Portfolio acquires a right to sell such underlying securities or instruments at the exercise price, thus limiting the Portfolio's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the securities or instruments until the put option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying securities or instruments will be partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in a closing sale transaction and profit or loss from the sale will depend on whether the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put option plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels out a Portfolio's position as the purchaser of an option by means of an offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased. A Portfolio also may purchase uncovered put options.
Each Portfolio may write (i.e., sell) put options on the types of securities or instruments that may be held by the Portfolio, provided that such put options are covered, meaning that such options are secured by segregated, liquid instruments. A Portfolio will receive a premium for writing a put option, which increases the Portfolio's return. A Portfolio will not sell puts if, as a result, more than 25% of the Portfolio's net assets would be required to cover its potential obligations under its hedging and other investment transactions.
FUTURES. A Portfolio may engage in transactions in futures and options thereon. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts which obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Rather, upon purchasing or selling a futures contract a Portfolio is required to deposit collateral (margin) equal to a percentage (generally less than 10%) of the contract value. Each day thereafter until the futures position is closed, the Portfolio will pay additional margin representing any loss experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day or be entitled to a payment representing any profit experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day. Futures involve substantial leverage risk.
The sale of a futures contract limits a Portfolio's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract prior to the futures contract's expiration date. In the event the market value of the portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract increases rather than decreases, however, a Portfolio will realize a loss on the futures position and a lower return on the portfolio holdings than would have been realized without the purchase of the futures contract.

    34

Table of Contents
The purchase of a futures contract may protect a Portfolio from having to pay more for securities as a consequence of increases in the market value for such securities during a period when the Portfolio was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Portfolio believes to be attractive. In the event that such securities decline in value or a Portfolio determines not to complete an anticipatory hedge transaction relating to a futures contract, however, the Portfolio may realize a loss relating to the futures position.
A Portfolio is also authorized to purchase or sell call and put options on futures contracts including financial futures and stock indices in connection with its hedging activities. Generally, these strategies would be used under the same market and market sector conditions (i.e., conditions relating to specific types of investments) in which the Portfolio entered into futures transactions. A Portfolio may purchase put options or write (i.e., sell) call options on futures contracts and stock indices rather than selling the underlying futures contract in anticipation of a decrease in the market value of its securities. Similarly, a Portfolio can purchase call options, or write put options on futures contracts and stock indices, as a substitute for the purchase of such futures to hedge against the increased cost resulting from an increase in the market value of securities which the Portfolio intends to purchase.
A Portfolio may only write “covered” put and call options on futures contracts. A Portfolio will be considered “covered” with respect to a call option it writes on a futures contract if the Portfolio owns the assets that are deliverable under the futures contract or an option to purchase that futures contract having a strike price equal to or less than the strike price of the “covered” option and having an expiration date not earlier than the expiration date of the “covered” option, or if it segregates for the term of the option cash or other liquid assets equal to the fluctuating value of the optioned future. A Portfolio will be considered “covered” with respect to a put option it writes on a futures contract if it owns an option to sell that futures contract having a strike price equal to or greater than the strike price of the “covered” option, or if it segregates for the term of the option cash or other liquid assets at all times equal in value to the exercise price of the put (less any initial margin deposited by the Portfolio with its custodian with respect to such option). There is no limitation on the amount of a Portfolio's assets that can be segregated.
With respect to futures contracts that are not legally required to “cash settle,” a Portfolio may cover the open position by setting aside or earmarking liquid assets in an amount equal to the market value of the futures contact. With respect to futures that are required to “cash settle,” however, a Portfolio is permitted to set aside or earmark liquid assets in an amount equal to the Portfolio's daily marked to market (net) obligation, if any, (in other words, the Portfolio's daily net liability, if any) rather than the market value of the futures contract. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligation under cash-settled futures, a Portfolio will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Portfolio were required to segregate assets equal to the full market value of the futures contract.
Each Portfolio, except the AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio, the AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio, the Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio, and the AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio, has filed a notice of exemption from regulation as a “commodity pool,” and the Investment Manager has filed a notice of exemption from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to each Portfolio, under applicable rules issued by the CFTC under the Commodity Exchange Act (the CEA). In order to continue to claim the “commodity pool” exemption, a Portfolio is limited in its ability to use futures, options and swaps subject to regulation under the CEA for purposes other than bona fide hedging, which is narrowly defined. With respect to transactions other than for bona fide hedging purposes, either: (1) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish a Portfolio’s positions in such investments may not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Portfolio’s assets, or (2) the aggregate net notional value of such instruments may not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Portfolio’s assets. In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, a Portfolio may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the futures, options or swaps markets.
Based on the trading strategies for the AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio, the AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio, the Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio, and the AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio, each shall be considered a “commodity pool” and the Investment Manager shall be considered a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Portfolio under the CEA. Compliance with applicable CFTC disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping regulations may increase the Portfolios’ gross expenses.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. A Portfolio may engage in spot and forward foreign exchange transactions and currency swaps, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures and related options thereon (collectively, Currency Instruments) for purposes of hedging against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the US dollar or to seek to enhance returns. Such transactions could be effected with respect to hedges on non-US dollar denominated securities owned by a Portfolio, sold by a Portfolio but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by a Portfolio. As an illustration, a Portfolio may use such techniques to hedge the stated value in US dollars of an investment in a yen-denominated security. In such circumstances, for example, the Portfolio may purchase a foreign currency put option enabling it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss in the value of the yen relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an increase in the value of the put option. To

35

Table of Contents
offset, in whole or in part, the cost of acquiring such a put option, the Portfolio may also sell a call option which, if exercised, requires it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date (a technique called a straddle). By selling such a call option in this illustration, the Portfolio gives up the opportunity to profit without limit from increases in the relative value of the yen to the dollar. “Straddles” of the type that may be used by a Portfolio are considered to constitute hedging transactions and are consistent with the policies described above.
FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. Forward foreign exchange transactions are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a price and future date set at the time of the contract. Spot foreign exchange transactions are similar but require current, rather than future, settlement. A Portfolio will enter into foreign exchange transactions for purposes of hedging either a specific transaction or a portfolio position to seek to enhance returns. A Portfolio may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a specific transaction by, for example, purchasing a currency needed to settle a security transaction or selling a currency in which the Portfolio has received or anticipates receiving a dividend or distribution. A Portfolio may enter into a foreign exchange transaction for purposes of hedging a portfolio position by selling forward a currency in which a portfolio position of the Portfolio is denominated or by purchasing a currency in which the Portfolio anticipates acquiring a portfolio position in the near future. A Portfolio may also hedge portfolio positions through currency swaps, which are transactions in which one currency is simultaneously bought for a second currency on a spot basis and sold for the second currency on a forward basis. Forward foreign exchange transactions involve substantial currency risk, and also involve credit and liquidity risk.
CURRENCY FUTURES. A Portfolio may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the US dollar through use of currency futures or options thereon. Currency futures are similar to forward foreign exchange transactions except that futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts. See “Futures” above. Currency futures involve substantial currency risk, and also involve leverage risk.
CURRENCY OPTIONS. A Portfolio may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency against the US dollar through the use of currency options. Currency options are similar to options on securities, but in consideration for an option premium the writer of a currency option is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or purchase (in the case of a put option) a specified amount of a specified currency on or before the expiration date for a specified amount of another currency. A Portfolio may engage in transactions in options on currencies either on exchanges or OTC markets. See “Types of Options” above and “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives” below. Currency options involve substantial currency risk, and may also involve credit, leverage or liquidity risk.
LIMITATIONS ON CURRENCY HEDGING. Most Portfolios will not speculate in Currency Instruments although a Portfolio may use such instruments to seek to enhance returns. Accordingly, except for portfolios managed by PIMCO, a Portfolio will not hedge a currency in excess of the aggregate market value of the securities that it owns (including receivables for unsettled securities sales), or has committed to or anticipates purchasing, which are denominated in such currency. A Portfolio may, however, hedge a currency by entering into a transaction in a Currency Instrument denominated in a currency other than the currency being hedged (a “cross-hedge”). A Portfolio will only enter into a cross-hedge if the Investment Manager believes that (i) there is a demonstrable high correlation between the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated and the currency being hedged, and (ii) executing a cross-hedge through the currency in which the cross-hedge is denominated will be significantly more cost-effective or provide substantially greater liquidity than executing a similar hedging transaction by means of the currency being hedged.
RISK FACTORS IN HEDGING FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS. Hedging transactions involving Currency Instruments involve substantial risks, including correlation risk. While a Portfolio's use of Currency Instruments to effect hedging strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares, the net asset value of the Portfolio's shares will fluctuate. Moreover, although Currency Instruments will be used with the intention of hedging against adverse currency movements, transactions in Currency Instruments involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that the Portfolio's hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that a Portfolio hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, the Portfolio may realize losses and decrease its total return as the result of its hedging transactions. Furthermore, a Portfolio may only engage in hedging activities from time to time and may not be engaging in hedging activities when movements in currency exchange rates occur.
In connection with its trading in forward foreign currency contracts, a Portfolio will contract with a foreign or domestic bank, or foreign or domestic securities dealer, to make or take future delivery of a specified amount of a particular currency. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such forward contract trading. With respect to

    36

Table of Contents
its trading of forward contracts, if any, a Portfolio will be subject to the risk of bank or dealer failure and the inability of, or refusal by, a bank or dealer to perform with respect to such contracts. Any such default would deprive the Portfolio of any profit potential or force the Portfolio to cover its commitments for resale, if any, at the then market price and could result in a loss to the Portfolio.
It may not be possible for a Portfolio to hedge against currency exchange rate movements, even if correctly anticipated, in the event that (i) the currency exchange rate movement is so generally anticipated that the Portfolio is not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an effective price, or (ii) the currency exchange rate movement relates to a market with respect to which Currency Instruments are not available and it is not possible to engage in effective foreign currency hedging. The cost to a Portfolio of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with such factors as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency exchange usually are conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.
RISK FACTORS IN DERIVATIVES. Derivatives are volatile and involve significant risks, including:
Leverage Risk —the risk associated with certain types of investments or trading strategies (such as borrowing money to increase the amount of investments) that relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of an investment. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
Liquidity Risk —the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that the seller would like or at the price that the seller believes the security is currently worth.
Use of Derivatives for hedging purposes involves correlation risk. If the value of the Derivative moves more or less than the value of the hedged instruments, a Portfolio will experience a gain or loss that will not be completely offset by movements in the value of the hedged instruments.
A Portfolio intends to enter into transactions involving Derivatives only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such instruments or, in the case of illiquid instruments traded in OTC transactions, such instruments satisfy the criteria set forth below under “Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives.” However, there can be no assurance that, at any specific time, either a liquid secondary market will exist for a Derivative or the Portfolio will otherwise be able to sell such instrument at an acceptable price. It may therefore not be possible to close a position in a Derivative without incurring substantial losses, if at all.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISKS. A Portfolio may invest in foreign equity and/or debt securities. Foreign debt securities include certain foreign bank obligations and US dollar or foreign currency-denominated obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities.
Foreign Market Risk. Portfolios that may invest in foreign securities offer the potential for more diversification than a Portfolio that invests only in the United States because securities traded on foreign markets have often (though not always) performed differently than securities in the United States. However, such investments involve special risks not present in US investments that can increase the chances that a Portfolio will lose money. In particular, a Portfolio is subject to the risk that, because there are generally fewer investors on foreign exchanges and a smaller number of shares traded each day, it may be difficult for the Portfolio to buy and sell securities on those exchanges. In addition, prices of foreign securities may fluctuate more than prices of securities traded in the United States.
Foreign Economy Risk. The economies of certain foreign markets often do not compare favorably with that of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources, and balance of payments position. Certain such economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes. In addition, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain industries. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair a Portfolio's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer the Portfolio's assets or income back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect a Portfolio's operations. Other foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts, and political and social instability. Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other foreign countries.

37

Table of Contents
Currency Risk and Exchange Risk. Securities in which a Portfolio invests may be denominated or quoted in currencies other than the US dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of a Portfolio's portfolio. Generally, when the US dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency loses value because the currency is worth fewer US dollars. Conversely, when the US dollar decreases in value against a foreign currency, a security denominated in that currency gains value because the currency is worth more US dollars. This risk, generally known as “currency risk,” means that a stronger US dollar will reduce returns for US investors while a weak US dollar will increase those returns.
Governmental Supervision and Regulation/Accounting Standards. Many foreign governments supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities less than does the United States. Some countries may not have laws to protect investors comparable to the US securities laws. For example, some foreign countries may have no laws or rules against insider trading. Insider trading occurs when a person buys or sells a company's securities based on nonpublic information about that company. Accounting standards in other countries are not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as US accounting standards, it may be harder for Portfolio management to completely and accurately determine a company's financial condition.
Certain Risks of Holding Portfolio Assets Outside the United States. A Portfolio generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries may put limits on a Portfolio's ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank or depository or issuer of a security or any of their agents goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for a Portfolio to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the United States. The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount a Portfolio can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Portfolio as compared to investment companies that invest only in the United States.
Settlement Risk. Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically generated by the settlement of US investments. Communications between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates. Settlements in certain foreign countries at times have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions; these problems may make it difficult for a Portfolio to carry out transactions. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a sale of securities, it may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if it has contracted to sell the security to another party, the Portfolio could be liable to that party for any losses incurred.
Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale of, foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thereby reducing the amount available for distribution to shareholders.
Certain transactions in Derivatives (such as futures transactions or sales of put options) involve substantial leverage risk and may expose a Portfolio to potential losses, which exceed the amount originally invested by the Portfolio. When a Portfolio engages in such a transaction, the Portfolio will deposit in a segregated account at its custodian liquid securities with a value at least equal to the Portfolio's exposure, on a mark-to-market basis, to the transaction (as calculated pursuant to requirements of the Commission). Such segregation will ensure that a Portfolio has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction, but will not limit the Portfolio's exposure to loss.
Additional Risk Factors of OTC Transactions; Limitations on the Use of OTC Derivatives. Certain Derivatives traded in OTC markets, including indexed securities, swaps and OTC options, involve substantial liquidity risk. The absence of liquidity may make it difficult or impossible for a Portfolio to sell such instruments promptly at an acceptable price. The absence of liquidity may also make it more difficult for a Portfolio to ascertain a market value for such instruments. A Portfolio will, therefore, acquire illiquid OTC instruments (i) if the agreement pursuant to which the instrument is purchased contains a formula price at which the instrument may be terminated or sold, or (ii) for which the Investment Manager anticipates the Portfolio can receive on each business day at least two independent bids or offers, unless a quotation from only one dealer is available, in which case that dealer's quotation may be used.
Because Derivatives traded in OTC markets are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation and generally do not require payment of margin, to the extent that a Portfolio has unrealized gains in such instruments or has deposited collateral with its counterparty the Portfolio is at risk that its counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. A Portfolio will attempt to minimize the risk that a counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations by engaging in transactions in Derivatives traded in OTC markets only with financial institutions that appear to have substantial capital or that have provided the Portfolio with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement.

    38

Table of Contents
RECENT EVENTS IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES . A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union, and/or withdraw from the European Union. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching. Whether or not the Portfolios invest in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Portfolios' investments.
DISTRESSED SECURITIES. A Portfolio may invest in securities, including corporate loans purchased in the secondary market, which are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or interest at the time of acquisition by the Portfolio or are rated in the lower rating categories (Ca or lower by Moody's and CC or lower by S&P or Fitch) or which, if unrated, are in the judgment of the Investment Manager of equivalent quality (Distressed Securities). Investment in Distressed Securities is speculative and involves significant risks. Distressed Securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding and may require a Portfolio to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investment.
A Portfolio will generally make such investments only when the Investment Manager believes it is reasonably likely that the issuer of the Distressed Securities will make an exchange offer or will be the subject of a plan of reorganization pursuant to which the Portfolio will receive new securities. However, there can be no assurance that such an exchange offer will be made or that such a plan of reorganization will be adopted. In addition, a significant period of time may pass between the time at which a Portfolio makes its investment in Distressed Securities and the time that any such exchange offer or plan of reorganization is completed. During this period, it is unlikely that a Portfolio will receive any interest payments on the Distressed Securities, the Portfolio will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan of reorganization will be completed and the Portfolio may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect and recover its investment. Even if an exchange offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to Distressed Securities held by a Portfolio, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by a Portfolio in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by a Portfolio upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of a Portfolio's participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of Distressed Securities, the Portfolio may be restricted from disposing of such securities.
ILLIQUID OR RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Each Portfolio generally may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. An illiquid security is one that may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price used to determine the Portfolio's net asset value. Illiquid securities include, but are not limited to, certain securities sold in private placements with restrictions on resale and not traded, repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, and other investment determined not to be readily marketable. The 15% limit is applied as of the date the Portfolio purchases an illiquid security. It is possible that a Portfolio's holding of illiquid securities could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.
Each Portfolio may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined to be liquid pursuant to the procedures of the Portfolios. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and are called Rule 144A securities. Securities determined to be liquid under these procedures are not subject to the 15% and 5% limits.
Investments in illiquid securities involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid securities. Investment of a Portfolio's assets in illiquid securities may restrict the ability of the Portfolio to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where a Portfolio's operations require cash, such as when a Portfolio has net redemptions, and could result in the Portfolio borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments.

39

Table of Contents
Illiquid securities are often restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Portfolio or less than the fair value of the securities. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by a Portfolio are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Portfolio may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, a Portfolio may obtain access to material non-public information, which may restrict the Portfolio's ability to conduct transactions in those securities.
INVESTMENT IN EMERGING MARKETS. A Portfolio may invest in the securities of issuers domiciled in various countries with emerging capital markets. Specifically, a country with an emerging capital market includes, but is not necessarily limited to, any country that the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the United Nations or its authorities has determined to have a low or middle income economy. In addition, the subadviser has broad discretion to identify or determine those countries that it considers to qualify as emerging markets. Countries with emerging markets can be found in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa.
Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional risks not involved in investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of comparable issuers in more developed capital markets, (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments, (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or US governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments, (iv) national policies that may limit a Portfolio's investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, and (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.
Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for a Portfolio. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that a Portfolio could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets.
Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which US companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the United States, such as price/earnings ratios, may not be applicable. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and companies may be held by a limited number of persons. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the Portfolio's acquisition or disposal of securities.
Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because a Portfolio will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being completely lost. A Portfolio would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation.
Restrictions on Certain Investments. A number of publicly traded closed-end investment companies have been organized to facilitate indirect foreign investment in developing countries, and certain of such countries, such as Thailand, South Korea, Chile and Brazil have specifically authorized such Portfolios. There also are investment opportunities in certain of such countries in pooled vehicles that resemble open-end investment companies. In accordance with the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in

    40

Table of Contents
securities of other investment companies, not more than 5% of which may be invested in any one such company. In addition, under the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may not own more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any investment company. These restrictions on investments in securities of investment companies may limit opportunities for a Portfolio to invest indirectly in certain developing countries. New shares of certain investment companies may at times be acquired only at market prices representing premiums to their net asset values. If a Portfolio acquires shares of other investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses of the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such other investment companies. SEE ALSO “INVESTMENTS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.”
Restrictions on Foreign Investments in Asia-Pacific Countries. Some developing Asia-Pacific countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as a Portfolio. As illustrations, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio will be able to obtain required governmental approvals in a timely manner. In addition, changes to restrictions on foreign ownership of securities subsequent to a Portfolio's purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.
The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain developing Asia-Pacific countries, as well as limitations on such investments, also may have an adverse impact on the operations of a Portfolio. For example, a Portfolio may be required in certain of such countries to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares purchased re-registered in the name of the Portfolio. Re-registration may in some instances not be able to occur on a timely basis, resulting in a delay during which a Portfolio may be denied certain of its rights as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain corporate actions. There also may be instances where a Portfolio places a purchase order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled, depriving the Portfolio of the ability to make its desired investment at that time.
Substantial limitations may exist in certain countries with respect to a Portfolio's ability to repatriate investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. A Portfolio could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Portfolio of any restrictions on investments. For example, in September 1998, Malaysia imposed currency controls that limited a Portfolio's ability to repatriate proceeds of Malaysian investments. It is possible that Malaysia, or certain other countries may impose similar restrictions or other restrictions relating to their currencies or to securities of issuers in those countries. To the extent that such restrictions have the effect of making certain investments illiquid, securities may not be available to meet redemptions. Depending on a variety of financial factors, the percentage of a Portfolio's portfolio subject to currency controls may increase. In the event other countries impose similar controls, the portion of the Portfolio's assets that may be used to meet redemptions may be further decreased. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operations of a Portfolio. For example, Portfolios may be withdrawn from the People's Republic of China only in US or Hong Kong dollars and only at an exchange rate established by the government once each week. In certain countries, banks or other financial institutions may be among the leading companies or have actively traded securities. The 1940 Act restricts a Portfolio's investments in any equity securities of an issuer that, in its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from “securities related activities,” as defined by the rules thereunder. These provisions may restrict a Portfolio's investments in certain foreign banks and other financial institutions.
INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Each Portfolio may invest in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. In accordance with the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies. In addition, under the 1940 Act, a Portfolio may not own more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any investment company and not more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets may be invested in securities of any investment company. (These limits do not restrict a Feeder Fund from investing all of its assets in shares of its Master Portfolio).
Notwithstanding the limits discussed above, a Portfolio may invest in other investment companies without regard to the limits set forth above, provided that the Portfolio complies with Rules 12d1-1, 12d1-2 and 12d1-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act or otherwise permitted by exemptive order, SEC releases, no-action letters or similar interpretation. As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Portfolio acquires shares in investment companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such investment companies (including management and advisory fees). Investments in a Portfolio in wholly-owned investment companies created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed an investment in other investment companies.

41

Table of Contents
JUNK BONDS. Junk bonds are debt securities that are rated below investment grade by the major rating agencies or are unrated securities that the Investment Manager believes are of comparable quality. Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than investment grade bonds, they are high risk investments that may cause income and principal losses for a Portfolio. The major risks in junk bond investments include the following:
Junk bonds are issued by less credit worthy companies. These securities are vulnerable to adverse changes in the issuer's industry and to general economic conditions. Issuers of junk bonds may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations because of an economic downturn, specific issuer developments or the unavailability of additional financing.
The issuers of junk bonds may have a larger amount of outstanding debt relative to their assets than issuers of investment grade bonds. If the issuer experiences financial stress, it may be unable to meet its debt obligations. The issuer's ability to pay its debt obligations also may be lessened by specific issuer developments, or the unavailability of additional financing.
Junk bonds are frequently ranked junior to claims by other creditors. If the issuer cannot meet its obligations, the senior obligations are generally paid off before the junior obligations.
Junk bonds frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from a Portfolio before it matures. If an issuer redeems the junk bonds, a Portfolio may have to invest the proceeds in bonds with lower yields and may lose income.
Prices of junk bonds are subject to extreme price fluctuations. Negative economic developments may have a greater impact on the prices of junk bonds than on other higher rated fixed income securities.
Junk bonds may be less liquid than higher rated fixed income securities even under normal economic conditions. There are fewer dealers in the junk bond market, and there may be significant differences in the prices quoted for junk bonds by the dealers. Because they are less liquid, judgment may play a greater role in valuing certain of a Portfolio's portfolio securities than in the case of securities trading in a more liquid market.
A Portfolio may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. A Portfolio may invest in money market instruments. Money market instruments include cash equivalents and short-term obligations of US banks, certificates of deposit, short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the US Government or its agencies. Money market instruments also include bankers' acceptances, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and Eurodollar obligations issued or guaranteed by bank holding companies in the US, their subsidiaries and foreign branches, by foreign banking institutions, and by the World Bank and other multinational instrumentalities, as well as commercial paper and other short-term obligations of, and variable amount master demand notes, variable rate notes and similar agreements issued by, US and foreign corporations.
MONEY MARKET FUND REFORM. In July 2014, the SEC adopted amendments to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-7 imposes quality, liquidity and other requirements on any registered mutual fund that holds itself out to the public as a money market fund. Compliance with the various provisions of the amendments took effect over the course of 2015 and 2016. The new regulations impact money market funds differently depending upon the types of investors that will be permitted to invest in a fund, and the types of securities in which a fund may invest.
“Retail” money market funds have policies and procedures reasonably designed to limit their beneficial owners to natural persons. All other money market funds are considered to be “institutional” money market funds. Retail and institutional money market funds are further classified by their investments. “Prime” money market funds are permitted to invest primarily in corporate or other non-government securities, “US government” money market funds are required to invest a very high percentage of their assets in US government securities and “municipal” money market funds are required to invest significantly in municipal securities.
Under the revised rule, institutional prime money market funds and institutional municipal money market funds are required to value their portfolio securities using market-based factors, and sell and redeem shares at prices based on a floating net asset value. A floating net asset value is calculated by rounding to the fourth decimal place in the case of a money market fund with a $1.0000 share price. Retail money market funds and institutional US government money market funds are not subject to the floating net asset value requirement.
Under the revised rule, any type of money market fund is permitted to impose a discretionary liquidity fee of up to 2% on redemptions or temporarily suspend redemptions (also known as “gate”) if the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets (as defined in Rule 2a-7) fall below 30% of the fund’s total assets and the money market fund’s board of trustees determines that the fee or gate is in the fund’s best interests. Once imposed, a discretionary liquidity fee or redemption gate will remain in effect until the fund’s board of trustees determines that the fee or gate is no longer in the fund’s best interests or the next business day after the fund’s weekly liquid assets return to 30% of the fund’s total assets, whichever occurs first. Regardless, the redemption gate is required to be lifted no later than the 10th business day after the gate is imposed, and a money market fund may not impose a redemption gate for more than 10 business days in any rolling 90-calendar day period.

    42

Table of Contents
Under the revised rule, any type of money market fund (except for US government money market funds) is required to impose a liquidity fee of 1% on all redemptions if the money market fund’s weekly liquid assets (as defined in Rule 2a-7) fall below 10% of the fund’s total assets, unless the fund’s board of trustees determines that the fee is not in the fund’s best interests, or that a lower or higher (up to 2%) liquidity fee is in the fund’s best interests.
Other requirements of the revised rule include enhanced website disclosure obligations, the adoption of a new form for disclosure of certain material events (such as the imposition of liquidity fees or redemption gates), stronger diversification requirements and enhanced stress testing.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Investing in mortgage-backed securities involves certain unique risks in addition to those generally associated with investing in fixed income securities and in the real estate industry in general. These unique risks include the failure of a party to meet its commitments under the related operative documents, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Mortgage-backed securities are “pass-through” securities, meaning that principal and interest payments made by the borrower on the underlying mortgages are passed through to a Portfolio. The value of mortgage-backed securities, like that of traditional fixed income securities, typically increases when interest rates fall and decreases when interest rates rise. However, mortgage-backed securities differ from traditional fixed income securities because of their potential for prepayment without penalty. The price paid by a Portfolio for its mortgage-backed securities, the yield the Portfolio expects to receive from such securities and the average life of the securities are based on a number of factors, including the anticipated rate of prepayment of the underlying mortgages. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may prepay the underlying mortgages more quickly than anticipated, thereby reducing the yield to maturity and the average life of the mortgage-backed securities. Moreover, when a Portfolio reinvests the proceeds of a prepayment in these circumstances, it will likely receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the security that was prepaid.
To the extent that a Portfolio purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and principal prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If a Portfolio buys such securities at a discount, both scheduled payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments will increase current and total returns and will accelerate the recognition of income which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. In a period of rising interest rates, prepayments of the underlying mortgages may occur at a slower than expected rate, creating maturity extension risk. This particular risk may effectively change a security that was considered short or intermediate-term at the time of purchase into a long-term security. Since long-term securities generally fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities, maturity extension risk could increase the inherent volatility of the Portfolio. Under certain interest rate and prepayment scenarios, a Portfolio may fail to recoup fully its investment in mortgage-backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee.
Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by Federal government agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), or by government sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the Federal government and some Federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the Federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. While certain mortgage-related securities receive government or private support, there is no assurance that such support will remain in place in the future. Additionally, mortgage-backed securities issued by government agencies or sponsored enterprises like Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae generally have very little credit risk, but may be subject to substantial interest rate risks. Private mortgage-backed securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies and are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Some mortgage-backed securities, including those issued by government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises, may be based in part on pools of loans that are originated by an affiliate of the Manager.
In September 2008, the US Treasury placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under conservatorship and appointed the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to manage their daily operations. In addition, the US Treasury entered into purchase agreements with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide them with capital in exchange for senior preferred stock. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae. Participation certificates representing interests in mortgages from Freddie Mac’s national portfolio are guaranteed as to the timely payment of interest and principal by Freddie Mac. Private, government, or government-related entities may create mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those described above. The mortgages underlying these securities may be alternative mortgage instruments (that is, mortgage instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to maturity may be shorter than customary).

43

Table of Contents
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. A Portfolio may, from time to time, invest in municipal bonds including general obligation and revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest, whereas revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. A Portfolio may also invest in municipal notes including tax, revenue and bond anticipation notes which are issued to obtain Portfolios for various public purposes.
Municipal securities include notes and bonds issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and the District of Columbia, the interest on which is generally eligible for exclusion from federal income tax and, in certain instances, applicable state or local income and personal property taxes. Such securities are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market.
The interest rates payable on certain municipal bonds and municipal notes are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Municipal bonds and notes of this type are called “variable rate” obligations. The interest rate payable on a variable rate obligation is adjusted either at predesignated intervals or whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate payable is based. Other features may include the right whereby a Portfolio may demand prepayment of the principal amount of the obligation prior to its stated maturity (a demand feature) and the right of the issuer to prepay the principal amount prior to maturity. The principal benefit of a variable rate obligation is that the interest rate adjustment minimizes changes in the market value of the obligation. As a result, the purchase of variable rate obligations should enhance the ability of a Portfolio to maintain a stable NAV per share and to sell an obligation prior to maturity at a price approximating the full principal amount of the obligation.
Variable or floating rate securities include participation interests therein and inverse floaters. Floating rate securities normally have a rate of interest that is set as a specific percentage of a designated base rate, such as the rate on Treasury Bonds or Bills. The interest rate on floating rate securities changes whenever there is a change in the designated base interest rate. Variable rate securities provide for a specific periodic adjustment in the interest rate based on prevailing market rates and generally would allow a Portfolio to demand payment of the obligation on short notice at par plus accrued interest, which amount may, at times, be more or less than the amount the Portfolio paid for them. Some floating rate and variable rate securities have maturities longer than 397 calendar days but afford the holder the right to demand payment at dates earlier than the final maturity date. Such floating rate and variable rate securities will be treated as having maturities equal to the demand date or the period of adjustment of the interest rate whichever is longer.
An inverse floater is a debt instrument with a floating or variable interest rate that moves in the opposite direction of the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Changes in the interest rate on the other security or index inversely affect the residual interest rate paid on the inverse floater, with the result that the inverse floater's price will be considerably more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. Generally, income from inverse floating rate bonds will decrease when short-term interest rates increase, and will increase when short-term interest rates decrease. Such securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in response to changes, as an illustration, in market interest rates at a rate that is a multiple (typically two) of the rate at which fixed-rate, long-term, tax-exempt securities increase or decrease in response to such changes. As a result, the market values of such securities generally will be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate tax-exempt securities. For additional information relating to inverse floaters, please see “Indexed and Inverse Securities.”
REAL ESTATE RELATED SECURITIES. Although no Portfolio may invest directly in real estate, a Portfolio may invest in equity securities of issuers that are principally engaged in the real estate industry. Therefore, an investment in such a Portfolio is subject to certain risks associated with the ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general. These risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of availability of mortgage Portfolios or other limitations on access to capital; overbuilding; risks associated with leverage; market illiquidity; extended vacancies of properties; increase in competition, property taxes, capital expenditures and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws or other governmental regulation; costs resulting from the clean-up of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems; tenant bankruptcies or other credit problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents, including decreases in market rates for rents; investment in developments that are not completed or that are subject to delays in completion; and changes in interest rates. To the extent that assets underlying a Portfolio's investments are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects, the Portfolio may be subject to certain of the foregoing risks to a greater extent. Investments by a Portfolio in securities of companies providing mortgage servicing will be subject to the risks associated with refinancings and their impact on servicing rights. In addition, if a Portfolio receives rental income or income from the disposition of real property acquired as a result of a default on securities the Portfolio owns, the receipt of such income may adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to retain its tax status as a regulated investment company because of certain income source requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.

    44

Table of Contents
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS). Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Code to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass-through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
Investing in certain REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. These REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as these REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 Index. The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which the REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may incur significant amounts of leverage.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. A Portfolio may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements. A Portfolio will enter into repurchase agreements only with parties meeting creditworthiness standards as set forth in the Portfolio's repurchase agreement procedures.
Under such agreements, the other party agrees, upon entering into the contract with a Portfolio, to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed-upon time and price in a specified currency, thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such period, although such return may be affected by currency fluctuations. In the case of repurchase agreements, the prices at which the trades are conducted do not reflect accrued interest on the underlying obligation. Such agreements usually cover short periods, such as under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed to be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the securities transferred to the purchaser.
In the case of a repurchase agreement, as a purchaser, a Portfolio will require all repurchase agreements to be fully collateralized at all times by cash or other liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the resale price. The seller is required to provide additional collateral if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase price at any time during the term of the repurchase agreement. In the event of default by the seller under a repurchase agreement construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities are not owned by the Portfolio but only constitute collateral for the seller's obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Portfolio may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with disposition of the collateral.
A Portfolio may participate in a joint repurchase agreement account with other investment companies managed by PI pursuant to an order of the Commission. On a daily basis, any uninvested cash balances of the Portfolio may be aggregated with those of such investment companies and invested in one or more repurchase agreements. Each Portfolio participates in the income earned or accrued in the joint account based on the percentage of its investment.
DOLLAR ROLLS. A Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. In a dollar roll, a Portfolio sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date from the same party. During the roll period, a Portfolio foregoes principal and interest paid on the securities. A Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sale price and the forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the drop) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Portfolio will establish a segregated account in which it will maintain cash or other liquid assets, marked to market daily, having a value equal to its obligations in respect of dollar rolls.
Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained by the Portfolio may decline below the price of the securities, the Portfolio has sold but is obligated to repurchase under the agreement. In the event the buyer of securities under a dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Portfolio's use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Portfolio's obligation to repurchase the securities. Cash proceeds from dollar rolls may be invested in cash or other liquid assets.

45

Table of Contents
SECURITIES LENDING. Unless otherwise noted, the Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions subject to applicable regulatory requirements and guidance, including the requirements that: (1) the aggregate market value of securities loaned will not at any time exceed 33 1/3% of the total assets of the Portfolio; (2) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Portfolio collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, or securities issued or guaranteed by the US Government having at all times a value of not less than 100% of the value of the securities lent; and (3) the loan be made subject to termination by the Portfolio at any time. Goldman Sachs Bank USA d/b/a Goldman Sachs Agency Lending (GSAL) serves as securities lending agent for the Portfolio, and in that role administers the Portfolio’s securities lending program. As compensation for these services, GSAL receives a portion of any amounts earned by the Portfolio through lending securities.
The Portfolio may invest the cash collateral and/or it may receive a fee from the borrower. To the extent that cash collateral is invested, it will be invested in an affiliated prime money market fund and will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation. The Portfolio will be responsible for any loss that results from this investment of collateral.
On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Portfolio, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to the Portfolio. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities lent because of insolvency or other reasons, the Portfolio could experience delays and costs in recovering the securities lent or in gaining access to the collateral. In such situations, the Portfolio may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement investment in the market. There is a risk that the value of the collateral could decrease below the value of the replacement investment by the time the replacement investment is purchased.
During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Portfolio an amount equivalent to any dividend or interest paid on such securities. Voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower. However, all loans may be terminated at any time to facilitate the exercise of voting or other consent rights with respect to matters considered to be material. The Portfolio bears the risk that there may be a delay in the return of the securities which may impair the Portfolio’s ability to exercise such rights.
SECURITIES OF SMALLER OR EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES. Investment in smaller or emerging growth companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in more established companies. The securities of smaller or emerging growth companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more established companies or the market average in general. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group.
While smaller or emerging growth company issuers may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than large cap issuers, investments in smaller or emerging growth companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. The Investment Manager believes that properly selected companies of this type have the potential to increase their earnings or market valuation at a rate substantially in excess of the general growth of the economy. Full development of these companies and trends frequently takes time.
Small cap and emerging growth securities will often be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. As a result, the disposition by a Portfolio of portfolio securities to meet redemptions or otherwise may require a Portfolio to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time, or to sell these securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Investment Manager’s judgment, such disposition is not desirable.
While the process of selection and continuous supervision by the Investment Manager does not, of course, guarantee successful investment results, it does provide access to an asset class not available to the average individual due to the time and cost involved. Careful initial selection is particularly important in this area as many new enterprises have promise but lack certain of the factors necessary to prosper. Investing in small cap and emerging growth companies requires specialized research and analysis. In addition, many investors cannot invest sufficient assets in such companies to provide wide diversification.
Small companies are generally little known to most individual investors although some may be dominant in their respective industries. The Investment Manager believes that relatively small companies will continue to have the opportunity to develop into significant business enterprises. A Portfolio may invest in securities of small issuers in the relatively early stages of business development that have a new technology, a unique or proprietary product or service, or a favorable market position. Such companies may not be counted upon to develop into major industrial companies, but Portfolio management believes that eventual recognition of their special value characteristics by the investment community can provide above-average long-term growth to the portfolio.

    46

Table of Contents
Equity securities of specific small cap issuers may present different opportunities for long-term capital appreciation during varying portions of economic or securities markets cycles, as well as during varying stages of their business development. The market valuation of small cap issuers tends to fluctuate during economic or market cycles, presenting attractive investment opportunities at various points during these cycles.
Smaller companies, due to the size and kinds of markets that they serve, may be less susceptible than large companies to intervention from the Federal government by means of price controls, regulations or litigation.
SHORT SALES AND SHORT SALES AGAINST-THE-BOX. A Portfolio may make short sales of securities, either as a hedge against potential declines in value of a portfolio security or to realize appreciation when a security that the Portfolio does not own declines in value. When a Portfolio makes a short sale, it borrows the security sold short and delivers it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A Portfolio may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to turn over any payments received on such borrowed securities to the lender of the securities. The Portfolio may not be able to limit any losses resulting from share price volatility if the security indefinitely continues to increase in value at such specified time.
A Portfolio secures its obligation to replace the borrowed security by depositing collateral with the broker-dealer, usually in cash, US Government securities or other liquid securities similar to those borrowed. With respect to the uncovered short positions, a Portfolio is required to (1) deposit similar collateral with its custodian or otherwise segregate collateral on its records, to the extent that the value of the collateral in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold short, or (2) a Portfolio must otherwise cover its short position. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which the Portfolio borrowed the security, regarding payment over of any payments received by a Portfolio on such security, a Portfolio may not receive any payments (including interest) on its collateral deposited with such broker-dealer. Because making short sales in securities that it does not own exposes a Portfolio to the risks associated with those securities, such short sales involve speculative exposure risk. As a result, if a Portfolio makes short sales in securities that increase in value, it will likely underperform similar mutual Portfolios that do not make short sales in securities they do not own. A Portfolio will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Portfolio replaces the borrowed security. A Portfolio will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio will be able to close out a short sale position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a Portfolio's gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security, less the price at which the security was sold and may, theoretically, be unlimited.
A Portfolio may also make short sales against-the-box. A short sale against-the-box is a short sale in which the Portfolio owns an equal amount of the securities sold short, or securities convertible or exchangeable for, with or without payment of any further consideration, such securities. However, if further consideration is required in connection with the conversion or exchange, cash or other liquid assets, in an amount equal to such consideration must be segregated on a Portfolio's records or with its Custodian.
SOVEREIGN DEBT. Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk. The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the government entity's policy towards the International Monetary Portfolio and the political constraints to which a government entity may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend Portfolios to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt. Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government entities. In the event of a default by a governmental entity, there may be few or no effective legal remedies for collecting on such debt.
STANDBY COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS. A Portfolio may enter into standby commitment agreements. These agreements commit a Portfolio, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated amount of securities that may be issued and sold to that Portfolio at the option of the issuer. The price of the security is fixed at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement the Portfolio is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether or not the security is ultimately issued. A Portfolio will enter into such agreements for the purpose of investing in the security underlying the commitment at a price that is considered advantageous to the Portfolio. A Portfolio will limit its investment in such commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of securities subject to such

47

Table of Contents
commitments, together with the value of portfolio securities subject to legal restrictions on resale that affect their marketability, will not exceed 15% of its net assets taken at the time of the commitment. A Portfolio segregates liquid assets in an aggregate amount equal to the purchase price of the securities underlying the commitment. There can be no assurance that the securities subject to a standby commitment will be issued, and the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of such security and may not benefit from any appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period. The purchase of a security subject to a standby commitment agreement and the related commitment fee will be recorded on the date on which the security can reasonably be expected to be issued, and the value of the security thereafter will be reflected in the calculation of a Portfolio's net asset value. The cost basis of the security will be adjusted by the amount of the commitment fee. In the event the security is not issued, the commitment fee will be recorded as income on the expiration date of the standby commitment.
STRIPPED SECURITIES. Stripped securities are created when the issuer separates the interest and principal components of an instrument and sells them as separate securities. In general, one security is entitled to receive the interest payments on the underlying assets (the interest only or “IO” security) and the other to receive the principal payments (the principal only or “PO” security). Some stripped securities may receive a combination of interest and principal payments. The yields to maturity on IOs and POs are sensitive to the expected or anticipated rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying assets, and principal payments may have a material effect on yield to maturity. If the underlying assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Portfolio may not fully recoup its initial investment in IOs. Conversely, if the underlying assets experience less than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield on POs could be adversely affected. Stripped securities may be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and rates of prepayment.
STRUCTURED NOTES. A Portfolio may invest in structured notes. The values of the structured notes in which a Portfolio will invest may be linked to equity securities or equity indices or other instruments or indices(reference instruments). These notes differ from other types of debt securities in several respects. The interest rate or principal amount payable at maturity may vary based on changes in the value of the equity security, instrument, or index. A structured note may be positively or negatively indexed; that is, its value or interest rate may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument increases. Similarly, its value may increase or decrease if the value of the reference instrument decreases. Further, the change in the principal amount payable with respect to, or the interest rate of, a structured note may be a multiple of the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying reference instrument(s).
Investments in structured notes involve certain risks, including the credit risk of the issuer and the normal risks of price changes in response to changes in interest rates. Further, in the case of certain structured notes, a decline or increase in the value of the reference instrument may cause the interest rate to be reduced to zero, and any further declines or increases in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. The percentage by which the value of the structured note decreases may be far greater than the percentage by which the value of the reference instrument increases or decreases. Finally, these securities may be less liquid than other types of securities, and may be more volatile than their underlying reference instruments.
SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES. A Portfolio may invest in debt securities of supranational entities . Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the European Steel and Coal Community, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The government members, or “stockholders,” usually make initial capital contributions to the supranational entity and in many cases are committed to make additional capital contributions if the supranational entity is unable to repay its borrowings.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGY AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS. Each Portfolio may temporarily invest without limit in money market instruments, including commercial paper of US corporations, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and other obligations of domestic banks, and obligations issued or guaranteed by the US government, its agencies or its instrumentalities, as part of a temporary defensive strategy or to maintain liquidity to meet redemptions. Money market instruments typically have a maturity of one year or less as measured from the date of purchase.
A Portfolio also may temporarily hold cash or invest in money market instruments pending investment of proceeds from new sales of Portfolio shares or during periods of portfolio restructuring.
TRACERS AND TRAINS. Tradable Custodial Receipts or TRACERS represent an interest in a basket of investment grade corporate credits. Targeted Return Index Securities or TRAINS represent an interest in a basket of high yield securities of varying credit quality. Interests in TRACERS and TRAINS provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing individual issues.

    48

Table of Contents
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS. Warrants and rights are securities permitting, but not obligating, the warrant holder to subscribe for other securities. Buying a warrant does not make a Portfolio a shareholder of the underlying stock. The warrant holder has no right to dividends or votes on the underlying stock. A warrant does not carry any right to assets of the issuer, and for this reason investment in warrants may be more speculative than other equity-based investments.
WHEN ISSUED SECURITIES, DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. A Portfolio may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when issued basis. A Portfolio may also purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment. These transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by a Portfolio at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. A Portfolio enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Portfolio at the time of entering into the transaction. No Portfolio has established any limit on the percentage of its assets that may be committed in connection with these transactions. When a Portfolio purchases securities in these transactions, the Portfolio segregates liquid securities in an amount equal to the amount of its purchase commitments.
There can be no assurance that a security purchased on a when issued basis will be issued or that a security purchased or sold through a forward commitment will be delivered. The value of securities in these transactions on the delivery date may be more or less than the Portfolio's purchase price. The Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of the security in these transactions and may not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period.
US GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. A Portfolio may invest in adjustable rate and fixed rate US Government securities. US Government securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by the US Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of the US Government. US Government guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the securities or a Portfolio's shares. Not all US Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency.
US Treasury securities include bills, notes, bonds and other debt securities issued by the US Treasury. These instruments are direct obligations of the US Government and, as such, are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. They differ primarily in their interest rates, the lengths of their maturities and the dates of their issuances. US Government guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the securities or a Portfolio's shares.
Securities issued by agencies of the US Government or instrumentalities of the US Government, including those which are guaranteed by Federal agencies or instrumentalities, may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of the Ginnie Mae, the Farmers Home Administration and the Small Business Administration are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a Portfolio must look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments.
A Portfolio may also invest in component parts of US Government securities, namely either the corpus (principal) of such obligations or one or more of the interest payments scheduled to be paid on such obligations. These obligations may take the form of (1) obligations from which the interest coupons have been stripped; (2) the interest coupons that are stripped; (3) book-entries at a Federal Reserve member bank representing ownership of obligation components; or (4) receipts evidencing the component parts (corpus or coupons) of US Government obligations that have not actually been stripped. Such receipts evidence ownership of component parts of US Government obligations (corpus or coupons) purchased by a third party (typically an investment banking firm) and held on behalf of the third party in physical or book-entry form by a major commercial bank or trust company pursuant to a custody agreement with the third party. A Portfolio may also invest in custodial receipts held by a third party that are not US Government securities. US Government securities may be affected by changing interest rates.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES, PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES AND DEFERRED PAYMENT SECURITIES. A Portfolio may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are securities that are sold at a discount to par value and on which interest payments are not made during the life of the security. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity on the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the par value of the security. While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to have received income (phantom income) annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. The effect of owning instruments that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest

49

Table of Contents
rates than are comparable securities that pay interest currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash.
A Portfolio accrues income with respect to these securities for Federal income tax and accounting purposes prior to the receipt of cash payments. Zero coupon securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals. In addition to the above-described risks, there are certain other risks related to investing in zero coupon securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, a Portfolio's investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk, will increase during the time these securities are held in the Portfolio's portfolio. Further, to maintain its qualification for pass-through treatment under the Federal tax laws, a Portfolio is required to distribute income to its shareholders and, consequently, may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate the cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash to satisfy these distributions, as they relate to the income accrued but not yet received. The required distributions will result in an increase in a Portfolio's exposure to such securities.
Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by delivery of additional securities. Upon maturity, the holder is entitled to receive the aggregate par value of the securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain a zero coupon security until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals. Holders of these types of securities are deemed to have received income (phantom income) annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. The effect of owning instruments which do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities which pay interest currently, which fluctuation increases the longer the period to maturity. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash. Zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and lesser liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparable rated securities paying cash interest at regular intervals.
In addition to the above described risks, there are certain other risks related to investing in zero coupon, pay-in-kind and deferred payment securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid. In addition, as these securities do not pay cash interest, the Portfolio's investment exposure to these securities and their risks, including credit risk, will increase during the time these securities are held in the Portfolio's portfolio. Further, to maintain its qualification for pass-through treatment under the federal tax laws, the Portfolio is required to distribute income to its shareholders and, consequently, may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate the cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash to satisfy these distributions, as they relate to the distribution of phantom income and the value of the paid-in-kind interest. The required distributions will result in an increase in the Portfolio's exposure to such securities.
NET ASSET VALUES
Any purchase or sale of Portfolio shares is made at the net asset value, or NAV, of such shares. The price at which a purchase or redemption is made is based on the next calculation of the NAV after the order is received in good order. The NAV of each share class of each Portfolio is determined on each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of the exchange's regular trading session (which is generally 4:00p.m. New York time). The NYSE is closed on most national holidays and Good Friday. The Trust does not price, and shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem, the Trust's shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary markets for the Trust's foreign securities are open, even though the value of these securities may have changed. Conversely, the Trust will ordinarily price its shares, and shareholders may purchase and redeem shares, on days that the NYSE is open but foreign securities markets are closed.
The securities held by each of the Trust's portfolios are valued based upon market quotations or, if not readily available, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board. The Trust may use fair value pricing if it determines that a market quotation is not reliable based, among other things, on market conditions that occur after the quotation is derived or after the closing of the primary market on which the security is traded, but before the time that the NAV is determined. This use of fair value pricing commonly occurs with securities that are primarily traded outside of the US because such securities present time-zone arbitrage opportunities when events or conditions affecting the prices of specific securities or the prices of securities traded in such markets generally occur after the close of the foreign markets but prior to the time that a Portfolio determines its NAV.

    50

Table of Contents
The Trust may also use fair value pricing with respect to US traded securities if, for example, trading in a particular security is halted and does not resume before a Portfolio calculates its NAV or the exchange on which a security is traded closes early. In addition, fair value pricing is used for securities where the pricing agent or principal market maker does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the Investment Manager (or Subadviser) does not represent fair value. Different valuation methods may result in differing values for the same security. The fair value of a portfolio security that a Portfolio uses to determine its NAV may differ from the security's published or quoted price. If a Portfolio needs to implement fair value pricing after the NAV publishing deadline but before shares of the Portfolio are processed, the NAV you receive or pay may differ from the published NAV price. For purposes of computing the Trust's NAV, we will value the Trust's futures contracts 15 minutes after the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Except when we fair value securities, we normally value each foreign security held by the Trust as of the close of the security's primary market.
Fair value pricing procedures are designed to result in prices for a Portfolio's securities and its NAV that are reasonable in light of the circumstances which make or have made market quotations unavailable or unreliable, and to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders. There is no assurance, however, that fair value pricing will more accurately reflect the market value of a security than the market price of such security on that day or that it will prevent dilution of a Portfolio's NAV by short-term traders. In the event that the fair valuation of a security results in a change of $0.01 or more to a Portfolio’s NAV per share and/or in the aggregate results in a change of one half of one percent or more of a Portfolio’s daily NAV, the Board of Trustees shall promptly be notified, in detail, of the fair valuation, and the fair valuation will be reported on at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Also, the Board of Trustees receives, on an interim basis, minutes of the meetings of the Fund’s Valuation Committee that occur between regularly scheduled Board meetings.  
The NAV for each of the Portfolios is determined by a simple calculation. It's the total value of a Portfolio (assets minus liabilities) divided by the total number of shares outstanding.
To determine a Portfolio's NAV, its holdings are valued as follows:
Equity securities for which the primary market is on an exchange (whether domestic or foreign) shall be valued at the last sale price on such exchange or market on the day of valuation or, if there was no sale on such day, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Securities included within the NASDAQ market shall be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price (NOCP) on the day of valuation, or if there was no NOCP issued, at the last sale price on such day. Securities included within the NASDAQ market for which there is no NOCP and no last sale price on the day of valuation shall be valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on such day or at the last bid price on such day in the absence of an asked price. Equity securities that are not sold on an exchange or NASDAQ are generally valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker.
A Portfolio may own securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Portfolios do not price their shares. Therefore, the value of a Portfolio's assets may change on days when shareholders cannot purchase or redeem Portfolio shares..
Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at cost with interest accrued or discount amortized to the date of maturity, unless such valuation, in the judgment of PI or a subadviser, does not represent fair value.
Convertible debt securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed convertible debt securities for which the primary market is believed by PI or a subadviser to be over-the-counter, are valued on the day of valuation at an evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing agent or, in the absence of a valuation provided by an independent pricing agent, at the bid price provided by a principal market maker or primary market dealer.
Other debt securities—those that are not valued on an amortized cost basis—are valued using an independent pricing service. Options on stock and stock indexes that are traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on such exchange on the day of valuation or, if there was no such sale on such day, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on such exchange.
Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are valued at the last sale price at the close of the commodities exchange or board of trade on which they are traded. If there has been no sale that day, the securities will be valued at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices on that exchange or board of trade.
Forward currency exchange contracts are valued at the cost of covering or offsetting such contracts calculated on the day of valuation. Securities which are valued in accordance herewith in a currency other than US dollars shall be converted to US dollar equivalents at a rate obtained from a recognized bank, dealer or independent service on the day of valuation.

51

Table of Contents
Over-the-counter (OTC) options are valued at the mean between bid and asked prices provided by a dealer (which may be the counterparty). A subadviser will monitor the market prices of the securities underlying the OTC options with a view to determining the necessity of obtaining additional bid and ask quotations from other dealers to assess the validity of the prices received from the primary pricing dealer.
All short-term debt securities, including bonds, notes, debentures and other debt securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks, with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued by an independent pricing agent or principal market maker (if available, otherwise a primary market dealer).
TAXATION
This discussion of federal income tax consequences applies to the Participating Insurance Companies because they are the direct shareholders of the Trust. Contract owners should consult their Contract prospectus for information relating to the tax matters applicable to their Contracts. In addition, variable contract owners may wish to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investments in the Trust, including the application of state and local taxes.
The Portfolio currently intends to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. As a result, the Portfolio's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits will be “passed through” pro rata directly to the Participating Insurance Companies and retain the same character for federal income tax purposes. Distributions may be made to the various separate accounts of the Participating Insurance Companies in the form of additional shares (not in cash).
Under Code Section 817(h), a segregated asset account upon which a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy is based must be “adequately diversified.” A segregated asset account will be adequately diversified if it satisfies one of two alternative tests set forth in Treasury regulations. For purposes of these alternative diversification tests, a segregated asset account investing in shares of a regulated investment company will be entitled to “look-through” the regulated investment company to its pro rata portion of the regulated investment company's assets, provided the regulated investment company satisfies certain conditions relating to the ownership of its shares. The Trust intends to satisfy these ownership conditions. Further, the Trust intends that the Portfolio separately will be adequately diversified. Accordingly, a segregated asset account investing solely in shares of the Portfolio will be adequately diversified, and a segregated asset account investing in shares of one or more portfolios and shares of other adequately diversified funds generally will be adequately diversified.
The foregoing discussion of federal income tax consequences is based on tax laws and regulations in effect on the date of this SAI, and is subject to change by legislative or administrative action. A description of other tax considerations generally affecting the Trust and its shareholders is found in the section of the Prospectus entitled “Federal Income Taxes.” No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Trust or its shareholders. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of state or local tax matters. The discussion herein and in the Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
Each Portfolio's portfolio holdings as of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters are made public, as required by law, in the Trust's annual and semi-annual reports. These reports are filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR and mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Trust's annual and semi-annual reports are posted on the Trust's website. Each Portfolio's portfolio holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters are made public and filed with the SEC on Form N-Q within 60 days after the end of the Portfolio's first and third fiscal quarters. In addition, the Trust may provide a full list of each Portfolio's portfolio holdings as of the end of each month on its website no sooner than approximately three business days prior to the end of the following month. The Trust may also release, at a sleeve level and/or the composite level, each Portfolio's top ten holdings (or in the case of a fund of funds the complete list of portfolio funds and/or the top ten holdings of the portfolio funds), and summary statistics regarding sectors, countries and/or industries and other characteristics, as of each month end, with all such information posted to the Trust’s website approximately 15 days after the end of the month, unless noted otherwise herein.
When authorized by the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer and another officer of the Trust, portfolio holdings information may be disseminated more frequently or at different periods than as described above. The Trust has entered into ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Trust's portfolio holdings. Parties receiving this information may include intermediaries that distribute the Trust's shares, third party providers of auditing, custody, proxy voting and other services for the Trust, rating and ranking organizations, and certain affiliated persons of the Trust, as described below. The procedures utilized to determine eligibility are set forth below:
Procedures for Release of Portfolio Holdings Information:

    52

Table of Contents
1. A request for release of Portfolio holdings shall be provided by such third party setting forth a legitimate business purpose for such release which shall specify the Portfolio, the terms of such release, and frequency (e.g., level of detail staleness). The request shall address whether there are any conflicts of interest between the Portfolio and the investment adviser, sub-adviser, principal underwriter or any affiliated person thereof and how such conflicts shall be dealt with to demonstrate that the disclosure is in the best interest of the shareholders of the Portfolio.
2. The request shall be forwarded to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust, or his delegate, for review and approval.
3. A confidentiality agreement in the form approved by an officer of the Trust must be executed with the recipient of the Portfolio holdings information.
4. An officer of the Portfolio shall approve the release and agreement. Copies of the release and agreement shall be sent to PI's law department.
5. Written notification of the approval shall be sent by such officer to PI's Fund Administration Department to arrange the release of Portfolio holdings information.
6. PI's Fund Administration Department shall arrange for the release of Portfolio holdings information by the Portfolio's custodian bank(s).
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Trust will provide:
1. Traditional External Recipients/Vendors
Full holdings on a daily basis to RiskMetrics Group, Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc., Broadridge and Glass, Lewis & Co (proxy voting administrator/agents) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to RickMetrics Group (securities class action claims services administrator) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to each Portfolio's subadviser(s) (as identified in the Trust's prospectus), Custodian Bank (Bank of New York and/or PNC, as applicable), sub-custodian (Citibank, NA (foreign sub-custodian)) and accounting agents (which includes the Custodian Bank and any other accounting agent that may be appointed) at the end of each day. When a Portfolio has more than one subadviser, each subadviser receives holdings information only with respect to the “sleeve” or segment of the Portfolio for which the subadviser has responsibility;
Full holdings to a Portfolio's independent registered public accounting firm (KPMG LLP) as soon as practicable following the Portfolio's fiscal year-end or on an as-needed basis; and
Full holdings to financial printers (RR Donnelly and/or VG Reed, as applicable) as soon as practicable following the end of a Portfolio's quarterly, semi-annual and annual period ends.
2. Analytical Service Providers
Portfolio trades on a quarterly basis to Abel/Noser Corp. (an agency-only broker and transaction cost analysis company) as soon as practicable following a Portfolio's fiscal quarter-end;
Full holdings on a daily basis to FT Interactive Data (a fair value information service) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to FactSet Research Systems, Inc. and Lipper, Inc. (analytical services/investment research providers) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to Vestek (for preparation of fact sheets) at the end of each day (Target Funds and selected Prudential Investments Funds only);
Full holdings on a quarterly basis to Plexus (review of brokerage transactions) as soon as practicable following a Portfolio's fiscal quarter-end;
Full holdings on a monthly basis to Advanced Quantitative Consulting (AQC) (attribution analysis) (AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio only) as soon as practicable following the close of each calendar month;
Full holdings on a daily basis to Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (certain operational functions) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to Investment Technology Group, Inc. (analytical services) (AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio (QS Investors-managed segments) and AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to Markit WSO Corporation (certain operational functions) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day;
Full holdings on a daily basis to State Street Bank and Trust Company (certain operational functions) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day.
Full holdings on a daily basis to Glass, Lewis & Co. (certain operational functions) (AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio only) at the end of each day.
Full holdings on a daily basis to Thomson Reuters (analytical services) (AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio (QS Investors -managed segments only) at the end of each day.

53

Table of Contents
Full holdings on a daily basis to SunGard (compliance services) (AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio (QS Investors -managed segments only) at the end of each day.
Full holdings on an intraday basis to StarCompliance (compliance services) (AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio only) at the end of each day.
In each case, the information disclosed must be for a legitimate business purpose and is subject to a confidentiality agreement intended to prohibit the recipient from trading on or further disseminating such information (except for legitimate business purposes). Such arrangements will be monitored on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer and PI's Law Department on an annual basis.
In addition, certain authorized employees of PI receive portfolio holdings information on a quarterly, monthly or daily basis or upon request, in order to perform their business functions. All PI employees are subject to the requirements of the personal securities trading policy of Prudential Financial, Inc., which prohibits employees from trading on, or further disseminating confidential information, including portfolio holdings information.
In no instance may the Investment Adviser or the Trust receive any compensation or consideration in exchange for the portfolio holdings information.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has approved PI's Policy for the Dissemination of Portfolio Holdings. The Board shall, on a quarterly basis, be advised of any revisions to the list of recipients of the portfolio holdings information and the reason for such disclosure. The Board has delegated oversight of the Trust's disclosure of portfolio holdings to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Arrangements pursuant to which the Trust discloses non-public information with respect to its portfolio holdings do not provide for any compensation in return for the disclosure of the information.
There can be no assurance that the Trust's policies and procedures on portfolio holdings information will protect the Trust from the potential misuse of such information by individuals or entities that come into possession of the information.
In each case, the information disclosed must be for a legitimate business purpose and is subject to a confidentiality agreement intended to prohibit the recipient from trading on or further disseminating such information (except for legitimate business purposes). Such arrangements will be monitored on an ongoing basis and will be reviewed by the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer and PI's Law Department on an annual basis.
In addition, certain authorized employees of PI receive portfolio holdings information on a quarterly, monthly or daily basis or upon request, in order to perform their business functions. All PI employees are subject to the requirements of the personal securities trading policy of Prudential Financial, Inc., which prohibits employees from trading on, or further disseminating confidential information, including portfolio holdings information.
In no instance may the Investment Manager or the Trust receive any compensation or consideration in exchange for the portfolio holdings information.
The Board has approved PI's Policy for the Dissemination of Portfolio Holdings. The Board shall, on a quarterly basis, receive a report from PI detailing the recipients of the portfolio holdings information and the reason for such disclosure. The Board has delegated oversight over the Trust's disclosure of portfolio holdings to the Chief Compliance Officer.
There can be no assurance that the Trust's policies and procedures on portfolio holdings information will protect a Portfolio from the potential misuse of such information by individuals or entities that come into possession of the information.
PROXY VOTING
The Board has delegated to the Trust's investment manager, PI, the responsibility for voting any proxies and maintaining proxy recordkeeping with respect to the Portfolio. The Trust authorizes the Manager to delegate, in whole or in part, its proxy voting authority to its investment subadviser or third party vendors consistent with the policies set forth below. The proxy voting process shall remain subject to the supervision of the Board, including any committee thereof established for that purpose.
The Manager and the Board view the proxy voting process as a component of the investment process and, as such, seek to ensure that all proxy proposals are voted with the primary goal of seeking the optimal benefit for the Portfolio. Consistent with this goal, the Board views the proxy voting process as a means to encourage strong corporate governance practices and ethical conduct by corporate management. The Manager and the Board maintain a policy of seeking to protect the best interests of the Portfolio should a proxy issue potentially implicate a conflict of interest between the Portfolio and the Manager or its affiliates.

    54

Table of Contents
The Manager delegates to the Portfolio's subadviser(s) the responsibility for voting the Portfolio's proxies. The subadviser is expected to identify and seek to obtain the optimal benefit for the Portfolio it manages, and to adopt written policies that meet certain minimum standards, including that the policies be reasonably designed to protect the best interests of the Portfolio and delineate procedures to be followed when a proxy vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Portfolio and the interests of the subadviser or its affiliates.
The Manager and the Board expect that the subadviser will notify the Manager and the Board at least annually of any such conflicts identified and confirm how the issue was resolved. In addition, the Manager expect that the subadviser will deliver to the Manager, or their appointed vendor, information required for filing the Form N-PX with the SEC. Information regarding how the Portfolio of the Trust voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available on the Trust’s website and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Board of the Trust has adopted a Code of Ethics. In addition, the Investment Manager, investment subadviser(s) and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics (the Codes). The Codes apply to access persons (generally, persons who have access to information about a Portfolio's investment program) and permit personnel subject to the Codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a Portfolio. However, the protective provisions of the Codes prohibit certain investments and limit such personnel from making investments during periods when the Portfolio is making such investments. The Codes are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.
APPENDIX I: DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES (S&P)
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA: An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A: An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB: An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C: The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.
Plus (+) or Minus (–): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories

55

Table of Contents
Commercial Paper Ratings
A-1: This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.
Notes Ratings
An S&P notes rating reflects the liquidity factors and market risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a notes rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment.
Amortization schedule-the longer the final maturity relative to other maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODY'S)
Debt Ratings
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged.” Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest-rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

    56

Table of Contents
Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating category from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issuer is in the higher end of its letter rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; the modifier 3 indicates that the issuer is in the lower end of the letter ranking category.
Short-Term Ratings
Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor senior financial obligations and contracts. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.
PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
Leading market positions in well-established industries.
High rates of return on Portfolios employed.
Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.
Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.
Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This normally will be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
MIG 1: This designation denotes best quality. There is strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2: This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the proceeding group.
FITCH, INC.
International Long-Term Credit Ratings
AAA: Highest Credit Quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA: Very High Credit Quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A: High Credit Quality. A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB: Good Credit Quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.
BB: Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
B: Highly Speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C: High Default Risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
International Short-Term Credit Ratings
F1: Highest Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

57

Table of Contents
F2: Good Credit Quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3: Fair Credit Quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B: Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High Default Risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic investment.
Plus (+) or Minus (–): Plus or minus signs may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA long-term rating category, to categories below CCC, or to short-term ratings other than F1.
APPENDIX II: PROXY VOTING POLICIES OF THE SUBADVISERS
PGIM, INC.
The policy of each of PGIM’s asset management units is to vote proxies in the best interests of their respective clients based on the clients’ priorities. Client interests are placed ahead of any potential interest of PGIM or its asset management units.
Because the various asset management units manage distinct classes of assets with differing management styles, some units will consider each proxy on its individual merits while other units may adopt a pre‐determined set of voting guidelines. The specific voting approach of each unit is noted below.
Relevant members of management and regulatory personnel oversee the proxy voting process and monitor potential conflicts of interest. In addition, should the need arise, senior members of management, as advised by Compliance and Law, are authorized to address any proxy matter involving an actual or apparent conflict of interest that cannot be resolved at the level of an individual asset management business unit.
VOTING APPROACH OF PGIM ASSET MANAGEMENT UNITS
PGIM Fixed Income. PGIM Fixed Income is a business unit of PGIM. PGIM Fixed Income’s policy is to vote proxies in the best economic interest of its clients. In the case of pooled accounts, the policy is to vote proxies in the best economic interest of the pooled account. The proxy voting policy contains detailed voting guidelines on a wide variety of issues commonly voted upon by shareholders. These guidelines reflect PGIM Fixed Income’s judgment of how to further the best economic interest of its clients through the shareholder or debt-holder voting process.
PGIM Fixed Income invests primarily in debt securities, thus there are few traditional proxies voted by it. PGIM Fixed Income generally votes with management on routine matters such as the appointment of accountants or the election of directors. From time to time, ballot issues arise that are not addressed by the policy or circumstances may suggest a vote not in accordance with the established guidelines. In these cases, voting decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by the applicable portfolio manager taking into consideration the potential economic impact of the proposal. If a security is held in multiple accounts and two or more portfolio managers are not in agreement with respect to a particular vote, PGIM Fixed Income’s proxy voting committee will determine the vote. Not all ballots are received by PGIM Fixed Income in advance of voting deadlines, but when ballots are received in a timely fashion, PGIM Fixed Income strives to meet its voting obligations. It cannot, however, guarantee that every proxy will be voted prior to its deadline.
With respect to non-US holdings, PGIM Fixed Income takes into account additional restrictions in some countries that might impair its ability to trade those securities or have other potentially adverse economic consequences. PGIM Fixed Income generally votes non-US securities on a best efforts basis if it determines that voting is in the best economic interest of its clients.
Occasionally, a conflict of interest may arise in connection with proxy voting. For example, the issuer of the securities being voted may also be a client of PGIM Fixed Income. When PGIM Fixed Income identifies an actual or potential conflict of interest between the firm and its clients with respect to proxy voting, the matter is presented to senior management who will resolve such issue in consultation with the compliance and legal departments.
Any client may obtain a copy of PGIM Fixed Income’s proxy voting policy, guidelines and procedures, as well as the proxy voting records for that client’s securities, by contacting the client service representative responsible for the client’s account.

    58

Table of Contents
PGIM Real Estate. PGIM Real Estate is a business unit of PGIM. PGIM Real Estate's proxy voting policy contains detailed voting guidelines on a wide variety of issues commonly voted upon by shareholders. These guidelines reflect PGIM Real Estate's judgment of how to further the best long-range economic interest of our clients (i.e. the mutual interest of clients in seeing the appreciation in value of a common investment over time) through the shareholder voting process. PGIM Real Estate’s policy is generally to vote proxies on social or political issues on a case by case basis. Additionally, where issues are not addressed by our policy, or when circumstances suggest a vote not in accordance with our established guidelines, voting decisions are made on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the potential economic impact of the proposal. With respect to international holdings, we take into account additional restrictions in some countries that might impair our ability to trade those securities or have other potentially adverse economic consequences, and generally vote foreign securities on a best efforts basis in accordance with the recommendations of the issuer's management if we determine that voting is in the best economic interest of our clients.
PGIM Real Estate utilizes the services of a third party proxy voting facilitator, and upon receipt of proxies will direct the voting facilitator to vote in a manner consistent with PGIM Real Estate's established proxy voting guidelines described above (assuming timely receipt of proxy materials from issuers and custodians). In accordance with its obligations under the Advisers Act, PGIM Real Estate provides full disclosure of its proxy voting policy, guidelines and procedures to its clients upon their request, and will also provide to any client, upon request, the proxy voting records for that client's securities.

59
 
 
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registrant’s Registration Statement for Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-24962 and 811-5186) (the “Registration Statement”), which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(a)(2) Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) By-laws of Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) None
(d)(1)(a)  Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated) and Prudential Investments LLC for the various portfolios of the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(1)(b) Amendment to Investment Management Agreement. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 1, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(1)(b)(1) Amended Fee Schedule to Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated) and Prudential Investments LLC. Filed herewith.
(d)(1)(c) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST portfolios. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(1)(d) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST portfolios. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(1)(e) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST portfolios. Filed herewith.
(d)(2)(a) Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant and Prudential Investments LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(2)(a)(1) Amended Fee Schedule to Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant and Prudential Investments LLC. Filed herewith.
(d)(2)(b) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST portfolios. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
1

(d)(2)(c) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST portfolios. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(2)(d) Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for AST Bond Portfolio 2028. Filed herewith.
(d)(3) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Government Money Market Portfolio (formerly AST Money Market Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, and the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(b) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2016 and AST Bond Portfolio 2020. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(c)  Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2017 and AST Bond Portfolio 2021.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to Registration Statement which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 28, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(d) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2022.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 22, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(e) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on October 5, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(f) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2023. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 23, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(g) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2024. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to Registration Statement, which was filed via EDGAR on November 13, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(4)(h) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2025.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 30, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
2

(d)(5) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(5)(a) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., for the AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(6) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference
(d)(7) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and William Blair & Company LLC for the AST International Growth Portfolio (formerly known as the AST William Blair International Growth Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(8) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST International Value Portfolio (formerly known as the AST LSV International Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(9) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST International Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(10) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and J. P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan International Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(11) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC for the AST Hotchkis & Wiley Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly the AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(12)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management for the AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(12)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement, by and among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management for AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio, and AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio. Filed herewith.
3

(d)(13) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. for the AST Cohen & Steers Realty Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(14)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Neuberger Berman Management LLC (now known as Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC) for the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (now known as the AST Neuberger Berman/LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference
(d)(14)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Neuberger Berman Management LLC (now known as Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC) for the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (now known as the AST Neuberger Berman /LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(14)(c) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Neuberger Berman Management LLC (now known as Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC) for each of the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (now known as the AST Neuberger Berman /LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio) and the AST International Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(15) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and UBS Asset Management (Americas) Inc. for the AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(16) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Massachusetts Financial Services Company for the AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(17) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Massachusetts Financial Services Company for the AST MFS Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(18) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management for the AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference
(d)(19) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Lee Munder Investments, Ltd. (now known as LMCG Investments, LLC) for the AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(20) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
4

(d)(21) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Lord Abbett & Co. for the AST Lord Abbett Bond-Debenture Portfolio (now known as the AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed Income Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(22)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(22)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(23) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and William Blair & Company LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(24)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(24)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed herewith.
(d)(25)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(25)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(26) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, Quantitative Management Associates, LLC, Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.), and Jennison Associates, LLC for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(27) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and each of Quantitative Management Associates LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
5

(d)(28) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and each of Quantitative Management Associates LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(29) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and each of Quantitative Management Associates LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(30)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio (formerly the AST UBS Dynamic Alpha Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 19, 2010, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(30)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement dated October 1, 2015 among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(31)(a) Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., for the AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(31)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., for the AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(32) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. for the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio (formerly AST CLS Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(33) Sub-Subadvisory Agreement among Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd., AST Investment Services, Incorporated, and Prudential Investments LLC for the AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(34) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(35) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company for the AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
6

(d)(36) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Real Estate Investors (now known as PGIM Real Estate) for the AST Global Real Estate Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(37) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC for the AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(38) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates LLC for the AST QMA US Equity Alpha Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(39) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and LSV Asset Management for the AST Neuberger Berman Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (now known as the AST Neuberger Berman / LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(40) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and each of Prudential Investment Management, Inc., Jennison Associates LLC, Prudential Bache Asset Management, and Quantitative Management Associates LLC for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(41) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 15, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(42) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and AlphaSimplex, LLC Group for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(43) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and First Quadrant, L.P. for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio.  Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(44) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Jennison Associates LLC, for AST Jennison Large-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on September 10, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(45) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Quantitative Management Associates LLC, for AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(46) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Wellington Management Company, LLP, for AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.
7

(d)(47) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and C.S. McKee, LP, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(48) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and EARNEST Partners, LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(49) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Epoch Investment Partners, Inc., for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(50) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates LLC for the AST Defensive Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(51) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(52) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC, for AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(53) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust, for AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(54) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Jennison Associates LLC, for AST International Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(55) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and CoreCommodity Management LLC for AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(56) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. for the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 25, 2012, as is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(57) Sub-subadvisory Agreement among J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. and Security Capital Research & Management Incorporated for the AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on October 31, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
8

(d)(58) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company for the AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 24, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(59) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Western Asset Emerging Market Debts Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.103 to Registration Statement which was filed via EDGAR on July 24, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(60) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Massachusetts Financial Services Company for the AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to Registration Statement which was filed via EDGAR on July 24, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(61) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 1, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(62) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 1, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(63) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and ClearBridge Investments, LLC for the AST ClearBridge Dividend Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 6, 2013,and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(64) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and AQR Capital Management, LLC for the AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 6, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(65) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates LLC for the AST QMA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 6, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(66) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Long Duration Bond Portfolio (now known as AST Multi-Sector Fixed Income Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 6, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(67) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. for the AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Horizon Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
9

(d)(68) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC for the AST RCM World Trends Portfolio (formerly known as the AST Moderate Asset Allocation Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(69) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and each of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) and Quantitative Management Associates LLC for the Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio (formerly known as the AST First Trust Capital Appreciation Target Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(70) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for the AST Templeton Global Bond Portfolio (formerly known as the AST T. Rowe Price Global Bond Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(71)(a) Form of subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock iShares ETF Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(71)(b) Form of contractual Subadvisory Fee Waiver among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock iShares ETF Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(72) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and AQR Capital Management, LLC for the AST AQR Large-Cap Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(73) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates LLC for the AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(74) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates LLC for the AST Defensive Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(75) Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, Ltd., T. Rowe Price International Ltd, Tokyo and T. Rowe Price Hong Kong Limited for the AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio. Filed herewith.
(d)(76) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(77) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and First Quadrant, L.P. for the AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
10

(d)(78) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, K2/D&S management Co., LLC, Templeton Global Advisers Limited and Franklin Advisers, Inc. for the AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(79) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. for the AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(80) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. for the AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(81) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Jennison Associates, LLC for the AST Jennison Global Infrastructure Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(82) Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services; Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (now known as QS Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC), Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.; Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC; ClearBridge Investments, LLC, Western Asset Management Company and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio. Filed herewith.
(d)(83) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates, LLC for the AST Managed Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(84) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates, LLC for the AST Managed Fixed-Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(85) Subadvisory Agreement among Prudential Investments LLC, Quantitative Management Associates, LLC, Jennison Associates, LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(86) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price International Ltd, T. Rowe Price International Ltd. – Tokyo and T. Rowe Price Hong Kong Limited for the AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(87) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (now known as FIAM LLC) for the AST FI Pyramis Quantitative Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
11

(d)(88) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC for the AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(89) Subadvisory Agreement between AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Lazard Asset Management LLC for AST International Value Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on December 2, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(90) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for AST Bond Portfolio 2026. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(91) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Quantitative Management Associates, LLC for AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(92) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments, LLC, AST Investment Services, and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. for the AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(93) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments, LLC, AST Investment Services, and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(94) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments, LLC, AST Investment Services, and BlackRock International Limited for the AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(95) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments, LLC, AST Investment Services, and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited for the AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(96) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio. Filed herewith.
(d)(97) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and BlackRock International Limited for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(98) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (d/b/a Boston Partners) for the AST Boston Partners Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly the AST Jennison Large-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
12

(d)(99) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and Longfellow Investment Management Co., LLC for the AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(100) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and Boston Advisors, LLC for the AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(101) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and Victory Capital Management Inc. for the AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio (formerly the AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio). Filed herewith.
(d)(102) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and Wellington Management Company LLP for the AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio (formerly the AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(103) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and AllianceBernstein L.P. for the AST AB Global Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(104) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock Low Duration Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(105) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, and Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC for the AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(106) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. for the AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(107) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International for the AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(108) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC for the AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(109) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. for the AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
13

(d)(110) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Neuberger Berman Management LLC (now known as Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC) for the AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(111) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP for the AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(112)(a) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP for the AST Wellington Real Total Return Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(113)(b) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP for the AST Wellington Real Total Return Portfolio. Filed herewith.
(d)(114) Sub-subadvisory Agreement dated November 23, 2015 between Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) and Pramerica Investment Management Limited for the AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio, AST Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio, AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio, AST High Yield Portfolio and AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(115) Subadvisory Agreement dated November 30, 2015 between Prudential Investments LLC and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.) for the AST Bond Portfolio 2027. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(116) Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and WEDGE Capital Management, LLP, for the AST WEDGE Capital Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly the AST Mid-Cap Value Portfolio). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(d)(117) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST Value Equity Portfolio. Filed herewith.
(d)(118) Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and PGIM, Inc. for the AST Bond Portfolio 2028. Filed herewith.
(d)(119) Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. for AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio. Filed herewith.
(e)(1) Sales Agreement between Registrant and American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1998, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(e)(2) Sales Agreement between Registrant and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 24, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(e)(3) Distribution Agreement for the shares of each Portfolio of the Registrant, between Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and the Registrant. Filed herewith.
14

(f) None.
(g)(1) Custodian Agreement dated July 1, 2005 between the Registrant and PFPC Trust Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(g)(2)(a) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York dated November 7, 2002, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Dryden Municipal Bond Fund filed via EDGAR on July 1, 2005 (File No. 33-10649).
(g)(2)(b) Amendment to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon. Filed herewith.
(g)(3)(a) Accounting and Services Agreement among the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. for the various portfolios of the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(g)(3)(b) Addition of AST Bond Portfolio 2028 to the Accounting Services Agreement among the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Filed herewith.
(h)(1)(a) Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and Prudential Mutual Fund Services, Inc., dated May 29, 2007. Incorporated by reference to the Dryden Municipal Bond Fund Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on July 1, 2007 (File No. 33-10649).
(h)(1)(b) Amendment to the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated May 29, 2007. Filed herewith.
(h)(2) Service Agreement between American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated and Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 28, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(3)(a) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among American Skandia Life Assurance Corporation (now Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation), American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(3)(b) Amendment dated February 25, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(4)(a) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Incorporated)., Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
15

(h)(4)(b) Amendment dated February 25, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(5)(a) Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company, American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now AST Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form N-14, which was filed via EDGAR on July 12, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(5)(b) Amendment dated February 25, 2013 to the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement dated June 8, 2005 among Pruco Life Insurance Company, Advanced Series Trust, AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(6) Participation Agreement among Pramerica of Bermuda Insurance Company, American Skandia Trust (now Advanced Series Trust), American Skandia Investment Services, Inc. (now AST Investment Services, Inc.), Prudential Investments LLC, American Skandia Marketing, Inc. (now Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.), and Prudential Investment Management Services LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(7) Participation Agreement among Prudential Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(h)(8) Participation Agreement among the Prudential Insurance Company of America, Advanced Series Trust, Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(1) Opinion of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(2) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 23, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(3) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 25, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(4) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to Registration Statement, which was filed via EDGAR on November 13, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(5) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement, which was filed via EDGAR on February 6, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
16

(i)(6) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 30, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(7) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(8) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 15, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(9) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(10) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(i)(11) Consent of Counsel for the Registrant. Filed herewith.
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Not applicable.
(k) None.
(l) Certificate re: initial $100,000 capital. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on March 2, 1998, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(m)(1) Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan. Filed herewith.
(m)(2) Shareholder Services and Distribution Fee (12b-1 Fee) contractual waiver for the following Portfolios of the Registrant: AST Bond Portfolio 2016, AST Bond Portfolio 2017, AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, AST Bond Portfolio 2020, AST Bond Portfolio 2021, AST Bond Portfolio 2022, AST Bond Portfolio 2023, AST Bond Portfolio 2024, AST Bond Portfolio 2025, AST Bond Portfolio 2026, and AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on June 25, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(m)(3) Shareholder Services and Distribution Fee (12b-1 Fee) contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2027. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(m)(4) Shareholder Services and Distribution Fee (12b-1 Fee) contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2028. Filed herewith.
(n) None.
(o) None.
(p)(1) Code of Ethics of the Registrant. Filed as an exhibit to Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 14 Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A (file No. 002-82976), which was filed via EDGAR on June 21, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(2) Code of Ethics and Personal Securities Trading Policy of Prudential, including the Manager and Distributor, dated January 11, 2016. Filed as an exhibit to Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 14 Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to Registration Statement on Form N-1A (file No. 002-82976), which was filed via EDGAR on June 21, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
17

(p)(3) Code of Ethics of Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(4) Code of Ethics of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(5) Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(6) Code of Ethics of J. P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc. Filed herewith.
(p)(7) Code of Ethics of Lord, Abbett & Co. Filed herewith.
p)(8) Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Company. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 15, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(9) Code of Ethics of Neuberger Berman Management LLC (now known as Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(10) Code of Ethics of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 30, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(p)(11) Code of Ethics of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(12) Code of Ethics of LSV Asset Management. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(13) Code of Ethics of Lee Munder Investments, Ltd. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 18, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(14) Code of Ethics of William Blair & Company, LLC. Filed as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to the Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 29, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(15) Code of Ethics of ClearBridge Advisors, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registration Statement of The Prudential Series Fund on Form N-1A (File No.2-80896) filed via EDGAR on April 27, 2007.
(p)(16) Code of Ethics of Western Asset Management Company and Western Asset Management Company Limited. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(17) Code of Ethics of Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
18

(p)(18) Code of Ethics of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (now known as PGIM, Inc.). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(19)(a) Code of Ethics of WEDGE Capital Management LLP. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(19)(b) Personal Securities Trading Policy of WEDGE Capital Management LLP dated October 1, 2002 (revised August 2016). Filed herewith.
(p)(20) Code of Ethics of EARNEST Partners LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 18, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(21) Code of Ethics of AlphaSimplex Group, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(22) Code of Ethics of First Quadrant, L.P. Filed herewith.
(p)(23) Code of Ethics of Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (now known as FIAM LLC). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(24) Code of Ethics of Brown Advisory, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(25) Code of Ethics of C.S. McKee, LP. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(26) Code of Ethics of Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(27) Code of Ethics of Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(28) Code of Ethics of Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, and Templeton Global Advisors Limited. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(29) Code of Ethics of Emerald Advisers Inc. and Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to the Registration Statement of The Target Portfolio Trust on Form N-1A (File No. 33-50476) filed via EDGAR on February 23, 2012.
(p)(30) Code of Ethics of Jefferies Group Inc. (now CoreCommodity Management, LLC). Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(31) Code of Ethics of AQR Capital Management, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
19

(p)(32) Code of Ethics of Quantitative Management Associates LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on February 6, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(33) Code of Ethics of BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(34) Code of Ethics of Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(35) Code of Ethics of QS Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(36) Code of Ethics of QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 17, 2014, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(37) Code of Ethics of Robeco Investment Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(38) Code of Ethics of Longfellow Investment Management Co., LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(39) Code of Ethics of Wellington Management Company, LLP. Filed herewith.
(p)(40) Code of Ethics of Victory Capital Management, Inc. Filed herewith.
(p)(41) Code of Ethics of Lazard Asset Management LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(42) Code of Ethics of Vision Capital Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 130 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(43) Code of Ethics of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Filed herewith.
(p)(44) Code of Ethics of AllianceBernstein L.P. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(45) Code of Ethics of Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(46) Code of Ethics of Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on July 7, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
20

(p)(47) Code of Ethics of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.146 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on August 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(48) Code of Ethics for Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings and its subsidiaries dated April 1, 2013, amended July 1, 2016. Filed herewith.
(p)(49)(a) Code of Ethics for Schroder Investment Management North America Limited dated October 1, 1995, amended May 2014. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(49)(b) Group Personal Account Dealing Policy (appendix to the Code of Ethics) for Schroder Investment Management North America Limited dated July 26, 2016. Filed herewith.
(p)(50) Code of Ethics for Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. dated June 12, 2014, revised May 20, 2015. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on December 21, 2015, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(51) Code of Ethics of Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(52) Code of Ethics of Boston Advisors, LLC. Filed as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to Registration Statement, which Amendment was filed via EDGAR on April 15, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(p)(53) Code of Ethics of UBS Asset Management (Americas) Inc. Filed herewith.
(p)(54) Code of Ethics of Jennison Associates LLC. Filed herewith.
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant.
Registrant does not control any person within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Registrant may be deemed to be under common control with its investment manager and its affiliates because a controlling interest in Registrant is held of record by Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation. See Registrant’s Statement of Additional Information under “Management and Advisory Arrangements” and “Other Information.”
Item 30. Indemnification.
Section 5.2 of the Registrant’s Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust provides as follows:
The Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees, Trustee Emeritus, officers, employees, and agents (including persons who serve at its request as directors, officers, employees, agents or trustees of another organization in which it has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) against all liabilities and expenses (including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise, as fines and penalties, and as counsel fees) reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in which he may be involved or with which he may be threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of his being or having been such a trustee, trustee emeritus, officer, employee or agent, except with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been adjudicated to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of having acted in bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties; provided, however, that as to any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by such person, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless approved as in the best interests of the Trust, after notice that it involves such indemnification, by at least a majority of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) upon a determination, based upon a review of readily available facts, that (i) such person acted in good faith in the
21

reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Trust and (ii) is not liable to the Trust or the Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties; or the trust shall have received a written opinion from independent legal counsel approved by the Trustees to the effect that (x) if the matter of good faith and reasonable belief as to the best interests of the Trust, had been adjudicated, it would have been adjudicated in favor of such person, and (y) based upon a review of readily available facts such trustee, officer, employee or agent did not engage in willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. The rights accruing to any Person under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled; provided that no Person may satisfy any right of indemnity or reimbursement granted herein or in Section 5.1 or to which he may be otherwise entitled except out of the property of the Trust, and no Shareholder shall be personally liable to any Person with respect to any claim for indemnity or reimbursement or otherwise.
The Trustees may make advance payments in connection with indemnification under this Section 5.2, provided that the indemnified person shall have given a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust in the event it is subsequently determined that he is not entitled to such indemnification and, provided further, that the Trust shall have obtained protection, satisfactory in the sole judgment of the disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter), against losses arising out of such advance payments or such Trustees, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts that there is reason to believe that such person will be found to be entitled to such indemnification.
With respect to liability of the Investment Manager to Registrant or to shareholders of Registrant’s Portfolios under the Investment Management Agreements, reference is made to Section 13 or 14 of each Investment Management Agreement filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein.
With respect to the Sub-Advisors’ indemnification of the Investment Manager and its affiliated and controlling persons, and the Investment Manager’s indemnification of each Sub-advisor and its affiliated and controlling persons, reference is made to Section 14 of each Sub-Advisory Agreement filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein.  Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant or expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser.
AST Investment Services, Incorporated (“ASTI”), One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484, and Prudential Investments LLC (“PI”), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, serve as the co- investment managers to the Registrant. Information as to the business and other connections of the officers and directors of ASTI is included in ASTI’s Form ADV (File No. 801-40532), including the amendments to such Form ADV filed with the Commission, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information as to the business and other connections of the officers and directors of PI is included in PI’s Form ADV (File No. 801-3110), including the amendments to such Form ADV filed with the Commission, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 32. Principal Underwriters.
(a) Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (PAD), One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484 serves as the principal underwriter and distributor for shares of each Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust.  PAD is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The shares of each Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust are currently offered only to insurance company separate accounts as an investment option for variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts. 
22

(b) The following table sets forth certain information regarding the directors and officers of PAD.
Name and Principal Business Address Positions and Offices with Underwriter
Rodney R. Allain
One Corporate Drive
Shelton, Connecticut 06484-6208
President & CEO and Director
Rodney Branch
One Corporate Drive
Shelton, Connecticut 06484-6208
Senior Vice President and Director
Wayne Chopus
One Corporate Drive
Shelton, Connecticut 06484-6208
Senior Vice President and Director
Yanela C. Frias
213 Washington Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102-2917
Senior Vice President and Director
Steven P. Marenakos
One Corporate Drive
Shelton, Connecticut 06484-6208
Senior Vice President and Director

Timothy S. Cronin
One Corporate Drive
Shelton, Connecticut 06484-6208
Senior Vice President and Director
Christopher J. Hagan
2101 Welsh Road
Dresher, Pennsylvania 19025-5000
Chief Operating Officer and Vice President
Richard J. Hoffman
213 Washington Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102-2917
Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Elizabeth Marin
751 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102-3714
Treasurer
Steven Weinreb
3 Gateway Center
Newark, New Jersey 07102-4061
Chief Financial Officer and Controller

Andrew A. Morawiec
One Corporate Drive
Shelton, Connecticut 06484-6208
Vice President
Michael B. McCauley
One Corporate Drive
Shelton, Connecticut 06484-6208
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
William D. Wilcox
280 Trumbull Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103-3509
Vice President
Richard W. Kinville
751 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102-2917
AML Officer
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (BNY), One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, PGIM, Inc., 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, the Registrant, 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC (PMFS), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102.
Documents required by Rules 31a-1(b) (4), (5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and 31a-1 (d) and (f) will be kept at 655 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, and the remaining accounts, books and other documents required by such other pertinent provisions of Section 31(a) and the Rules promulgated thereunder will be kept by BNY and PMFS.
23

Item 34. Management Services.
Other than as set forth under the caption “How the Trust is Managed-Investment Managers” in the Prospectus and the caption “Management and Advisory Arrangements” in the SAI, constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement, Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.
Item 35. Undertakings.
Not applicable.
24

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, the Fund certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Newark, and State of New Jersey, on the 19th day of December, 2016.
ADVANCED SERIES TRUST
Timothy S. Cronin*

Timothy S. Cronin
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature   Title   Date
Timothy S. Cronin*

Timothy S. Cronin
  President and Principal Executive Officer    
Susan Davenport Austin*

Susan Davenport Austin
  Trustee    
Sherry S. Barrat*

Sherry S. Barrat
  Trustee    
Kay Ryan Booth*

Kay Ryan Booth
  Trustee    
Delayne Dedrick Gold*

Delayne Dedrick Gold
  Trustee    
Robert F. Gunia*

Robert F. Gunia
  Trustee    
Thomas T. Mooney *

Thomas T. Mooney
  Trustee    
Thomas M. O’Brien*

Thomas M. O’Brien
  Trustee    
Jessica Bibliowicz*

Jessica Bibliowicz
  Trustee    
M. Sadiq Peshimam*

M. Sadiq Peshimam
  Treasurer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer    
*By: /s/ Kathleen DeNicholas

Kathleen DeNicholas
  Attorney-in-Fact   December 19, 2016
25

POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned Directors, Trustees and Officers of the Advanced Series Trust, The Prudential Series Fund and Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc. (collectively, the “Funds”), hereby constitute, appoint and authorize each of, Andrew French, Claudia DiGiacomo, Deborah A. Docs, Kathleen DeNicholas, Raymond A. O’Hara, Amanda Ryan, Jonathan D. Shain and Melissa Gonzalez, as true and lawful agents and attorneys-in-fact, to sign, execute and deliver on his or her behalf in the appropriate capacities indicated, any Registration Statements of the Funds on the appropriate forms, any and all amendments thereto (including pre- and post-effective amendments), and any and all supplements or other instruments in connection therewith, including Form N-PX, Forms 3, 4 and 5, as appropriate, to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the securities regulators of appropriate states and territories, and generally to do all such things in his or her name and behalf in connection therewith as said attorney-in-fact deems necessary or appropriate to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, all related requirements of the SEC and all requirements of appropriate states and territories. The undersigned do hereby give to said agents and attorneys-in-fact full power and authority to act in these premises, including, but not limited to, the power to appoint a substitute or substitutes to act hereunder with the same power and authority as said agents and attorneys-in-fact would have if personally acting. The undersigned do hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said agents and attorneys-in-fact, or any substitute or substitutes, may do by virtue hereof.
     
/s/ Susan Davenport Austin
Susan Davenport Austin
   
/s/ Sherry S. Barrat
Sherry S. Barrat
   
/s/ Jessica Bibliowicz
Jessica Bibliowicz
   
/s/ Kay Ryan Booth
Kay Ryan Booth
   
/s/ Timothy S. Cronin
Timothy S. Cronin
   
/s/ Delayne Dedrick Gold
Delayne Dedrick Gold
   
/s/ Robert F. Gunia
Robert F. Gunia
   
/s/ Thomas T. Mooney
Thomas T. Mooney
   
/s/ Thomas M. O’Brien
Thomas M. O’Brien
   
/s/ M. Sadiq Peshimam
M. Sadiq Peshimam
   
     
Dated: March 18, 2015    
26

Advanced Series Trust
Exhibit Index
Item 28
Exhibit No.
  Description
(d)(1)(b)(1)    Amended Fee Schedule to Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant, American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated) and Prudential Investments LLC.
(d)(1)(e)    Contractual investment management fee waivers and/or contractual expense caps for selected AST portfolios.
(d)(2)(a)(1)   Amended Fee Schedule to Investment Management Agreement among the Registrant and Prudential Investments LLC.
(d)(2)(d)   Contractual investment management fee waiver and/or contractual expense cap for AST Bond Portfolio 2028.
(d)(12)(b)   Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement, by and among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management for AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio, AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio, and AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio.
(d)(24)(b)   Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement among American Skandia Investment Services, Incorporated (now known as AST Investment Services, Incorporated), Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio.
(d)(75)   Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, Ltd., T. Rowe Price International Ltd, Tokyo and T. Rowe Price Hong Kong Limited for the AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio.
(d)(82)   Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services; Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (now known as QS Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC), Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.; Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC; ClearBridge Investments, LLC, Western Asset Management Company and Western Asset Management Company Limited for the AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio.
(d)(96)   Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. for the AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio.
(d)(101)   Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and Victory Capital Management Inc. for the AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio (formerly the AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio).
(d)(113)(b)   Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP for the AST Wellington Real Total Return Portfolio.
(d)(117)   Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC, AST Investment Services, and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the AST Value Equity Portfolio.
(d)(118)   Subadvisory Agreement between Prudential Investments LLC and PGIM, Inc. for the AST Bond Portfolio 2028.
(d)(119)   Subadvisory Agreement among AST Investment Services, Incorporated, Prudential Investments LLC, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. for AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio.
(e)(3)   Distribution Agreement for the shares of each Portfolio of the Registrant, between Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and the Registrant.
(g)(2)(b)   Amendment to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon.
(g)(3)(b)   Addition of AST Bond Portfolio 2028 to the Accounting Services Agreement among the Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
(h)(1)(b)   Amendment to the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated May 29, 2007.
(i)(11)   Consent of Counsel for the Registrant.
(m)(1)   Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan.
(m)(4)   Shareholder Services and Distribution Fee (12b-1 Fee) contractual waiver for the AST Bond Portfolio 2028.
27

Item 28
Exhibit No.
  Description
(p)(6)   Code of Ethics of J. P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc.
(p)(7)   Code of Ethics of Lord, Abbett & Co.
(p)(19)(b)   Personal Securities Trading Policy of WEDGE Capital Management LLP dated October 1, 2002 (revised August 2016).
(p)(22)   Code of Ethics of First Quadrant, L.P.
(p)(39)   Code of Ethics of Wellington Management Company, LLP.
(p)(40)   Code of Ethics of Victory Capital Management, Inc.
(p)(43)   Code of Ethics of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.
(p)(48)   Code of Ethics for Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings and its subsidiaries dated April 1, 2013, amended July 1, 2016.
(p)(49)(b)   Group Personal Account Dealing Policy (appendix to the Code of Ethics) for Schroder Investment Management North America Limited dated July 26, 2016.
(p)(53)   Code of Ethics of UBS Asset Management (Americas) Inc.
(p)(54)   Code of Ethics of Jennison Associates LLC.
28
ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

Schedule “A”
Portfolio Contractual Fee Rate
AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio * Fund-of-Funds Segments/Sleeves:
0.72% of average daily net assets

Non Fund-of-Funds Segments/Sleeves:
0.5525% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5425% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5325% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5225% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4825% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5726% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5325% over $20 billion of average daily net assets
AST AQR Large-Cap Portfolio 0.5825% of average daily net assets up to $300 million;
0.5725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio 0.15% of average daily net assets
AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST BlackRock iShares ETF Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets up to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST BlackRock Low Duration Bond Portfolio (formerly, AST PIMCO Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio) 0.4825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.4725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.4525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.3925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio (formerly, AST PIMCO Total Return Bond Portfolio) 0.4825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.4725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.4525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.3925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2017 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2018 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2019 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Bond Portfolio 2020 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2021 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2022 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2023 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2024 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2025 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Boston Partners Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST Jennison Large-Cap Value Portfolio) 0.5825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio 0.15% of average daily net assets
AST ClearBridge Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Cohen & Steers Realty Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Defensive Asset Allocation Portfolio 0.15% of average daily net assets
AST FI Pyramis ® Quantitative Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Global Real Estate Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio 0.5825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Government Money Market Portfolio
(Formerly AST Money Market Portfolio)
0.3325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.3225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.3125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.3025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.2925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.2625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.2425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST High Yield Portfolio 0.5825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Hotchkis & Wiley Large-Cap Value Portfolio
(formerly AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio)
0.5825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST International Growth Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST International Value Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST J.P. Morgan International Equity Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $75 million;
0.6825% on next $225 million of average daily net assets;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Jennison Global Infrastructure Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Jennison Large-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Loomis Sayles Large-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed Income Portfolio 0.5300% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5200% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.4850% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.4750% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.4500% on next $2.25 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4400% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4100% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.3900% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Managed Equity Portfolio †† 0.15% of average daily net assets
AST Managed Fixed-Income Portfolio †† 0.15% of average daily net assets
AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST MFS Growth Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Multi-Sector Fixed Income Portfolio 0.5325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Neuberger Berman/LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.25 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $750 million of average daily net assets;
0.6225% on next $2 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5725% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio 0.9325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.9225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.9125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.9025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio 0.15% of average daily net assets
AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio 0.5325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.4875% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.4775% on next $250 million of average daily net assets
0.4525% on next $2.25 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.3925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5725% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5325% over $20 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST QMA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio 0.9325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.9225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.9125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.9025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio 0.5825% of average daily net assets up to $300 million;
0.5725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST QMA US Equity Alpha Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio 0.25% of average daily net assets
AST RCM World Trends Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio (formerly, AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio) 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5726% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5525% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5325% over $20 billion of average daily net assets
AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.25 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Templeton Global Bond Portfolio 0.6325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5625 on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Value Equity Portfolio
(formerly AST Herndon Large-Cap Value Portfolio)
0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST WEDGE Capital Mid-Cap Value Portfolio
(formerly AST Mid-Cap Value Portfolio)
0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio 0.5325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.5225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.5125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.5025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio 0.6825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.6725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.5925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets

 

* For AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio, the management fee rate applicable to the fund-of-funds segments/sleeves is limited to assets invested in other portfolios of the Advanced Series Trust. The management fee rate applicable to the non fund-of-funds segments/sleeves excludes assets invested in other portfolios of the Advanced Series Trust. Portfolio assets invested in mutual funds other than the portfolios of the Advanced Series Trust are included in the management fee rate applicable to the non fund-of-funds segments/sleeves.

The current contractual investment management fee for each of the AST Bond Portfolio 2017, AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, AST Bond Portfolio 2020, AST Bond Portfolio 2021, AST Bond Portfolio 2022, AST Bond Portfolio 2023, AST Bond Portfolio 2024, AST Bond Portfolio 2025 and AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio is subject to certain breakpoints. The assets of each Portfolio will be aggregated for purposes of determining the fee rate applicable to each Portfolio.

†† For AST Managed Equity Portfolio and AST Managed Fixed-Income Portfolio, the management fee rate applicable to the fund-of-funds segments/sleeves is limited to assets invested in other portfolios of the Trust. The management fee rate applicable to the non fund-of-funds segments/sleeves excludes assets invested in other portfolios of the Trust. Portfolio assets invested in mutual funds other than the portfolios of the Trust are included in the management fee rate applicable to the non fund-of-funds segments/sleeves.

As of December 15, 2016.

Prudential Investments LLC

655 Broad Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

AST Investment Services, Inc.

One Corporate Drive

Shelton, Connecticut 06484

 

 

October 17, 2016

 

 

The Board of Trustees of Advanced Series Trust

655 Broad Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Re: Contractual Fee Waivers

 

Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. (collectively, the "Investment Managers") hereby agree to cap expenses / reimburse certain expenses and/or waive a portion of their investment management fees as more particularly described and set forth for the Portfolio listed on Exhibit A hereto.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

Prudential Investments LLC

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin
Name: Timothy S. Cronin
Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

 

AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

Title: President

 
 

 

Exhibit A

 

 

AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio: The Investment Managers have contractually agreed to waive 0.003% of their investment management fee through June 30, 2017. This waiver may not be terminated prior to June 30, 2017 without the prior approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 

 
 

 

Prudential Investments LLC

655 Broad Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

AST Investment Services, Inc.

One Corporate Drive

Shelton, Connecticut 06484

 

 

November 1, 2016

 

 

The Board of Trustees of Advanced Series Trust

655 Broad Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Re: Contractual Fee Waivers

 

Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. (collectively, the "Investment Managers") hereby agree to cap expenses / reimburse certain expenses and/or waive a portion of their investment management fees as more particularly described and set forth for each Portfolio listed on Exhibit A hereto.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

Prudential Investments LLC

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin
Name: Timothy S. Cronin
Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

 

AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

Title: President

 
 

 

Exhibit A

 

AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed Income Portfolio : The Investment Managers have contractually agreed to waive 0.018% of their investment management fee through June 30, 2017. This waiver may not be terminated prior to June 30, 2017 without the prior approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 

AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio : The Investment Managers have contractually agreed to waive 0.002% of their investment management fee through June 30, 2017. This waiver may not be terminated prior to June 30, 2017 without the prior approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

Amended Schedule “A”
Portfolio Contractual Fee Rate
AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio 0.9325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.9225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.9125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.9025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio 0.9825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.9725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.9625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.9525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.9425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.9125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.8925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio 0.7125% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7025% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.6825% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6725% on next $2.7 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% on next $4.0 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6225% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio 0.8325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.8225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.8125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.8025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio 0.7825% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7725% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7625% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7525% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7425% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2026* 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2027* 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Bond Portfolio 2028* 0.4925% of average daily net assets to $500 million;
0.4725% on next $4.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4625% on next $5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.4525% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio 0.7325% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.7225% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.7125% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.7025% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6925% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6625% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.6425% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST AB Global Bond Portfolio 0.64% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.63% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.62% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.61% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.60% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.57% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.55% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio 0.94% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.93% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.92% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.91% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.90% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.87% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.85% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio 0.74% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.73% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.72% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.71% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.70% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.67% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.65% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio 0.64% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.63% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.62% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.61% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.60% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.57% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.55% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio 0.15% of average daily net assets
 
 

 

AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio 1.04% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
1.03% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
1.02% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
1.01% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
1.00% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.97% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.95% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio 1.04% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
1.03% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
1.02% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
1.01% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
1.00% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.97% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.95% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio 0.64% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
0.63% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
0.62% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
0.61% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
0.60% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.57% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.55% over $10 billion of average daily net assets
AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio 1.04% of average daily net assets to $300 million;
1.03% on next $200 million of average daily net assets;
1.02% on next $250 million of average daily net assets;
1.01% on next $2.5 billion of average daily net assets;
1.00% on next $2.75 billion of average daily net assets;
0.97% on next $4 billion of average daily net assets;
0.95% over $10 billion of average daily net assets

 

*The assets for each of the AST Bond Portfolio 2026, AST Bond Portfolio 2027 and AST Bond Portfolio 2028 will be aggregated with each of the AST Bond Portfolio 2017, AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, AST Bond Portfolio 2020, AST Bond Portfolio 2021, AST Bond Portfolio 2022, AST Bond Portfolio 2023, AST Bond Portfolio 2024, AST Bond Portfolio 2025 and AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio for purposes of determining the fee rate applicable to each Portfolio.

Fee Schedule revised and restated as of April 15, 2014, as further revised as of December 1, 2014, July 13, 2015, December 21, 2015 and December 15, 2016.

Prudential Investments LLC

655 Broad Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

 

December 16, 2016

 

The Board of Trustees of Advanced Series Trust

655 Broad Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Re: Contractual Fee Waiver

 

Prudential Investments (the "Manager”) hereby agree to cap expenses / reimburse certain expenses and/or waive a portion of their investment management fees as more particularly described and set forth for the Portfolio listed on Exhibit A hereto.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

Prudential Investments LLC

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin
Name: Timothy S. Cronin
Title: Senior Vice President

 

 
 

 

  

Exhibit A

AST Bond Portfolio 2028: The Manager has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its investment management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Portfolio so that the Portfolio’s investment management fees plus other expenses (exclusive in all cases of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 0.93% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets through June 30, 2018. This waiver may not be terminated prior to June 30, 2018 without the prior approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. Expenses waived/reimbursed by the Manager may be recouped by the Manager within the same fiscal year during which such waiver/reimbursement is made if such recoupment can be realized without exceeding the expense limit in effect at the time of the recoupment for that fiscal year.  

AMENDMENT TO SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

AST Investment Services, Inc. and Prudential Investments LLC (collectively, the “Manager”) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“Subadviser”) hereby agree to amend the subadvisory agreements (including any amendments or supplements) listed below (collectively, the “Agreement”) by amending Schedule A to such Agreement (“Schedule A”). Schedule A addresses the level of subadvisory fees paid by the Manager to Subadviser under the Agreement. Schedule A is hereby replaced in its entirety with the attached Amended Schedule A, effective as of May 1, 2014.

The Agreement affected by this Amendment consists of the following:

 

1. Subadvisory Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2003, by and among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and Subadviser, pursuant to which Subadviser has been retained to provide investment advisory services to the AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust .

 

2. Subadvisory Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2002, by and among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and Subadviser, pursuant to which Subadviser has been retained to provide investment advisory services to the AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust .

 

3. Subadvisory Agreement, dated as of April 11, 2011, by and among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and Subadviser, pursuant to which Subadviser has been retained to provide investment advisory services to the AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust .

 

4. Subadvisory Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2013, by and among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and Subadviser, pursuant to which Subadviser has been retained to provide investment advisory services to the AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio of Advanced Series Trus t.

 

AST Investment Services, Inc. and Prudential Investments LLC and Subadviser further agree that each Amended Schedule A supersedes any other fee arrangements, written or oral, that may be applicable to the Agreements listed above.

 

 

 

 

 

[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS HEREOF , AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. have duly executed this Amendment as of July August 23, 2016.

 

 

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: VP, PI

 

 

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: VP, ASTIS

 

 

 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.

 

By: /s/ Mari Green

Name: Mari Green

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

Effective Date: May 1, 2014

 

 
 

 

AMENDED SCHEDULE A FOR Subadvisory Agreement

 

Advanced Series Trust

AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio

 

 

As compensation for services provided by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (Goldman Sachs), AST Investment Services, Inc. (ASTISI), Prudential Investments LLC (PI) will pay Goldman Sachs an advisory fee on the net assets managed by Goldman Sachs that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

Portfolio

Subadvisory Fee Rate*

 

AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio 0.50% of average daily net assets

 

 

Effective Date: May 1, 2014

 

* Goldman Sachs has also agreed to waive the compensation due to it under this agreement to the extent necessary to reduce its effective monthly subadvisory fees for the AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust by the following percentages based on the combined average daily net assets of the following portfolios: the AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Growth Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio of Advances Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Portfolio of Advance Series Trust, and the sleeve of SP Small-Cap Value Portfolio of The Prudential Series Fund for which Goldman Sachs acts as subadviser:

Combined Asset Levels Percentage Fee Waiver

Assets up to $1 billion 2.5% Fee Reduction

Assets between $1 billion and $2.5 billion 5.0% Fee Reduction

Assets between $2.5 billion and $5.0 billion 7.5% Fee Reduction

Assets above $5.0 billion 10.0% Fee Reduction

 

 
 

 

AMENDED SCHEDULE A FOR Subadvisory Agreement

 

Advanced Series Trust

AST Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

 

 

 

An annual rate equal to the following percentages of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio 0.28% of the portion of the average daily net assets of the funds no in excess of $1 billion plus 0.25% of the portion of the net assets over $1 billion.*

 

 

Effective Date: May 1, 2014

 

 

* Goldman Sachs has also agreed to waive the compensation due to it under this agreement to the extent necessary to reduce its effective monthly subadvisory fees for the AST Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Growth Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust by the following percentages based on the combined average daily net assets of the following portfolios: the AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Growth Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio of Advances Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Portfolio of Advance Series Trust, and the sleeve of SP Small-Cap Value Portfolio of The Prudential Series Fund for which Goldman Sachs acts as subadviser:

Combined Asset Levels Percentage Fee Waiver

Assets up to $1 billion 2.5% Fee Reduction

Assets between $1 billion and $2.5 billion 5.0% Fee Reduction

Assets between $2.5 billion and $5.0 billion 7.5% Fee Reduction

Assets above $5.0 billion 10.0% Fee Reduction

 

 
 

 

AMENDED SCHEDULE A FOR Subadvisory Agreement

 

Advanced Series Trust

AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio

 

As compensation for services provided by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P (“Goldman Sachs” or the “Subadviser”), AST Investment Services, Inc. (“ASTISI”) and Prudential Investments LLC (“PI”) (collectively, the “Manager”) will pay Goldman Sachs an advisory fee (the “Fixed Fee”) on the net assets managed by Goldman Sachs that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

· Fixed Fee will be calculated monthly in arrears for each calendar month by the Manager and forwarded to the Subadviser.

 

· The Manager generally will attempt to pay in good faith the Fixed Fee through electronic method in USD within 30 business days following the end of each month.

 

· The Subadviser will not be required to send an invoice to the Manager for the Fixed Fee.

 

· Annual Fixed Fee Rate will be as follows:

 

Portfolio Name:

AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio

 

Advisory Fee^

 

Average Daily Account Valuation Annual Fixed Rate
First USD 250 million 25 bps, (0.25%)
Next USD 500 million 23 bps, (0.23%
Balance above USD 750 million 21 bps, (0.21%)

 

· Fixed Fee will be rounded to the nearest penny.

 

Fixed Fee will be prorated as appropriate for the initial calendar month and upon termination.

 

· Monthly Fixed Fee = (Year to Date Average of Daily Net Assets thru Current Month End * Annual Fee Structure / Number of Days in Year * Year to Date Number of Days thru Current Month End) LESS (Year to Date Average of Daily Net Assets thru Prior Month End * Annual Fee Structure / Number of Days in Year * Year to Date Number of Days thru Prior Month End)

 

Effective Date: May 1, 2014

 

^ Goldman Sachs has also agreed to waive the compensation due to it under this agreement to the extent necessary to reduce its effective monthly subadvisory fees for the AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust by the following percentages based on the combined average daily net assets of the following portfolios: the AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Growth Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio of Advances Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Portfolio of Advance Series Trust, and the sleeve of SP Small-Cap Value Portfolio of The Prudential Series Fund for which Goldman Sachs acts as subadviser:

Combined Asset Levels Percentage Fee Waiver

Assets up to $1 billion 2.5% Fee Reduction

Assets between $1 billion and $2.5 billion 5.0% Fee Reduction

Assets between $2.5 billion and $5.0 billion 7.5% Fee Reduction

Assets above $5.0 billion 10.0% Fee Reduction

 
 

 

AMENDED SCHEDULE A FOR Subadvisory Agreement

 

Advanced Series Trust

AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio

 

As compensation for services provided by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P (“Goldman Sachs” or the “Subadviser”), AST Investment Services, Inc. (“ASTISI”) and Prudential Investments LLC (“PI”) (collectively, the “Manager”) will pay Goldman Sachs an advisory fee (the “Fixed Fee”) on the net assets managed by Goldman Sachs that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

· Fixed Fee will be calculated monthly in arrears for each calendar month by the Manager and forwarded to the Subadviser.

 

· The Manager generally will attempt to pay in good faith the Fixed Fee through electronic method in USD within 30 business days following the end of each month.

 

· The Subadviser will not be required to send an invoice to the Manager for the Fixed Fee.

 

· Annual Fixed Fee Rate will be as follows:

 

Portfolio Name:

AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio

 

Advisory Fee^

 

Average Daily Account Valuation Annual Fixed Rate
First USD 300 million 24 bps, (0.24%)
Next USD 200 million 23 bps, (0.23%)
Next USD 250 million 22 bps, (0.22%)
Next USD 2.5 billion 21 bps, (0.21%)
Next USD 2.75 billion 20 bps, (0.20%)
Next USD 4 billion 17 bps, (0.17%)
Balance above USD 10 billion 14 bps, (0.14%)

 

· Fixed Fee will be rounded to the nearest penny.

 

Fixed Fee will be prorated as appropriate for the initial calendar month and upon termination.

 

· Monthly Fixed Fee = (Year to Date Average of Daily Net Assets thru Current Month End * Annual Fee Structure / Number of Days in Year * Year to Date Number of Days thru Current Month End) LESS (Year to Date Average of Daily Net Assets thru Prior Month End * Annual Fee Structure / Number of Days in Year * Year to Date Number of Days thru Prior Month End)

 

Effective Date: May 1, 2014

 

^ Goldman Sachs has also agreed to waive the compensation due to it under this agreement to the extent necessary to reduce its effective monthly subadvisory fees for the AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust by the following percentages based on the combined average daily net assets of the following portfolios: the AST Goldman Sachs Large Cap Value Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Growth Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Portfolio of Advances Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio of Advanced Series Trust, the AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Portfolio of Advance Series Trust, and the sleeve of SP Small-Cap Value Portfolio of The Prudential Series Fund for which Goldman Sachs acts as subadviser:

Combined Asset Levels Percentage Fee Waiver

Assets up to $1 billion 2.5% Fee Reduction

Assets between $1 billion and $2.5 billion 5.0% Fee Reduction

Assets between $2.5 billion and $5.0 billion 7.5% Fee Reduction

Assets above $5.0 billion 10.0% Fee Reduction

 

Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement

for AST ADVANCED STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO

 

AST Investment Services, Inc. and Prudential Investments LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“Subadviser”) hereby agree to amend the Subadvisory Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2006, by and among AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and Subadviser, pursuant to which Subadviser has been retained to provide investment advisory services to the AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio as follows:

 

1. Schedule A is hereby deleted and replaced with the attached Schedule A.

 

IN WITNESS HEREOF , AST Investment Services, Inc., Prudential Investments LLC, and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. have duly executed this Amendment as of the effective date of this Amendment.

 

AST Investment Services, Inc.

 

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: Vice President

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: Vice President

 

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

 

 

By: /s/ Savonne L. Ferguson

Name: Savonne L. Ferguson

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Date as Revised: October 17, 2016

 

 
 

SCHEDULE A

 

Advanced Series Trust

AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio

As compensation for services provided by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., AST Investment Services, Inc. and Prudential Investments LLC, as applicable, will pay T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. a sub-advisory fee on the net assets managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.* that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

Portfolio Name Advisory Fee**
AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio  (the “Portfolio”)

Sleeve average daily net assets up to $100 million:
0.50% of average daily net assets to $50 million;
0.45% of average daily net assets over $50 million to $100 million

When Sleeve average daily net assets exceed $100 million:
0.40% on all assets

When Sleeve average daily net assets exceed $200 million:
0.35% on all assets

When Sleeve average daily net assets exceed $500 million :
0.325% on all assets up to $500 million;
0.30% over $500 million to $1 billion

When Sleeve average daily net assets exceed $1 billion :
0.30% on all assets

When Sleeve average daily net assets exceed $1.5 billion :
0.275% on all assets

 

* For purposes of calculating the subadvisory fee, the assets of the Portfolio will be aggregated with the US Large-Cap Value Equity Strategy assets of all other Prudential entities (including the assets of certain insurance company separate accounts managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the Retirement business of Prudential and its affiliates) that are managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc..

** In the event T. Rowe Price invests Portfolio assets in other pooled investment vehicles it manages or subadvises, T. Rowe Price will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in an amount equal to the acquired fund fee paid to T. Rowe Price with respect to the Portfolio assets invested in such acquired fund.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subadvisory fee waivers will not exceed 100% of the subadvisory fee.

 

Effective Date as Revised: October 17, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio

AMENDED AND RESTATED SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement made as of this 10 th day of February, 2014 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (TRPA), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and T. Rowe Price International, Ltd (TRPIL), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom, T. Rowe Price International Ltd, Tokyo, a branch of TRPIL, organized and existing under the laws of Japan (TRPIL, Tokyo) and T. Rowe Price Hong Kong Limited (Central Entity Number: AVY670), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Hong Kong (TRPHK) (collectively, T. Rowe or the Subadviser) amends and restates the Subadvisory Agreement dated December 26, 2013 entered into between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (TRPA), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and T. Rowe Price International, Ltd (TRPIL), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom.

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services (“Subadviser Assets”); and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. Obligations of the Subadviser

 

(a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust's portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers, including the purchase, retention and disposition of securities and investments thereof, in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such prospectus and statement of additional information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the following understandings:

(i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust's investments as the Co-Managers shall direct, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, the Prospectus of the Trust, as provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, co-operate with the Co-Managers' (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust's compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities, futures contracts and other instruments to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust's portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants, including any person or entity affiliated with the Subadviser (collectively, Brokers), to carry out the policy with respect to Subadviser’s brokerage policy as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus or as the Board of

 
 

Trustees may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing best execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by Brokers who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through Brokers (including, to the extent legally permissible, Brokers affiliated with the Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and to cause the Trust to pay any such Brokers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another Broker would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such Broker, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security, futures contract or other instrument to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities, futures contracts or other instruments to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities, futures contracts or other instruments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.

 

(iv) The Subadviser is not required to execute foreign currency trades through the custodian but may, in its sole discretion and in accordance with its fiduciary duty, select the custodian or counterparties for the execution of foreign currency transactions.

 

(v) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's portfolio transactions effected by it as required by Rule 31a-l under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust's Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust's securities.

(vi) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust's assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.

(vii) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a "manager-of-managers" style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii) periodically make recommendations to the Trust's Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Sub adviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

(viii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-l0, Rule l0f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-l under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust's portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.

(b) The Subadviser shall authorize and permit any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Services to be furnished by the Subadviser under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any of such directors, officers or employees of the Subadviser.

(c) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust's books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser's services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will tender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request,

 
 

provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

 

(d) During the term of this Agreement, the Subadviser will ensure that the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser shall not exceed the limits on trading designated commodity contracts and swaps set forth in subsection (c)(2)(iii) of Commodity Futures Trading Commission Rule 4.5 ("Rule 4.5"). In reliance on the accuracy of the Co-Manager’s representation in Section 2(a)(i) below, the Subadviser represents that it is exempt from registration as a commodity trading adviser with respect to the Trust.

(e) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations, and applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization.

 

(f) The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures as the Co-Managers may reasonably request.

 

(g) Details of the Subadviser's execution policy have been provided to the Co-Managers. Co-Managers hereby confirm that they have read and understood the execution policy and agree to it. In particular, Co-Managers agree that the Subadviser may trade outside a regulated market or multi-lateral trading facility. Specific instructions from Co-Managers in relation to the execution of orders may prevent the Subadviser from following its execution policy in relation to such orders in respect of the elements of execution covered by such instructions.

 

(h) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust's portfolio, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.

 

(i) The Co-Managers acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the Trust's pricing agent. The Subadviser acknowledges that it will assist the Co-Managers or the Trust when market quotations may not be readily available for the Trust's portfolio investments. The Subadviser may also provide recommendations to the Co-Managers, upon request, relating to methodologies used by the Subadviser in valuing certain securities that may be held by the Trust. The Subadviser will use its best efforts to promptly notify the Co-Managers upon the occurrence of any significant event with respect to any of the Trust's portfolio investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and any related written guidance from the Commission and the Commission staff. Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing investments of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the investments being valued.

 

(j) The Subadviser and the Co-Managers acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the compliance agent for the Trust, and does not have access to all of the Trust’s books and records necessary to perform certain compliance testing. To the extent that the Subadviser has agreed to perform the services specified in this Agreement in accordance with applicable law (including subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) as amended (the “Code”), the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act (“Applicable Law”)) and in accordance with the Trust Documents, policies and determination of the Board of the Trust and the Co-Managers and the Trust’s Prospectus, the Subadviser shall perform such services based upon its books and records with respect to the Subadviser Assets based upon information in its possession, which comprise a portion of the Trust’s books and records, and upon written instructions received from the Trust, Co-Managers or the Trust’s administrator, and shall not be held responsible under this Agreement so long as it performs such services in accordance with this Agreement, the Prospectus and Applicable Law based upon such books and records and such instructions provided by the Trust, Co-Managers or the Trust’s administrator. The Subadviser shall be afforded a reasonable amount of time to implement any such instructions.

 

(k) The Subadviser shall not use the name, trademark, service mark, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Trust or the Co-Managers or any of their affiliates or any derivative thereof, or disclose information related to the business of the Co-Managers or any of its affiliates in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Co-Managers; provided, however, that the Subadviser may use the name or the Trust’s name and that of their affiliates which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission. Materials which have been previously approved or those that only refer to the Subadviser’s or Co-Managers’

 
 

name or logo are not subject to such prior approval provided the Subadviser or Co-Managers shall ensure that such materials are consistent with those which were previously approved by the Subadviser or Co-Managers.

 

(l) In the event the Co-Managers or Custodian engages in securities lending activities, the Subadviser will not be a party to or aware of such lending activities. It is understood that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for settlement delay or failure or any related costs or loss due to such activities.

 

(m) TRPIL, Tokyo shall act as discretionary investment manager and shall supervise and direct the investments of the Trust in Japanese equities in accordance with the investment objective, program and restrictions as provided in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (as amended from time to time) and such other limitations as the Co-Managers may impose by notice in writing to TRPIL, Tokyo. In furtherance of this duty, TRPIL, Tokyo shall:

(i) in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Co-Managers, buy, sell, retain, exchange, convert, or otherwise deal, on any market or over-the-counter, in any stocks, bonds, and other securities or assets; make deposits, subscribe to issues and offers for sale and accept placings of any investments;
(ii) instruct the trading desk of T. Rowe Price Hong Kong Ltd (HK Trading Desk) to place orders and negotiate the commissions for the execution of transactions in securities or other assets with, or through, such brokers, dealers, underwriters or issuers as the HK Trading Desk, acting on behalf of TRPIL, Tokyo, may select, and
(iii) generally undertake any other act as may be necessary to enable TRPIL, Tokyo to perform its obligations under the Agreement (as supplemented and amended) or as agreed with the Co-Managers.

 

Until advised otherwise, the portfolio manager acting on behalf TRPIL, Tokyo shall be Hiroshi Watanabe. The expected initial asset value TRPI, Tokyo is expected to manage is $40,000.00.

 

2. Obligations of the Co-Managers

 

(a) The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser's performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust's custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

 

(i) Co-Managers represent that, with respect to the portfolio of the Trust subadvised by the Subadviser: (a) a notice of eligibility claiming exclusion from registration has been filed in accordance with Rule 4.5; and (b) during the term of this Agreement, Co-Managers will ensure that all requirements necessary in order to claim an exclusion from registration under Rule 4.5 are satisfied. Co-Managers represent that they are currently exempt from registration as a commodity trading adviser with respect to the Trust.

 

(ii) With respect to any investments, including but not limited to repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, derivatives contracts, futures contracts, International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. ("ISDA") Master Agreements, Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreement (“MSFTA”), and options on futures contracts, which are permitted to be made by the Subadviser in accordance with this Agreement and the investment objectives and strategies of the Trust, as outlined in the Registration Statement for the Trust, the Co-Managers hereby authorize and direct the Sub-Adviser to do and perform every act and thing whatsoever necessary or incidental in performing its duties and obligations under this Agreement including, but not limited to, executing as agent, on behalf of the Trust, brokerage agreements and other documents to establish, operate and conduct all brokerage, collateral or other trading accounts, and executing as agent, on behalf of the Trust, such agreements and other documentation as may be required for the purchase or sale, assignment, transfer and ownership of any permitted investment, including limited partnership agreements, repurchase and derivative master agreements, including any schedules and annexes to such agreements, releases, consents, elections and confirmations. The Subadviser also is hereby authorized to instruct the Trust custodian with respect to any collateral management activities in connection with any derivatives transactions. The Co-Managers acknowledge and understand that they will be bound by any such trading accounts established, and agreements and other documentation executed, by the Subadviser for such investment purposes and agree to provide the Subadviser with tax information, governing documents, legal opinions and other information concerning the Trust necessary to complete such agreements and other documentation.

 

 
 

(iii) The Co-Managers shall not (i) use the name, trademark, service mark, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Subadviser or any of its affiliates or any derivative thereof, or (ii) disclose information related to the Subadviser Assets or the business of the Subadviser or any of its affiliates, in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Subadviser; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld.  Materials which have been previously approved or those that only refer to the Subadviser’s or Co-Managers’ name or logo are not subject to such prior approval provided the Subadviser or Co-Managers shall ensure that such materials are consistent with those which were previously approved by the Subadviser or Co-Managers.

 

(iv) The Co-Managers agree to provide or complete, as the case may be, the following prior to the commencement of the Subadviser’s investment advisory services as specified under this Agreement.

 

1. A list of first tier affiliates and second tier affiliates (i.e., affiliates of affiliates) of the Trust;

2. A list of restricted securities for each Trust (including CUSIP, Sedol or other appropriate security identification); and

3. A copy of the current compliance procedures for each Trust applicable to the subadvisory services to be provided to the Trust.

 

The Co-Managers also agree to promptly update the above referenced items in order to ensure their accuracy, completeness and/or effectiveness.

 

(b) The Co-Managers acknowledge, represent and warrant that:

 

(i) The Trust is a “qualified institutional buyer” (“QIB”) as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Co-Managers will promptly notify the Subadviser if the Trust ceases to be a QIB; and

 

(ii) The assets in the Trust are free from all liens and charges and undertake that no liens or charges will arise from the acts or omissions of the Co-Managers and the Trust which may prevent the Subadviser from giving a first priority lien or charge on the assets solely in connection with the Subadviser’s authority to direct the deposit of margin or collateral to the extent necessary to meet the obligations of the Trust with respect to any investments made pursuant to the Prospectus.

 

( c) The Co-Managers represent that Shares of the Trust are currently offered as underlying investments of separate account variable annuity portfolios (collectively, “Current Investors”). The Co-Managers agree that should the Trust be offered in the future to investors other than the Current Investors, the Co-Managers shall provide the Subadviser, in a manner and with such frequency as is mutually agreed upon by the parties, with a list of (i) each “government entity” (as defined by Rule 206(4)-5 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”)), invested in the Trust where the account of such government entity can reasonably be identified as being held in the name of or for the benefit of such government entity on the records of the Trust; and (ii) each government entity that sponsors or establishes a 529 Plan and has selected the Trust as an option to be offered by such 529 Plan.

 

3. Confidentiality.

 

(a) Each party agrees that it will treat confidentially all information provided by any other party (the “Discloser”) regarding the Discloser’s businesses and operations, including without limitation the investment activities or holdings of the Trust, and any other non-public information provided by the Discloser, either verbally or in writing, in connection with discussions, in-person or otherwise, related to any aspect of the Discloser’s business operations and personnel matters or which pertains to matters that a reasonable person would expect to be treated as proprietary or confidential (“Confidential Information”). All Confidential Information provided by the Discloser shall be used only by the other party hereto (the “Recipient”) solely for the purposes of rendering services pursuant to this Agreement or for monitoring the investments made pursuant to this Agreement (the “Purpose”), and shall not be disclosed to any third party, without the prior consent of the Discloser, except as permitted herein. Recipient may disclose Confidential Information to a limited number of employees, affiliates, attorneys, accountants and other advisers of the Recipient (its “Representatives”) on a need-to-know basis and solely for the Purpose, provided its Representatives are subject to this Agreement or have entered into a written nondisclosure agreement with Recipient with terms substantially similar to the provisions herein. Recipient shall take reasonable security precautions, at least as great as the precautions it takes to protect its own confidential information, to prevent Confidential Information from being disclosed to third persons.

 

 
 

(b) Confidential Information shall not include any information that: (i) is public when provided or thereafter becomes public through no wrongful act of the Recipient; (ii) is demonstrably known to the Recipient prior to execution of the Agreement;(iii) is independently developed by the Recipient without the use of Confidential Information provided by Discloser through no wrongful act of the Recipient in the ordinary course of business outside of this Agreement; (iv) is generally employed by the industry at the time that the Recipient learns of such information or knowledge; or (v) has been rightfully and lawfully obtained by the Recipient from any third party.

 

(c) Recipient may disclose Confidential Information if requested or required pursuant to a valid order or request by a court or regulatory body (including examinations by regulators, deposition, interrogatories, requests for information or documents in legal proceedings, subpoenas, civil investigative demand or similar process), provided Recipient makes reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded to such Confidential Information. All Confidential Information disclosed as required by law shall nonetheless continue to be deemed Confidential Information by Recipient.

 

4. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust's average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.

 

5 . The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser's part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation , the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

6. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust , without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time , without the payment of any penalty , on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days ' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor , Newark, NJ 07102-4077 , Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 (for TRPA) and 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4TZ United Kingdom (for TRPIL, TRPIL, Tokyo and TRPHK), Attention: David Oestreicher.

7. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of the Subadviser's directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, o f ficer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser's right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

 
 

During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers agree to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers also agree to furnish the Subadviser representative samples of marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public , which make reference to the Subadviser . The Co-Managers further agree to prospectively make reasonable changes to such materials upon the Subadviser's written request, and to implement those changes in the next regularly scheduled production of those materials. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to the Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

9 . This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

10. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

11. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act , shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.


PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

By: /s/ Timothy S . Cronin

Name: Timothy S . Cronin

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

By: /s/ Timothy S . Cronin

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

Title: President

 

 

 

T. ROWE PRICE ASSOCIATES, INC.

 

By: /s/ Fran Pollack-Matz

Name: Fran Pollack-Matz

Title : Vice President

 

T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL, LTD

 

By: /s/ Darrell N. Braman

Name: Darrell N. Braman

Title : Vice President

 

 
 

T. ROWE PRICE HONG KONG LIMITED

By: /s/ Christine Morgan

Name: Christine Morgan

Title: Vice President

T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL LTD, TOKYO BRANCH

By: /s/ Shohei Shigeta

Name: Shohei Shigeta

Title: Representative in Japan

GranTokyo South Tower 7th Floor, 9-2, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Financial Instruments Provider: Director General of Kanto Financial Bureau (Finance Instruments) No. 445. Member of the Ippan Shadan Houjin - Japan Investment Advisers Association – Membership No. 011-01162

 
 

 

SCHEDULE A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

 

As compensation for services provided by TRPA, TRPIL, TRPIL, Tokyo and TRPHK (collectively, T. Rowe), the Co-Managers will pay TRPA an advisory fee on the net a ssets managed by T. Rowe that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

 


Portfolio Name

 

Advisory Fee
AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio

0.35% of average daily net assets to $1billion;

0.325% on next $1 billion of average daily net assets;

0.30% on next $1 billion of average daily net assets; and

0.275% over $3 billion of average daily net assets

 

 

TRPA will pay each of TRPIL, TRPIL, Tokyo and TRPHK a fee out of the advisory fee. Such fee shall be agreed upon, separately between TRPA and each of TRPIL, TRPIL, Tokyo and TRPHK. The payment of the said compensation to TRPIL, TRPIL, Tokyo and TRPHK shall be the sole responsibility of TRPA and shall in no way be an obligation of the Co-Managers or of the Trust.

 

 

 

 

Dated as of: February 10, 2014

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio

Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement

 

Amended and Restated Agreement made as of this 15 th day of October, 2014, between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company (the Manager), and QS Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (LGMAA), a Delaware limited liability company, QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.(Batterymarch), a Maryland corporation, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (Brandywine), a Delaware limited liability company, ClearBridge Investments, LLC (ClearBridge), a Delaware limited liability company, Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset) a California corporation, and Western Asset Management Company Limited (Western Asset Limited), a limited liability company incorporated in England and Wales (each, a Subadviser and collectively, the Subadvisers).

WHEREAS, the Manager has entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI acts as Manager of the Trust; and

WHEREAS, the Manager, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desires to retain each Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Manager shall from time to time direct, and each Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Manager and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, each Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust's portfolio as is delegated to such Subadviser by the Manager and, in the case of each Subadviser other than LMGAA, LMGAA, from time to time (the Allocated Assets), including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such prospectus and statement of additional information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the following understandings:

(i) Each Subadviser shall provide advice, management and supervision with respect to its Allocated Assets, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash. The Manager and/or LMGAA may, from time to time, allocate and reallocate the Trust’s assets among the Subadvisers. In addition, the Manager and/or LMGAA may determine not to allocate any portion of the Trust’s assets to a Subadviser for a period of time during the term of this Agreement. A Subadviser’s responsibilities for providing investment advisory services to the Trust shall be limited solely to its Allocated Assets.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, each Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, and the Prospectus of the Trust, as provided to it by the Manager (the Trust Documents), and with the instructions and directions of the Manager and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, shall co-operate with the Manager' (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust's compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (the CEA) and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). The Manager shall provide each Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

(iii) Each Subadviser shall determine the securities, futures contracts and other instruments to be purchased or sold by its Allocated Assets, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants, including any person or entity affiliated with such Subadviser (collectively, Brokers), as such Subadviser may determine. In selecting brokers, dealers or futures commissions merchants with which to execute portfolio transactions, it is recognized that a Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, a Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by Brokers who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a party. Each Subadviser shall have discretion to effect

 
 

investment transactions for the Trust through Brokers (including, to the extent legally permissible, Brokers affiliated with such Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and to cause the Trust to pay any such Brokers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another Broker would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such Broker, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of such Subadviser with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission. On occasions when a Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security, futures contract or other instrument to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of such Subadviser, such Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities, futures contracts or other instruments to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities, futures contracts or other instruments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by such Subadviser in the manner such Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients. Each Subadviser may execute on behalf of the Trust certain agreements, instruments and documents in connection with the services performed by it under this Agreement. These may include, without limitation, brokerage agreements, clearing agreements, account documentation, futures and options agreements, swap agreements, other investment-related agreements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments the Subadviser believes are appropriate or desirable in performing its duties under this Agreement.

(iv) Each Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's portfolio transactions effected by it as required by Rule 31a-l under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust's Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. Each Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, to assist in the valuation of the Trust's securities.

(v) Each Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning its Allocated Assets, and shall provide the Manager with such information upon request of the Manager.

(vi) The investment management services provided by each Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and each Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, each Subadviser and Manager understand and agree that if the Manager manages the Trust in a "manager-of-managers" style, the Manager will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadvisers through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii) periodically make recommendations to the Trust's Board as to whether the contract with one or more Subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. Each Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

(vii) Each Subadviser acknowledges that the Manager and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-l0, Rule l0f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-l under the 1940 Act, and each Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust, including any Subadviser, with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust's portfolio or any other transactions of Trust Assets.

(b) Each Subadviser shall authorize and permit any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Services to be furnished by each Subadviser under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any of such directors, officers or employees.

(c) Each Subadviser shall keep the Trust's books and records required to be maintained by such Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Manager all information relating to such Subadviser's services hereunder needed by the Manager to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. Each Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and each Subadviser will tender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request, provided, however, that such Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. Each Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

(d) Each Subadviser is, to the extent required by applicable law, a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) and is a member in good standing of the National Futures

 
 

Association (the NFA). Each Subadviser shall maintain such registration and membership in good standing during the term of this Agreement. Further, each Subadviser agrees to notify the Manager promptly upon (i) a statutory disqualification of such Subadviser under Sections 8a(2) or 8a(3) of the CEA, (ii) a suspension, revocation or limitation of such Subadviser’s commodity trading advisor registration or NFA membership, or (iii) the institution of an action or proceeding that could lead to a statutory disqualification under the CEA or an investigation by any governmental agency or self-regulatory organization of which the Subadviser is subject or has been advised it is a target.

 

(e) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, each Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the CEA, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations, and applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization.

 

(f) Each Subadviser shall furnish to the Manager copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Manager may reasonably request.

 

(g) Each Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in its Allocated Assets, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Manager.

 

(h) Pursuant to the delegation of fair valuation of the Trust’s securities to the Manager by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the valuation committee of the Manager shall have primary responsibility for valuation of the Trust’s assets. The Manager represents and warrants to each Subadviser that such delegation of valuation responsibility complies with applicable law. Upon reasonable request from the Manager, each Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Manager in valuing investments of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including being reasonably available to consult with the valuation committee of the Trust and the Manager and making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the investments being valued; provided, however, that the valuation committee of the Manager shall retain primary day-to-day responsibility for valuation of the Trust’s assets. In addition, each Subadviser will use its reasonable efforts to promptly notify the Manager in the event that such Subadviser becomes aware that the Trust is carrying a security in such Subadviser’s Allocated Assets at a value that such Subadviser believes does not fairly represent the price that could be obtained for the security in a current market transaction.

 

2. The Manager shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review each Subadviser's performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Manager shall provide (or cause the Trust's custodian to provide) timely information to each Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the Subadviser’s Allocated Assets, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such Allocated Assets, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for such Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of such Subadviser).

3. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Manager shall pay the Subadvisers as full compensation therefor, as promptly as possible after the end of each month, a fee computed daily at the annual rate set forth on the attached Schedule A and based on the Trust's average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed in the aggregate by the Subadvisers, as described in the attached Schedule A. Liability for payment of compensation by the Manager to the Subadvisers under this Agreement is contingent upon the Manager's receipt of payment from the Trust for management services described under the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Manager, but not agreed to by the Subadvisers, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadvisers by the Manager. For administrative convenience, the Manager shall pay all compensation due to the Subadvisers to LMGAA.

 

4 . Each Subadviser assumes no responsibility under this Agreement other than to render the services to be provided by such Subadviser hereunder in good faith. No Subadviser shall be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Manager in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on such Subadviser's part in the performance of its duties hereunder or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Manager or the Trust may have against such Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Manager shall indemnify each Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors, and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Manager' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. Each Subadviser shall indemnify the Manager, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of such Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation , the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

5. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Manager or by a Subadviser at any time , without the payment of any penalty , on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days ' written notice to the other party. Termination of this Agreement by a Subadviser other than LMGAA shall terminate this Agreement only with respect to such Subadviser. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. Each Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Manager of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such Subadviser.

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Manager at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor , Newark, NJ 07102-4077 , Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to a Subadviser at the address set forth beneath its signature below .

6. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of a Subadviser's directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, o f ficer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict a Subadviser's right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

7. During the term of this Agreement, the Manager agrees to furnish promptly to each Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to a Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if such Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. During the term of this Agreement, the Manager also agree to furnish each Subadviser , upon request, representative samples of marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public , which make reference to such Subadviser . The Manager further agree to prospectively make reasonable changes to such materials upon a Subadviser's written request, and to implement those changes in the next regularly scheduled production of those materials. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, replies to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to

shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to a Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

8 . This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

9. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

10. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act , shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

11. This Agreement, including Schedule A hereto, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Should any part of this Agreement be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement should not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefits of the parties hereto and their respective successors.

 
 

 

12. The obligations of each Subadviser hereunder are several and not joint. Each Subadviser shall be liable only for its own obligations hereunder. No Subadviser shall be a guarantor of or jointly liable for the obligations of any other Subadviser.

 

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

QS LEGG MASON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION, LLC

 

By: /s/ Marco Veissid

Name: Marco Veissid

Title: Client Advisory

 

Address for Notices:

 

 

QS BATTERYMARCH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

By: /s/ Marco Veissid

Name: Marco Veissid

Title: Client Advisory

 

Address for Notices:

 

 

BRANDYWINE GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC

 

By: /s/ Henry F. Otto

Name: Henry F. Otto

Title: Managing Director

 

Address for Notices:

 

 

CLEARBRIDGE INVESTMENTS, LLC

 

By: /s/ Cynthia K. List

Name: Cynthia K. List

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

Address for Notices:

ClearBridge Investments, LLC
620 8 th Avenue, 47 th FL
New York, NY 10018
Att: Barbara Brooke Manning, Esq.

 

WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY

 

By: /s/ Steven K. Puodziunas

Name: Steven K. Puodziunas

Title: Head of Client Service & Marketing Support

 

Address for Notices:

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

WESTERN ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED

 

By: /s/ James J. Flick

Name: James J. Flick

Title: Director of Global Client Service and Marketing

 

Address for Notices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Date as Revised: October 15, 2014

 
 

SCHEDULE A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

 

As compensation for services provided by QS Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (LMGAA) and its affiliates, QS Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (Batterymarch), Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (Brandywine), ClearBridge Investments, LLC (ClearBridge) , Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset) and Western Asset Management Company Limited (Western Asset Limited)) , Prudential Investments LLC will pay LMGAA an advisory fee on the aggregate net a ssets managed by the Subadvisers that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

 


Portfolio Name

 

Proposed Contractual Subadvisory Fee Rate
AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio

0.350% of average daily net assets to $250 million;

0.325% of average daily net assets over $250 million to $500 million;

0.300% of average daily net assets over $500 million to $750 million;

0.275% of average daily net assets over $750 million to $1 billion;

0.250% of average daily net assets over $1 billion to $2 billion;

0.225% of average daily net assets over $2 billion

 

LMGAA has agreed to a contractual fee waiver arrangement that applies to the AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio (Portfolio). Under this arrangement, LMGAA will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in an amount equal to the acquired fund subadvisory fee paid to LMGAA for any portfolio affiliated with the Trust. In addition, LMGAA will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in amount equal to the management or subadvisory fee it receives for acquired funds that are not affiliated with the Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subadvisory fee waiver will not exceed 100% of the subadvisory fee.

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Date as Revised: October 15, 2014

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio


SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

Agreement made as of this 18th day of March, 2011 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (BlackRock or the Subadviser),

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust’s portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers, including the purchase, retention and disposition of repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, derivatives contracts, options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swap agreements, all in accordance with the Trust’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the “Prospectus”). The Co-Managers hereby authorize the Subadviser , as agent on behalf of the Trust, to enter into: (y) brokerage agreements and other documents to establish, operate and conduct all brokerage or other trading accounts and (z) International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreements, including any schedules and annexes to such agreements, releases, consents, elections and confirmations, limited partnership agreements, repurchase agreements, and such agreements and other documentation as may be required for the purchase or sale, assignment, transfer, and ownership of any permitted investment; provided, however, that Subadviser may only trade swaps and derivatives under ISDA Master Agreements and the related schedules and annexes which are substantially similar to those previously reviewed and approved by the Co-Managers. The Co-Managers acknowledge and understand that the Trust and the Co-Managers, as applicable, will be bound by any such trading accounts established, and agreements and other documentation executed, by the Subadviser for such investment purposes as permitted hereunder. The Subadviser’s management of such portion of the Trust’s portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers shall be subject to the following additional understandings:

(i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust's investments as the Co-Managers shall direct, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash. The Subadviser may delegate the performance of services and functions under this Agreement to an “affiliated person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser so long as: (w) such delegation and the resulting performance of services and functions hereunder by any such “affiliated person” is not prohibited by, or inconsistent with the requirements of, applicable law, including the 1940 Act; (x) BlackRock retains ultimate discretionary authority over any portfolio management services provided by any such “affiliated person”; (y) BlackRock exercises appropriate oversight of the performance of services and functions hereunder by any such “affiliated person”; and (z) BlackRock does not pay any portion of the subadvisory fee paid received from the Co-Managers hereunder to such “affiliated person.” Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Subadviser's liability to the Co-Managers under this Agreement shall not be affected in any way whatsoever by any delegation of services by the Subadviser to any “affiliated person” of the Subadviser. In addition, notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, the Subadviser: (xx) may provide information about the Co-Managers and the Trust to any “affiliated person” of the Subadviser to which the performance of services and functions has been delegated hereunder; (yy) will act in good faith and with due diligence in the selection, use, and monitoring of any “affiliated person” of the Subadviser to which the performance of services and functions has been delegated hereunder; and (zz) shall ensure that any “affiliated person” of the Subadviser to which the performance of services and functions has been delegated hereunder is subject to confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations that are substantially similar to the confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations to which the Subadviser is subject with respect to the Trust.

 
 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of December 1, 2005 and as amended and supplemented to date (the Declaration of Trust), the By-laws of the Trust, as amended and supplemented to date (the By-Laws), the Trust’s policies and procedures as adopted by its Board of Trustees, including the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures, and the Prospectus of the Trust, each as provided to Subadviser by the Co-Managers from time to time (collectively, the Trust Documents) and with the reasonable instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, co-operate with the Co-Managers' (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust’s compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, provide reasonable assistance to Co-Managers in preparing and filing such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). To the extent reasonably practicable, the Co-Managers shall supply Subadviser in advance with written copies of such policies and procedures of the Trust applicable to Subadviser’s performance of its duties and obligations in managing the Trust’s portfolio (or allocated portion thereof, as applicable), as well as any amendments, supplements or modifications thereto within a reasonable time before they become effective. The Co-Managers agree that Subadviser shall not be responsible for compliance with the policies and procedures of the Trust not provided to Subadviser in advance in accordance with this paragraph.

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities and futures contracts to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust's portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants (including but not limited to any broker or dealer affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser) to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees may direct to the Subadviser in advance in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the size of trade, financial responsibility, reputation, financial condition, research and investment information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser’s other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through broker-dealers (including, to the extent legally permissible, broker-dealers affiliated with the Subadviser(s)) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and to cause the Trust to pay any such broker-dealers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission.

On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security or futures contract to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities or futures contracts to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities or futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.

In accordance with Section 11(a) of the 1934 Act and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and subject to any other applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including, without limitation, Section 17(e) of the 1940 Act and Rule 17e-1 promulgated thereunder, the Subadviser may engage its affiliated persons, the affiliated persons of the Co-Managers, or any other subadviser to the Trust and such subadviser’s affiliated persons, as broker-dealers to effect portfolio transactions in securities and other investments for the Trust.

From time to time, when determined by Subadviser in its capacity of a fiduciary to the Trust to be in the best interests of the Trust, the Subadviser may purchase securities from, or sell securities on behalf of the Trust to, another account for which the Subadviser serves as investment manager or subadviser at the current market price for the relevant securities in accordance with the Trust’s policies and procedures adopted pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act (the Trust’s 17a-7 Procedures) and other applicable law. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Subadviser shall provide to the Co-Managers: (i) written notice prior to entering into transactions on behalf of the Trust pursuant to the Trust’s 17a-7 Procedures and (ii) all information necessary to obtain approval of such transactions from the Board of Trustees of the Trust as required by the Trust’s 17a-7 Procedures.

(iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust’s portfolio transactions effected by it as required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust’s Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available during Subadviser’s normal business hours its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust’s securities.

 
 

(v) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust’s assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon reasonable request of the Co-Managers.

(vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a “manager-of-managers” style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii)  periodically make recommendations to the Trust’s Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

(vii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-10, Rule 10f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust’s portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.

(b) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust’s books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser’s services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust’s request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

(c) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ( the Advisers Act), and other applicable state and federal regulations.

(d) The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(c) hereof as the Manager may reasonably request.

(e) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting, or the abstaining from voting,of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust’s portfolio, in accordance with its standard proxy voting guidelines, and subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.

(f) Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing securities of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the securities being valued.

(g) The Co-Managers have or will furnish Subadviser with properly certified or authenticated copies of, each of the following prior to the date hereof:

(i) the Declaration of Trust;

(ii) the By-Laws;

(iii) resolutions of the Board of Trustees of the Trust authorizing the appointment of Subadviser and approving the execution of this Agreement by the Co-Managers; and

(iv) the Prospectus.

During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers agree to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public, which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing: (i) ten (10) business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof with respect to prospectuses and proxy statements which refer to the Subadviser in any way and (ii) five (5) business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof with respect to reports to shareholders, sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which refer to the Subadviser in any way. Sales literature may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery. The Co-Managers agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that materials prepared by their employees or agents or their affiliates that refer to the Subadviser are consistent with those materials previously approved by the Subadviser as referenced in the first sentence of this paragraph. It is understood that “BlackRock” is the name of the Subadviser’s parent company, BlackRock, Inc., and any derivative names or logos associated with such name are the valuable property of the Subadviser, that the Trust has the right to include such phrase as a part of the name of the series of the Trust managed by the Subadviser or for any other purpose only so long as this Agreement shall continue, and that BlackRock does, in fact, consent to the use of such name as a part of the name of the series of the Trust identified herein. Upon a termination or expiration of this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable after a termination or expiration of this Agreement: (i) supplement or otherwise amend the Prospectus to indicate that “BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.” no longer serves as a subadviser to the Trust; (ii) discontinue any new production or publication of sales literature bearing the name “BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.” or any related name, mark, or logo; and (iii) “buckslip” or otherwise supplement sales literature in the possession of the Co-Managers or their affiliates bearing the name “BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.” or any related name, mark, or logo to indicate that such firm no longer serves as a subadviser to the Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Co-Managers may, after any termination or expiration of this Agreement, retain copies of sales literature bearing the name “BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.” or any related name, mark or logo only to fulfill applicable legal, compliance, and regulatory requirements, and for their document retention purposes.

The Co-Managers will furnish the Subadviser with copies of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing that impact the management of the Trust within a reasonable time before they become effective to the extent reasonably practicable. Any amendments or supplements that impact the management of the Trust will not be deemed effective with respect to the Subadviser until the Subadviser’s receipt thereof, notice of which will be provided to the Subadviser, to the extent reasonably practicable, within a reasonable time before such amendments or supplements become effective.

(h) Each Co-Manager and the Subadviser represents and warrants that: (i) it is registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act; (ii) such registration is current and complete and complies with all material applicable provisions of the Advisers Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) it has all requisite authority to enter into, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (iv) its performance under this Agreement does not conflict with any law, regulation or order to which it is subject.

2. The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust’s custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

3. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust’s average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.

4. Each Co-Manager acknowledges that Subadviser does not guarantee investment results. Each Co-Manager further recognizes and agrees that the Subadviser may provide advice to or take action with respect to other clients, which advice or action, including the timing and nature of such action, may differ from or be identical to advice given or action taken with respect to the Trust. The Subadviser shall for all purposes hereof be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or a Co-Manager in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or a Co-Manager except in connection with the investment management services provided by the Subadviser under this Agreement. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser’s part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Subadviser shall not be liable or responsible for any loss incurred in connection with any act or omission of any of the Trust’s trustees, administrators, custodian , or any broker-dealer or other third party in the absence of Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence. The Co-Managers, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, agents, officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, which may be caused by or arise from any Co-Manager's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, agents, officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, which may be caused by or arise from the Subadviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

5. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days’ nor less than 30 days’ written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to BlackRock at BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536, Attention: Mike Saliba; with a copy to BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., 40 East 52 nd Street, New York, NY 10022 Attention: Robert Connolly, General Counsel.

 

6. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of the Subadviser’s directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser’s right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

7. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

8. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

9. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is affected by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin
Name: Timothy S. Cronin
Title: Vice President

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

Title: President

 

 

BLACKROCK FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Frank Porcelli
Name: Frank Porcelli
Title: Managing Director

 
 

 

SCHEDULE A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST


As compensation for services provided by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (BlackRock), Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) will pay BlackRock an advisory fee on the net assets managed by BlackRock that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

Portfolio Name Advisory Fee
AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

0.50% of average daily net assets to $250 million;

0.45% of average daily net assets over $250 million to $1 billion;

0.40% of average daily net assets over $1 billion to $2 billion; and

0.375% of average daily net assets over $2 billion

 

 

Dated as of March 18, 2011.

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Agreement made as of this 25 day of July, 2016 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (ASTIS), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and Victory Capital Management Inc., a New York corporation (Victory Capital or the Subadviser),

 

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and


WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust's portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such prospectus and statement of additional information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the following understandings:


(i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust's investments as the Co-Managers shall direct, and shall determine from time to time what investments, instruments, and securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, the Prospectus of the Trust, and the Trust's valuation procedures as provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents) and with the reasonable instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, co-operate with the Co-Managers' (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust's compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (the CEA), the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), provided that compliance

 
 

with the Code shall be solely with respect to the assets of the Trust under the Subadviser’s management and based solely upon information provided by the Trust’s administrator, custodian and other service providers, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) that relate to the Subadviser, provided that the Subadviser is required by law or regulation to be the preparer and filer of such reports. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Subadviser, the obligations of the Subadviser under the Code are limited to the Trust’s compliance with the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code and the related rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 817(h)”) with respect to the assets of the Trust under management of the Subadviser. The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.


(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities, futures contracts and other instruments to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust's portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants selected by Subadviser, including any broker or dealer affiliated with the Co-Managers or the Subadviser (collectively, Brokers), to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by Brokers who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through Brokers (including, to the extent legally permissible, Brokers affiliated with the Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and to cause the Trust to pay any such Brokers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another Broker would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such Broker, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security, futures contract or other instrument to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities, futures contracts or other investments or instruments to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities, futures contracts or other instruments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.


(iv) The Subadviser is, to the extent required by applicable law, a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) and is a member in good standing of the National Futures Association (the NFA). The Subadviser shall, to the extent by applicable law, maintain such registration and membership in good standing during the term of this Agreement. Further, the Subadviser agrees to notify the Manager promptly upon (i) a statutory disqualification of such Subadviser under Sections 8a(2) or 8a(3) of the CEA, (ii) a suspension,

 
 

revocation or limitation of such Subadviser’s commodity trading advisor registration or NFA membership, or (iii) the institution of an action or proceeding that could lead to a statutory disqualification under the CEA or an investigation by any governmental agency or self-regulatory organization of which the Subadviser is subject or has been advised it is a target.

 

(v) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's portfolio transactions effected by it to the extent applicable under Rule 31a-l under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust's Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation during Subadviser’s normal business hours with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust's securities.

 

(vi) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust's assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.


(vii) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a "manager-of-managers" style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii) periodically make recommendations to the Trust's Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.


(viii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-l0, Rule l0f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-l under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust's portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.


(b) The Subadviser shall, to the extent permitted by its Code of Ethics and other applicable internal policies and procedures, authorize and permit any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Services to be furnished by the Subadviser under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any of such directors, officers or employees.


(c) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust's books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser's services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will tender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

 
 


(d) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance policies and procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the CEA (if applicable), the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations, and applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization.

 

(e) The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Co-Managers may reasonably request.

 

(f) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting or abstaining from voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust's portfolio pursuant to the Subadviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers, and notified in advance to the Subadviser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and not the Subadviser shall be responsible for any and all filings in connection with class action lawsuits and securities litigation.

 

(g) Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing investments of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the investments being valued, provided that (i) the Subadviser shall not be deemed a substitute for any independent pricing and/or valuation committee of the Trust pursuant to the Trust’s fair valuation policies and procedures, and (ii) none of the information which the Subadviser provides to the Co-Managers shall be deemed to be the official books and records of the Trust for tax, accounting or other purposes.

 

(i) The Subadviser shall provide the Co-Managers with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Trust's portfolio required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the Commission. The Subadviser shall provide the Co-Managers with any reasonable certification, documentation or other information reasonably requested or required by the Co-Managers for purposes of the certifications of shareholder reports by the Trust's principal financial officer and principal executive officer pursuant to the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 or other law or regulation. The Subadviser shall promptly inform the Trust and the Co-Managers if the Subadviser becomes aware of any information in the Prospectus that is (or will become) materially inaccurate or incomplete.

 

(j) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust’s Co-Managers informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Trust. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Co-Managers, and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement and the Co-Managers may from time to time reasonably request. Additionally, prior to each Board meeting, the Subadviser shall provide the Co-Managers and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Trust's portfolio during the most recently completed quarter, in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Co-Managers. The Subadviser shall certify quarterly to the Co-Managers that it and its "Advisory Persons" (as defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act) have complied materially with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act during the previous quarter or, if not, explain what the Subadviser has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with

 
 

the requirements of Rule 17j-1 and Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics and compliance program, respectively, to the Co-Managers. Upon written request of the Co-Managers with respect to material violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust, the Subadviser shall permit representatives of the Trust or the Co-Manager to examine reports (or summaries of the reports) required to be made by Rule 17j-l(d)(1) relating to enforcement of the Code of Ethics.

 

2. The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser's performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust's custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

 

3. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust's average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.

 

4. The Co-Managers acknowledge that Subadviser does not guarantee investment results. The Co-Managers further recognize and agree that the Subadviser may provide advice to or take action with respect to other clients, which advice or action, including the timing and nature of such action, may differ from or be identical to advice given or action taken with respect to the Trust. The Subadviser shall for all purposes hereof be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or the Co-Managers in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust or the Co-Managers except in connection with the investment management services provided by the Subadviser under this Agreement. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser's part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Subadviser and its affiliates shall not be liable or responsible for any loss incurred in connection with any act or omission of any of the Trust’s trustees, administrators, custodian, or any broker-dealer or other third party in the absence of Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence. The Co-Managers, severally and jointly, shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

 

5. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

 

To the extent that the Co-Managers delegate to the Subadviser management of all or a portion of a portfolio of the Trust previously managed by a different subadviser or the Co-Managers, the Subadviser agrees that its duties and obligations under this Agreement with respect to that delegated portfolio or portion thereof shall commence as of the date the Co-Managers begin the transition process to allocate management responsibility to the Subadviser.

 

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at 655 Broad Street, 17 th Floor South, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for ASTIS); (2) to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, 17 th Floor South, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at Victory Capital Management Inc., 4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144, Attention: Jason Knapp with copy to 4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144, Attention: Michael Policarpo

 

6. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of the Subadviser's directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser's right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

 

7. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers agree to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers also agree to furnish the Subadviser, upon request, representative samples of marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public, which make reference to the Subadviser. The Co-Managers further agree to prospectively make reasonable changes to such materials upon the Subadviser's written request, and to implement those changes in the next regularly scheduled production of those materials. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, replies to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to

 
 

the Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

 

8. It is understood that the name of each party to this Agreement, and any derivatives thereof or logos associated with that name, is the valuable property of the party in question and its affiliates, and that each other party has the right to use such names pursuant to the relationship created by, and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement only for so long as this Agreement shall continue in effect. Upon termination of this Agreement, the parties shall forthwith cease to use the names of the other parties (or any derivative or logo) as appropriate and within a reasonable amount of time and to the extent that continued use is not required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

9. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Subadviser may include the performance of the Trust attributable to the time period Subadviser provided services under this Agreement as part of any composite performance information of the Subadviser; provided, however, that neither the Subadviser nor any of its affiliates may use the name symbol or any other logo, trademark, service mark or trade name of the Co-Managers, or any of their affiliates, and any derivatives of such without the express written consent of the relevant Co-Manager.

 

10. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

 

11. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

12. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

 

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.



PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: VP, Prudential Investments

 

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: VP, ASTISI

 

 

 

Victory Capital Management Inc.

 

By: /s/ Michael Policarpo

Name: Michael Policarpo

Title: COO/CFO

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

As compensation for services provided by Victory Capital Management Inc. (Victory Capital), Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. will pay Victory Capital an advisory fee on the net assets managed by Victory Capital that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Advisory Fee*     AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio   0.55% of average daily net assets to $100 million;   0.50% of average daily net assets over $100 million but not exceeding $200 million;   0.45% of average daily net assets over $200 million but not exceeding $250 million;   0.40% of average daily net assets over $250 million but not exceeding $300 million; and   0.35% of average daily net assets over $300 million    

 

* In the event Victory Capital invests Portfolio assets in other pooled investment vehicles it manages or subadvises, Victory Capital will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in an amount equal to the acquired fund fee paid to Victory Capital with respect to the Portfolio assets invested in such acquired fund.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subadvisory fee waivers will not exceed 100% of the subadvisory fee.

 

 

 

Dated as of July 25, 2016

 

Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement

for AST WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT REAL TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO

 

Prudential Investments LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP (Subadviser) hereby agree to amend the Subadvisory Agreement, dated May 6, 2015, by and among Prudential Investments LLC, and Subadviser, pursuant to which Subadviser has been retained to provide investment advisory services to the AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio as follows;

 

1.        Schedule A is hereby deleted and replaced with the attached Schedule A.

 

IN WITNESS HEREOF , Prudential Investments LLC and Wellington Management Company LLP have duly executed this Amendment as of the effective date of this Amendment.

 

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: VP, PI

 

 

wellington management company llp

 

 

By: /s/ Steven Mason

Name: Steven Mason

Title: Senior Managing Director

 

 

 

Effective Date as Revised: July 1, 2016

 

 
 

SCHEDULE A

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST



As compensation for services provided by Wellington Management Company LLP (Wellington Management), Prudential Investments LLC will pay Wellington Management an advisory fee on the net assets managed by Wellington Management that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Advisory Fee* AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio 0.45% of average daily net assets  

 

* In the event Wellington Management invests Portfolio assets in other pooled investment vehicles it manages or subadvises, Wellington Management will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in an amount equal to the acquired fund fee paid to Wellington Management with respect to the Portfolio assets invested in such acquired fund.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subadvisory fee waivers will not exceed 100% of the subadvisory fee.

 

 

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST Value Equity Portfolio

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Agreement made as of this 11 th day of October, 2016 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland (T. Rowe Price or the Subadviser),

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. Obligation of the Subadviser

 

(a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust's portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such prospectus and statement of additional information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the following understandings:

(i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust's investments as the Co-Managers shall direct, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash. The Subadviser is not responsible for filing class actions with respect to securities held in the portion of the Trust’s investments subadvised by the Subadviser.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the applicable provisions of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, and the Prospectus of the Trust, as provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, co-operate with the Co-Managers' (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust's compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith and as mutually agreed upon by the parties, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities, futures contracts and other instruments to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust's portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants, including any person or entity affiliated with the Subadviser (collectively, Brokers), to carry out the policy with respect to Subadviser’s brokerage policy as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the best execution under the circumstances. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by Brokers who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to

 
 

effect investment transactions for the Trust through Brokers (including, to the extent legally permissible, Brokers affiliated with the Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and to cause the Trust to pay any such Brokers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another Broker would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such Broker, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security, futures contract or other instrument to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities, futures contracts or other instruments to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities, futures contracts or other instruments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.

 

(iv) The Subadviser is not required to execute foreign currency trades through the custodian but may, in its sole discretion and in accordance with its fiduciary duty, select the custodian or counterparties for the execution of foreign currency transactions.

(v) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's portfolio transactions effected by it as required by Rule 31a-l under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust's Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust's securities.

(vi) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust's assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.

(vii) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a "manager-of-managers" style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii) periodically make recommendations to the Trust's Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

(viii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-l0, Rule l0f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-l under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust's portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.

(b) The Subadviser shall authorize and permit any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Services to be furnished by the Subadviser under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any of such directors, officers or employees of the Subadviser.

(c) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust's books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser's services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-I under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will tender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

 
 

(d) During the term of this Agreement, the Subadviser will ensure that the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser shall not exceed the limits on trading designated commodity contracts and swaps set forth in subsection (c)(2)(iii) of Commodity Futures Trading Commission Rule 4.5 ("Rule 4.5"). In reliance on the accuracy of the Co-Manager’s representation in Section 2(a)(i) below, the Subadviser represents that it is exempt from registration as a commodity trading adviser with respect to the Trust.

 

(e) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations, and applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization.

 

(f) The Subadviser shall maintain a written code of ethics (the Code of Ethics) that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, a copy of which shall be provided to the Co-Managers and the Trust, and shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent any Access Person (as defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall follow such Code of Ethics in performing its services under this Agreement. Further, the Subadviser represents that it maintains adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In particular, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, non public information by the Subadviser and its employees as required by the applicable federal securities laws.

 

(g) The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Co-Managers may reasonably request.

 

(h) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust's portfolio, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.

 

(i) The Co-Managers acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the Trust's pricing agent. The Subadviser acknowledges that it will assist the Co-Managers or the Trust when market quotations may not be readily available for the Trust's portfolio investments. The Subadviser may also provide recommendations to the Co-Managers, upon request, relating to methodologies used by the Subadviser in valuing certain securities that may be held by the Trust. The Subadviser will use its best efforts to promptly notify the Co-Managers upon the occurrence of any significant event with respect to any of the Trust's portfolio investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and any related written guidance from the Commission and the Commission staff. Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing investments of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the investments being valued.

 

(j) The Subadviser shall provide the Co-Managers with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Trust's portfolio required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the Commission. The Subadviser shall provide the Co-Managers with any reasonable certification, documentation or other information reasonably requested or required by the Co-Managers for purposes of the certifications of shareholder reports by the Trust's principal financial officer and principal executive officer pursuant to the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 or other law or regulation. The Subadviser shall promptly inform the Trust and the Co-Managers if the Subadviser becomes aware of any information in the Prospectus that is (or will become) materially inaccurate or incomplete.

 

(k) With respect to the Trust’s Documents that are applicable to subadvisory services rendered, the Subadviser shall comply with such documents which will be provided to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers. The Subadviser shall notify the Co-Managers as soon as reasonably practicable upon detection of any material breach of such Trust Documents.

 

(l) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust’s Co-Managers informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Trust. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Co-Managers, and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement and the Co-Managers may from time to time reasonably request. Additionally, prior to each Board meeting, the Subadviser shall provide the Co-Managers and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Trust's portfolio during the most recently completed quarter, in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Co-Managers. The Subadviser shall certify quarterly to

 
 

the Co-Managers that it and its "Advisory Persons" (as defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act) have complied materially with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act during the previous quarter or, if not, explain what the Subadviser has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 and Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics and compliance program, respectively, to the Co-Managers. Upon written request of the Co-Managers with respect to material violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust, the Subadviser shall permit representatives of the Trust or the Co-Managers to examine reports (or summaries of the reports) required to be made by Rule 17j-l(d)(1) relating to enforcement of the Code of Ethics.

 

(m) The Subadviser and the Co-Managers acknowledge that the Subadviser is not the compliance agent for the Trust, and does not have access to all of the Trust’s books and records necessary to perform certain compliance testing. To the extent that the Subadviser has agreed to perform the services specified in this Agreement in accordance with applicable law (including subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) as amended (the “Code”), the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Applicable Law”)) and in accordance with the Trust Documents, policies and determination of the Board of the Trust and the Co-Managers and the Trust’s Prospectus, the Subadviser shall perform such services based upon its books and records with respect to the Subadviser Assets based upon information in its possession, which comprise a portion of the Trust’s books and records, and upon written instructions received from the Trust, Co-Managers or the Trust’s administrator, and shall not be held responsible under this Agreement so long as it performs such services in accordance with this Agreement, the Prospectus and Applicable Law based upon such books and records and such instructions provided by the Trust, Co-Managers or the Trust’s administrator. The Subadviser shall be afforded a reasonable amount of time to implement any such instructions.

 

(n) The Subadviser shall not use the name, trademark, service mark, logo, insignia, or other identifying mark of the Trust or the Co-Managers or any of their affiliates or any derivative thereof, or disclose information related to the business of the Co-Managers or any of its affiliates in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Co-Manager; provided, however, that the Subadviser may use the name or the Trust’s name and that of their affiliates which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission. Materials which have been previously approved or those that only refer to the Co-Managers’ name or logo are not subject to such prior approval provided the Subadviser shall ensure that such materials are consistent with those which were previously approved by the Co-Managers.

 

(o) In the event the Co-Managers or Custodian engages in securities lending activities, the Subadviser will not be a party to or aware of such lending activities. It is understood that the Subadviser shall not be responsible for settlement delay or failure or any related costs or loss due to such activities.

 

(p) In rendering the services required under this Agreement, Subadviser may, consistent with applicable law from time to time, employ, delegate, or associate with itself such affiliated or unaffiliated person or persons as it believes reasonably necessary to assist it in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that any such delegation shall not involve any such person serving as an “investment adviser” to the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Subadviser shall remain liable to Co-Managers for the performance of Subadviser’s obligations hereunder and for the acts and omission of such other person, to the extent provided in Section 1 of this Agreement, and Co-Managers shall not be responsible for any fees that any such person may charge to Subadviser for such services.

 

2. Obligation of the Co-Managers

 

(a) The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser's performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust's custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

 

(i) Co-Managers represent that, with respect to the portfolio of the Trust subadvised by the Subadviser: (a) a notice of eligibility claiming exclusion from registration has been filed in accordance with Rule 4.5; and (b) during the term of this Agreement, Co-Managers will ensure that all requirements necessary in order to claim an exclusion from registration under Rule 4.5 are satisfied. Co-Managers represent that they are currently exempt from registration as a commodity trading adviser with respect to the Trust.

 

 
 

(ii) The Subadviser hereby grants Co-Managers a royalty-free, non-exclusive, non-transferable (with no right to sublicense) limited license to display or otherwise use the name, trademark, service mark, logo, insignia or other identifying mark of the Subadviser and/or its affiliate(s) (“Subadviser Marks”) during the term of this Agreement solely as incorporated within communications and materials relating to or about the Trust. The Co-Managers shall use the Subadviser Marks only in accordance with the Subadviser’s guidelines and applicable law. Co-Managers shall not take any action or lack of action that would in any way impair any of the Subadviser’s Marks, affect the validity of the same, or would reflect unfavorably upon the good name, goodwill, reputation or image of the Subadviser and/or its affiliate(s). The Co-Managers acknowledge that every use of the Subadviser Marks shall inure to the benefit of the Subadviser and/or its affiliate(s). The Co-Managers shall cease use of the Subadviser Marks, as reasonably practical, upon termination or expiration of this Agreement or upon receipt of written notice from the Subadviser. The Co-Managers shall not disclose information related to the Subadviser Assets or the business of the Subadviser or any of its affiliates, in any manner not approved prior thereto by the Subadviser; provided, however, that the Subadviser shall approve all uses of its name which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Subadviser hereunder or which are required by the SEC or a state securities commission; and provided, further that in no event shall such approval be unreasonably withheld. Materials which have been previously approved in writing by the Subadviser or those that only refer to the Subadviser’s name or the Subadviser Marks are not subject to such prior approval provided the Co-Managers shall ensure that such materials are consistent with those which were previously approved by the Subadviser and no changes have been made to the Subadviser Marks previously approved by the Subadviser.

 

(iii) The Co-Managers agree to provide or complete, as the case may be, the following prior to the commencement of the Subadviser’s investment advisory services as specified under this Agreement.

 

1. A list of first tier affiliates and second tier affiliates (i.e., affiliates of affiliates) of the Trust;

2. A list of restricted securities for each Trust (including CUSIP, Sedol or other appropriate security identification); and

3. A copy of the current compliance procedures for each Trust applicable to the subadvisory services to be provided to the Trust.

 

The Co-Managers also agree to promptly update the above referenced items in order to ensure their accuracy, completeness and/or effectiveness.

 

(b) The Co-Managers acknowledge, represent and warrant that:

 

(i) The Trust is a “qualified institutional buyer” (“QIB”) as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Co-Managers will promptly notify the Subadviser if the Trust ceases to be a QIB; and

 

(ii) The assets in the Trust are free from all liens and charges and undertake that no liens or charges will arise from the acts or omissions of the Co-Managers and the Trust which may prevent the Subadviser from giving a first priority lien or charge on the assets solely in connection with the Subadviser’s authority to direct the deposit of margin or collateral to the extent necessary to meet the obligations of the Trust with respect to any investments made pursuant to the Prospectus.

 

(c) The Co-Managers represent that Shares of the Trust are currently offered as underlying investments of separate account variable annuity portfolios (collectively, “Current Investors”). The Co-Managers agree that should the Trust be offered in the future to investors other than the Current Investors, the Co-Managers shall provide the Subadviser, in a manner and with such frequency as is mutually agreed upon by the parties, with a list of (i) each “government entity” (as defined by Rule 206(4)-5 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”)), invested in the Trust where the account of such government entity can reasonably be identified as being held in the name of or for the benefit of such government entity on the records of the Trust; and (ii) each government entity that sponsors or establishes a 529 Plan and has selected the Trust as an option to be offered by such 529 Plan.

 

3. Confidentiality

 

(a) Each party agrees that it will treat confidentially all information provided by any other party (the “Discloser”) regarding the Discloser’s businesses and operations, including without limitation the investment activities or holdings of the Trust, and any other non-public information provided by the Discloser, either verbally or in writing, in connection with discussions, in-person or otherwise, related to any aspect of the Discloser’s business operations and personnel matters or which pertains to matters that a reasonable person would expect to be treated as proprietary or confidential (“Confidential Information”). All Confidential Information provided by the Discloser shall be used only by the other party hereto (the “Recipient”) solely for the purposes of rendering services pursuant to this Agreement or for monitoring the investments

 
 

made pursuant to this Agreement (the “Purpose”), and shall not be disclosed to any third party, without the prior consent of the Discloser, except to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations, subpoenas, court orders, and/or as required in the administration and management of the Trust, or as permitted herein. Recipient may disclose Confidential Information to a limited number of employees, affiliates, attorneys, accountants and other advisers of the Recipient (its “Representatives”) on a need-to-know basis and solely for the Purpose, provided its Representatives are subject to this Agreement or have entered into a written nondisclosure agreement with Recipient with terms substantially similar to the provisions herein. Recipient shall take reasonable security precautions, at least as great as the precautions it takes to protect its own confidential information, to prevent Confidential Information from being disclosed to third persons.

 

(b) Confidential Information shall not include any information that: (i) is public when provided or thereafter becomes public though no wrongful act of the Recipient; (ii) is demonstrably known to the Recipient prior to execution of the Agreement;(iii) is independently developed by the Recipient without the use of Confidential Information provided by Discloser through no wrongful act of the Recipient in the ordinary course of business outside of this Agreement; (iv) is generally employed by the industry at the time that the Recipient learns of such information or knowledge; or (v) has been rightfully and lawfully obtained by the Recipient from any third party.

 

(c) Recipient may disclose Confidential Information if requested or required pursuant to a valid order or request by a court or regulatory body (including examinations by regulators, deposition, interrogatories, requests for information or documents in legal proceedings, subpoenas, civil investigative demand or similar process), provided Recipient makes reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded to such Confidential Information. All Confidential Information disclosed as required by law shall nonetheless continue to be deemed Confidential Information by Recipient.

 

4. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust's average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.

 

5. The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser's part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

6. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

To the extent that the Co-Managers delegate to the Subadviser management of all or a portion of a portfolio of the Trust previously managed by a different subadviser or the Co-Managers, the Subadviser agrees that its duties and obligations under this Agreement with respect to that delegated portfolio or portion thereof shall commence subsequent to the termination of the portfolio’s previous manager and as of the date mutually agreed upon by the Co-Managers and Subadviser, which includes the transition process.

 

 
 

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at 655 Broad Street, 17th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, 17th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 4515 Painters Mill Road, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, Attention: Legal Subadvised.

7. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of the Subadviser's directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser's right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

8. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers agree to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers also agree to furnish the Subadviser, prior to use for approval, representative samples of marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public, which make reference to the Subadviser. Materials which have been previously approved in writing by the Subadviser or those that only refer to the Subadviser’s name or the Subadviser Marks are not subject to prior approval provided the Co-Managers shall ensure that such materials are consistent with those which were previously approved by the Subadviser and no changes have been made to the Subadviser Marks previously approved by the Subadviser. The Co-Managers further agree to prospectively make reasonable changes to such materials upon the Subadviser's written request, and to implement those changes in the next regularly scheduled production of those materials or as soon as reasonably practical. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to the Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

9. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

10. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

11. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one instrument.

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.


PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: Vice President

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

By: /s/ Bradley Tobin

Name: Bradley Tobin

Title: Vice President

 

 

T. ROWE PRICE ASSOCIATES, INC.

 

By: /s/ Savonne L. Ferguson

Name: Savonne L. Ferguson

Title: Vice President

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

 

As compensation for services provided by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (T. Rowe Price), Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) will pay T. Rowe Price an advisory fee on the net assets managed by T. Rowe Price* that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Name

 

Advisory Fee for the Portfolio**

 

AST Value Equity Portfolio (the “Portfolio”)

Portfolio average daily net assets up to $100 million :

0.50% of average daily net assets to $50 million;

0.45% of average daily net assets over $50 million


When Portfolio average daily net assets exceed $100 million :

0.40% of average daily net assets

 

When Portfolio average daily net assets exceed $200 million :

0.35% of average daily net assets

 

When Portfolio average daily net assets exceed $500 million :

0.325% on all assets up to $500 million;

0.30% of average daily net assets over $500 million

 

When Portfolio average daily net assets exceed $1 billion :
0.30% of average daily net assets

 

When Portfolio average daily net assets exceed $1.5 billion :

0.275% of average daily net assets

 

 

* For purposes of calculating the subadvisory fee, the assets of the Portfolio will be aggregated with the US Large-Cap Value Equity Strategy assets of all other Prudential entities (including the assets of certain insurance company separate accounts managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. for the Retirement business of Prudential and its affiliates) that are managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

** In the event T. Rowe Price invests Portfolio assets in other pooled investment vehicles it manages or subadvises, T. Rowe Price will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in an amount equal to the acquired fund fee paid to T. Rowe Price with respect to the Portfolio assets invested in such acquired fund.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subadvisory fee waivers will not exceed 100% of the subadvisory fee.

 

Dated as of: October 11, 2016

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

AST Bond Portfolio 2028

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

 

Agreement made as of this 29th day of November, 2016 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI or the Manager), a New York limited liability company and PGIM, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation (PGIM),

 

WHEREAS, the Manager has entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI acts as the Manager of the Trust; and

 

WHEREAS, the Manager, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desires to retain Prudential Fixed Income, which is a business unit of PGIM (Subadviser) to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Manager shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Manager and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall manage such portion of the Trust's portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Manager, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such prospectus and statement of additional information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the following understandings:


(i) The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust's investments as the Manager shall direct, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

 

(ii) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, the Prospectus of the Trust, and the Trust's valuation procedures as provided to it by the Manager (the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Manager and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, co-operate with the Manager's (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust's compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended (the CEA), the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). The Manager shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

 

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities, futures contracts and other instruments to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust's portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants, including any person or entity affiliated with the Subadviser (collectively, Brokers), to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by Brokers who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a party. The Manager (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through Brokers (including, to the extent legally permissible, Brokers affiliated with the Subadviser) qualified to obtain best execution of such

 
 

transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and to cause the Trust to pay any such Brokers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another Broker would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such Broker, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Manager (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission. On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security, futures contract or other instrument to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities, futures contracts or other instruments to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities, futures contracts or other instruments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.

 

(iv) The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's portfolio transactions effected by it as required by Rule 31a-l under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust's Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust's securities.

 

(v) The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust's assets it manages, and shall provide the Manager with such information upon request of the Manager.

 

(vi) The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and the Manager understand and agree that if the Manager manages the Trust in a "manager-of-managers" style, the Manager will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii) periodically make recommendations to the Trust's Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

 

(vii) The Subadviser acknowledges that the Manager and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-l0, Rule l0f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-l under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust's portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.

 

(b) The Subadviser shall authorize and permit any of its directors, officers and employees who may be elected as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Services to be furnished by the Subadviser under this Agreement may be furnished through the medium of any of such directors, officers or employees.

 

(c) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust's books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Manager all information relating to the Subadviser's services hereunder needed by the Manager to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 31a-I under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will tender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.


(d) The Subadviser is a commodity trading advisor duly registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) and is a member in good standing of the National Futures Association (the NFA). The Subadviser shall maintain such registration and membership in good standing during the term of this Agreement.

 
 

Further, the Subadviser agrees to notify the Manager promptly upon (i) a statutory disqualification of the Subadviser under Sections 8a(2) or 8a(3) of the CEA, (ii) a suspension, revocation or limitation of the Subadviser’s commodity trading advisor registration or NFA membership, or (iii) the institution of an action or proceeding that could lead to a statutory disqualification under the CEA or an investigation by any governmental agency or self-regulatory organization of which the Subadviser is subject or has been advised it is a target.

 

(e) In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the CEA, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations, and applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization.

 

(f) The Subadviser shall maintain a written code of ethics (the Code of Ethics) that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, a copy of which shall be provided to the Manager and the Trust, and shall institute procedures reasonably necessary to prevent any Access Person (as defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act) from violating its Code of Ethics. The Subadviser shall follow such Code of Ethics in performing its services under this Agreement. Further, the Subadviser represents that it maintains adequate compliance procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In particular, the Subadviser represents that it has policies and procedures regarding the detection and prevention of the misuse of material, non public information by the Subadviser and its employees as required by the applicable federal securities laws.

 

(g) The Subadviser shall furnish to the Manager copies of all records prepared in connection with (i) the performance of this Agreement and (ii) the maintenance of compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Manager may reasonably request.

 

(h) The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust's portfolio, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Manager.

 

(i) The Subadviser acknowledges that it is responsible for evaluating whether market quotations are readily available for the Trust's portfolio investments and whether those market quotations are reliable for purposes of valuing the Trust's portfolio investments and determining the Trust's net asset value per share and promptly notifying the Manager upon the occurrence of any significant event with respect to any of the Trust's portfolio investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and any related written guidance from the Commission and the Commission staff. Upon reasonable request from the Manager, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Manager in valuing investments of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the investments being valued.

 

(j) The Subadviser shall provide the Manager with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Trust's portfolio required for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the Commission. The Subadviser shall provide the Manager with any reasonable certification, documentation or other information reasonably requested or required by the Manager for purposes of the certifications of shareholder reports by the Trust's principal financial officer and principal executive officer pursuant to the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 or other law or regulation. The Subadviser shall promptly inform the Trust and the Manager if the Subadviser becomes aware of any information in the Prospectus that is (or will become) materially inaccurate or incomplete.

 

(k) The Subadviser shall comply with the Trust’s Documents provided to the Subadviser by the Manager. The Subadviser shall notify the Manager as soon as reasonably practicable upon detection of any material breach of such Trust Documents.

 

(l) The Subadviser shall keep the Trust’s Manager informed of developments relating to its duties as Subadviser of which the Subadviser has, or should have, knowledge that would materially affect the Trust. In this regard, the Subadviser shall provide the Trust, the Manager, and their respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Subadviser has assumed under this Agreement and the Manager may from time to time

 
 

reasonably request. Additionally, prior to each Board meeting, the Subadviser shall provide the Manager and the Board with reports regarding the Subadviser's management of the Trust's portfolio during the most recently completed quarter, in such form as may be mutually agreed upon by the Subadviser and the Manager. The Subadviser shall certify quarterly to the Manager that it and its "Advisory Persons" (as defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act) have complied materially with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act during the previous quarter or, if not, explain what the Subadviser has done to seek to ensure such compliance in the future. Annually, the Subadviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 and Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, concerning the Subadviser's Code of Ethics and compliance program, respectively, to the Manager. Upon written request of the Manager with respect to material violations of the Code of Ethics directly affecting the Trust, the Subadviser shall permit representatives of the Trust or the Manager to examine reports (or summaries of the reports) required to be made by Rule 17j-l(d)(1) relating to enforcement of the Code of Ethics.

 

2. The Manager shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser's performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Manager shall provide (or cause the Trust's custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

 

3. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Manager shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust's average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Manager, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Manager.

 

4 . The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Manager in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser's part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Manager or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Manager shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Manager' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Manager, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation , the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

 

5. This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Manager or the Subadviser at any time , without the payment of any penalty , on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days ' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Manager of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

 

To the extent that the Manager delegates to the Subadviser management of all or a portion of a portfolio of the Trust previously managed by a different subadviser or the Manager, the Subadviser agrees that its duties and obligations under this Agreement with respect to that delegated portfolio or portion thereof shall commence as of the date the Manager begins the transition process to allocate management responsibility to the Subadviser.

 
 

 

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Manager at 655 Broad Street, 17th Floor , Newark, NJ 07102 , Attention: Secretary ; (2) to the Trust at 655 Broad Street, 17th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 655 Broad Street , Newark, NJ, Attention: Chief Legal Officer .

 

6. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of the Subadviser's directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, o f ficer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser's right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

 

7. During the term of this Agreement, the Manager agrees to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. During the term of this Agreement, the Manager also agrees to furnish the Subadviser , upon request, representative samples of marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public , which make reference to the Subadviser . The Manager further agrees to prospectively make reasonable changes to such materials upon the Subadviser's written request, and to implement those changes in the next regularly scheduled production of those materials or as soon as reasonably practical. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, replies to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to the Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

 

8 . This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

 

9. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

10. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act , shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

 

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.


PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

 

By: /s/ Timothy S. Cronin

 

Name: Timothy S. Cronin

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

PGIM, Inc.

 

By: /s/ Steven B. Saperstein

 

Name: Steven B. Saperstein

Title : Vice President

 

 
 

 

SCHEDULE A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

 

As compensation for services provided by Prudential Fixed Income (PFI) a business unit of PGIM, Inc. (PGIM), Prudential Investments LLC will pay PGIM, on behalf of PFI, an advisory fee on the net a ssets managed by PGIM that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

 

Portfolio Name

 

Advisory Fee for the Portfolio *

 

AST Bond Portfolio 2028

 

0.15% of combined average daily net assets of the

Bond Portfolios** up to $500 million;

0.14% of combined average daily net assets of the

Bond Portfolios on the next $1.5 billion; and

0.12% of combined average daily net assets of the

Bond Portfolios over $2 billion

* In the event PGIM, Inc. invests Portfolio assets in other pooled investment vehicles it manages or subadvises, PGIM, Inc. will waive its subadvisory fee for the Portfolio in an amount equal to the acquired fund fee paid to PGIM, Inc. with respect to the Portfolio assets invested in such acquired fund.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subadvisory fee waivers will not exceed 100% of the subadvisory fee.

** For purposes of calculating the investment subadvisory fee payable to PGIM, the subadvisory fee will be calculated using the combined average daily net assets of the AST Bond Portfolio 2017, AST Bond Portfolio 2018, AST Bond Portfolio 2019, AST Bond Portfolio 2020, AST Bond Portfolio 2021, AST Bond Portfolio 2022, AST Bond Portfolio 2023, AST Bond Portfolio 2024, AST Bond Portfolio 2025, AST Bond Portfolio 2026, AST Bond Portfolio 2027, AST Bond Portfolio 2028 and the AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio, and the assets of any future portfolios of the Trust that are subadvised by PGIM pursuant to target maturity or constant duration investment strategies that are used in connection with non-discretionary asset transfers under certain living benefit programs (collectively, the Bond Portfolios).

 

 

Dated as of: November 29, 2016

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST AllianceBernstein Growth and Income Portfolio)

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

Agreement made as of this 1lth day of April, 2011 between Prudential Investments LLC (PI), a New York limited liability company and AST Investment Services, Inc. (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) (AST), a Maryland corporation (together, the Co-Managers), and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (GSAM or the Subadviser),

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers have entered into a Management Agreement (the Management Agreement) dated May 1, 2003, with Advanced Series Trust (formerly American Skandia Trust), a Massachusetts business trust (the Trust) and a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), pursuant to which PI and AST act as Co-Managers of the Trust; and

WHEREAS, the Co-Managers, acting pursuant to the Management Agreement, desire to retain the Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Trust and one or more of its series as specified in Schedule A hereto (individually and collectively, with the Trust, referred to herein as the Trust) and to manage such portion of the Trust as the Co-Managers shall from time to time direct, and the Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

1. (a) Subject to the supervision of the Co-Managers and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser shall provide investment advisory services to such portion of the Trust's portfolio as delegated to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers, including the purchase, retention and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in its then current prospectus and statement of additional information (such Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time, being herein called the "Prospectus"), and subject to the following understandings:

(i)              The Subadviser shall provide supervision of such portion of the Trust's investments as the Co-Managers shall direct, and shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, sold or loaned by the Trust, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash.

(ii)             In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the copies of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust, the By-laws of the Trust, the Prospectus of the Trust, and the Trust's valuation procedures as provided to it by the Co-Managers (the Trust Documents) and with the instructions and directions of the Co-Managers and of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, co-operate with the Co-Managers' (or their designees') personnel responsible for monitoring the Trust's compliance and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In connection therewith, the Subadviser shall, among other things, prepare and file such reports as are, or may in the future be, required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) that relate to the investment advisory services being provided by the Subadviser to the extent the Subadviser is required by law or regulation to be preparer and filer of such reports. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Subadviser shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance limitations or restrictions specifically applicable to such portion of the Trust's portfolio delegated to the Subadviser unless such limitations or restrictions are provided to the Subadviser either in writing or in the Prospectus. The Co-Managers shall provide Subadviser timely with copies of any updated Trust Documents.

(iii) The Subadviser shall determine the securities, instruments and futures contracts to be purchased or sold by such portion of the Trust's portfolio, as applicable, and may place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers or futures commission merchants (including but not limited to Prudential Securities Incorporated (or any broker or dealer affiliated with the Subadviser) to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage as set forth in the Trust's Prospectus or as the Board of Trustees may direct in writing from time to time. In providing the Trust with investment supervision, it is recognized that the Subadviser will give primary consideration to securing the most favorable price and efficient execution. Within the framework of this policy, the Subadviser may consider the financial responsibility, research and investment information and other services provided by brokers, dealers or Futures commission merchants who may effect or be a party to any such transaction or other transactions to which the Subadviser's other clients may be a party. The Co-Managers (or Subadviser) to the Trust each shall have discretion to effect investment transactions for the Trust through broker-dealers (including, to the extent legally permissible, broker-dealers affiliated with the Subadviser(s)) qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services, as such services are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and to cause the Trust to pay any such broker-dealers an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the brokerage or research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in light of either that particular investment transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Co-

 
 

Managers (or the Subadviser) with respect to the Trust and other accounts as to which they or it may exercise investment discretion (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act), are reasonable in relation to the amount of commission.

On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security or futures contract to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities or futures contracts to be sold or purchased. In such event, allocation of the securities or futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such other clients.

(iv)              The Subadviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's portfolio transactions effected by it for the assets delegated under this Agreement as required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6), (7), (9), (10) and (11) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and shall render to the Trust's Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Trustees may reasonably request. The Subadviser shall make reasonably available its employees and officers for consultation with any of the Trustees or officers or employees of the Trust with respect to any matter discussed herein, including, without limitation, the valuation of the Trust's securities.

(v)               The Co-Managers will authorize the Trust's Custodian to honor orders and instructions by employees of the Subadviser designated by the Subadviser to settle transactions in respect of the Portfolio.

(vi)              The Subadviser or an affiliate shall provide the Trust's Custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the portion of the Trust's assets it manages, and shall provide the Co-Managers with such information upon request of the Co-Managers.

(vii)            The investment management services provided by the Subadviser hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Subadviser shall be free to render similar services to others. Conversely, the Subadviser and Co-Managers understand and agree that if the Co-Managers manage the Trust in a "manager-of-managers" style, the Co-Managers will, among other things, (i) continually evaluate the performance of the Subadviser through quantitative and qualitative analysis and consultations with the Subadviser, (ii) periodically make recommendations to the Trust's Board as to whether the contract with one or more subadvisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and (iii) periodically report to the Trust's Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions. The Subadviser recognizes that its services may be terminated or modified pursuant to this process.

(viii)           The Subadviser acknowledges that the Co-Managers and the Trust intend to rely on Rule 17a-10, Rule 10f-3, Rule 12d3-1 and Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act, and the Subadviser hereby agrees that it shall not consult with any other subadviser to the Trust with respect to transactions in securities for the Trust's portfolio or any other transactions of Trust assets.

(b)      [RESERVED]

(c)       The Subadviser shall keep the Trust's books and records required to be maintained by the Subadviser pursuant to paragraph 1(a)(iv) hereof and shall timely furnish to the Co-Managers all information relating to the Subadviser's services hereunder needed by the Co-Managers to keep the other books and records of the Trust required by Rule 3 la-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation. The Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust, and the Subadviser will surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request, provided, however, that the Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. The Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 of the Commission under the 1940 Act or any successor regulation any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a)(iv) hereof.

(d)         In connection with its duties under this Agreement, the Subadviser agrees to maintain adequate compliance policies and procedures to ensure its compliance with the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable state and federal regulations.

(e)          The Subadviser shall furnish to the Co-Managers copies of all records prepared in connection with the maintenance of material compliance procedures pursuant to paragraph 1(d) hereof as the Co-Managers may reasonably request.

(f)          The Subadviser shall be responsible for the voting of all shareholder proxies with respect to the investments and securities held in the Trust's portfolio pursuant to the Subadviser's proxy voting policy, subject to such reasonable reporting and other requirements as shall be established by the Co-Managers.

(g) The Subadviser agrees to use reasonable efforts (i) to monitor whether market quotations are readily available for the Trust's portfolio securities and whether those market quotations are reliable for purposes of internally valuing the Trust's portfolio securities and determining the Trust's net asset value per share; and (ii) to promptly notify the Co-Managers upon the occurrence of any significant event with respect to any of the Trust's portfolio securities in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and any related written guidance from the Commission and the Commission staff. Upon reasonable request from the Co-Managers, the Subadviser (through a qualified person) will assist the valuation committee of the Trust or the Co-Managers in valuing securities of the Trust as may be required from time to time, including making available information of which the Subadviser has knowledge related to the securities being

 
 

valued. The Co-Managers and the Trust acknowledge and agree that (i) the Subadviser shall not be deemed a substitute for any independent pricing agent and/or valuation committee of the Trust pursuant to the Trust's Fair Valuation Policies and Procedures; and (ii) none of the information which the Subadviser provides the Co-Managers hereunder shall be deemed to be the official books and records of the Fund for tax, accounting or any other purposes.

Valuation levels for the assets listed in the monthly account statements delivered to the Co-Managers by the Subadviser will reflect the Subadviser's good faith effort to ascertain fair market levels (including accrued income, if any) for the securities and other assets in the portion of the Trust's portfolio delegated to the Subadviser based on pricing and valuation information believed by the Subadviser to be reliable for round lot sizes. These valuation levels may not be realized by the Trust upon liquidation of the assets delegated to the Subadviser under this Agreement.

2.      The Co-Managers shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Trust pursuant to the Management Agreement and, as more particularly discussed above, shall oversee and review the Subadviser's performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Co-Managers shall provide (or cause the Trust's custodian to provide) timely information to the Subadviser regarding such matters as the composition of assets in the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser, cash requirements and cash available for investment in such portion of the Trust, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for the Subadviser to perform its duties hereunder (including any excerpts of minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Trust that affect the duties of the Subadviser).

3.      For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Co-Managers shall pay the Subadviser as full compensation therefor, a fee equal to the percentage of the Trust's average daily net assets of the portion of the Trust managed by the Subadviser as described in the attached Schedule A. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Trust that may be agreed to by the Co-Managers, but not agreed to by the Subadviser, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadviser by the Co-Managers.

4.      The Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Co-Managers in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Subadviser's part in the performance of its duties or from its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to waive any rights the Co-Managers or the Trust may have against the Subadviser under federal or state securities laws. The Co-Managers shall indemnify the Subadviser, its affiliated persons, its officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Co-Managers' willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws. The Subadviser shall indemnify the Co-Managers, their affiliated persons, their officers, directors and employees, for any liability and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be sustained as a result of the Subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and federal and state securities laws.

5.         This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of more than two years from the date hereof only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustee& of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Co-Managers or the Subadviser at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. The Subadviser agrees that it will promptly notify the Trust and the Co-Managers of the occurrence of any event that would result in the assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a change of control (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Subadviser.

Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, (1) to the Co-Managers at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary (for PI) and One Corporate Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, Attention: Secretary (for AST); (2) to the Trust at Gateway Center Three, 100 Mulberry Street, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077, Attention: Secretary; or (3) to the Subadviser at 200 West Street, New York, New York, 10282-2198, Attention: Greg Wilson, Managing Director.

6.            Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any of the Subadviser's directors, officers or employees who may also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, nor limit or restrict the Subadviser's right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other corporation, firm, individual or association.

7. During the term of this Agreement and subject to satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements, the Co-Managers agree to furnish the Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, proxy statements, and reports to shareholders which refer to the Subadviser in any way, prior to use thereof and not to use material if the Subadviser reasonably objects to such reference to the Subadviser in writing five

 
 

business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed) after receipt thereof. During the term of this Agreement, the Co-Managers also agree to (i) furnish the Subadviser, upon Subadviser's request, representative samples of marketing and sales literature and other materials that expressly reference the Subadviser prior to final production and use or distribution of such literature and materials and (ii) not to use or distribute any such literature or materials if the Subadviser reasonably objects in writing within four (4) business days (or such other period as may be mutually agreed) after Subadviser's receipt thereof. The Subadviser's right to object to such literature and materials and provide proposed revisions is limited solely to the portions of such literature and materials that expressly relate to the Subadviser. Notwithstanding the forgoing, advance review and approval shall not be required from the Subadviser with respect to: (i) sales literature, applications, confirmation statements, account statements, or forms in which the Subadviser is only referenced in a listing of advisors to the Trust or the name of the specific series of the Trust subadvised by GSAM is only referenced in a listing or short description of relevant variable insurance product investment options; (ii) web pages that solely refer to the name of the specific series of the Trust subadvised by GSAM and such series' investment performance and/or portfolio holdings and that do not provide additional information relating to such series or GSAM; (iii) literature or materials that are based upon literature or materials that were previously approved by Subadviser where no material changes have been made to such previously approved literature or materials; or (iv) other materials as agreed upon mutually by the Co-Managers and the Subadviser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any literature or materials that are submitted to GSAM for its advance review and written approval in accordance with this Section 7, if GSAM does not, within four (4) business days of its receipt thereof, expressly disapprove in writing or request in writing that specific changes be made to specific pieces of literature or other materials, then such pieces of literature or other materials shall be deemed approved by GSAM. If the Co-Managers or their affiliates agree in writing to incorporate into such literature or materials the specific changes requested by Subadviser, the Co-Managers and their affiliates shall not be required to re-submit such literature or materials to Subadviser for its review or approval. The Co-Managers further agree to use their reasonable best efforts to ensure that materials prepared by their employees or agents or their affiliates that refer to the Subadviser in any way are consistent with those materials previously approved by the Subadviser as referenced in the first sentence of this paragraph. All such prospectuses, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, marketing and sales literature or other material prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Trust or the public which make reference to the Subadviser may be furnished to the Subadviser hereunder by electronic mail, first-class or overnight mail, facsimile transmission equipment or hand delivery.

It is understood that "Goldman, Sachs & Co." or "Goldman Sachs" or any derivative names or logos associated with such name are the valuable property of the Subadviser, that the Trust has the right to include such phrase as a part of the name of the series of the Trust managed by the Subadviser or for any other purpose only so long as this Agreement shall continue, and that GSAM does, in fact, consent to the use of such name as a part of the name of the series of the Trust identified herein. Subadviser represents and warrants that the inclusion of "Goldman, Sachs & Co." or "Goldman Sachs" in the name of the series of the Trust identified herein shall not: (i) infringe the title or any patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark, service mark, or other proprietary right of any third party; and (ii) violate the terms of any agreement or other instrument to which Subadviser or any of its affiliates is a party.

8.     This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, but the consent of the Trust must be obtained in conformity with the requirements of the 1940 Act.

9.     This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

10. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act, shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Commission issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is related by rules, regulation or order of the Commission, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

PRUDENTIAL INVESTMENTS LLC

By: /s/ Timothy Cronin

Name: Timothy Cronin

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Timothy Cronin

Name: Timothy Cronin

Title: President

 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS AST INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Maire M. O’Neill

Name: Maire M. O’Neill

Title: Managing Director

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE A

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

As compensation for services provided by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM), Prudential Investments LLC and AST Investment Services, Inc, (formerly American Skandia Investment Services, Inc.) will pay GSAM an advisory fee (the "Fixed Fee") on the net assets managed by GSAM that is equal, on an annualized basis, to the following:

1. Fixed Fee will be calculated monthly in arrears for each calendar month by the Co-Managers and forwarded to the Subadviser.

 

2. The Co-Managers generally will attempt to pay in good faith the Fixed Fee through electronic method in USD within 30 business days following the end of each month.

 

3.                  The Sub-Adviser will not be required to send an invoice to the Co-Managers for the Fixed Fee.

 

4.                  Annual Fixed Fee Rate will be as follows:

Portfolio Name

AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio

Advisory Fee

Average Daily Account Valuation Annual
Fixed Fee Rate
First USD 250 million 25 bps, (0.25%)
Next USD 500 million 23 bps, (0.23%)
Balance above USD 750 million 21 bps, (0.21%)

 

5.                  Fixed Fee will be rounded to the nearest penny.

 

Fixed Fee will be prorated as appropriate for the initial calendar month and upon termination.

 

6.                    Monthly Fixed Fee = (Year to Date Average of Daily Net Assets thru Current Month End * Annual Fee Structure / Number of Days in Year * Year to Date Number of Days thru Current Month End) LESS (Year to Date Average of Daily Net Assets thru Prior Month End * Annual Fee Structure / Number of Days in Year * Year to Date Number of Days thru Prior Month End )

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated as of April 11, 2011.

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

 

Distribution Agreement

 

THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as of February 25, 2013, between the Advanced Series Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of the portfolios set forth on attached Exhibit A (each, a “Portfolio” and, collectively, the “Portfolios”), and Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Distributor”).

 

WITNESSETH

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), as an open-end, management investment company and it is in the interest of the Trust to offer the shares of each Portfolio (the “Shares”) for sale continuously;

 

WHEREAS, the Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”);

WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor wish to enter into this Agreement, under which the Distributor shall act as principal underwriter for the Trust and each Portfolio and shall act as the agent for the Trust and each Portfolio with respect to the continuous offering of the Shares from and after the date hereof in order to facilitate the distribution of the Shares; and

 

WHEREAS, the Trust has adopted a Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act with respect to the Shares of some or all of the Portfolios (the “Plan”) authorizing payments by the Portfolios to the Distributor with respect to certain shareholder services and distribution services as set forth in the Plan.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

 

Section 1. Appointment of the Distributor

 

The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor as principal underwriter for the Trust and the Portfolios and agent for the Trust and the Portfolios for the sale of the Shares. The Shares shall be sold only to insurance companies and their separate accounts that have entered into participation agreements with the Trust (“Participating Insurance Companies”), qualified plans and other purchasers permitted by Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and associated regulations (collectively, “Permissible Shareholders”). The Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Shares. The Distributor, as agent, does not undertake to sell any specific amount of the Shares. The parties hereby agree during the term of this Agreement that the Portfolios will sell the Shares through the Distributor on the terms and conditions set forth below and in the participation agreements with the Participating Insurance Companies and any other Permissible Shareholders (the “Participation Agreements”).

 

Section 2. Exclusive Nature of Duties

 

The Distributor shall be the exclusive representative of the Trust to act as principal underwriter and agent of the Trust and the Portfolios for the sale of the Shares, except that:

 

2.1 The exclusive rights granted to the Distributor to sell the Shares shall not apply to any Shares issued in connection with the merger or consolidation of any other investment company with a Portfolio or the acquisition by purchase or otherwise of all (or substantially all) the assets or the outstanding shares of any such company by a Portfolio.

 

 

 
 

 

Section 3. Purchase of Shares from the Trust

 

3.1 The Shares shall be sold by the Distributor as the agent of the Trust to Permissible Shareholders at the net asset value next determined as set forth in the Prospectus after an order to purchase Shares is properly received. The term “Prospectus” shall mean the Summary Prospectus, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the applicable Portfolio that is included as part of the Trust’s Registration Statement, as such Summary Prospectus, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and the term “Registration Statement” shall mean the Registration Statement filed by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission and effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act, as such Registration Statement is amended from time to time.

 

3.2 The Trust shall have the right to suspend the sale of any or all of the Shares at times when redemption is suspended pursuant to the conditions in Section 4.3 hereof or at such other times as may be determined by the Trust’s Board of Trustees in its sole discretion (the “Board”).

 

3.3 The Shares shall be sold in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Participation Agreements.

 

Section 4. Redemption of Shares by the Trust

 

4.1 Any of the outstanding Shares may be tendered for redemption at any time, and the Trust (or the Distributor acting as the Trust’s agent) agrees to redeem the Shares so tendered in accordance with the Trust’s Declaration of Trust as amended from time to time, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Prospectus. The price to be paid to redeem the Shares shall be equal to the net asset value next determined as set forth in the Prospectus after an order to redeem the Shares is properly received (the “Redemption Price”).

 

4.2 The Shares shall be redeemed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Participation Agreements.

 

4.3 Redemption of any Shares or payment may be suspended at times when the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is closed for other than customary weekends and holidays, when trading on the NYSE is restricted, when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Trust of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Trust fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or during any other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission, by order, so permits.

 

Section 5. Duties of the Trust

 

5.1 Subject to the possible suspension of the sale of the Shares as provided herein, the Trust agrees to sell the Shares so long as it has Shares of the respective Portfolio available.

 

5.2 The Trust shall furnish the Distributor copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of the Shares. The Trust shall make available to the Distributor copies of its Prospectus and annual and semi-annual reports upon request.

 

5.3 The Trust shall take, from time to time, but subject to the necessary approval of the Board, all necessary action to register the Shares under the Securities Act, to the end that there will be available for sale such number of Shares as the Distributor reasonably may expect to sell. The Trust agrees to file from time to time such amendments, reports and other documents as may be necessary in order that there will be no untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement, or necessary in order that there will be no omission to state a material fact in the Registration Statement which omission would make the statements therein misleading.

 

 

 
 

 

Duties of the Distributor

 

6.1 The Distributor shall be responsible for preparing all sales literature ( e.g ., advertisements, brochures and shareholder communications) with respect to each of the Portfolios, and shall file with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or the appropriate regulators all such materials as are required to be filed under applicable laws and regulations.

 

6.2 Sales of the Shares shall be on the terms described in the Prospectus. The Distributor may enter into similar arrangements with other investment companies. The Distributor shall not be obligated to sell any specific number of Shares.

 

6.3 The Distributor shall provide or arrange for the provision of the services set forth in the Plan.

 

6.4 The Distributor shall use reasonable efforts in all respects duly to conform with the requirements of all federal and state laws relating to the sale of the Shares, including, without limitation, all rules and regulations made or adopted pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act, the regulations of FINRA, or its predecessor, the National Association of Securities Dealers, and all other applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Specifically, the Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures for the confirmation of transactions as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b-10 under the Securities Exchange Act and the rules of FINRA.

 

6.5 The Distributor shall act as agent of the Trust in connection with the sale and redemption of the Shares. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Distributor shall act as principal with respect to all other matters relating to the promotion or the sale of the Shares.

 

6.6 The Distributor shall prepare reports for the Board regarding its activities under this Agreement as from time to time shall be reasonably requested by the Board, including reports regarding the use of payments received by the Distributor under the Plan.

 

6.7 The Distributor agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust all records and other information relative to the Portfolios and/or the Trust and its prior, present or potential shareholders, and not to use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except when so requested by the Trust or 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 Distributor may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities.

 

Section 7. Payments to the Distributor

 

The Trust shall pay to the Distributor, as compensation for services under the Plan, any fee set forth in the Plan. Any such fee is subject to the terms of the Plan. No additional compensation or reimbursement for expenses shall be provided by the Trust with respect to services under the Plan or services under this Agreement.

 

Section 8. Allocation of Expenses

 

The Trust shall bear all costs and expenses of the continuous offering of the Shares (except for those costs and expenses borne by the Distributor pursuant to the Plan and subject to the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act), including fees and disbursements of the Trust’s counsel and auditors, in connection with the preparation and filing of any required Registration Statements and/or Prospectuses under the Investment Company Act or the Securities Act, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and preparing and mailing annual and periodic reports and proxy materials to shareholders (including but not limited to the expense of setting in type any such Registration Statements, Prospectuses, annual or periodic reports or proxy materials). The Trust shall also bear the expenses it assumes pursuant to the Plan, so long as the Plan is in effect.

 

 

 
 

Indemnification

 

9.1 The Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor, and its officers and any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Distributor, its officers or any such controlling person may incur under the Securities Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in either thereof or necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading, except insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus; provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any such officer or controlling person unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine in a final decision on the merits, that the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement (“disabling conduct”), or, in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the indemnified person was not liable by reason of disabling conduct, by (a) a vote of a majority of a quorum of Trustees, including a majority of Trustees who are neither “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act nor parties to the proceeding, or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Trust’s agreement to indemnify the Distributor or its officers and any such controlling person as aforesaid is expressly conditioned upon the Trust’s being promptly notified of any action brought against the Distributor or its officers, or any such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or telegram addressed to the Trust at its principal business office. The Trust agrees to promptly notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Trust or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issue and sale of any Shares.

 

9.2 The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Trust, its officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Trust, if any, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Trust, its officers and Trustees or any such controlling person may incur under the Securities Act or under common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense incurred by the Trust, its Trustees or officers or such controlling person resulting from such claims or demands shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in information furnished by the Distributor to the Trust for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or necessary to make such information not misleading. The Distributor’s agreement to indemnify the Trust, its officers and Trustees and any such controlling person as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon the Distributor’s being promptly notified of any action brought against the Trust, its officers and directors or any such controlling person, such notification being given to the Distributor at its principal business office.

 

9.3 Except as provided in Section 9.1, the Distributor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust or any Portfolio in connection with matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 10. Duration and Termination of this Agreement

 

10.1 This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first above written and shall remain in force only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (a) the Board of the Trust, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Portfolio, and (b) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such parties and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement or in the operation of the Plan or in any agreement related

 
 

 

 

10.2 This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Portfolio, or by the Distributor, on sixty (60) days’ written notice to the other party. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.

 

10.3 The terms “affiliated person,” “assignment,” “interested person” and “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” when used in this Agreement, shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment Company Act.

 

Section 11. Amendments to this Agreement

 

This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if such amendment is specifically approved by (a) the Board of the Trust, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Portfolio, and (b) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such amendment.

 

Section 12. Separate Agreement as to Portfolios

 

The amendment or termination of this Agreement with respect to any Portfolio shall not result in the amendment or termination of this Agreement with respect to any other Portfolio unless explicitly so provided.

 

Section 13. Governing Law

 

The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey as at the time in effect, without regard to its conflicts of laws principles, and the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act. To the extent that the applicable law of the State of New Jersey, or any of the provisions herein, conflicts with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, the latter shall control.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year above written.

 

 

Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc.

 

 

By: /s/ George Gannon

Name:  George Gannon

Title:  President

 

 

Advanced Series Trust (on behalf of its portfolios as
listed on Exhibit A).

 

 

By: /s/ Robert F. O’Donnell

Name:  Robert F. O’Donnell

Title:  President

 

 
 

 

Exhibit A

AST AB Global Bond Portfolio

AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio

AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST AQR Large-Cap Portfolio

AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

AST BlackRock iShares ETF Portfolio

AST BlackRock Low Duration Bond Portfolio (formerly, AST PIMCO Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio)

AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio (formerly, AST PIMCO Total Return Bond Portfolio)

AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio

AST Bond Portfolio 2016

AST Bond Portfolio 2017

AST Bond Portfolio 2018

AST Bond Portfolio 2019

AST Bond Portfolio 2020

AST Bond Portfolio 2021

AST Bond Portfolio 2022

AST Bond Portfolio 2023

AST Bond Portfolio 2024

AST Bond Portfolio 2025

AST Bond Portfolio 2026

AST Bond Portfolio 2027

AST Bond Portfolio 2028

AST Boston Partners Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST Jennison Large-Cap Value Portfolio)

AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST ClearBridge Dividend Growth Portfolio

AST Cohen & Steers Realty Portfolio

AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio

AST Defensive Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio

AST FI Pyramis ® Quantitative Portfolio (formerly, AST First Trust Balanced Target Portfolio)

AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio

AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio

AST Global Real Estate Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio

 
 

AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio

AST Government Money Market Portfolio (formerly, AST Money Market Portfolio)

AST High Yield Portfolio

AST Hotchkis & Wiley Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio)

AST International Growth Portfolio

AST International Value Portfolio

AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan International Equity Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio

AST Jennison Global Infrastructure Portfolio

AST Jennison Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio

AST Loomis Sayles Large-Cap Growth Portfolio (formerly, AST Marsico Capital Growth Portfolio)

AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed Income Portfolio

AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio

AST Managed Equity Portfolio

AST Managed Fixed Income Portfolio

AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio

AST MFS Growth Portfolio

AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio

AST Multi-Sector Fixed Income Portfolio (formerly, AST Long Duration Bond Portfolio)

AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio

AST Neuberger Berman/LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio

AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio

AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio

AST Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio

AST QMA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

 
 

AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio

AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio

AST QMA US Equity Alpha Portfolio

AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio

AST RCM World Trends Portfolio

AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio

AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio (formerly, AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio)

AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio

AST Templeton Global Bond Portfolio

AST Value Equity Portfolio (formerly, AST Herndon Large-Cap Value Portfolio)

AST WEDGE Capital Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST Mid-Cap Value Portfolio)

AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio

AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio (formerly, AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio)

AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio

AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

Dated February 25, 2013, as amended effective as of April 29, 2013. As further amended effective as of December 31, 2013. As further amended as of April 15, 2014, July 1, 2015, December 21, 2015 and December 15, 2016.

 

AMENDMENT

Amendment made as of December 15, 2016 to that certain Custody Agreement dated as of November 7, 2002, as amended from time to time, between each Fund listed on the attached Schedule A thereto, including any series thereof (the “Fund”) and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly, The Bank of New York) (“Custodian”) (such Custody Agreement hereinafter referred to as the “Custody Agreement”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them pursuant to the Custody Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Custody Agreement to add certain Funds, as parties to the Custody Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Schedule A of the Custody Agreement shall be amended as set forth in Exhibit I to this Amendment, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

2. Each party represents to the other that this Amendment has been duly executed.

 

3. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts, shall, together, constitute only one amendment.

 

4. This Amendment shall become effective for each Fund as of the date of first service as listed in Exhibit I hereto upon execution by the parties hereto. From and after the execution hereof, any reference to the Custody Agreement shall be a reference to the Custody Agreement as amended hereby. Except as amended hereby, the Custody Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each Fund and Custodian have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

EACH FUND LISTED ON

EXHIBIT I HERETO

 

By: /s/ Peter Parrella

Name: Peter Parrella

Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

 

By: /s/ Shalini O’Suilleabhain Name: Shalini O’Suilleabhain

Title: Vice President

 

 

 
 

Exhibit I

SCHEDULE A TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT

INSURANCE FUNDS

RIC/Fund Name Former Name Date of First Service
Advanced Series Trust    
AST AB Global Bond Portfolio   7/8/15
AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio   2/25/13
AST AQR Large-Cap Portfolio   4/29/13
AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio   5/1/11
AST BlackRock iShares ETF Portfolio   4/29/13
AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio   4/15/14
AST Bond Portfolio 2016   1/1/09
AST Bond Portfolio 2017   12/31/09
AST Bond Portfolio 2018   1/28/08
AST Bond Portfolio 2019   1/28/08
AST Bond Portfolio 2020   1/1/09
AST Bond Portfolio 2021   12/31/09
AST Bond Portfolio 2022   12/31/10
AST Bond Portfolio 2023   12/28/11
AST Bond Portfolio 2024   11/14/12
AST Bond Portfolio 2025   12/5/13
AST Bond Portfolio 2026   1/2/15
AST Bond Portfolio 2027   12/21/15
AST Bond Portfolio 2028   12/15/16
AST Boston Partners Large-Cap Value Portfolio AST Jennison Large Cap Value Portfolio 9/25/09
AST Clearbridge Dividend Growth Portfolio   2/25/13
AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio   7/8/15
AST Defensive Asset Allocation Portfolio   4/29/13
AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio   7/8/15
AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio   4/15/14
AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio   4/15/14
AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio   4/15/14
AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio   7/8/15
AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio   4/15/14
AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio   1/28/08
AST Jennison Global Infrastructure Portfolio   4/15/14
AST Jennison Large Cap Growth Portfolio   9/25/09
AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio   7/1/14
AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio   7/8/15
AST Managed Equity Portfolio   4/15/14
AST Managed Fixed Income Portfolio   4/15/14
AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio   8/20/12
AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio   7/8/15
 
 

 

AST Multi-Sector Fixed-Income Portfolio AST Long Duration Bond Portfolio 2/25/13
AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio   7/8/15
AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio   3/25/12
AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio   10/5/11
AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio   4/15/14
AST QMA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio   2/25/13
AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio   1/5/15
AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio   4/29/13
AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio   5/1/11
AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio   4/15/14
AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio   12/5/13
AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio   7/8/15
AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio AST Aggressive Asset Allocation Portfolio 5/1/11
AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio   7/8/15
AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio   8/20/12
Prudential Series Fund    
Conservative Balanced Portfolio   7/25/05
Diversified Bond Portfolio   7/25/05
Flexible Managed Portfolio   7/25/05
Global Portfolio   7/25/05
Government Income Portfolio   7/25/05
Government Money Market Portfolio Money Market Portfolio 9/12/05
High Yield Bond Portfolio   7/25/05
Jennison Portfolio   7/25/05
Jennison 20/20 Focus Portfolio   7/25/05
Natural Resources Portfolio   7/25/05
Small Capitalization Stock Portfolio   7/25/05
Stock Index Portfolio   7/25/05
Value Portfolio   7/25/05
SP Prudential U.S. Emerging Growth Portfolio   7/25/05
Prudential Gibraltar Fund   7/25/05

 

RETAIL FUNDS

RIC/Fund Name Former Name Date of First Service
Prudential Global Total Return Fund, Inc. Dryden Global Total Return Fund, Inc. 6/6/05
Prudential Government Money Market Fund, Inc. Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc., MoneyMart Assets, Inc. 6/6/05
     
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc.    
Prudential Balanced Fund Prudential Asset Allocation Fund, Dryden Asset Allocation Fund, Dryden Active Allocation Fund 6/6/05
Prudential Jennison Equity Opportunity Fund Jennison Equity Opportunity Fund 6/27/05
Prudential Jennison Growth Fund Jennison Growth Fund 6/27/05
Prudential Conservative Allocation Fund JennisonDryden Conservative Allocation Fund 7/25/05
Prudential Growth Allocation Fund JennisonDryden Growth Allocation Fund 7/25/05
 
 

 

Prudential Moderate Allocation Fund JennisonDryden Allocation Fund 7/25/05
Prudential Investment Portfolios 2 Dryden Core Investment Fund  
Prudential Commodity Strategies Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Commodity Strategies Subsidiary, Ltd.   11/1/16
Prudential Core Bond Enhanced Index Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Core Short Term Bond Fund   Short Term Bond Series 6/6/05
Prudential Core Ultra Short Bond Fund Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund, Taxable Money Market Series 6/6/05
Prudential Institutional Money Market Fund   7/15/16
Prudential Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund   11/1/16
Prudential QMA Emerging Markets Equity Fund   11/1/16
Prudential QMA International Developed Markets Index Fund   11/1/16
Prudential QMA Mid-Cap Quantitative Core Equity Fund   11/1/16
Prudential QMA US Broad Market Index Fund   11/1/16
Prudential TIPS Enhanced Index Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Investment Portfolios 3 Jennison Dryden Opportunity Funds, Strategic Partners Opportunity Funds  
Prudential Jennison Select Growth Fund   Jennison Select Growth Fund, Strategic Partners Focused Growth Fund 12/9/02
Prudential Real Assets Fund   12/30/10
Prudential Real Assets Subsidiary, Ltd.   12/30/10
Prudential QMA Global Tactical Allocation Fund Prudential Global Tactical Allocation Fund 4/1/15
Prudential Global Tactical Allocation Subsidiary, Ltd.   4/1/15
Prudential Unconstrained Bond Fund   6/1/15
Prudential Global Absolute Return Bond Fund   10/1/15
Prudential Investment Portfolios 4 Dryden Municipal Bond Fund  
Prudential Muni High Income Fund High Income Series 6/6/05
Prudential Investment Portfolios 5 Strategic Partners Style Specific Funds  
Prudential Day One Income Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2010 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2015 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2020 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2025 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2030 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2035 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2040 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2045 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2050 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2055 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Day One 2060 Fund   11/1/16
Prudential Jennison Conservative Growth Fund     11/18/02
Prudential Jennison Rising Dividend Fund   3/5/14
Prudential Investment Portfolios 6 Dryden California Municipal Fund  
Prudential California Muni Income Fund   9/12/05
Prudential Investment Portfolios 7 JennisonDryden Portfolios  
Prudential Jennison Value Fund      6/27/05
 
 

 

Prudential Investment Portfolios 8 Dryden Index Series Fund  
Prudential QMA Stock Index Fund   Prudential Stock Index Fund   6/27/05
Prudential Investment Portfolios 9 Dryden Tax-Managed Funds  
Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund   3/30/11
Prudential International Bond Fund     11/1/16
Prudential QMA Large-Cap Core Equity Fund Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund, Dryden Large-Cap Core Equity Fund 6/27/05
Prudential Select Real Estate Fund   7/7/14
Prudential Real Estate Income Fund   6/1/15
Prudential Investment Portfolios 12 Prudential Global Real Estate Fund  
Prudential QMA Long-Short Equity Fund Prudential Long-Short Equity Fund 5/28/14
Prudential Short Duration Muni High Income Fund   5/28/14
Prudential US Real Estate Fund   12/21/10
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 14 Prudential Government Income Fund, Inc.  
Prudential Government Income Fund   Dryden Government Income Fund, Inc. 7/25/05
Prudential Floating Rate Income Fund     3/30/11
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 15 Prudential High Yield Fund, Inc., Dryden High Yield Fund, Inc.  
Prudential Short Duration High Yield Income Fund   9/24/12
Prudential High Yield Fund   7/25/05
Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 17 Prudential Total Return Bond Fund, Inc., Dryden Total Return Bond Fund, Inc.  
Prudential Total Return Bond Fund   7/25/05
Prudential Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond Fund   12/5/13
Prudential Investment Portfolios 18 Prudential Jennison 20/20 Focus Fund, Jennison 20/20 Focus Fund 6/27/05
Prudential Jennison 20/20 Focus Fund   6/27/05
Prudential Jennison MLP Fund   12/5/13
Prudential Jennison Blend Fund, Inc Jennison Blend Fund, Inc., Strategic Partners Equity Fund, Inc. 9/12/05
Prudential Jennison Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Inc. Jennison Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Inc., Jennison U.S. Emerging Growth Fund, Inc. 6/27/05
Prudential Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc. Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc. 6/27/05
Prudential Jennison Small Company Fund, Inc. Jennison Small Company Fund, Inc. 6/27/05
Prudential National Muni Fund, Inc. Dryden National Municipals Fund, Inc. 9/12/05
Prudential Sector Funds Jennison Sector Funds, Inc.  
Prudential Financial Services Fund Jennison Financial Services 6/27/05
Prudential Health Sciences Fund d/b/a Prudential Jennison Health Sciences Fund Jennison Health Sciences Fund 6/27/05
Prudential Utility Fund d/b/a Prudential Jennison Utility Fund Jennison Utility Fund 6/27/05
Prudential Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. Dryden Short-Term Bond Fund, Inc. 6/6/05
Prudential World Fund, Inc.    
Prudential Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund   3/30/11
Prudential QMA International Equity Fund Prudential International Equity Fund 6/6/05
Prudential Jennison Emerging Markets Equity Fund   9/3/14
Prudential Jennison Global Infrastructure Fund   8/12/13
Prudential Jennison Global Opportunities Fund   3/14/12
Prudential Jennison International Opportunities Fund   6/5/12
 
 

 

CLOSED END FUNDS

RIC/Fund Name Former Name Date of First Service
Prudential Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.   3/8/12
Prudential Global Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.   9/24/12
Prudential Real Estate Income Fund, Inc.   8/12/13

 

 

ADDITION OF PORTFOLIOS TO ACCOUNTING SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

This document relates to the addition by each registered investment company listed on Attachment A to this document (each an “Additional Fund”) to the Agreement (as defined below) of its investment portfolio listed on Attachment A to this document.

WHEREAS, each Additional Fund wishes to retain BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) (“BNY Mellon”) to provide the services set forth in the Agreement (as defined below) to its investment portfolios listed on Attachment A to this document (each an “Additional Portfolio”), and BNY Mellon wishes to furnish such services;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, each Additional Fund and BNY Mellon agree as follows:

1. For purposes of this document:
A. “Agreement” means the Accounting Services Agreement initially made as of July 1, 2005 separately by and between each of Advanced Series Trust (f/k/a American Skandia Trust) and Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 10 (f/k/a Strategic Partners Mutual Funds, Inc.) (each of which is a “Fund” under such Accounting Services Agreement) and BNY Mellon, as such Accounting Services Agreement may be amended or amended and restated from time to time.
B. “Effective Date” means, with respect to a particular Additional Portfolio, the effective date listed for such Additional Portfolio on Attachment A to this document (or such other date as agreed in writing between BNY Mellon and the Additional Fund to which such Additional Portfolio relates).

 

2. Each Additional Fund hereby appoints BNY Mellon to provide the services set forth in the Agreement, in accordance with the terms set forth in the Agreement, to each of its Additional Portfolios as of the Effective Date for each such respective Additional Portfolio. BNY Mellon accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such services as of the relevant Effective Date.
 
 
3. [Reserved].
4. An Additional Portfolio shall be deemed to be listed on Exhibit A attached to the Agreement as of the Effective Date for such Additional Portfolio, and as of the Effective Date for a particular Additional Portfolio (but not before such Effective Date) such Additional Portfolio shall be a “Portfolio” for all purposes under the Agreement.
5. For clarity and notwithstanding the provisions of the first sentence of Section 22(c) of the Agreement, this document embodies a portion of the agreement and understanding between each Additional Fund and BNY Mellon relating to the subject matter of the Agreement and the Agreement shall not supersede the terms and provisions of this document.
6. BNY Mellon is entering into this document with each of the Additional Funds separately, and any duty, obligation or liability owed or incurred by BNY Mellon with respect to a particular Additional Fund shall be owed or incurred solely with respect to that Additional Fund, and shall not in any way create any duty, obligation or liability with respect to any other Additional Fund. This document shall be interpreted to carry out the intent of the parties hereto that

BNY Mellon is entering into a separate arrangement with each separate Additional Fund.

 
 

 

Agreed:

 

BNY Mellon Investment Each Registered Investment Company set

Servicing (US) Inc. Forth on Attachment A attached hereto

 

 

By: /s/ Shalini O’Suilleabhain By: /s/ Peter Parrella

Name: Shalini O’Suilleabhain Name: Peter Parrella

Title: Vice President Title: Assistant Treasurer

 

Dated: December 15, 2016

 

 
 

ATTACHMENT A

 

additional fund additional portfolio effective date
Advanced Series Trust AST Bond Portfolio 2028 12/15/16

 

AMENDMENT

 

AMENDMENT made as of December 15, 2016 to that certain Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement made as of May 29, 2007 (the "TA Agreement"), between each of the investment companies listed in Exhibit A hereto including any series thereof (the "Fund") and Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC ("PMFS"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them pursuant to the TA Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the TA Agreement to add certain Funds, as parties to the TA Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Exhibit A of the TA Agreement shall be amended as set forth in this Amendment, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

2. Each party represents to the other that this Amendment has been duly executed.

 

3. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts, shall, together, constitute only one amendment.

 

4. This Amendment shall become effective for each Fund as of the date of first service as listed in Exhibit A hereto upon execution by the parties hereto. From and after the execution hereof, any reference to the TA Agreement shall be a reference to the TA Agreement as amended hereby. Except as amended hereby, the TA Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund and PMFS have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

EACH FUND LISTED ON EXHIBIT A HERETO

 

 

By: /s/ Scott E. Benjamin

Scott E. Benjamin

Title: Executive Vice President

 

PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND SERVICES LLC

 

By: /s/ Hansjerg P. Schlenker

Hansjerg P. Schlenker

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 
 

EXHIBIT A

 

FUNDS AND PORTFOLIOS

 

Retail Funds

Prudential Global Total Return Fund, Inc.

Prudential Government Money Market Fund, Inc. ( formerly, Prudential MoneyMart Assets, Inc .)

Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc.

  Prudential Balanced Fund ( formerly, Prudential Asset Allocation Fund )

  Prudential Conservative Allocation Fund

  Prudential Growth Allocation Fund

  Prudential Jennison Equity Opportunity Fund

  Prudential Jennison Growth Fund

  Prudential Moderate Allocation Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 2

Prudential Commodity Strategies Fund

Prudential Core Bond Enhanced Index Fund

Prudential Core Short Term Bond Fund

Prudential Core Ultra Short Bond Fund ( formerly, Prudential Core Taxable Money Market Fund )

Prudential Institutional Money Market Fund

Prudential Jennison Small-Cap Core Equity Fund

Prudential QMA Emerging Markets Equity Fund

Prudential QMA International Developed Markets Index Fund

Prudential QMA Mid-Cap Quantitative Core Equity Fund

Prudential QMA US Broad Market Index Fund

Prudential TIPS Enhanced Index Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 3

Prudential Global Absolute Return Bond Fund

Prudential Jennison Select Growth Fund

  Prudential QMA Global Tactical Allocation Fund ( formerly, Prudential QMA Global Tactical Allocation Fund )

  Prudential QMA Strategic Value Fund ( formerly, Prudential Strategic Value Fund )

  Prudential Real Assets Fund

Prudential Unconstrained Bond Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 4

  Prudential Muni High Income Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 5

  Prudential Day One Income Fund

Prudential Day One 2010 Fund

Prudential Day One 2015 Fund

Prudential Day One 2020 Fund

Prudential Day One 2025 Fund

Prudential Day One 2030 Fund

Prudential Day One 2035 Fund

Prudential Day One 2040 Fund

Prudential Day One 2045 Fund

Prudential Day One 2050 Fund

Prudential Day One 2055 Fund

Prudential Day One 2060 Fund

Prudential Jennison Conservative Growth Fund

Prudential Jennison Rising Dividend Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 6

  Prudential California Muni Income Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 7

  Prudential Jennison Value Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 8

 
 

  Prudential QMA Stock Index Fund ( formerly, Prudential Stock Index Fund )

Prudential Investment Portfolios 9

  Prudential Absolute Return Bond Fund

  Prudential International Bond Fund

  Prudential QMA Large-Cap Core Equity Fund ( formerly, Prudential Large-Cap Core Equity Fund )

Prudential Real Estate Income Fund

Prudential Select Real Estate Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 12

  Prudential Global Real Estate Fund

Prudential QMA Long-Short Equity Fund ( formerly, Prudential Long-Short Equity Fund )

Prudential Short Duration Muni High Income Fund

  Prudential U.S. Real Estate Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios 16  

  Prudential QMA Defensive Equity Fund ( formerly, Prudential Defensive Equity Fund )

  Prudential Income Builder Fund ( formerly, Target Conservative Allocation Fund )

Prudential Investment Portfolios 18

Prudential Jennison 20/20 Focus Fund

Prudential Jennison MLP Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 10

  Prudential Jennison Equity Income Fund

  Prudential QMA Mid-Cap Value Fund ( formerly, Prudential Mid-Cap Value Fund )

Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 14

  Prudential Floating Rate Income Fund

  Prudential Government Income Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 15 

  Prudential High Yield Fund

  Prudential Short Duration High Yield Income Fund

Prudential Investment Portfolios, Inc. 17

Prudential Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond Fund

Prudential Total Return Bond Fund

Prudential Jennison Blend Fund, Inc.

Prudential Jennison Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Inc.

Prudential Jennison Natural Resources Fund, Inc.

Prudential Jennison Small Company Fund, Inc.  

Prudential National Muni Fund, Inc.  

Prudential Sector Funds, Inc.

  Prudential Financial Services Fund

  Prudential Health Sciences Fund d/b/a Prudential Jennison Health Sciences Fund

  Prudential Utility Fund d/b/a Prudential Jennison Utility Fund

Prudential Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund, Inc.

Prudential World Fund, Inc.

  Prudential Emerging Markets Debt Local Currency Fund

Prudential QMA International Equity Fund ( formerly, Prudential International Equity Fund )

  Prudential Jennison Emerging Markets Equity Fund

  Prudential Jennison Global Infrastructure Fund

  Prudential Jennison Global Opportunities Fund

  Prudential Jennison International Opportunities Fund

The Target Portfolio Trust  

  International Equity Portfolio

Prudential Core Bond Fund (formerly, Intermediate-Term Bond Portfolio)

Prudential Corporate Bond Fund (formerly, Mortgage Backed Securities Portfolio)

  Prudential QMA Small-Cap Value Fund (formerly, Prudential Small-Cap Value Fund, Small Capitalization Value Portfolio)

Insurance Funds

 

 
 

Advanced Series Trust

AST AB Global Bond Portfolio

AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio

AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST AQR Large-Cap Portfolio

AST Balanced Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

AST BlackRock iShares ETF Portfolio

AST BlackRock Low Duration Bond Portfolio (formerly, AST PIMCO Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio)

AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio (formerly, AST PIMCO Total Return Bond Portfolio)

AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio

AST Bond Portfolio 2016

AST Bond Portfolio 2017

AST Bond Portfolio 2018

AST Bond Portfolio 2019

AST Bond Portfolio 2020

AST Bond Portfolio 2021

AST Bond Portfolio 2022

AST Bond Portfolio 2023

AST Bond Portfolio 2024

AST Bond Portfolio 2025

AST Bond Portfolio 2026

AST Bond Portfolio 2027

AST Bond Portfolio 2028

AST Boston Partners Large-Cap Value Portfolio ( formerly, AST Jennison Large Cap Value Portfolio )

AST Capital Growth Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST ClearBridge Dividend Growth Portfolio

AST Cohen & Steers Realty Portfolio

AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio

AST Defensive Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio

AST FI Pyramis ® Quantitative Portfolio

AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio

AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio

AST Global Real Estate Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio

AST Government Money Market Portfolio (formerly, AST Money Market Portfolio)

AST High Yield Portfolio

AST Hotchkis & Wiley Large-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST Large-Cap Value Portfolio)

AST International Growth Portfolio

AST International Value Portfolio

AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan International Equity Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio

AST Jennison Global Infrastructure Portfolio

AST Jennison Large Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio

AST Loomis Sayles Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

 
 

AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed-Income Portfolio

AST Managed Alternatives Portfolio

AST Managed Equity Portfolio

AST Managed Fixed-Income Portfolio

AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio

AST MFS Growth Portfolio

AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio

AST Multi-Sector Fixed-Income Portfolio

AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio

AST Neuberger Berman/LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio

AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST Preservation Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio

AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio

AST Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio

AST QMA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio

AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio

AST QMA US Equity Alpha Portfolio

AST Quantitative Modeling Portfolio

AST RCM World Trends Portfolio

AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio

AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio ( formerly, AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio )

AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio

AST Templeton Global Bond Portfolio

AST Value Equity Portfolio (formerly, AST Herndon Large-Cap Value Portfolio)

AST WEDGE Capital Mid-Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, AST Mid-Cap Value Portfolio)

AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio

AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio

AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio

AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

The Prudential Series Fund

Conservative Balanced Portfolio

Diversified Bond Portfolio

Equity Portfolio

Flexible Managed Portfolio

Global Portfolio

Government Income Portfolio

Government Money Market Portfolio (formerly, Money Market Portfolio)

High Yield Bond Portfolio

Jennison Portfolio

Jennison 20/20 Focus Portfolio

Natural Resources Portfolio

Small Capitalization Stock Portfolio

Stock Index Portfolio

Value Portfolio

 
 

SP International Growth Portfolio

SP Prudential U.S. Emerging Growth Portfolio

SP Small-Cap Value Portfolio

 

 

 

 

End of Exhibit A

December 19, 2016

 

 

 

 

Advanced Series Trust

655 Broad Street

17 th Floor

Newark, New Jersey 07102

 

Re: Advanced Series Trust (“Registrant”) Form N-1A; Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and Amendment No. 151 to the Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Amendment”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We provided an opinion to the Registrant dated April 25, 2005 (the “Opinion”), which the Registrant filed as an exhibit to its Registration Statement filed April 29, 2005.

 

We consent to the filing of this letter with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Amendment and the incorporation by reference of the Opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment. We also consent to the reference in the Registration Statement to the Trust to the fact that Goodwin Procter LLP serves as counsel to the Trust and has provided the Opinion.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Goodwin Procter LLP

 

Goodwin Procter LLP

 

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTION PLAN

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Advanced Series Trust (the “Trust”), including a majority of the

Independent Trustees (as defined herein), have concluded in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment and in light of their fiduciary duties under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), that there is a reasonable likelihood that this Plan (the “Plan”) will benefit each of the Trust’s portfolios listed on Schedule A (each a “Portfolio”) and the shareholders of each Portfolio;


NOW, THEREFORE, this Plan is hereby adopted as follows:

Section 1. The Trust is authorized to pay a fee (the “Services and Distribution Fee”) for the services

rendered and expenses borne as set forth in Section 2, including services and expenses in connection with the distribution of shares of the Trust, at an annual rate with respect to each Portfolio not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio. The Trust shall pay the Services and Distribution Fee to the distributor of the Trust’s shares (“Distributor”). Subject to such limit and subject to the provisions hereof, the Services and Distribution Fee must be approved at least annually by:

(a) a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and

(b) a majority of the Trustees who (i) are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the Act, and (ii) have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related thereto (the “Independent Trustees”).

If at any time this Plan shall not be in effect with respect to the shares of all Portfolios of the Trust, the Services and Distribution Fee shall be computed on the basis of the net assets of the shares of those Portfolios for which the Plan is in effect. The Services and Distribution Fee shall be accrued daily and paid bi-weekly or at such other intervals as the Board of Trustees shall determine. The Services and Distribution Fee shall not apply to Portfolios that invest all of their assets in other Portfolios. For Portfolios that invest a portion of their assets in other Portfolios, the Services and Distribution Fee shall apply only on assets not invested in other Portfolios.

Section 2. The Distributor shall provide (or arrange for the provision of) the following services and bear the following expenses (collectively, the “Services”):


• printing and mailing of prospectuses, statements of additional information, supplements, proxy

statement materials, and annual and semi-annual reports for current owners of variable life or variable

annuity contracts indirectly investing in the shares (the “Contracts”);

• reconciling and balancing separate account investments in the Portfolios;

• reconciling and providing notice to the Trust of net cash flow and cash requirements for net redemption

orders;

• confirming transactions;

• providing Contract owner services related to investments in the Portfolios, including assisting the Trust

with proxy solicitations, including providing solicitation and tabulation services, and investigating and

responding to inquiries from Contract owners that relate to the Portfolios;

• providing periodic reports to the Trust and regarding the Portfolios to third-party reporting services;

• paying compensation to and expenses, including overhead, of employees of the Distributor and other

broker-dealers and financial intermediaries that engage in the distribution of the shares, including but

not limited to commissions, servicing fees and marketing fees;

• printing and mailing of prospectuses, statements of additional information, supplements and annual and

semi-annual reports for prospective Contract owners;

• paying expenses relating to the development, preparation, printing, and mailing of advertisements,

sales literature, and other promotional materials describing and/or relating to the Portfolios;

• paying expenses of holding seminars and sales meetings designed to promote the distribution of the

shares;

• paying expenses of obtaining information and providing explanations to Contract owners regarding

investment objectives, policies, performance and other information about the Trust and its Portfolios;

 
 

• paying expenses of training sales personnel regarding the Portfolios; and

• providing other services and bearing other expenses for the benefit of the Portfolios, including

activities primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of the Trust.

Section 3. This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved by votes of the majority (or whatever

greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b) of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of both (a) the Trustees, and (b) the Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan. If adopted with respect to a Portfolio after the public offering of shares of that Portfolio (or the sale of shares to persons who are not affiliated persons of the Portfolio, affiliated persons of such persons, affiliated persons of the promoter or affiliated persons of such persons), the Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. Any agreement related to the Plan must be approved by votes of the majority (or whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b) of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of both (a) the Trustees, and (b) the Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the agreement.

Section 4. To the extent any payments made by a Portfolio pursuant to the Plan are deemed payments for the financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Act, such payments shall be deemed to be approved under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Portfolio shall be obligated to make any payments under the Plan that exceed the maximum amounts payable under Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or any successor rule thereto adopted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Section 5. This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year after it takes effect only so

long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided for approval of this Plan in Section 3 hereof.


Section 6. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the shares of the

Trust pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

 

Section 7. This Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to the shares of any Portfolio by vote of a

majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities representing the shares of that Portfolio.

All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan with respect to the shares of any

Portfolio shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan with respect to the shares of any Portfolio shall provide:

(a) That such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a

majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities

representing the shares of such Portfolio, on not more than 60 days’ written notice to any other party to

the agreement; and


(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

 

Section 8. This Plan may not be amended to materially increase the amount of Services and Distribution Fee permitted pursuant to Section 1 hereof with respect to any Portfolio until it has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities representing the shares of that Portfolio.


Section 9. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Plan, and any related agreement or written report regarding this Plan presented to the Board of Trustees for a period of not less than six years from the date of the Plan, agreement or written report, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

 
 

The provisions of the Plan are severable for each Portfolio of the Trust, and whenever any action is to be taken with respect to the Plan, such action shall be taken separately for each Portfolio of the Trust.


Section 11. While the Plan is in effect, the Board of Trustees shall satisfy the fund governance standards as defined in Rule 0-1(a)(7) under the Act.


Section 12. As used in this Plan, the terms “assignment,” “interested person,” and “majority of the

outstanding voting securities” shall have the respective meanings specified in the Act and the rules and

regulations thereunder, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange

Commission.

 
 

 

 

Schedule A

AST AB Global Bond Portfolio

AST Academic Strategies Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Advanced Strategies Portfolio

AST AQR Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST AQR Large-Cap Portfolio

AST BlackRock Global Strategies Portfolio

AST BlackRock iShares ETF Portfolio

AST BlackRock Low Duration Bond Portfolio

AST BlackRock/Loomis Sayles Bond Portfolio

AST BlackRock Multi-Asset Income Portfolio

AST Bond Portfolio 2016

AST Bond Portfolio 2017

AST Bond Portfolio 2018

AST Bond Portfolio 2019

AST Bond Portfolio 2020

AST Bond Portfolio 2021

AST Bond Portfolio 2022

AST Bond Portfolio 2023

AST Bond Portfolio 2024

AST Bond Portfolio 2025

AST Bond Portfolio 2026

AST Bond Portfolio 2027

AST Bond Portfolio 2028

AST Boston Partners Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST ClearBridge Dividend Growth Portfolio

AST Cohen & Steers Realty Portfolio

AST Columbia Adaptive Risk Allocation Portfolio

AST Emerging Managers Diversified Portfolio

AST FI Pyramis ® Quantitative Portfolio

AST Franklin Templeton K2 Global Absolute Return Portfolio

AST FQ Absolute Return Currency Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Global Growth Allocation Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Global Income Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Multi-Asset Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Small-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Portfolio

AST Government Money Market Portfolio

AST High Yield Portfolio

AST Hotchkis & Wiley Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST International Growth Portfolio

AST International Value Portfolio

AST Investment Grade Bond Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan Global Thematic Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan International Equity Portfolio

AST J.P. Morgan Strategic Opportunities Portfolio

AST Jennison Global Infrastructure Portfolio

AST Jennison Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Legg Mason Diversified Growth Portfolio

AST Loomis Sayles Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Lord Abbett Core Fixed Income Portfolio

AST MFS Global Equity Portfolio

AST MFS Growth Portfolio

AST MFS Large-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Morgan Stanley Multi-Asset Portfolio

AST Multi-Sector Fixed Income Portfolio

AST Neuberger Berman Long/Short Portfolio

AST Neuberger Berman/LSV Mid-Cap Value Portfolio

AST New Discovery Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST Parametric Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST Prudential Core Bond Portfolio

AST Prudential Flexible Multi-Strategy Portfolio

AST Prudential Growth Allocation Portfolio

AST QMA Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

AST QMA International Core Equity Portfolio

 
 

AST QMA Large-Cap Portfolio

AST QMA US Equity Alpha Portfolio

AST RCM World Trends Portfolio

AST Schroders Global Tactical Portfolio

AST Small-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST Small-Cap Growth Opportunities Portfolio

AST Small-Cap Value Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Asset Allocation Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Diversified Real Growth Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Growth Opportunities Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Large-Cap Growth Portfolio

AST T. Rowe Price Natural Resources Portfolio

AST Templeton Global Bond Portfolio

AST Value Equity Portfolio

AST WEDGE Capital Mid-Cap Value Portfolio

AST Wellington Management Global Bond Portfolio

AST Wellington Management Hedged Equity Portfolio

AST Wellington Management Real Total Return Portfolio

AST Western Asset Core Plus Bond Portfolio

AST Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

ADVANCED SERIES TRUST

AST Bond Portfolio 2028

Notice of Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver

 THIS NOTICE OF RULE 12B-1 FEE WAIVER is signed as of December 15, 2016, by PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES DISTRIBUTORS, INC. (PAD), the principal underwriter of the shares of each Portfolio of the Advanced Series Trust, an open-end management investment company (the Trust).

 

WHEREAS, PAD desires to waive a portion of its distribution and shareholder services fees (Rule 12b-1 fees) payable by the AST Bond Portfolio 2028 (the Portfolio) of the Trust; and

 

WHEREAS, PAD understands and intends that the Trust will rely on this Notice and agreement in preparing a registration statement on Form N-1A and in accruing the Portfolio’s expenses for purposes of calculating net asset value and for other purposes, and expressly permits the Trust to do so; and

 

WHEREAS, shareholders of the Portfolio will benefit from the ongoing contractual waiver by incurring lower operating expenses than they would absent such waiver.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, PAD hereby provides notice that it has agreed to limit the distribution and service fees (Rule 12b-1 fees) incurred the Portfolio of the Trust pursuant to the waiver schedule set forth below:

 

Average Daily Net Assets of Portfolio Distribution and Service Fee
 (12b-1 Fee) Rate Including Waiver
Up to and including $300 million 0.25% (no waiver)
Over $300 million up to and including $500 million 0.23%
Over $500 million up to and including $750 million 0.22%
Over $750 million 0.21%

 

 

This contractual waiver schedule, as set forth above, shall not have an expiration or termination date, and may not be modified or discontinued.

 

 
 

 

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PAD has signed this Notice of Rule 12b-1 Fee Waiver as of the day and year first above written.

 


PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES
DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

 

 

By: /s/ Rodney Allain

Name: Rodney Allain

Title: President, PAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Code of Ethics for JPMAM

Effective Date: 02/01/2005 | Last Revision Date: July 8th, 2016
Last Review Date: 07/08/2016

 
 

 

 

· TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Summary 3

2. Amendments to Previous Version Distributed June 29, 2015 4

3. Scope 4

4. Reporting Requirements 5

4.1. Holdings Reports 5

4.2. Transaction Reports 5

4.3 Exceptions from Transaction Reporting Requirements 6

5. Personal Trading Policies and Procedures 6

5.1 Approved Broker Requirement 6

5.2 Blackout Provisions 7

5.3 Minimum Investment Holding Period and Market Timing Prohibition 7

5.4 Trade Reversals and Disciplinary Action 7

6. Books and Records to be Maintained by Investment Advisers 8

7. Privacy 8

8. Anti-Corruption 8

9. Conflicts of Interest 9

9.1 Trading in Securities of Clients 9

9.2 Trading in Securities of Suppliers 9

9.3 Pre-clearance Procedures for Value-Added Investors 9

9.4 Gifts & Entertainment 9

9.5 Political Contributions and Activities 10

9.6 Charitable Contributions 11

9.7 Outside Business Activities 11

10. Training 12

11. Escalation Guidelines …………………………………………………………………..............................................13

11.1 Violation Prior to Material Violation 12

11.2 Material Violations 12

12. Defined Terms ………………………………………………………………………………………………………13-16

 

 
 

 

· Summary

This Code of Ethics for JPMAM (the “Code”) has been adopted by the registered investment advisers of JPMAM in accordance with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). Rule 204A-1 requires an investment adviser registered under section 203 of the Advisers Act to establish, maintain and enforce a written Code of Ethics.

This Code establishes our standards for ethical conduct which are premised on fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust. JPMAM hereby adopts the message from Jamie Dimon that was included in the JPMC Code of Conduct because it embodies JPMAM’s ethical standards:

 

At JPMorgan Chase, preserving our strong culture is a top priority. We must continue to embed the values of integrity, fairness and accountability in all that we do. Doing the right thing forms the foundation for how we do business, and our Code of Conduct represents our shared commitment to operate with the highest level of ethical conduct.

Every employee at JPMorgan Chase has a responsibility to follow the letter and spirit of the Code and its related policies. We will not compromise on our integrity, nor will we tolerate unethical behavior. Our business was built on doing the right thing, and we all must be accountable, straightforward and honest in everything we do.

I rely on each of you to fully understand and comply with our Code.  If you see something wrong, or are not sure if something is right, report it. Be accountable for your actions.   Ultimately, we rely on your personal integrity to protect and enhance the reputation of JPMorgan Chase. 

Above all, never underestimate the importance of your own conduct. Our success starts with each of the 230,000+ employees who help make this firm what it is today .”

Additionally, it is the duty of all Supervised Persons to act in the best interests of their clients, place the interests of JPMAM Clients before their own personal interests at all times and to avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Supervised Persons are the officers, directors (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions) or employees of JPMAM (including those authorized to act in an official capacity on behalf of JPMAM entities, sometimes referred to as dual hatted employees or any other person who provides investment advice on JPMAM’s behalf and is subject to JPMAM’s supervision or control.

Supervised Persons must comply with applicable Federal Securities Laws and promptly report any known or suspected violations of the Code promptly to the Code of Conduct Reporting Hotline, the Compliance Department, which shall report any such violation promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), or through the various reporting channels as provided in the How To Report A Violation page of the Code of Conduct intranet site. Your reporting obligations do not prevent you from reporting to the government or regulators conduct that you believe to be in violation of law and it does not require you notifying JPMAM prior to reporting to the government or regulators. JPMAM strictly prohibits intimidation or retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report about a known or suspected violation of the Code, or any law or regulation.

Compliance with the Code, and other applicable policies and procedures, is a condition of employment. The rules, procedures, reporting and recordkeeping requirements set forth in the Code are hereby adopted and certified as reasonably necessary to prevent Supervised Persons from violating the provisions of the Code and applicable Federal Securities Rules.

 
 

The Compliance Department provides a link to this Code and any amendments to all Supervised Person s in their Access Persons Report and requires their attestation of compliance with this Code at least annually. These records are maintained by the Compliance Department as part of its Books and Records as required by the Advisers Act.

Annually, the CCO of each registered investment adviser must review the adequacy of the Code and the policies and procedures herein referenced.

· Amendments to Previous Version Distributed June 29, 2015
· Updated Summary to address ethical standards of conduct
· This update includes revisions made in the JPMC Code of Conduct aimed at protecting employees who report suspected unethical conduct and violations of laws and regulations related to the firm’s business
· Replaced the Personal Trading Policy with the Personal Account Dealing – Global Investment Management Policy
· Updated Section 4.2 to provide for exceptions from providing transaction reports for accounts maintained at Approved Brokers.
· Updated Holding Reports Section 5.1b2 to reflect that Compliance may not require Annual Statement of Holdings for account held at Approved Brokers who provide Holding Reports to Compliance
· Replaced the JPM Investment Management Americas Gift and Entertainment Policy with GIM Gifts & Entertainment Supplement to the Code of Conduct
· Replaced the JPMAM Gift, Entertainment and Political Contributions Database with Reliance’s Gifts and Entertainment Module
· Section 8 amended to include the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act and remove references from JPMC’s Global AML and Anti-Corruption Policies
· 9.6 Charitable Contributions updated the appropriate governing policies: the Asset Management Expense Procedure (“AM Expense Policy”) and the, GIM Gifts & Entertainment Supplement to the Code of Conduct (“GIM G&E Policy”)
· Definitions: Deleted Personal Trading Policy

 

· Scope

This Code applies to all Supervised Persons of JPMAM.

In the event that a difference exists between any of the standards identified in JPMC Code of Conduct and the JPMAM Code of Ethics, the more restrictive provision shall apply.

JPMAM hereby designates the staff of its Compliance Department to act as designees for the respective CCO of the JPMAM registered investment advisers in administering this Code. Any questions regarding the Code or its application should be directed to the Compliance Department via email at JPMAM.Compliance.Mailbox@jpmorgan.com.

 

 

 
 
· Reporting Requirements
· Holdings Reports

Access Persons must submit holdings reports to the Compliance Department documenting current securities holdings:

· Content of Holdings Reports
· Each holdings report must contain, at a minimum:
· Account Details

The name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an Associated Account in which any Reportable Securities are

held for the Access Person’s direct or indirect benefit, as well as all pertinent Associated Account details (e.g., account title, account number, etc.).

 

· Account Statements

The title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership.

· Submission Date

The date the Access Person submits the report to the Compliance Department.

· Submission of Holdings Reports

Access Persons must submit both an Initial and Annual holdings report:

·          Initial Report

Must be submitted no later than 10 days after the person becomes an Access Person and the information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an Access Person .

·          Annual Report

Must be submitted at least once each 12-month period thereafter on January 30, and the information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the report was submitted, unless notified by Compliance that this is no longer required due to electronic position reporting received from Approved Brokers.

· Transaction Reports

Access Persons must submit to the Compliance Department securities transactions reports on a quarterly basis, in the form designated by the Compliance Department. Securities transaction reports must meet the following requirements:

 

· Content of Transaction Reports
 
 

Each transaction report must contain, at a minimum, the following information about each transaction involving a Reportable Security in which the Access Person had, or as a result of the transaction acquired, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:

· The date of the transaction, the title, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate and maturity date, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security involved;
· The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

·                   The price of the security at which the transaction was effected;

·                   The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and

· The date the Access Person submits the report to the Compliance Department.
· Timing of Transaction Reports

Each Access Person must submit a transaction report no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, which report must cover, at a minimum, all transactions during the quarter.

Transaction Reports are not required for accounts maintained at Approved or Preferred Brokers.

·                4.3 Exceptions from Transaction Reporting Requirements
An Access Person need not submit:
· Any report with respect to securities held in accounts over which the Access Person had no direct or indirect influence or control;
· A transaction report with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan ;
· Transaction Reports are not required for accounts maintained at Approved or Preferred Brokers.
· Any report with respect to transactions in Reportable Funds .
·
·          5. Personal Trading Policies and Procedures

Supervised Persons must obtain approval from the Compliance Department before directly or indirectly acquiring Beneficial Ownership in any Reportable Security , including initial public offerings and limited offerings. Given the potential access to Proprietary and Client information that Supervised Persons may have, JPMAM and its Supervised Persons must avoid even the appearance of impropriety with respect to personal trading, which must be oriented toward investment rather than short-term or speculative trading. The Personal Account Dealing - Global Investment Management Policy(“GIM PAD Policy”) is designed to help prevent and detect violations of securities laws and industry conduct standards and to minimize actual or perceived conflicts of interest that could arise due to personal investing activities.

 
 
·          5.1 Approved Broker Requirement
· Any Associated Account , except as otherwise indicated in the Personal Account Dealing - Global Investment Management must be maintained with an Approved Broker, as provided under the JPMC Code of Conduct and the GIM PAD Policy Approved Designated Brokers in North America:

Chase Investments Inc.

Charles Schwab

Edward Jones

E*Trade Financial

Fidelity Brokerage Services

Goldman Sachs

J.P. Morgan Private Bank (PB)

J.P. Morgan Securities

Merrill Lynch

Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney

Raymond James

Royal Bank of Canada

TD Ameritrade

Vanguard

Wells Fargo

·          5.2 Blackout Provisions

The personal trading and investment activities of Supervised Persons are subject to particular scrutiny due to the fiduciary nature of the business. Specifically, JPMAM must avoid even the appearance that its Supervised Persons conduct personal transactions in a manner that conflicts with the firm’s investment activities on behalf of Clients. Accordingly, certain Supervised Persons are restricted from conducting personal investment transactions during certain periods (called “Blackout Periods”), and may be instructed to reverse previously completed personal investment transactions. Additionally, the Compliance Department may restrict the personal trading activity of any Supervised Person if it is determined that such activity has the appearance of a possible conflict of interest.

The Blackout Periods set forth in the GIM PAD Policy reflects varying levels of restriction appropriate for different categories of Supervised Persons based upon their level of access to non-public Client or Proprietary information.

·          5.3 Minimum Investment Holding Period and Market Timing Prohibition

As set forth under the GIM PAD Policy, Supervised Persons are subject to a minimum holding period for all transactions in Reportable Securities and Reportable Funds .

Supervised Persons are not permitted to conduct transactions for the purpose of market timing in any Reportable Security or Reportable Fund . Market timing is defined as an

 
 

investment strategy using frequent purchases, redemptions, and/or exchanges in an attempt to profit from short-term market movements.

Please see the GIM PAD Policy for further details on transactions covered or exempted from the minimum investment holding period.

·          5.4 Trade Reversals and Disciplinary Action

Transactions by Supervised Persons are subject to reversal due to a conflict (or appearance of a conflict) with the firm’s fiduciary responsibility or a violation of the Code or the GIM PAD Policy. Such a reversal may be required even for a pre-cleared transaction that results in an inadvertent conflict or a breach of blackout period requirements under the Personal Account Dealing - Global Investment Management.

Disciplinary actions resulting from a violation of the Code will be administered in accordance with related JPMAM guidelines governing disciplinary action and escalation. All violations and disciplinary actions will be reported promptly by the Compliance Department to the employee’s group head and senior management. Violations will be reported quarterly to affected Fund’s Board of Directors.

Violations by Supervised Persons of the Code, the JPMC Code of Conduct or any laws or regulations that relate to JPMAM’s operation of its business or any failure to cooperate with an internal investigation may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal including termination of regulatory registration where applicable.

·          6. Books and Records to be maintained by Investment Advisers

The Compliance Department is responsible for maintaining books and records, including:

· A copy of this Code and any other code of ethics adopted by JPMAM pursuant to Rule 204A-1 that is in effect or has been in effect at any time within the past five years;
· A record of any violation of the Code, and any action taken as a result of that violation;
· A record of all written acknowledgments for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a Supervised Person of JPMAM;
· A record of each report made by Access Persons required under the Reporting Requirements;
· A record of the names of persons who are currently, or within the past five years were, Access Persons ;
· A record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve the acquisition or sale of securities by Supervised Persons under section 6. Pre-approval records of certain investments will be maintained for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted; and

·          Any other such record as may be required under the Code or the GIM PAD Policy.

·          7 Privacy

Supervised Persons have a responsibility to protect the confidentiality of information related to Clients . This responsibility may be imposed by law, may arise out of agreements with Clients , or may be based on policies or practices adopted by the firm. Certain jurisdictions have regulations relating specifically to the privacy of individuals and/or business and institutional customers.

 
 

Various business units and geographic areas within JPMC have internal policies regarding customer privacy.

 

The restriction on disclosing confidential information is not intended to prevent Supervised Persons from reporting to the government or a regulator any conduct Supervised Persons believe to be in violation of the law, or from responding truthfully to questions or requests from the government, a regulator or in a court of law.

·          8 Anti-Corruption

It is the policy of JPMC to comply with the anti-corruption laws that apply to the firm’s

Operations (and investments where the firm is deemed to have control), which includes the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the United Kingdom Bribery Act of 2010 (UKBA), as well as anti-corruption laws and regulations of other countries in which the firm conducts business. We must never compromise our reputation by engaging in, or appearing to engage in, bribery or any form of corruption. Bribery and corruption are crimes with potentially severe penalties to JPMC and its employees and directors. The firm has zero tolerance for such activity. Please see reporting and preclearance requirements for gifts and entertainment to Non US Government Officials in the, GIM Gifts & Entertainment Supplement to the Code of Conduct (“GIM G& E Policy”).

·             9 Conflicts of Interest

With regard to each of the following restrictions, more detailed guidelines may be found under the applicable JPMAM policy and/or the JPMC Code of Conduct.

·          9.1 Trading in Securities of Clients

Supervised Persons shall not transact in any securities of a Client with which the Supervised Person has or recently had significant dealings or responsibility on behalf of JPMAM if such investment could be perceived as effected based on confidential information, including material non-public information.

·          9.2 Trading in Securities of Suppliers

Supervised Persons in possession of information regarding, or directly involved in negotiating, a contract material to a supplier of JPMAM may not invest in the securities of such supplier. If you own the securities of a company with which we are dealing and you are asked to represent JPMorgan Chase in such dealings you must:

· Disclose this fact to your department head and the Compliance Department; and
· Obtain prior approval from the Compliance Department before selling such securities.

·          9.3 Pre-clearance Procedures for Value-Added Investors

Prior to any telephone calls, video, and in-person meetings between a Portfolio Manager, or employee arranging the meeting, and a Value-Added Investor who is meeting to discuss his/her personal investment (or prospective investment) in the JPMAM Private Investment Fund managed by the Portfolio Manager, the Portfolio Manager must obtain pre-clearance from Compliance. In order to obtain pre-clearance approval, the following information must be provided to Compliance prior to the meeting:

· Date and place of meeting;
 
 
· Name of Value-Added Investor , their employer, and job title;
· Name of private fund the Value-Added Investor is invested in (or may invest in);
· Names of all J.P. Morgan employees in attendance at the meeting and job titles;
· Purpose of the meeting.

Compliance will review the pre-clearance request and respond via email and will ensure that appropriate controls are instituted.

·          9.4 Gifts & Entertainment

Supervised Persons must avoid circumstances that may cause, or create the appearance of, a conflict of interest between JPMAM and its clients or other business/commercial contacts. Supervised Persons may not give or receive anything of value, directly or indirectly, to influence improper action or obtain an improper advantage. Furthermore, the giving and receiving of gifts, including entertainment and hospitality, to or from persons who do or seek to do business with JPMAM have the potential to create actual conflicts or the appearance of conflicts, and may negatively impact JPMAM.

 

Gifts and entertainment can take many forms, including but not limited to: goods or services for which employees are not required to pay the retail or usual and customary cost; meals or refreshments; tickets to entertainment or sporting events; the use of a residence, vacation home or other accommodation; travel expenses; or charitable contributions or organization sponsorships. In addition to gifts and entertainment, JPMAM Supervised Persons may not make, direct or solicit any other person to make, any political contribution or provide anything else of value to anyone for the purpose of influencing or inducing the awarding or retention of investment advisory services business.

 

Gifts

 

Supervised Persons are generally prohibited from giving or receiving gifts of any kind to or from any customer, supplier or other party doing business or seeking to do business with us. Limited exceptions allow Supervised Persons to accept (i) unsolicited items valued at $100 or less on infrequent occasions where gifts are customary, such as a major holiday or significant life event; (ii) advertising or promotional materials affixed with a company logo having a nominal retail value; or (iii) gifts of perishable food or beverages that are not easily returned. Excessive or non-conforming gifts must be returned or else approved in writing by a Global Investment Management Operating Committee (“GIMOC”) member and the Compliance Code Specialist. Gifts of cash or cash equivalents are strictly prohibited.

 

Similarly, Supervised Persons are prohibited from giving gifts or entertainment intended to influence others’ business decisions. Tangible gifts aggregating $100 or less per year may be given only to clients and only on customary occasions.

 

Supervised Persons are required to log all gifts subject to reporting into Reliance’s Gift and Entertainment Module for approval. Violations of the Policy are subject to the Escalation Guidelines.

 
 
· Entertainment

Entertainment includes business-related activities at which a host and guest are both present (e.g., meals, refreshments, golf games, sporting events, or other leisure and entertainment). Entertainment is considered a prohibited gift unless both the employee and business contact are present and the employee’s participation is related to his or her position and duties within JPMAM. Spouses, family members and personal acquaintances should not participate in entertainment activities unless such participation is customary under the circumstances.

Supervised Persons may act as a host for business entertainment to clients and prospects that are business related, is not prohibited by law, and whose cost is reasonable and customary. Frequent and/or lavish business entertainment is prohibited.

 

Supervised Persons are limited to accepting $250 in meals and entertainment from a client or counterparty per calendar year, with limited exceptions.  Once the $250 limit is reached, employees are required to pay for their own expenses.  In addition, Supervised Persons are prohibited from accepting invitations to ticketed events; limited exceptions may be granted with pre-approval from senior management and Compliance.

 

All gifts and entertainment provided to U.S. Government Officials must be pre-cleared by Compliance to ensure that they comply with jurisdictional restrictions.

 

Supervised Persons are required to log all entertainment subject to reporting into Reliance’s Gift and Entertainment Module for approval. Violations of the Policy are subject to the Escalation Guidelines.

 

9.5 Political Contributions and Activities

 

In accordance with Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-5, Supervised Persons are prohibited from making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with government entities.

 

To ensure compliance with this federal pay-to-play rule and various state and local laws, JPMAM Supervised Persons must receive pre-clearance before they or any members of their household make or solicit political contributions or engage in political activities in connection with any election in the United States or the Republic of Colombia. Contributions to JPMC Political Action Committees are excluded from pre-clearance and reporting requirements. New hires must also disclose their history of making and soliciting political contributions.

 

An employee cannot be reimbursed or otherwise compensated by JPMC for any political contribution. JPMC policies prohibit contributions of corporate funds to candidates, political party committees and political action committees. Supervised Persons are strictly prohibited from using JPMC resources to conduct personal political activities.

 

Violations of these requirements are subject to the Escalation Guidelines.

·          9.6 Charitable Contributions

Charitable contributions made on behalf of JPMC must adhere to the requirements of the AM Expense Policy and the GIM G & E Policy.

 
 
·          9.7 Outside Business Activities

A Supervised Person’s outside activities must not reflect adversely on the firm or give rise to a real or apparent conflict of interest with the Supervised Person’s duties to the firm or its Clients . Supervised Persons must be aware of potential conflicts of interest and be aware that they may be asked to discontinue any outside activity if a potential conflict arises. Supervised Persons may not, directly or indirectly:

· Accept a business opportunity from someone doing business or seeking to do business with JPMAM that is made available to the Supervised Person because of the individual’s position with the firm.
· Take for oneself a business opportunity belonging to the firm.
· Engage in a business opportunity that competes with any of the firm’s businesses.

More specific guidelines are set forth under the JPMC Code of Conduct. Procedures for pre-clearance of Outside Activities and Second Jobs are available on the JPMC Code of Conduct intranet site. Outside Business Activities must be attested to annually as part of the JPMC Code of Conduct affirmation.

If any material change in relevant circumstances occurs, Supervised Persons must seek clearance for a previously approved activity. A material change may arise from a change in your job or association with JPMAM or in your role with respect to that activity or organization. JPMAM employees are required to be continually alert to any real or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to investment management activities and promptly disclose any such conflicts to Compliance. Employees must also notify Compliance when any approved outside activity terminates.

Regardless of whether an activity is specifically addressed under JPMAM policies or the JPMC Code of Conduct, Supervised Persons should disclose any personal interest that might present a conflict of interest or harm the reputation of the firm.

· 10. Training

All employees of the firm are required to take several mandatory training courses given each year by Compliance (e.g., Code of Conduct).

 

11. Escalation Guidelines

Escalation Guidelines are applicable to all Supervised Persons of JPMAM and are maintained by Compliance. The Escalation Guidelines document is an internal Compliance document and is used to notify Group Heads, Managers and/or Human Resources (HR) of Supervised Persons’ violations of Compliance Policies along with the assigned severity of the applicable violations.

·          11.1 Violation Prior to Material Violation

While the Group Head is notified of all violations, he/she is required to have a meeting with the employee when the Supervised Persons’ next violation would be considered material, in order to stress the importance of the requirement and inform the employee about the ramifications for not following the policy. The employee is also required to acknowledge, in writing, (form to be provided by Compliance) that he/she is aware of the ramifications for noncompliance and he/she will be compliant going forward. The written acknowledgement

 
 

is signed by both the employee and Group Head, and returned to Compliance for record keeping.

·          11.2 Material Violations

All material violations require the Group Head (MD level) and HR to have a meeting with the employee and to document the meeting specifics in the employee's personnel file. The employee will be required to acknowledge in writing the material nature of the violation and that he/she will be compliant going forward. The written acknowledgement, signed by the employee, Group Head and HR, will be returned to Compliance for record keeping.

There will be a mandated suspension of personal trading privileges for six months for all material violations of the GIM PAD Policy or Access Persons reporting requirement. Compliance and the Group Head may allow transactions for hardship reasons, but require documentation for pre-clearance.

An employee’s receipt of a material violation is considered when determining the employee’s annual compensation and promotion.

·          12. Defined Terms
Access Persons

Access Persons of IM include:

(1) Employees of any legal entities that fall under the JPMIM business in the Americas, excluding J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services LLC and non-JPMIM persons of J.P. Morgan Institutional Investments Inc.

(2) Certain persons of other affiliated entities that have access to Proprietary information of IM and are located on floors utilized by IM persons at 270 Park Ave and persons that have been designated by Compliance as having access to IM Proprietary information

(3) Portfolio managers at J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Private Client Services and registered representatives at J.P. Morgan Private Client Services who hold 65 or 66 licenses

(4) All persons of entities affiliated with JPMIM that have been authorized by the Office of the Corporate Secretary to act in an official capacity on behalf of a legal entity within JPMIM, sometimes referred to as “dual-hatted” employees

(5) Certain consultants, agents, and temporary workers who are involved in the investment management process or have access to Proprietary information regarding Client recommendations or transactions on a pre-trade or same-day basis

Associated Account Is an account in the name of or for the direct or indirect benefit of a Supervised Person or a Supervised Person’s spouse, domestic partner, minor children and any other person for whom the Supervised Person provides significant financial support, as well as to any other account over which the Supervised Person or any of these other persons exercise investment discretion, regardless of beneficial interest.  Excluded from Associated Accounts are any 401(k) and deferred compensation plan accounts for which the Supervised Person has no investment discretion.
Automatic Investment Plan Is a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation.  An automatic investment plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.
 
 

 

Beneficial ownership Is interpreted to mean any interest held directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, or any pecuniary interest in equity securities held or shared directly or indirectly, subject to the terms and conditions set forth under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  A Supervised Person who has questions regarding the definition of this term should consult the Compliance Department.  Please note:  Any report required under section 5. Reporting Requirements may contain a statement that the report will not be construed as an admission that the person making the report has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.
Client Is any entity (e.g. person, corporation or Fund) for which JPMAM provides a service or has a fiduciary responsibility.
Federal Securities Laws Are the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), the Advisers Act, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (1999), any rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted there under by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury.
Fund Is an investment company registered under the 1940 Act.
Initial Public Offering Is an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
JPMAM

Is the abbreviation for JPMorgan Asset Management, a marketing name for the Investment Management subsidiaries of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Within the context of this document, JPMAM refers to the following U.S. registered investment advisers of JPMorgan Asset Management:

· J.P. Morgan Alternative Asset Management, Inc.

· JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Ltd.

· J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

· Security Capital Research & Management Inc.

· Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc.

JF International Management, Inc.

Limited Offering Is an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(2) or section 4(6) or pursuant to Rules 504, 505 or 506 there under.
Proprietary

Within the context of the Policy is:

(1) any research conducted by IM or its affiliates

(2) any non-public information pertaining to IM or its affiliates

(3) all JPM managed and sub-advised mutual funds

Reportable Fund Is any JPMorgan Proprietary Fund , including sub-advised funds
 
 

 

Reportable Security

Is a security as defined under section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act held for the direct or indirect benefit of an Access Person, including any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security”, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guaranty of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing. Excluded from this definition are:

·          Direct obligations of the Government of the United States;

·          Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high

quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

·          Shares issued by money market funds; and

·          Shares issued by open-end funds other than reportable funds

Supervised Persons

·          Any partner, officer, director (or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions) and employees of JPMAM;

·          All employees of entities affiliated with JPMAM that have been authorized by the Office of the Corporate Secretary to act in an official capacity on behalf of a legal entity within JPMAM, sometimes referred to as “dual hatted” employees;

·          Certain consultants, as well as any other persons who provide advice on behalf of JPMAM and are subject to JPMAM’s supervision and control; and

·          All Access Persons

Value–Added Investor

Is an executive level officer (i.e., president, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Partner) or director of a company, who, due to the nature of his/her position, may obtain material, non-public information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord, Abbett & Co. llc

Lord Abbett Distributor llc

Lord Abbett Family of Funds

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

 

 

July 2016

______________________________________________________________________

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section No. Description of Section Page Number
I

Standards of Business Conduct and Ethical Principles

 

3
II

Personal Investment Accounts Covered

 

4
III

Approved Brokerage Firms

 

5
IV

Types of Investments and Transactions

 

5
V

Required Minimum Holding Periods

 

10
VI

Reports and Certifications

 

11
VII

Administration of Code

 

13
Appendix A

Special Rules For Independent Board Members

 

A-1
Appendix B

Special Rules For Temporary Employees and Consultants

 

B-1
Appendix C

List of Approved Broker-Dealers

 

C-1
Appendix D

Special Preclearance Rules For Spouses or Domestic Partners of Lord Abbett Personnel

 

D-1
Appendix E

Notes

 

E-1

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

 

Lord Abbett’s focus on honesty and integrity has been a critical part of its culture since the firm’s founding in 1929. Lord Abbett is a fiduciary to the mutual funds and other client accounts (“Clients”) managed by the firm.

 

In recognition of these fiduciary obligations, the personal investment activities of Lord Abbett Partners and Employees (“Lord Abbett Personnel”) will be governed by the following general principles:

· Lord Abbett Personnel must place first the interests of Clients.
· Lord Abbett Personnel must conduct their personal investments consistent with the Code and in a manner that is designed to avoid or minimize any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of a person's position of trust and responsibility.
· Lord Abbett Personnel must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions with Lord Abbett or the Lord Abbett Family of Funds (the “Lord Abbett Funds”).
· Lord Abbett Personnel must comply with the Federal Securities Laws. [1]
· Lord Abbett Personnel must maintain all “internal use only” and/or proprietary information as confidential and not disclose or discuss such information with people outside Lord Abbett unless such disclosure is specifically permitted under another Lord Abbett policy.
· Lord Abbett Personnel may not give or accept favors or preferential treatment of any kind or gift or other thing in violation of Lord Abbett’s Gifts and Entertainment Policies and Procedures, or otherwise fail to comply with those policies and procedures.
· Lord Abbett Personnel may not become a director, officer or employee of any other company without Lord Abbett’s prior consent and, if appropriate, implementation of appropriate safeguards against conflicts of interest and apparent conflicts of interest.
· Lord Abbett Personnel may not participate in an outside business activity without providing prior written notice to Lord Abbett and receiving Lord Abbett’s prior consent. [2]

 

The independent members of the Boards of Directors/Trustees of the Lord Abbett Funds (the “Independent Board Members”) are subject to this Code as set forth in Appendix A. Consultants and temporary employees of Lord Abbett are subject to this Code as set forth in Appendix B.

 
 

 

PERSONAL INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS COVERED

The Code limitations on personal investments apply to all types of securities [3] accounts maintained in the name of any Lord Abbett Personnel or for which any Lord Abbett Personnel has a “ Beneficial Ownership” interest , except for the exempt types of accounts described below.

 

è What types of accounts are covered ?

 

Any account that that may invest in securities, including but not limited to brokerage accounts, IRA accounts, trust accounts, 401(k) and other retirement plan accounts, and dividend reinvestment or automatic investment plan accounts.

 

· You have a “Beneficial Ownership” interest in an account if:
o You directly or indirectly share in the profits in securities held in the account, even if you have no influence on voting or disposition of those securities.
o For example, you generally should consider yourself the “Beneficial Owner” of securities held in your spouse’s or domestic partner’s 401(k) and/or IRA accounts. [4]
è What types of accounts are not covered by all provisions of the Code (i.e., exempt from the Code in whole or in part) ?

 

Fully Discretionary Accounts meeting the requirements specified below are not subject to certain provisions of the Code, [1] and investments in any fund (including a Lord Abbett Fund) through a Lord Abbett-sponsored health savings account are not subject to any provisions of the Code.

 

è What is a “Fully Discretionary Account”?

 

This is an account where you do not have any “direct or indirect influence or control” over transactions before they occur.

 

· Your account qualifies as a Fully Discretionary Account over which you have “no direct or indirect influence or control” only if:
o Investment discretion for the account is delegated in its entirety to an independent fiduciary and is not in any way, either directly or indirectly, shared with or retained by you;
o You certify in writing, at the start of your employment with Lord Abbett or upon the opening of a fully discretionary account and annually thereafter, that you have not and will not discuss any potential specific investment decisions with the independent fiduciary before any transaction; and
o The independent fiduciary provides written confirmation of your representations.
 
 

NOTE : Written confirmation from the independent fiduciary is not required for separately managed accounts sponsored by broker-dealers.

 

· New Lord Abbett Personnel must disclose to Lord Abbett’s Compliance Department at the start of their employment all pertinent facts regarding any account that is a Fully-Discretionary Account or in which you have a Beneficial Ownership interest.

 

III. APPROVED BROKERAGE FIRMS

 

Brokerage accounts directly or beneficially owned by any Lord Abbett Personnel must be maintained at one or more of the approved firms identified in Appendix C, unless otherwise authorized by Lord Abbett’s General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer.

 

NOTE : (1) You must direct your brokerage firm(s) to send copies of all trade confirmations and monthly/quarterly statements (either in paper or electronically) to Lord Abbett’s Code of Ethics Officer in the Compliance Department.

 

(2) You must notify Lord Abbett’s Code of Ethics Officer in the Compliance Department about the opening of any such brokerage account within thirty (30) days of its opening.

IV. TYPES OF INVESTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS

 

There are four categories of investments and transactions:

· Permitted investments that DO NOT require preapproval
· Permitted investments that DO require preapproval
· Prohibited investments
· Prohibited transactions
 
 

 

è Permitted Investments

The categories of Permitted Investments and Preapproval requirements are set forth in the chart below:

 

Preapproval Required Preapproval Not Required
Purchase or sale of common stock, corporate bonds, and
municipal bonds
Purchase of common stock or bonds
through automatic investment plan/dividend reinvestment plan
Purchase or sale of non-U.S. funds Sale of 300 shares or less of common stock
of an S&P 500 Index company
Purchase or sale of closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and unit investment trusts (“UITs”) Receipt of securities through bankruptcy, insolvency, or  
non-discretionary corporate action
Purchase or sale of equity securities of a U.S. Instrumentality [5]

Purchase or sale of U.S. registered open-end mutual funds
(including all U.S. registered money market funds)

that do not trade on an exchange

  Purchase or sale of U.S. Government Securities, [6]
debt securities of a U.S. Instrumentality, and
Money Market Instruments [7]

 

è Preapproval Requests

 

è What is preapproval?

 

Before you make certain investments, you must seek and receive permission from the Compliance Department. This requirement is referred to as “preapproval.”

 

è How do I request preapproval?

 

You must submit your preapproval requests to the Compliance Department through the Protegent PTA system (“Protegent PTA”), or in such other manner as may be directed by the Compliance Department.

 

è How long does an approval last?

 

Approved requests remain effective until the earlier of :

· The end of the second business day after the date of approval.

Example : If a preapproval request is approved on Monday, then you can trade until the close of business on Wednesday.

· You learn that Lord Abbett is considering purchasing for a Client the security that was the subject of your preapproval request.
 
 

 

If the effectiveness of an approval lapses for any reason, you must submit a new request and receive another approval before you may purchase or sell the security.

 

è Is there a limit on the number of preapproval requests I can make?

 

You may not submit more than 20 preapproval requests in any one calendar year, including requests submitted after the lapse of a previously-granted approval. Preapproval requests for ETF transactions, however, will not count against your annual preapproval request limit.

 

è Is there a limit on the number of transactions I can make?

 

You may not complete more than 10 transactions requiring preapproval in any one calendar year. Completed ETF transactions, however, will not count against your annual transaction limit.

 

è Who is responsible for keeping track of the number of preapproval requests and transactions I make?

 

You are responsible for ensuring that you do not exceed the number of permitted preapproval requests and transactions. At present, Protegent PTA cannot be relied on to prevent you from exceeding the permitted number of preapproval requests and transactions. Please contact Compliance with any questions regarding the application of the annual preapproval request and transaction limits.

 

è Are there any exemptions available for new Lord Abbett Personnel ?

 

Without regard to the foregoing limitations on the number of preapproval requests and transactions, the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer may, in writing and subject to any appropriate conditions, permit new Lord Abbett Personnel to sell during their first 30 days at Lord Abbett any securities held prior to becoming Lord Abbett Personnel.

 

è Are there any special restrictions for investment personnel ?

 

Lord Abbett Personnel who participate in non-public investor meetings (for example, earnings meetings/calls, analyst meetings, etc.) with company management or otherwise “cover” or “follow” a company, may not request preapproval to purchase or sell securities of that company for a period of 6 months after the later of the most recent investor meeting or termination of coverage of that company. Participation in web events and other broad forums for company management that are open to buy- and sell-side firms, on the other hand, will not be treated as non-public investor meetings with company management for purposes of the above restriction.

è Will there ever be a period during which my ability to obtain preapproval may be suspended by Lord Abbett ?

 

Lord Abbett may suspend your ability to engage in transactions that require preapproval during any business interruption or other period in which it is impracticable for the

 
 

Compliance Department to follow its normal procedures in responding to preapproval requests.

 

Special Preapproval Rules : See Appendix D for special preapproval rules for certain transactions involving spouses or domestic partners of Lord Abbett Personnel.

 

è Prohibited Investments [8]

 

The following are prohibited investments under the Code:

· Futures or options on commodities, currencies, or other financial instruments
· Short sales or purchases on margin
· Options with respect to any security
· Initial public offerings or secondary public offerings
· Any security issued by a company (excluding exchange-traded funds and closed-end funds) with a market capitalization of less than $3 billion at the time of purchase
· Private Placement Securities [9]

NOTE : (1) A Fully Discretionary Account (and certain other accounts) for Lord Abbett Personnel may purchase Private Placement Securities. [10]

(2) Private Placement Securities that were owned prior to becoming Lord Abbett Personnel or that were acquired through an inheritance or other gift may be retained, but no additional discretionary purchases of these Private Placement Securities may be made.

(3) The General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer may exempt the following from this prohibition.

 

§ The purchase or holding of Private Placement Securities by Lord Abbett Personnel if such person determines there is no actual conflict with any Lord Abbett Client.
§ The receipt of Private Placement Securities by the spouses or domestic partners of Lord Abbett Personnel as compensation for their service as directors or employees of, or consultants to, a company.
§ The purchase of Private Placement Securities by the spouses or domestic partners of Lord Abbett Personnel to the extent required for their continued employment as directors or employees of, or consultants to, a company.

Any such exemptions will be reported to Lord Abbett’s Managing Partner promptly. [11]

 

è Prohibited Transactions

 

All Lord Abbett Personnel are subject to the trading prohibitions described below.
You may not :

· Trade on material non-public information, or fail to comply with Lord Abbett’s Insider Trading and Receipt of Material Non Public Information Policy and Procedure.
 
 
· Purchase or sell a security if there has been a determination to purchase or sell that security for a Client, or the purchase or sale is under consideration for a Client.
· Disclose information to anyone on other than on a need-to-know basis regarding a contemplated security transaction for a Client until that transaction has been completed or abandoned.
· Purchase or sell any security within 7 business days before or after any Client transactions in that security.

NOTE : (1) Any profits realized on these transactions will be forfeited to the relevant Client or as otherwise determined by Lord Abbett.

(2) The Chief Compliance Officer or the General Counsel may exempt any transaction from this requirement if the transaction for the Lord Abbett Personnel had no material effect on and/or did not benefit from the Client transaction(s).

· Engage in market timing activities with respect to any Lord Abbett Fund or any other mutual fund advised or subadvised by Lord Abbett.
· Own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any non-affiliated fund ( i.e. , any U.S. registered open-end fund not managed or subadvised by Lord Abbett). [12]
· Profit in the purchase and sale, or the sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) securities, within 60 calendar days.

NOTE : (1) Holding periods are calculated based on a “first-in, first-out” methodology.

(2) Any profits realized on these short-term transactions will be forfeited to the relevant Client or as otherwise determined by Lord Abbett.

 

 
 

 

V. REQUIRED MINIMUM HOLDING PERIODS

 

è General

 

Lord Abbett Personnel must hold certain mutual fund shares for a minimum of 30 days after purchase.

 

è Covered Funds

The minimum 30-day holding period applies to:

· All Lord Abbett Funds other than Lord Abbett Money Market Fund [13]
· Any other funds advised or subadvised by Lord Abbett
· Any fund held in a Lord Abbett 401(k) Retirement Plan account other than Lord Abbett Money Market Fund

 

è Types of Accounts

 

The minimum 30-day holding period applies to all accounts otherwise covered by the Code, including Lord Abbett 401(k) Retirement Plan accounts.

 

è Calculation of Holding Periods

 

Holding periods are calculated on a “first-in, first-out” basis.

 

è Exceptions to Holding Period Requirements

The minimum 30-day holding period does not apply to:

· Sales or exchanges of a fund within 30 days after purchase as the default investment choice for automatic enrollees in the Lord Abbett 401(k) Retirement Plan.
· Exchanges of Lord Abbett Fund shares for shares of a newly-offered Lord Abbett Fund for a period of up to 90 days after such newly-offered Fund first accepts investments.

 

è Requests for Exceptions

 

Requests for additional exceptions to the minimum 30-day holding period will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any such request must be approved by Lord Abbett’s Managing Partner and General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer.

 

è Board Reporting

 

Lord Abbett will report any approved exception to the Audit Committees of the Lord Abbett Funds.

 

 
 

 

REPORTS AND CERTIFICATIONS

 

è Initial and Annual Holdings Reports

 

Lord Abbett Personnel must, except as shown in the table below, submit a report detailing all of their personal investments using the required form or as otherwise directed by the Compliance Department when they start their employment at Lord Abbett and annually thereafter.

 

Holdings Not Required to be Included in Initial and Annual Holdings Reports  
Lord Abbett Funds purchased directly from Fund
or through Lord Abbett 401(k) Retirement Plan
 
Non-Affiliated Funds [14]  
Any U.S. registered money market fund (including Lord Abbett Money Market Fund)  
 
 
U.S. Government Securities  
Money Market Instruments  
 

 

Examples of holdings that must be included in initial and annual holdings reports include, without limitation :

 

· Lord Abbett Funds held through a brokerage account
· U.S. registered open-end funds advised or subadvised by Lord Abbett
· Non-U.S. funds
· Closed-end funds, ETFs, and UITs
· Common stock
· Corporate or municipal bonds
· Debt or equity securities of a U.S. Instrumentality
 
 

 

è Quarterly Transaction Reports

 

Lord Abbett Personnel must, except as shown in the table below, submit a quarterly report through Protegent PTA regarding all of their personal securities transactions in accordance with the requirements below.

 

Transactions Not Required to be Included in Quarterly Transaction Reports  
Purchase of Lord Abbett Funds directly from Fund or
through Lord Abbett 401(k) Retirement Plan and redemptions
 
Purchase or sale of Non-Affiliated Funds  
Purchase or sale of any U.S. registered money market fund
(including Lord Abbett Money Market Fund)
 
 
 
Purchase of common stock through reinvestment of dividends or
through an automatic investment plan made in accordance with predetermined schedule
 
Purchase or sale of U.S. Government Securities  
Purchase or sale of debt securities of a U.S. Instrumentality  
Purchase or sale of Money Market Instruments  

 

Examples of transactions that must be included in quarterly transaction reports include, without limitation , the purchase or sale of:

 

· Lord Abbett Funds held through a brokerage account
· U.S. registered open-end funds advised or subadvised by Lord Abbett
· Non-U.S. funds
· Closed-end funds, ETFs, and UITs
· Common stock
· Corporate or municipal bonds
· Equity securities of a U.S. Instrumentality

 

NOTE : You must submit a quarterly transaction report to the Compliance Department even if you had no reportable transactions during that quarter .

 

 
 

 

è Annual Certifications

 

Lord Abbett Personnel must, on an annual basis, make certain certifications through Protegent PTA or in such other manner as directed by the Compliance Department, including, without limitation , that they:

· Have received, read, and understand the Code and any amendments to the Code
· Recognize they are subject to the Code
· Have complied with the requirements of the Code
· Have disclosed or reported all transactions required to be disclosed or reported

 

è Due Dates for Reports and Certifications

 

Report Filing Due Date Information Current As Of
  Initial Holdings Report 10 days after becoming  
Lord Abbett Personnel
At least 45 days prior to becoming Lord Abbett Personnel  
  Annual Holdings Report January 31st Calendar Year End  
  Quarterly Transaction Report 30 days after calendar quarter Calendar Quarter  
  Annual Certification January 31st N/A  
         

 

VII. ADMINISTRATION OF CODE

è Distribution of Code and Amendments

 

The Compliance Department will ensure that copies of the Code are provided to Lord Abbett Personnel, Independent Board Members, and temporary employees and consultants in accordance with the table below.

 

Applicable Party When Provided
Lord Abbett Personnel At start of employment
Temporary employees and consultants After six-month anniversary
Independent Board Members At appointment or election to Board

 

The Compliance Department will ensure that copies of any amendment to the Code also are provided as soon as reasonably practicable after approval. Documents may be provided through paper, electronic, or internet-based means.

 

è Administration and Enforcement of Code

 

 
 

The General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer are responsible for administering and enforcing the Code, and they may appoint one or more designees to aid them in carrying out their responsibilities. The Compliance Department is responsible for reviewing transaction and holdings reports, and certifications, and processing preapproval requests. The Compliance Department will establish such procedures and conduct such oversight in assessing compliance with the Code as the Chief Compliance Officer, in consultation with the General Counsel, deems appropriate. All personal transaction and holdings reports and preapproval requests submitted by the Chief Compliance Officer must be reviewed by the General Counsel.

 

è Reporting Violations

Any violation of the Code must be reported promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer, or, in his absence, to the General Counsel. The Chief Compliance Officer will bring to the attention of the Audit Committees of the Lord Abbett Funds any violation of the Code, and the action, if any, taken by Lord Abbett in response to such violation. The Audit Committee may recommend that it is appropriate to take additional or different action. The record of any Code violation discussion will be made a part of the permanent records of the Audit Committees.

 

è Sanctions

 

Lord Abbett may take any action against a violator as it deems appropriate, up to and including suspension or termination from the firm.

 

è Board Reporting

The Chief Compliance Officer, in consultation with the General Counsel, will prepare an “Annual Issues and Certification Report” to the Board that among other things:

· Summarizes Lord Abbett's procedures concerning personal investing.
· Identifies and summarizes any changes or recommended changes to those procedures.
· Certifies that Lord Abbett’s procedures are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Code.
· Summarizes any violations of the Code over the past year and any sanctions imposed.

 

è Exemptions

Lord Abbett’s Managing Partner, General Counsel, or Chief Compliance Officer may exempt a proposed transaction or series of transactions from one or more provisions of the Code if it is determined that the proposal is consistent with the policy and purposes underlying the Code. [15]

 
 

APPENDIX A

SPECIAL RULES FOR INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS

 

è Preapproval and Reporting Requirements

 

General : The Independent Board Members generally will not receive information that will subject their personal securities transactions to the requirements of this Code. Therefore, Independent Board Members generally are not required to :

· Obtain preapproval from the Compliance Department to purchase or sell securities.
· Submit holdings and transaction reports to the Compliance Department.
o This rule also applies to options received or exercised by Independent Board Members who are directors or employees of, or consultants to, a company, along with the sale of the securities underlying the options.

 

Voluntary Preapproval : Independent Board Members may voluntarily seek preapproval of any securities transaction at any time.

 

Exception Where Preapproval Required : If, at a meeting or otherwise, an Independent Board Member learns of Lord Abbett’s or a Lord Abbett Fund’s current or contemplated investment transaction in any company, then the Independent Board Member must:

· Promptly report this information to the Chief Compliance Officer.
· Obtain preapproval in accordance with the Code for any personal securities transactions in that company during the 30 day period after learning such information, in accordance with Section IV of the Code.

 

Exception Where Quarterly Transaction Reporting Required : An Independent Board Member must submit a quarterly transaction report to the Compliance Department pursuant to Section VI of the Code when he/she knows, or in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as an Independent Board Member should have known, at the time of such transaction, that during the 15-day period immediately before or after the date of the transaction ( i.e. , a total of 30 days) such security was or was to be purchased or sold by any Lord Abbett Fund or such a purchase or sale was or was to be considered by a Lord Abbett Fund. If an Independent Board Member enters into any such transaction, he/she must report all securities transactions effected during the quarter for his or her account or for any account in which he/she has a Beneficial Ownership interest, unless it is a Fully-Discretionary Account.

 

Brokerage Statements : Independent Board Members must direct their brokerage firms to send copies of all trade confirmations and monthly/quarterly statements (either in paper or electronically) to the Code of Ethics Officer in the Compliance Department.

 
 

è Trading Prohibitions

 

Independent Board Members generally are subject to the Prohibited Transactions provision in Section IV of the Code. [16]

 

è Other Board Positions

 

Prior to becoming a director of any public company, Independent Board Members must advise Lord Abbett's Managing Partner and discuss whether accepting such appointment creates any conflict of interest or other issues.

 

è Annual Certification Requirement for Independent Board Members

 

Independent Board Members must comply with the annual certification requirement referenced in Section VI of the Code.

 
 

APPENDIX B

 

SPECIAL RULES FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS

 

Temporary employees and consultants are subject to the following rules:

· Temporary employees and consultants who work at Lord Abbett for more than 6 months are subject to all preapproval and reporting requirements in the same manner as Lord Abbett Personnel.
· Temporary employees and consultants who work at Lord Abbett for more than 12 months must maintain any direct or beneficially owned brokerage accounts only at the approved firms identified in Appendix C, unless otherwise authorized by the Chief Compliance Officer or the General Counsel.

NOTE : For purposes of applying these rules, a former temporary employee or consultant who re-engages with Lord Abbett must count the period of every prior Lord Abbett engagement unless more than 6 months have lapsed since the most recent engagement.

 

 
 

APPENDIX C

 

LIST OF APPROVED BROKER-DEALERS

 

Merrill Lynch* Citi
Bank of America* UBS
Edward Jones Fidelity
Linsco/PrivateLedger Schwab
Wells Fargo Met Life
Raymond James Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney

 

* Bank of America and Merrill Lynch are on separate trading platforms.

 
 

APPENDIX D

 

SPECIAL PRECLEARANCE RULES FOR SPOUSES OR DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF LORD ABBETT PERSONNEL

 

è Stock Options

 

If your spouse or domestic partner is a director or an employee of, or a consultant to, a company, his/her receipt and exercise of options to acquire securities of that company (or an affiliate) and the sale of the securities underlying those options are subject to the specific preapproval and transaction reporting requirements below.

 

Preapproval and Quarterly Transaction Reporting Required Preapproval and Quarterly Transaction Reporting Not Required
Sale of underlying securities in connection with “cashless” exercise of options by spouse/domestic partner Receipt of options by spouse/domestic partner
Sale of underlying securities
after initial “cash exercise”
of options by spouse/domestic partner
Exercise of options without
sale of underlying securities
(i.e., “cash exercise” of options) by spouse/domestic partner

 

è Private Placement Securities

 

If your spouse or domestic partner is a director or an employee of, or a consultant to, a company and holds Private Placement Securities pursuant to an exemption received from the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer as described in Section IV of the Code under the heading “Prohibited Investments – Private Placement Securities,” you must:

 

· Obtain preapproval for sales of those Private Placement Securities.
· Include sales of those Private Placement Securities in your quarterly transaction reports.
· Include those Private Placement Securities in your annual holdings reports.

 

 
 

APPENDIX E

NOTES


[1] Fully Discretionary Accounts may be maintained at brokerage firms not on Lord Abbett’s list of approved firms, are not subject to preapproval or transaction limitations, or minimum holding period requirements, and may purchase (1) options on securities, (2) futures or options on commodities, currencies, or other financial instruments, and (3) Private Placement Securities, all of which are otherwise limited or prohibited under the Code.

[1] . “ Federal Securities Laws ” includes the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Commodity Exchange Act, Title V of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, and any rules adopted by the SEC or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission under any of those statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to mutual funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury.

[2] . Lord Abbett Personnel also must comply with all applicable Lord Abbett policies and procedures, including the Insider Trading and Receipt of Material Non Public Information Policy and Procedure, Gifts and Entertainment Policies and Procedures and Whistleblower Policy and Procedures.

[3] . The term “ security ” means any: (i) common or preferred stock, bond, debenture or, in general, any instrument commonly known as a security under the Federal Securities Laws; (ii) any separate security which is convertible into, exchangeable for, or which carries a right to purchase or sell, a security, including warrants; and (iii) an option, futures contract, option on a futures contract, and swap where the reference asset is a security, a securities index, or other financial indicator.

[4] . “ Beneficial Ownership ” will be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 16a-1 thereunder. Examples of “Beneficial Ownership” include: (i) securities held by your immediate family sharing the same house with you (with certain exceptions). For purposes of the Code, immediate family includes spouse, child, and a domestic partner (of the same or opposite gender) that has been identified to Lord Abbett through enrollment in Lord Abbett’s medical, dental, or vision insurance benefit coverage (; (ii) your interest in securities held by a general or limited partnership where you are a general partner; (iii) your interest in securities held in trust as trustee, beneficiary or settlor; and (iv) your right to acquire securities through options, rights, or other derivative securities ( e.g. , stock options or restricted stock from a former employer).

[5] U.S. Instrumentality ” means any U.S. Government agency, authority, or instrumentality, including, without limitation, the Government National Mortgage Association, the Export-Import Bank, the Small Business Administration, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

[6] . “ U.S. Government Securities ” means securities issued by the United States Treasury, including, without limitation, U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and bonds.

[7] . “ Money Market Instruments ” includes bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, or other high quality short-term debt instruments (including repurchase agreements).

[8] . Lord Abbett reserves the right to make exceptions in advance of such trading based upon unusual facts and circumstances.

[9] . “ Private Placement Securities ” refers to securities that are sold in transactions that are exempt from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and related rules. A typical example would be interests in a hedge fund.

[10] . The other accounts in which Private Placement Securities may be purchased are: any government plan; any collective trust fund consisting solely of retirement assets; or any stock bonus, pension, or profit sharing trust for any Lord Abbett Associate that meets the requirements for qualification under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

[11] . Any holdings of, and transactions in, Private Placement Securities remain subject to all other applicable preapproval and transaction and holding reporting requirements of the Code.

 

[12] . Your ownership of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any Non-Affiliated Fund (as defined in Note 15 below) will not result in the imposition of any sanctions as long as you reduce your ownership below 5% within 60 days from the date you knew or should have known that your ownership was equal to or exceeded the 5% limit.

[13] . “ Lord Abbett Money Market Fund ” means Lord Abbett U.S. Government and Government Sponsored Enterprises Money Market Fund.

[14] . “ Non-Affiliated Fund ” means any U.S. registered open-end fund that is not advised or subadvised by Lord Abbett.

[15] . Such persons may not, however, exempt their own transactions from the Code.

[16] . Independent Board Members are not, however, subject to the prohibitions listed in the fourth, sixth, and seventh bullet points under the heading “Trading Prohibitions” in Section IV of the Code.

WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P.

Personal Security Trading Policy

Effective October 1, 2002 (Revised August 2016)

 

I.                      Introduction

This Policy is part of WEDGE’s Code of Ethics and is designed to uphold our fiduciary duty to our clients. In conducting business and carrying out the provisions of the Policy, WEDGE associates shall:

 

A.         Place the interests of our clients first at all times

B.          Conduct personal securities transactions in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility

C.        Not take inappropriate advantage of their positions

D.         Maintain confidentiality of information concerning WEDGE trading activity, except when disclosure is required on a professional basis

E.          Comply with all applicable federal securities laws

 

II.                    General Provisions

A.         Associates are required to acknowledge receipt of the Code of Ethics, and all amendments thereof, in writing.

B.          Associates are required to report any violations of the Code of Ethics promptly to the compliance department.

C.        Associates are discouraged from short-term trading (generally defined as holding a security for less than 30 calendar days).

D.         No associate or his/her spouse is permitted to be a director of a public company without prior Management Committee approval.

 

Doubtful situations should be resolved in favor of WEDGE’s clients. Technical compliance with the Policy’s procedures will not automatically insulate transactions from scrutiny if there is an indication of abuse of fiduciary responsibility.

 

 

III.                   Definitions

A.         Access Persons – All supervised persons (i.) who have access to nonpublic information regarding any client’s purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund, or (ii.) who are involved in making securities recommendations to clients or have access to such recommendations that are nonpublic.

 

B.          Beneficial Interest – The opportunity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the subject securities.

 

An associate is presumed to have a Beneficial Interest in the following:

1.      Securities owned individually or jointly

2.      Securities owned by Immediate Family members who reside in the associate’s household

3.      Securities in which Immediate Family members, who reside in the associate’s household, exercise Investment Control

 

C.        Schwab Compliance Technologies (SCT) – SCT is the automated compliance system used by WEDGE to collect, report and monitor associate’s trades, gifts, entertainment and political contributions, and track affirmations and disclosures.

 

D.         Direct Obligations of the Government of the United States – Securities backed by the full faith and credit of the Unites States government. These include direct obligations of the federal government (e.g. Treasuries) and securities issued by agencies of the U.S. government which are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (e.g. GNMA’s).

 

 
 

E.          High Quality Short-Term Debt – Any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and which is rated in one of the highest two rating categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, or which is unrated but is of comparable quality.

 

F.           Immediate Family – Immediate Family includes: spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, and in-laws. Immediate Family also includes adoptive relationships and other relationships (whether or not recognized by law) that the compliance department determines could lead to possible conflicts of interest or appearances of impropriety such as a fiancée.

 

G.        Investment Control – An associate is deemed to have Investment Control in all accounts in which he or she has authority to place a trade or is an investment decision-maker.

 

H.         Reportable Account * – Any account that holds or is capable of holding any securities (not just reportable securities) in which an associate has Investment Control or Beneficial Interest.

 

I.            Reportable Fund - Any fund for which WEDGE serves as an investment adviser as defined in Section 2(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any fund whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls WEDGE, is controlled by WEDGE, or is under common control with WEDGE.

 

J.           Reportable Security * – Any security in which an associate has Investment Control or Beneficial Interest except a security specifically exempted by Rule 204A-1 of the Act.

 

Exempted securities include:

1.      Direct obligations of the government of the United States

2.      Money market instruments, including bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements

3.      Shares issued by money market funds

4.      Securities effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan, unless the transaction overrides the set schedule or allocations of the plan

5.      Shares issued by open-end funds other than Reportable Funds

6.      Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are reportable funds.

 

K.          Security – The term “security” includes any stock, bond, investment contract or limited partnership interest, any option on a security, index, or currency, any warrant or right to subscribe to or otherwise acquire any security, and any other instrument as defined by Section 202(a)(18) of the Investment Advisers Act (the “Act”).

 

 

*Any uncertainty regarding a Reportable Account or Reportable Security should be brought to the attention of the compliance department.

 

IV.                 Individuals Covered by the Policy

All WEDGE associates are considered Access Persons and are required to abide by the Policy.

 

V.                   Reporting Requirements

A.         Initial Holdings Disclosure

All new associates must complete the Annual Holdings Disclosure and Brokerage Account Disclosure in SCT to report all Reportable Accounts and reportable securities held as of the associate’s start date or as of a date no more than 45 calendar days prior to joining WEDGE. These disclosures must be submitted to the compliance department within 10 calendar days of the associate’s start date.

 

 
 

B.          Annual Holdings Disclosure

By January 30 th of each year, all associates must complete the Annual Holdings Disclosure and Brokerage Account Disclosure in SCT to report all Reportable Accounts and reportable securities held as of December 31 of the prior year.

 

C.        Duplicate Confirmations and Statements

To comply with the reporting requirements of the Act and facilitate the review process, associates must arrange for an electronic feed of their investment account to SCT to be set-up (for applicable brokers only), or for the direct mailing of all Reportable Account statements, and trade confirmations thereof, to the following address:

 

WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P.

Compliance - FBO (insert name)

301 S. College Street, Suite 3800

Charlotte, NC 28202-6002

 

A form letter, which can be used for the purpose of requesting duplicates, is located in the WEDGE Policies Manual. Please see a member of the compliance group for further information on setting up an electronic feed.

 

In the event confirmations and statements cannot be sent directly to WEDGE or received electronically, all confirmations and statements for Reportable Accounts must be up-loaded to SCT no later than 30 days following the end of each quarter. An exception to this may be for WEDGE sponsored retirement accounts through Allerus Financial in which the associate can only hold fund options selected by the WEDGE 401(k) trustees. Fund options selected by the trustees may only be Non-Reportable Funds and may not conflict with client trades. However, these securities must still be reported annually as part of the Annual Holdings Disclosure.

 

D.         New or Closed Accounts

Associates must disclose to the compliance department when a Reportable Account has been opened or closed within 30 days of the end of the quarter in which the account was opened or closed. The Brokerage Account Disclosure, which is part of the Quarterly Affirmation in SCT, should be used for this purpose.

 

E.          Quarterly Affirmation

On a quarterly basis, all associates must complete the Quarterly Affirmation in SCT in which they provide certain attestations relating to the Code of Ethics, including trading activity and account changes during the quarter. Responses are due no later than the 30 th day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter.

 

VI.                 Pre-clearance of Personal Securities Transactions

A.         Securities Requiring Pre-clearance

Associates are required to receive authorization from the compliance department before trading common stocks, options on common stocks, securities convertible to common stocks, taxable bonds, and private placements in accounts in which the associate has sole or shared Investment Control. Mutual funds and exchange traded funds are common examples of securities excluded from this requirement.

 

B.          Pre-clearance Exemptions

The following types of security transactions are exempt from pre-clearance:

1.        Securities obtained through an automatic dividend reinvestment plan

2.        Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class

3.        Securities obtained through a merger, spin-off, split or corporate action

4.        Transactions in securities not listed in section VI. A.

 
 

 

 

C.        Pre-clearance Process

1.        The associate wishing to place a trade in a Reportable Account should first determine if the trade requires pre-clearance by reviewing section VI.A. If required, the associate must complete a pre-clearance request in SCT. A member of the compliance department will approve or deny the request. In no event will anyone be allowed to approve/deny his or her own request. If the trade is approved, it should be executed on the proposed trade date as designated on the request.

 

2.        If the trade is not approved, the compliance member will deny the request and send the associate an explanation. If the associate disagrees with the denial, he or she may complete a new request and must obtain approval from two members of the compliance department. The original denied request should be presented with the new request.

 

3.        An analyst’s absence from the office will not preclude a personal trade from being approved. However, the analyst’s absence should be noted on the request form by the approver.

 

VII.                Blackout Periods

 

Note: These restrictions do not apply to rebalance transactions in which fewer than half of WEDGE’s designated accounts are involved.

 

A.         Trades Subject to Same-Day Blackout Period

Associates are not allowed to trade a personal security on the same day that WEDGE trades the same security for its clients.

 

B.          Trades Subject to Five-Day Blackout Period

1.        Associates are not allowed to buy a security that WEDGE anticipates buying for its clients within the next five business days.

 

2.        Associates are not allowed to buy a security that WEDGE has sold for its clients within the last five business days.

 

3.        Associates are not allowed to sell a security that WEDGE anticipates selling for its clients within the next five business days.

 

4.        Associates are not allowed to sell a security that WEDGE has bought for its clients within the last five business days.

 

C.        Trades Subject to Indefinite Blackout Period

Associates are not allowed to trade stocks on the Restricted Stock List as referenced in the Insider Trading Policy.

 

D.         Blackout Exceptions

1.        Quantitative Portfolio Stocks

Stocks, and related convertibles and options, held in WEDGE clients’ Enhanced Core, Small-Mid Cap Value QVM, and Large Cap Value QVM accounts may be bought or sold on any day except the day the applicable model is rebalanced, or trades are pending execution as a result of a model rebalance, and that rebalance involves more than half of WEDGE’s designated accounts.

 
 

 

 

 

2.        Initial Public Offerings

Purchases of any shares in an IPO are prohibited if the security is equity or a security convertible into equity.

 

3.        New Associates

A new associate may sell a personal security that is also held in client accounts if requested within 10 days of hire. A request must be completed and accompanied by a letter explaining the reason for the sale. The request must be approved by the CCO prior to commencing the trade.

 

4.        Gifts of Securities

An associate may gift a security that is held in WEDGE clients’ accounts to a nonprofit organization (charitable, educational, religious, etc.), provided that the associate making the gift retains no beneficial interest. Approval will be granted only if there are no pending trade orders or orders anticipated in the next five business days for the security. The organization to which the gift is being made should be clearly identified on the request. A confirmation is not required to be matched with the request.

 

VIII.              Options

 

A.         A request must be approved prior to the purchase of an option on common stock and prior to the option being exercised, liquidated or rolled into a new strike price or expiration date. A request does not need to be completed when an option position expires unexercised.

 

B.          Under no circumstances may an employee or partner initiate an option transaction on a stock held in WEDGE Large, Mid, Small, International or Micro Cap portfolios.

 

C.        If an analyst has an option position on a stock he or she is planning to recommend, the option position must be liquidated prior to the first purchase of the related stock for WEDGE clients.

 

D.         If an associate, other than the analyst recommending a stock purchase for WEDGE clients, has an option position on a stock recommended for purchase for WEDGE clients, the associate is frozen in that option position until five business days after the stock purchase is complete. After the blackout period, the option position may be liquidated, exercised or allowed to expire, but may not be rolled to a new strike price or date. If the option expiration date occurs during the blackout period, the associate may, on the last trading day before the expiration date, either exercise the option, let the option expire, or roll the option position to the next expiration date (at the same strike price, if available, or the closest strike price then available).

 

IX.                  Securities Convertible to Common Stock

Securities convertible to common stock will be treated the same as common stock for the purposes of this Policy.

 

X.                   Asset Classes

Personal trades in an asset class (e.g. fixed income, common stock) will be evaluated within that asset class and without regard to client positions held in other asset classes of the same issuer.

 

XI.                  Review Procedures

 

A.         Personal Trade Confirmation Review

A compliance associate will review pre-clearance requests in SCT to ensure they are properly matched to a trade confirmation. A compliance associate will also review and initial all hard copy trade confirmations that are not automatically received in SCT.

 
 

 

B.          Quarterly Affirmation and Annual Holdings Review

The compliance department will distribute, collect, and review quarterly affirmations and Annual Holdings Disclosures. Any Policy violations noted during these reviews will be reported to the Management Committee.

 

C.        Violations

Any technical violations with an inconsequential impact on WEDGE clients will be discussed with the individual at fault with the goal of achieving strict adherence to the Policy. Any matters of a more severe nature must be brought before the CCO, and potentially the Management Committee, as soon as practical, after which sanctions will be issued based upon the severity of the violation. Freezing of personal trading, disgorgement of profits or termination of employment may be a recommended punishment if the violation is severe, or there is flagrant misuse of personal trades.

 

D. Internal Audit and Supervision

The Policy will be reviewed by the compliance department annually to determine if any revisions are necessary. Periodic reviews will be conducted to test Policy compliance and all findings and any actions taken will be reported to the Management Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST QUADRANT, L.P.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

TAble of Contents

 

Part 1. GeneRAL Principles.…….…………………………………………...……………1

Part 2.    Scope of the Code 2
A.   Topics Addressed in the Code 2
B.   Persons Covered by the Code 3
1. Securities Covered by the Code 3
Part 3.    Standards of Business Conduct 4
A.   Compliance with Laws and Regulations 4
B.   Conflicts of Interest 4
C.   Insider Trading 5
D.   Personal Securities Transactions Policies and Procedures 5
E.   Gifts, Business Entertainment and Charitable Donations Policies and Procedures 11
F.   Political Contributions and Fund Raisers 14
G.   Confidentiality 15
H.   Service on a Board of Directors 15
Part 4.    Compliance Procedures 15
A.   Certification of Compliance 15
Part 5.    Administration and Enforcement of the Code 15
A.   Training and Education 15
B.   Annual Review 16
C.   Reports to Boards 16
D.   Reporting Potential Violations/Wrongdoing 16
E.   Recordkeeping 18

 

 

 

 

 
 

Part 1. General Principles

 

First Quadrant, L.P. (“First Quadrant” or the “Firm”) and its personnel have an overarching fiduciary duty to its clients and an obligation to uphold that fundamental duty. The general principles of that duty, as set forth below, should govern the conduct of all First Quadrant personnel, whether or not the conduct also is covered by more specific standards and procedures set forth in First Quadrant’s Code of Ethics (the “Code”). First Quadrant personnel should act at all times with honesty, integrity, and professionalism and adhere to the following general principles of duty:

 

· To place the interests of clients first;
· To conduct all personal securities transactions in such a manner as to be consistent with First Quadrant’s Code and to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an employee’s position of trust and responsibility;
· To not take inappropriate advantage of or abuse their position of trust and responsibility;
· To keep the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of clients confidential; and
· To maintain independence in the investment decision-making process.

 

Failure to abide by these principles could have adverse effects on the Firm’s reputation. Consequently, failure to comply with these principles and the Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

The purpose of the Code is to establish procedures consistent with Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Accordingly, no Access Person shall --

1. Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud;
2. Make any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
3. Engage in any act, practice or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person; or
4. Engage in any manipulative practice.

Any questions related to the Code should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).

 

Part 2. Scope of the Code

 

A. Topics Addressed in the Code

 

A high standard of honesty and integrity in all business transactions and practices is a central part of First Quadrant’s philosophy. Consistent with this, First Quadrant expects each Supervised Person, as defined below, to avoid any activity that may reflect negatively on personal or First Quadrant integrity, which could be seen as a conflict of interest, or which could compromise First Quadrant or its clients in any way. With this philosophy in mind, the Code addresses securities-related conduct and focuses principally on fiduciary

 
 

duty, personal securities transactions, insider trading, gifts and business entertainment, charitable donations, political contributions and conflicts of interest.

 

B. Persons Covered by the Code

 

Supervised Persons include:

 

· Partners and officers of First Quadrant;
· Employees of First Quadrant;
· Certain persons who provide advice on behalf of First Quadrant and are subject to First Quadrant’s supervision and control (e.g., temporary workers), or particular persons designated by the CCO; and
· Certain consultants and independent contractors. (Note: While certain consultants and independent contractors are not subject to the supervision and control of First Quadrant, they are bound by a contractual duty and may also be designated by the CCO to abide by these general principles and First Quadrant’s Code. As such, they are included here for purposes of this document.)

 

Family Members : For purposes of First Quadrant’s personal securities transactions, “employee”, “account”, and “Supervised Person” are further defined to include anyone living in the partner or employee’s household who looks to the employee or partner for support and any account in which he or she has a direct or indirect beneficial interest (such as a trust) or has discretionary trading authority.

 

1. Securities Covered by the Code

 

Covered Security means any stock, bond, future, investment contract or any other instrument that is considered a “security” under the Investment Advisers Act (“Advisers Act”). The term “Covered Security” is very broad and includes items you might not ordinarily think of as “securities”, such as:

 

· futures and options on securities, indexes, currencies, and commodities;
· all forms of limited partnerships;
· domestic and foreign unit investment trusts and closed-end funds; and
· private investment funds, hedge funds, investment clubs or any other limited or private offerings.

 

Covered Security does not include:

 

· direct obligations of the U.S. government (e.g., Treasury securities);
· bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase agreements;
· shares issued by money market funds;
· shares of open-end mutual funds other than Reportable Funds (defined below); and
· shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are Reportable Funds.

 

Reportable Fund means shares of open-end mutual funds that are advised or sub-advised by First Quadrant or its affiliates (a list of Reportable Funds is located on the Firm’s Wiki at Compliance/ Code of Ethics at http://web.fqw.com/ ).

 

 
 

Reportable Security means any security described as a “Covered Security”, “Reportable Funds”, and Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”).

 

 

Part 3. Standards of Business Conduct

 

A. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

 

In accordance with the General Principles outlined in Part 1, Supervised Persons must comply with all applicable federal securities laws, rules, regulations and Firm policies governing the business practices of First Quadrant.

 

 

B. Conflicts of Interest

 

As a fiduciary, First Quadrant has an affirmative duty of care, loyalty, honesty, and good faith to act in the best interests of its clients. Supervised Persons are expected to conduct themselves at all times in compliance with this duty by avoiding conflicts of interest and by fully disclosing all material facts concerning any conflict that does arise with respect to any client or First Quadrant’s business. Supervised Persons subject to First Quadrant’s Code must try to avoid situations that have even the appearance of conflict or impropriety.

 

1. Conflicts Among Client Interests. From time to time, potential conflicts of interest may arise between a portfolio manager's management of the investments of one type of portfolio, on the one hand, and the management of other types of portfolios.  The portfolio managers oversee the investments of various types of portfolios in the same strategy, such as mutual funds, pooled investment vehicles and separate portfolios for individuals and institutions.  Investment decisions generally are applied to all portfolios utilizing that particular strategy, taking into consideration client restrictions, instructions and individual needs.  A portfolio manager may manage a portfolio whose fees may be higher or lower than the fees charged to another portfolio.  Management of multiple funds and portfolios may create potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities, and the aggregation and allocation of client trades.  Additionally, the management of different types of portfolios may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of one type of portfolio.

 

2. Competing with Client Trades. First Quadrant prohibits Supervised Persons from using knowledge about pending or currently-considered securities transactions on behalf of clients to profit personally, directly or indirectly, as a result of such transactions, including by purchasing or selling such securities, or for the profits of others. Conflicts raised by personal securities transactions also are addressed more specifically in Section D below.

 

3. Referrals/Brokerage. As a fiduciary, First Quadrant conducts its business in a fully disclosed manner. Supervised Persons must act in the best interests of First Quadrant’s clients regarding brokerage and other costs incurred by clients in connection with First Quadrant’s management of the client’s portfolio. Supervised Persons are reminded to strictly adhere to First Quadrant’s policies and procedures regarding brokerage services (including allocation, best execution, and directed brokerage).

 

 
 
4. Disclosure of Investments and Transactions with Related Parties . Supervised Persons are required to disclose at the time of their initial employment with the Firm, and subsequently in advance of entering into, any investment and/or financial transactions (including loans, guarantees or extensions of credit, written or oral contracts or commitments, and employment arrangements) they and their Family Members have or intend to make with anyone with whom First Quadrant has a Business Relationship. For these purposes, a Business Relationship is presumed to exist with the following: clients, prospective or potential clients, consultants, brokers, dealers, and vendors. Investments or financial transactions of a de-minimis nature below an annual $1,000 threshold are not subject to disclosure. Reporting and requests for approval of any such activity should be made to the Compliance Department.

 

C. Insider Trading

 

No First Quadrant Supervised Person shall (i) purchase or sell, either personally or on behalf of others (such as private portfolios managed by First Quadrant), any security while in possession of material, non-public information regarding such security or (ii) communicate material, non-public information to others without the consent of the CCO after due consideration of the appropriateness of such communication. “Material non-public information” relates not only to issuers but also to First Quadrant’s securities recommendations and client securities holdings and transactions. This policy applies to the activities of Supervised Persons both within and outside their duties at First Quadrant.

 

Procedures Regarding Material Non-Public Information

 

Whenever a Supervised Person of First Quadrant receives material, non-public information about a company, that individual should not trade or recommend trading on the basis of such information or divulge such information to persons other than the CCO until that individual is satisfied that the information is public. If the Supervised Person has any question at all as to whether the information is material or inside and not public, that individual must resolve the question or questions before trading, recommending trading or divulging the information.

 

Additional requirements for personal trading in the securities of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG) have been adopted by AMG for its affiliates (including First Quadrant) and their employees, officers and directors. These procedures can be found in the Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. Insider Trading Policy and Procedures (the “AMG Policy”) which is available on the Firm’s Wiki at Compliance/Code of Ethics at http://web.fqw.com/ ). See the AMG Policy for an expanded discussion of the term “material, non-public information”.

 

Any question as to the applicability or interpretation of the foregoing procedures or the propriety of any desired action, must be discussed with the CCO prior to trading or recommending trading of a security .

 

 

D. Personal Securities Transactions Policies and Procedures

 

Supervised Persons are required to strictly comply with First Quadrant’s policies and procedures regarding personal securities transactions.

 

D1. Prohibited Transactions

 

 
 

Supervised Persons shall not cause or permit the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of any Covered Security in which they have, or by reason of such transaction acquire, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership* and which to their actual knowledge at the time of such purchase or sale is or has:

 

· being recommended to a First Quadrant client;
· under consideration for such recommendation;
· being purchased or sold by First Quadrant on behalf of a client;
· been purchased or sold by First Quadrant on behalf of a client within the last four (4) business days, which includes the date the request to trade is submitted; or
· an initial public offering.

 

 

* For further information regarding “beneficial ownership”, please see the CCO.

 

D2. Pre-Clearance of Personal Securities Transactions

 

Information concerning Covered Securities traded by First Quadrant on behalf of its clients for the last 4 business days is available from First Quadrant’s portfolio accounting system. Generally, Supervised Persons may not purchase or sell any Covered Security traded within the last 4 business days, nor any Covered Security found on the Firm’s trade blotters. Additionally, Supervised Persons may not purchase or sell any “derivative” security that derives its value from a Covered Security traded within the last 4 business days or found on the Firm’s trade blotters . Supervised Persons wishing to transact in AMG stock must receive prior approval from the CCO or their designee and from the General Counsel of AMG or their designee in accordance with the AMG Insider Trading Policy. Additionally, all acquisitions of securities by a Supervised Person in a private investment fund, hedge fund, investment club or any other limited or private offering must receive prior approval from the CCO or their designee.

 

Except as specifically permitted in Section D4 and prior to any purchase or sale of a Covered Security not prohibited under Section D1 , every Supervised Person must fully complete a Preclearance Request on Schwab Compliance Technologies (“SCT”). The Supervised Person seeking approval to trade may not trade the security until notification of approval is received. An approved Preclearance Request expires at the end of the date of approval. If the approved trade is not executed during the specified time period it must be re-submitted through SCT. This policy effectively prohibits the use of “good til cancelled” limit orders of any kind.

 

 

D3. Discretionary Third-Party Managed Accounts

 

A Discretionary Third-Party Managed Account is an account: (a) for which a Supervised Person has granted a trustee or a discretionary third-party manager investment authority over the account; and (b)over which the Supervised Person has no direct or indirect influence or control with respect to purchases or sales of securities or allocations of investments.

 

Supervised Persons may maintain Discretionary Third-Party Managed Accounts subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements described below. Provided they comply with all requirements of this Code, such accounts are exempt from the pre-clearance requirements outlined in Section D2.

 

Disclosure Requirements for Discretionary Third-Party Managed Accounts

All Access Persons who maintain Discretionary Third-Party Managed Accounts must disclose such accounts in SCT. Such disclosure must include the following information:

 
 
· Account Owner Name
· Account Number
· Name and Contact Information of the trustee or discretionary third-party manager
· The trustee’s or discretionary third-party manager’s firm
· Description of the Access Person’s relationship to the trustee or discretionary third-party

Manager if any, including any affiliation or family relationship that may exist between the Access Person and the person or firm managing the account

 

Additionally, the Access Person must promptly notify the Compliance Department when there is a change in the third-party managed account arrangements

 

Reporting Requirements for Discretionary Third-Party Managed Accounts

First Quadrant Compliance will require the provision of account statements for all Discretionary Third-Party Managed Accounts annually; however, additional statements may also be required to facilitate Compliance’s oversight and monitoring of such accounts. First Quadrant’s Compliance Department may also require Access Persons to re-certify their arrangements with the trustees or third party managers of the discretionary accounts periodically.

 

In addition, Compliance may periodically request a confirmation from the trustee or discretionary third-party manager of each Discretionary Third-Party Managed Account to confirm the account continues to be discretionary and that there have been no instances where the Access Person had direct or indirect influence or control of the account.

 

 

D4. Exceptions to Pre-Clearance Requirements

 

Transactions in the following Covered Securities shall not require pre-clearance under Section D2:

 

· Transactions in Covered Securities (other than private investment funds, hedge funds, investment clubs or any other limited or private offerings ) that do not exceed $2,000 (i.e., share price x number of shares) in any particular security on any given day, provided that the aggregate of all transactions valued at less than $2,000 in Covered Securities made during any rolling three-month period does not exceed $20,000. Once the $20,000 threshold has been met for a rolling three-month period, all subsequent transactions in Covered Securities, regardless of their value, must be pre-cleared. For derivative transactions, the $2,000 per day and $20,000 per rolling three-month period de minimis thresholds apply to the notional value of the transaction rather than face amount.
· Purchases or sales of shares of open-end mutual funds , regardless of whether or not they are advised or sub-advised by First Quadrant or its affiliates. Reportable Funds, which are open-end mutual funds advised or sub-advised by First Quadrant and its affiliates, are reportable, but do not require preclearance. A list of Reportable Funds is located on the Wiki at General Office/Compliance/Code of Ethics at http://web.fqw.com/ );
· Unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are funds advised or sub-advised by First Quadrant or its affiliates.
· Corporate, municipal and Treasury bonds.
· Purchases or sales of ETFs, though transactions must be reported.
· Futures found on the Exempt Futures List ( located at Compliance/Code of Ethics at http://web.fqw.com/ ) maintained by the Compliance Department.
· Purchases that are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or automatic employee stock purchase plan.
 
 
· Purchases or sales that are non-volitional on the part of the Supervised Person (e.g., gifts, inheritances, or transactions which result from corporate actions applicable to all similar security holders, such as splits, tender offers, mergers, stock dividends, etc.).

 

D5. Reports on Securities Transactions

 

Every Supervised Person shall provide or make arrangements with his or her broker(s) to provide duplicate monthly/quarterly statements, on a timely basis, to First Quadrant’s Compliance Department. These statements at a minimum must include:

 

· the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected;
· the name of the Reportable Security traded; and, as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate and maturity date, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security involved;
· the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
· the price at which the trade was effected; and
· the trade date.

 

Initial Holdings Report: Every new employee shall file with the Compliance Department an Initial Holdings Report using a Securities Holdings Report (found on SCT) , no later than 10 calendar days after such person becomes a Supervised Person . The information in this Initial Holdings Report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes a Supervised Person. The report must include:

 

· The title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of security, number of shares and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Supervised Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;
· The name of the broker, dealer or bank, including the account number(s), with whom the Supervised Person maintains an account in which any securities were held for the Supervised Person’s direct or indirect benefit; and
· The date the report is submitted to the Compliance Officer.

 

The report may be effectively completed using broker statements, as long as the required information noted above is provided within the broker statements.

 

Quarterly Transaction Report: Supervised Persons (on behalf of themselves and their family members) shall file with the Compliance Officer a quarterly report of the information required by the Personal Investment Transaction Report (found on SCT) with respect to transactions in R eportable Securities in which the Supervised Person has or acquires any direct or indirect beneficial interest. The following transactions are exempt from reporting:

 

· Direct obligations of the U.S. government (e.g., Treasury securities);
· Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
· Shares issued by money market funds;
· Shares of open-end mutual funds that are not advised or sub-advised by First Quadrant or its affiliates [1] ( list of Reportable Funds (open-end mutual funds advised or sub-advised by First
 
 

Quadrant and its affiliates) is located on the Wiki at Compliance/Code of Ethics at http://web.fqw.com/);

· Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are funds advised or sub-advised by First Quadrant or its affiliates;
· Automatic dividend reinvestments, including dividend reinvestment plans; and
· Corporate actions applicable to all similar Security holders, such as splits, tender offers, mergers, stock dividends, etc.

 

These transactions are collectively referred to herein as "non-reportable transactions” . Any such Transaction Report may contain a statement declaring that the reporting of any transactions shall not be construed as an admission that the Supervised Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Security.

 

Note: All ETFs are considered Reportable Securities for purposes of this Code.

 

Quarterly Transaction Report s must be filed through SCT no later than 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter . If no transactions have been effected during a calendar quarter, a Transaction Report must still be filed, stating that no transactions occurred during that quarter.

 

Where reportable transactions exist, the report must include:

 

· the date of each transaction, the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the number of shares and principal amount of each Reportable Security involved, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable);
· the nature of each transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or other);
· the price of the Reportable Security at which each transaction was effected;
· the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom each transaction was effected; and
· the date the report is submitted in SCT, which is automatically captured by the system.

 

In addition, with respect to any new account established by a Supervised Person in which any securities were or were capable of being held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Supervised Person must be reported. The report must include:

 

· the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the account was established, the account number and the name on the account;
· the date the account was established; and
· the date the report was submitted in SCT, which is automatically captured by the system.

 

Annual Securities Holdings Report: Annually, within 45 calendar days of January 1 st , all employees (on behalf of themselves and their Family Members) are required to file a Securities Holdings Report (found on SCT). The information provided must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the report is submitted and must include:

 

· the title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Supervised Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, and a notation of any such Reportable Security that is not held in a brokerage account;
 
 
· the name of any broker, dealer or bank, including the account number(s), with which the Supervised Person maintains an account in which any securities were held for the Supervised Person’s direct or indirect benefit;
· if the Supervised person is an owner, director, officer or partner of an organization unaffiliated with First Quadrant, a statement indicating the organization and Supervised Person’s status as owner, director, officer or partner of the organization (this also includes any non-profit organizations); and

·          the date the report is submitted in SCT, which is automatically captured by the system.

 

Filing the Annual Securities Holdings Report does not remove responsibility from an employee to advise the Compliance Officer at the time a brokerage account is opened and to ensure duplicate broker statements are forwarded to the Compliance Department beginning at that time.

 

Review of Reports: Periodically, the Compliance Officer will review reports submitted to determine whether a violation of these Procedures has occurred. This review will be documented in SCT. The reportable transactions of the Compliance Officer shall be reviewed by the CCO. The reportable transactions of the CCO shall be reviewed by the Compliance Officer. If there is any violation identified, the Compliance Officer shall report such violation to the COO directly.

 

If during the initial review, the Compliance Officer believes that a violation has possibly occurred, the Compliance Officer will further investigate and, in so doing, give the employee responsible for the transaction an opportunity to explain and/or supply additional explanatory materials.

 

Following the investigation, if the Compliance Officer still believes that a violation of these Procedures has occurred, the Compliance Officer shall submit this determination, together with the relevant information and any additional explanatory material provided by the employee, to the CCO. The CCO will review the documentation and circumstances of the suspected violation and confirm whether a violation has occurred. If the CCO determines that a violation has occurred, the CCO will take appropriate actions in accordance with this policy. Code of Ethics violations are reported to the COO and Managing Partner periodically.

 

Confidentiality: Broker statements and related documentation, Transaction Reports and Securities Holdings Reports will be maintained in confidence, except to the extent necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of the Code or to comply with requests for information from government agencies, fund compliance officers and external auditors.

 

D6. Exceptions

 

In special circumstances, the CCO may grant an exception regarding personal trading matters, provided the circumstances are consistent with First Quadrant’s fiduciary duty to its clients and any applicable laws and/or regulations, and are not so frequent or extensive as to develop a pattern over time. In granting an exception, the CCO will consider the facts and circumstances surrounding such request. Records related to exceptions are maintained in SCT.

 

D7. Enforcement of the Procedures - Sanctions

 

Upon determination that a violation of these Procedures has occurred, the CCO may impose sanctions as he or she determines is appropriate given the circumstances . Failure to comply with any sanction may result in additional, more severe sanctions being imposed , including termination of employment.

 

 
 

E. Gifts, Business Entertainment and Charitable Donations Policies and Procedures

 

First Quadrant has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of its clients and to not be unduly influenced in such a way that potential conflicts of interest may actually, or appear to, jeopardize that duty. One example of potential conflicts is in situations in which First Quadrant or its employees give or receive gifts, business entertainment or other favors in the course of doing business. It is important to First Quadrant’s independence of judgment and the Firm’s image to only give or accept these items in accordance with normally accepted business practices and to not raise any question of propriety.

 

As a company with clients located in a number of foreign jurisdictions, First Quadrant takes into account local business practices and customs and conducts itself in compliance with U.S. and local law. As legal requirements vary by jurisdiction, employees should consult with the CCO regarding any questions about applicable laws. (Please note that additional information regarding the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act may be found in the “Political Contribution – ‘Pay to Play’ Requirements” section of the Compliance and Supervision Manual.)

 

The following policies and procedures are designed to help maintain these standards and are applicable to all employees of First Quadrant.

 

E1. Policy

 

No Supervised Person may, directly or indirectly, give or receive any gift, including charitable donations, or business entertainment to or from anyone with whom First Quadrant has or is likely to have any business dealings (“Business Relationship”) unless the gift, charitable donation, or business entertainment falls within one of the following categories of permissible gifts, charitable donations, or business entertainment, and is not otherwise inconsistent with any applicable law or regulation, including, without limitation, the rules governing gifts to public officials discussed below. Supervised Persons are prohibited from soliciting gifts or business entertainment from anyone with whom First Quadrant has a Business Relationship.

 

Prior to receiving or providing a gift or business entertainment, First Quadrant may notify the donor or recipient that the donor or recipient may wish to consult his or her firm’s policies to confirm compliance. In addition, First Quadrant from time to time may agree (or be required by another firm) to comply with policies and procedures regarding gifts and business entertainment of firms with which First Quadrant has a Business Relationship and, if so, First Quadrant will abide by those policies and procedures.

 

A Business Relationship will be presumed to exist with the following (this list does not represent an exhaustive list):

 

· Clients;
· Prospective and potential clients;
· Consultants;
· Brokers;
· Dealers; and

 

· Vendors.

 

Under no circumstances may employees receive or give gifts in the form of cash or cash equivalents, including gift certificates.

 

 
 

Business Entertainment: So long as the donor is present, an occasional meal, a ticket to a sporting event or the theatre, greens fees, an invitation to a reception or cocktail party, or comparable entertainment which is neither so frequent nor so extensive as to raise any question of propriety, is permitted. Shared entertainment permitted under this paragraph need not be aggregated with other gifts for purposes of the $100 limit set forth below. Employees should seek prior approval from Compliance in circumstances where he or she is unsure about the value or appropriateness of proposed entertainment.

 

Charitable Donations: For each First Quadrant employee, charitable donations solicited and/or received from or made at the request of a single Business Relationship may not exceed $1,000 per calendar year (individually and in the aggregate).

 

Charitable donations solicited and/or received from a business or business contact by a First Quadrant employee may only be accepted if the donation (i.e., check or money order) is payable to a publicly recognized charity. Under no circumstances can the check be payable to First Quadrant or a First Quadrant employee and under no circumstances should a First Quadrant employee ask a business or business contact to make a donation on behalf of First Quadrant or the employee.

 

First Quadrant - Sponsored Events: For a First Quadrant-sponsored event that may or may not in a given instance fall clearly within one of the above categories of permissible gifts for a First Quadrant employee to give, partners, officers, and employees must check with the CCO to ascertain whether such an event requires approval. Under appropriate circumstances, a specific or general exemption for First Quadrant-sponsored events may be obtained from the CCO. Employees are responsible for confirming that such an exemption either has been granted or is not necessary before extending an invitation to such an event.

 

Gifts: For each First Quadrant employee, gifts received from or made to a single Business Relationship, having a retail value of $100 or less for the calendar year (individually and in the aggregate) are permitted (Registered Representatives of ADI – see below for additional details). Examples of gifts subject to the annual $100 per Business Relationship limit include, but are not limited to, flowers, fruit baskets, and wine. Also included are tickets to a sporting event, theatre, greens fees, an invitation to a reception or cocktail party or comparable entertainment if the donor will not be present . (See Business Entertainment, where donor is present.) Tickets or gifts for an individual and his or her spouse or family member shall be aggregated in determining whether the tickets have a retail value in excess of $100. Should a gift come to a particular group within First Quadrant, the value will be divided among the employees in the group. Should a gift come to First Quadrant as a whole, the gift’s value will be divided among all First Quadrant employees. All gifts received and provided are required to be reported per Section E3 - Procedures below.

 

Gifts and Business Entertainment to Public Employees: Employees are reminded that different rules apply when you are giving anything of value to public employees. State law and some government agencies impose restrictions on whether or not public employees can receive anything of value or impose limits on the permissible amount. In order to preserve our business relationship with our public fund clients, employees are required to understand and comply with the restrictions imposed by these entities prior to providing any meal, business entertainment, travel, lodging, or other gift to any federal, state, county or municipal employee or representative.

 

Global Affairs

U.S. and other laws applicable to our business prohibit payments and other compensation (which may be interpreted to include meals, gifts and business entertainment) to government officials and others. Employees may not make, or promise to make, payments to government officials or others in order to obtain or retain business.

 

 
 

Other Payments from Brokers: Employees may not accept reimbursement from brokers for: travel and hotel expenses; speaker fees or honoraria for addresses or papers given before audiences; or consulting services or advice they may render. Likewise, employees may neither request nor accept loans or personal services from brokers.

 

Promotional Items: Promotional items of nominal value that display First Quadrant’s or the donor’s logo, such as pens, calendars, clothing, bags, umbrellas and diaries, are permitted. Such gifts need not be aggregated for purposes of the $100 rule above, but should not exceed a reasonable number from or to the same person within a calendar year.

 

Travel and Related Incidentals: Supervised Persons are prohibited from accepting travel, lodging and related incidentals in relation to gift and business entertainment opportunities. With respect to business related travel, First Quadrant partners, officers, and employees are periodically invited to attend or participate in conferences, tour a client’s facilities, or meet with representatives of a client. Such invitations may involve traveling and may require overnight lodging. As a general matter, First Quadrant pays for travel and lodging expenses associated with such activities. However, if appropriate, partners, officers and employees may accept travel-related amenities if the costs are considered insubstantial, are broadly available to all attendees, and are not readily ascertainable (e.g., a shuttle bus at a conference).

 

Registered Representative of AMG Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”) : In addition to the requirements stated in this policy, employees who are also registered representatives of ADI are required to also comply with the gifts and non-cash compensation policies maintained in ADI’s Supervisory Procedures Manual. The aggregate limit for gifts is $100 per calendar year . ADI must make and retain a record of all gifts and gratuities in any amount known to relate to First Quadrant. All registered representatives are required to report to the CCO or his or her designee the giving or receiving of any such gifts or gratuities.

If there is any doubt as to the estimated retail value of gifts or other items/services, or application of the policy, please consult the CCO.

 

E2. Policy Exceptions

 

In limited circumstances, the CCO may grant an exception to the gift and business entertainment policies, provided such gift or business entertainment is consistent with applicable laws and/or regulations and is not so frequent or so extensive as to raise any question of propriety.

 

E3. Procedures

 

Employees who receive gifts or donations that are not permitted must return the gift or donation to the donor. If it is not possible to return a gift, the gift should be donated to a charitable organization. All charitable donations exceeding the permitted limit must be returned to the donor.

 

Employees must inform their managers of the giving or receiving of any gifts, charitable donations, or shared entertainment, including those gifts and charitable donations returned to the sender.

 

Gifts and entertainment received valued over $25 must be reported to Compliance through SCT within 30 days of receipt. Employees are prohibited from accepting gifts over $100 unless approved by the CCO.

 

Gifts and entertainment provided to clients/prospects must be reported to Compliance through SCT within 30 days of the event or the day the company credit card statement is received. Gifts provided to clients/prospects valued over $100 require prior approval from Compliance.

 
 

 

E4. Exemption Procedures

 

If an employee believes that it would be appropriate to give or receive a gift or charitable donation outside the normal gift policy guidelines in a specific situation, he or she must submit a request to the CCO seeking prior approval of the proposed exception in SCT. The request should specify:

 

· the name of the donor;
· the name of the intended recipient and his or her employer;
· the nature of the gift and its monetary value;
· the nature of the Business Relationship; and
· the reason the gift is being given.

 

E5. Oversight

 

The CCO or their designee will review all submissions by First Quadrant personnel regarding gifts or business entertainment and conduct any appropriate follow-up.

 

 

E6. Management Reporting

 

The CCO will promptly report any significant issues or concerns regarding employees’ activities covered under this policy to the COO unless the issue involves the COO, in which case the CCO will report the issue to the Firm’s Managing Partner.

 

F. Political Contributions and Fund Raisers

First Quadrant does not contribute financial or other support to political parties or candidates for public office. First Quadrant employees may participate personally in political activities that may include contributions and donations to political candidates (subject to all applicable laws and First Quadrant’s Political Contributions Policy); however, at no time will employees be reimbursed by the Firm for such activities.

First Quadrant strictly prohibits any employee from making contributions or expenditures to or for any candidates for any public office, or to any persons for any political purpose whatsoever as a quid pro quo for receiving, or with the expectation of securing now or in the future, business from any public official, or any federal, state, or local government agency.

Your personal political contributions, and those of certain of your family members, could impact First Quadrant’s ability to continue to do business or bid on new business with government entities within certain jurisdictions in the United States. Specifically, Rule 206(4)-5 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which applies to all registered investment advisers, including First Quadrant, places limits on individual contributions of certain investment adviser employees, and may prohibit an investment adviser from managing money for state or local government entity clients for a specified period following any disqualifying contributions. In addition, a number of jurisdictions have enacted so-called “pay-to-play” laws that prohibit certain employees of service providers to state or local agencies and departments from making political contributions to state or local officials that are covered by these laws. Even if a personal political contribution is not prohibited, these laws may require that any contribution be reported to the state or locality. If you have any questions about a political contribution that you intend to make, please contact the CCO.

 
 

For additional information on this topic, please see the “Political Contributions – Pay to Play Requirements” section of the Compliance and Supervision Manual.

 

G. Confidentiality

 

Information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of clients is confidential.

 

a. Firm Duties. First Quadrant and its Supervised Persons must keep all information about clients (including former clients) in strict confidence, including the client’s identity (unless the client consents), the client’s financial circumstances, the client’s security holdings, and advice furnished to the client by the Firm. Additionally, Supervised Persons are required to fully comply with First Quadrant’s Privacy Policy.

 

b. Supervised Persons’ Duties. First Quadrant prohibits Supervised Persons from disclosing to persons outside the Firm any material non-public information about any client, the securities investments made by First Quadrant on behalf of a client, information about contemplated securities transactions, or information regarding First Quadrant’s trading strategies, except as required to effectuate securities transactions on behalf of a client or for other legitimate business purposes.

 

H. Service on a Board of Directors

 

Because of the high potential for conflicts of interest and insider trading issues, Supervised Persons are generally restricted from serving on the board of directors for any publicly held company. However, under certain circumstances where serving on a board of directors does not represent a conflict of interest for First Quadrant, an employee may be granted an exception to the restriction and sit on the board of directors for a publicly held company. Permission is required from the CCO and Managing Partner prior to committing to serve on the board of directors for any publicly held company. In addition, although serving on the board of directors of private companies or non-profit organizations does not require permission, such situations must be reported to the CCO through SCT.

 

 

Part 4. Compliance Procedures

 

A. Distribution and Certification

 

Each Supervised Person shall (i) receive a copy of this Code at the time of his or her employment, annually thereafter, and any time amendments are made to the Code; and (ii) periodically certify in writing that he or she has received, read and understood the Code and any amendments; and (iii) will adhere to the guidelines, restrictions, and responsibilities therein.

 

 

Part 5. Administration and Enforcement of the Code

 

A. Training and Education

 

Training relative to the Code will occur periodically. All Supervised Persons are required to attend any training sessions or read any applicable materials provided to them relative to the Code.

 

 
 

B. Annual Review of the Code of Ethics

 

At least annually, the CCO shall review the adequacy of the Code and the effectiveness of its implementation. The CCO may also report the results of this review to the Managing Partner and COO.

 

C. Reports to Boards

 

For any fund First Quadrant advises or sub-advises, First Quadrant may be asked to provide periodic written reports to the fund’s board of directors that describes any issues arising under the Code since the last report, including information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to such violations. The report may include discussion of whether any waivers that might be considered important by the board were granted during the period. The report may also certify that the adviser has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Supervised Persons from violating the Code.

 

D. Reporting Potential Violations, Investigation and Sanctions, and Whistleblower Rules

 

D1. Reporting Potential Violations

All Supervised Persons are required to act honestly and ethically in support of the culture of integrity that we have all fostered within First Quadrant. Every Supervised Person is a valuable member of the First Quadrant team, and this broad requirement includes acting in what each individual believes to be First Quadrant’s best interest, which includes reporting any concerns regarding any potential violations of any applicable law, rule or policy, or any other potential wrongdoing, by First Quadrant, any of our employees, or any of our service providers. If First Quadrant’s management is unaware of such activities, these potential violations may ultimately have an adverse affect on all of us as members of First Quadrant.

Actual or potential violations of any applicable law, rule or Firm Compliance policies including the Code should be discussed with the CCO upon discovery. In addition, any supervisor or member of management who receives a report of an actual or potential violation or wrongdoing should consult with the CCO upon receipt of the report. If the CCO is involved in the actual or potential violation or wrongdoing, or is unavailable, the Supervised Person may report the matter to the Managing Partner or COO.

 

Good faith reporting of suspected violations by others shall not subject the reporting person to penalty, reprisal, or retaliation by First Quadrant or any of its employees. Please see the Whistleblower Rules section below for additional information.

 

“Violations” should be interpreted broadly, and may include, but are not limited to, such items as:

· noncompliance with laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the business of First Quadrant;
· fraud or illegal acts involving any aspect of First Quadrant’s business;
· material misstatements in regulatory filings, internal books and records, clients’ records, or reports;
· activity that is harmful to First Quadrant’s clients, including any fund shareholders; and
· deviations from required internal controls, policies and procedures that safeguard clients and First Quadrant.

 

All such reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and appropriately, and treated with the appropriate confidentiality as determined by First Quadrant in light of the circumstances.

 

 
 

D2. Investigation and Sanctions

 

Potential violations of Firm Compliance policies, including the Code, shall be investigated by the CCO, his designee, and/or other senior management. During the course of the investigation, the CCO, his designee or other senior management may provide an update to the reporting Supervised Person on the status of the investigation as appropriate. In addition, the reporting Supervised Person may request an update at any time. Each investigation may be documented, as determined by First Quadrant under the circumstances, such as the name(s) of the relevant parties, the date of the investigation, identification of the violation or potential violation, and a summary of the disposition. The CCO or his designee will report his or her findings as necessary to the Managing Partner and COO.

 

Following First Quadrant’s investigation, personnel who are deemed to have committed any violations or other wrongdoing may be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to:

 

(i)                  having the Supervised Person’s employment responsibilities reviewed and changed, including demotion;

(ii) oral or written reprimand;
(iii) forfeit of any trading profits or other compensation or monetary benefits;
(iv) suspension of personal trading privileges;
(v) suspension or termination of employment; and
(vi) reporting to the appropriate regulatory authorities if applicable.

 

These are guidelines only, and First Quadrant reserves the right to apply any sanction or combination of sanctions deemed appropriate after considering the facts and circumstances surrounding a violation. Violations of law, rules, regulations, Firm policies or the Code may also result in criminal prosecution or civil action.

 

D3. Whistleblower Rules

 

Nothing in this Code or in any other agreements you may have with First Quadrant is intended to or shall preclude or impede you from cooperating with any governmental or regulatory entity or agency in any investigation, or from communicating any suspected wrongdoing or violation of law to any such entity or agency, including, but not limited to, reporting pursuant to the “whistleblower rules” promulgated by the Securities Exchange Commission (Security Exchange Act Rules 21F-1, et seq.).

 

Retaliation of any type against a Supervised Person who reports a suspected violation or assists in the investigation of such conduct (even if the conduct is not found to be a violation) is strictly prohibited and constitutes a further violation of the Code and these procedures.

 

All Supervised Persons are encouraged (and have the responsibility) to ask questions and seek guidance from the CCO, COO or the Managing Partner with respect to any action or transaction that may constitute a violation and to refrain from any action or transaction which might lead to the appearance of a violation. The CCO will also provide periodic training to the Firm’s employees and partners regarding the requirements of these policies and procedures.

 

 
 

E. Recordkeeping

 

In accordance with Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rule 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, First Quadrant will maintain the following records:

 

· A copy of the Code, and any amendments thereto, that is or was in effect within the past five years;
· Copies of employees’ acknowledgment of receipt of the Code and any amendments thereto;
· A record of any violation of the Code and of any action taken as a result of such violation;
· All reports and forms required to be filed by employees under the Code;
· A record of all persons who are or were required to file reports under this Code, or who are or were responsible for reviewing these reports; and
· Pre-clearance requests, approval records, and any reasons supporting the decisions to approve purchases of a limited offering.

The retention period for these records is five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the transaction occurs, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

 

 

 

 


[1] Transactions and holdings in First Quadrant sponsored 401k accounts do not need to be reported since First Quadrant’s Compliance Department can obtain the information directly from the plan administrator. However, this does not include “self-directed” 401k accounts. Employees with self-directed 401k accounts are still required to report holdings and transactions in such accounts.

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Personal Investing

Gifts and Entertainment

Outside Activities

Client Confidentiality

 
 

 

A Message From Our CEO

 

Our business is built on a foundation of trust — the trust of our clients, earned over many years. It is our most valuable asset, and if lost, it cannot easily be regained. There are examples across our industry of companies that have lost sight of this lesson, and they serve as strong reminders that our business requires a mindset of eternal vigilance.

 

Each and every one of us has a role to play in sustaining our clients’ trust. We must test every decision we make, no matter how small, against our fiduciary obligations and our high ethical standards. If there is the slightest doubt about whether a decision is in the best interests of our clients, then bring it to someone’s attention — your manager, the Legal and Compliance team, or any of my direct reports. But don’t just let it go. This is what it means to be a fiduciary: complete dedication to conscientious stewardship of client assets.

 

To support this mandate, our Code of Ethics sets out standards for our personal conduct, including personal investing, acceptance of gifts and entertainment, outside activities, and client confidentiality. Please take the time to read the Code, familiarize yourself with the rules, and determine what you need to do to comply with them. Remember, too, that while our Code of Ethics is reviewed and updated regularly, no set of rules can address every possible circumstance. And so I ask you to remain vigilant, exercise good judgment, ask for help when you need it, consider

not just the letter but the spirit of the laws that govern our industry, and do your part to safeguard our clients’ trust.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brendan J. Swords

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

“The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour.”

– Ancient proverb

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Contents

 

Standards of conduct 2

 

Who is subject to the Code of Ethics? 2

 

Personal investing 3

 

Which types of investments and related activities

are prohibited? 3

 

Which investment accounts must be reported? 4

 

What are the reporting responsibilities for all personnel? 5

 

What are the preclearance responsibilities for all personnel? 6

 

What are the additional requirements for investment professionals? 7

 

Gifts and entertainment 9

 

Outside activities 10

 

Client confidentiality 10

 

How we enforce our Code of Ethics 10

 

Exceptions from the Code of Ethics 11

 

Closing 11

 

 

 

 

 

Before You Get Started: Accessing the Code of Ethics System

The Code of Ethics System is accessible through the Intranet under Applications or direct access: https://wellmanage.ptaconnect.com/pta/pages/logon.jsp.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Standards of Conduct

Our standards of conduct are straightforward and essential. Any transaction or activity that violates either of the standards of conduct below is prohibited, regardless of whether it meets the technical rules found elsewhere in the Code of Ethics.

 

1) We act as fiduciaries to our clients. Each of us must put our clients’ interests above our own and must not take advantage of our management of clients’ assets for our own benefit. Our firm’s policies and procedures implement these principles with respect to our conduct of the firm’s business. This Code of Ethics implements the same principles with respect to our personal conduct. The procedures set forth in the Code govern specific transactions, but each of us must be mindful at all times that our behavior, including our personal investing activity, must meet our fiduciary obligations to our clients.

 

2) We act with integrity and in accordance with both the letter and the spirit of the law. Our business is highly regulated, and we are committed as a firm to compliance with those regulations. Each of us must also recognize our obligations as individuals to understand and obey the laws that apply to us in the conduct of our duties. They include laws and regulations that apply specifically to investment advisors, as well as more broadly applicable laws ranging from the prohibition against trading on material nonpublic information and other forms of market abuse to anticorruption statutes such as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. The firm provides training on their requirements. Each of us must take advantage of these resources to ensure that our own conduct complies with the law.

Who Is Subject to the Code of Ethics?

Our Code of Ethics applies to all employees of Wellington Management, and its affiliates around the world. Its restrictions on personal investing also apply to temporary personnel (including co-ops and interns) and consultants whose tenure with Wellington Management exceeds 90 days and who are deemed by the Chief Compliance Officer to have access to nonpublic investment research, client holdings, or trade information.

 

All Wellington Management personnel receive a copy of the Code of Ethics (and any amendments) and must certify, upon joining the firm and annually thereafter, that they have read and understood it and have complied with its requirements.

 

Adherence to the Code of Ethics is a basic condition of employment. Failure to adhere to our Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

 

If you have any doubt as to the appropriateness of any activity, believe that you have violated the Code, or become aware of a violation of the Code by another individual, you should consult the manager of the Code of Ethics Team, Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel, or Chair of the Ethics Committee. You also have the right to report violations of law or regulation directly to relevant governmental agencies. You do not need the firm’s prior authorization to make any such report or disclosures and are not required to notify the firm that you have done so.

 

General questions regarding our Code of Ethics may be directed to the Code of Ethics Team via email at #Code of Ethics Team or through the Code of Ethics hotline, 617-790-8330 (x68330).

 

Personal Investing

 
 

As fiduciaries, each of us must avoid taking personal advantage of our knowledge of investment activity in client accounts. Although our Code of Ethics sets out a number of specific restrictions on personal investing designed to reflect this principle, no set of rules can anticipate every situation. Each of us must adhere to the spirit, and not just the letter, of our Code in meeting this fiduciary obligation to our clients.

Which Types of Investments and Related Activities Are Prohibited?

Our Code of Ethics prohibits the following personal investments and investment-related activities:

 

· Purchasing or selling the following:
Initial public offerings (IPOs) of any securities
Securities of an issuer being bought or sold on behalf of clients until one trading day after such buying or selling is completed or canceled
Securities of an issuer that is the subject of a new, changed, or reissued but unchanged action recommendation from a global industry research or fixed income credit analyst until two business days following issuance or reissuance of the recommendation
Securities of an issuer that is mentioned at the Morning Meeting or the Early Morning Meeting until two business days following the meeting
Securities that are the subject of a firmwide restriction
Single-stock futures
Options with an expiration date that is within 60 calendar days of the transaction date
Securities of broker/dealers (or their affiliates) that the firm has approved for execution of client trades
Securities of any securities market or exchange on which the firm trades on behalf of clients
· Purchasing an equity security if your aggregate ownership of the equity security exceeds 0.05% of the total shares outstanding of the issuer
· Taking a profit from any trading activity within a 60 calendar day window (see box for more detail)
· Using a derivative instrument to circumvent a restriction in the Code of Ethics

 

Short-Term Trading

You are prohibited from profiting from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) of the same or equivalent securities within 60 calendar days. For example, if you buy shares of stock (or options on such shares) and then sell those shares within 60 days at a profit, an exception will be identified and any gain from the transactions must be surrendered. Gains are calculated based on a last in, first out (LIFO) method for purposes of this restriction. This short-term trading rule does not apply to securities exempt from the Code’s preclearance requirements.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Which Investment Accounts Must Be Reported?

You are required to report any investment account over which you exercise investment discretion or from which any of the following individuals enjoy economic benefits: (i) your spouse, domestic partner, or minor children, and (ii) any other dependents living in your household,

AND

that holds or is capable of holding any of the following covered investments:

 

· Shares of stocks, ADRs, or other equity securities (including any security convertible into equity securities)
· Bonds or notes (other than sovereign government bonds issued by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States, as well as bankers’ acceptances, CDs, commercial paper, and high-quality, short-term debt instruments)
· Interest in a variable annuity product in which the underlying assets are held in a subaccount managed by Wellington Management
· Shares of exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
· Shares of closed-end funds
· Options on securities
· Securities futures
· Interest in private placement securities (other than Wellington Management Sponsored Products)
· Shares of funds managed by Wellington Management (other than money market funds)

 

Please see Appendix A for a detailed summary of reporting requirements by security type.

 

Web Resource: Wellington-Managed Fund List

An up-to-date list of funds managed by Wellington Management is available through the Code of Ethics System under Documents. Please note that any transactions in Wellington-Managed funds must comply with the funds' rules on short-term trading of fund shares.

 

For purposes of the Code of Ethics, these investment accounts are referred to as reportable accounts. Examples of common account types include brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, employee stock compensation plans, and transfer agent accounts. Reportable accounts also include those from which you or an immediate family member may benefit indirectly, such as a family trust or family partnership, and accounts in which you have a joint ownership interest, such as a joint brokerage account.

 

Please contact the Code of Ethics Team for guidance if you hold any securities in physical certificate form.

Still Not Sure? Contact Us

If you are not sure if a particular account is required to be reported, contact the Code of Ethics Team by email at #Code of Ethics Team or through the Code of Ethics hotline, 617-790-8330 (x68330).

Accounts Not Requiring Reporting

You do not need to report the following accounts via the Code of Ethics System since the administrator will provide the Code of Ethics Team with access to relevant holdings and transaction information:

· Accounts maintained within the Wellington Retirement and Pension Plan or similar firm-sponsored retirement or benefit plans identified by the Ethics Committee
 
 
· Accounts maintained directly with Wellington Trust Company or other Wellington Management Sponsored Products

 

Although these accounts do not need to be reported, your investment activities in these accounts must comply with the standards of conduct embodied in our Code of Ethics.

Managed Account Exemptions

An account from which you or immediate family members could benefit financially, but over which neither you nor they have any investment discretion or influence (a managed account), may be exempted from the Code of Ethics’ personal investing requirements upon written request and approval. An example of a managed account would be a professionally advised account about which you will not be consulted or have any input on specific transactions placed by the investment manager prior to their execution. To request a managed account exemption, you must complete a Managed Account Letter (available online via the Code of Ethics System) and return it the Code of Ethics Team.

 

Web Resource: Managed Account Letter

To request a managed account exemption, complete the Managed Account Letter available through the Code of Ethics System under Documents.

What Are the Reporting Responsibilities for All Personnel?

Initial and Annual Holdings Reports

You must disclose all reportable accounts and all covered investments you hold within 10 calendar days after you begin employment at or association with Wellington Management. You will be required to review and update your holdings and securities account information annually thereafter.

 

For initial holdings reports, holdings information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date you became covered by the Code of Ethics. Please note that you cannot make personal trades until you have filed an initial holdings report via the Code of Ethics System on the Intranet.

 

For subsequent annual reports, holdings information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the report is submitted. Please note that your annual holdings report must account for both volitional and non-volitional transactions.

 

At the time you file your initial and annual reports, you will be asked to confirm that you have read and understood the Code of Ethics and any amendments.

 

Non-volitional transactions include:

· Investments made through automatic dividend reinvestment or rebalancing plans and stock purchase plan acquisitions
· Transactions that result from corporate actions applicable to all similar security holders (such as splits, tender offers, mergers, and stock dividends)

Duplicate Statements and Trade Confirmations

For each of your reportable accounts, you are required to provide duplicate statements and duplicate trade confirmations to Wellington Management. To arrange for the delivery of duplicate statements and trade confirmations, please contact the Code of Ethics Team for the appropriate form. Return the completed form to the Code of Ethics Team, which will submit it to the brokerage firm on your behalf. If the brokerage firm or other firm from which you currently receive statements is not able to send statements and confirmations directly to Wellington Management, you will be required to submit copies promptly after you receive them, unless you receive an exemption from this requirement under the procedures outlined on page 9.

 

Web Resource: How to File Reports on the Code of Ethics System

Required reports must be filed electronically via the Code of Ethics System. Please see the Code of Ethics System’s homepage for more details.

Quarterly Transactions Reports

You must submit a quarterly transaction report no later than 30 calendar days after quarter-end via the Code of Ethics System on the Intranet, even if you did not make any personal trades during that quarter. In the reports, you must either confirm that you did not make any personal trades (except for those resulting from non-volitional events) or provide information regarding all volitional transactions in covered investments.

What Are the Preclearance Responsibilities for All Personnel?

Preclearance of Publicly Traded Securities

You must receive clearance before buying or selling stocks, bonds, options, and most other publicly traded securities in any reportable account. A full list of the categories of publicly traded securities requiring preclearance, and of certain exceptions to this requirement, is included in Appendix A . Transactions in accounts that are not reportable accounts do not require preclearance or reporting.

 

Preclearance requests must be submitted online via the Code of Ethics System, which is accessible through the Intranet. If clearance is granted, the approval will be effective for a period of 24 hours. If you preclear a transaction and then place a limit order with your broker, that limit order must either be executed or expire at the end of the 24-hour period. If you want to execute the order after the 24-hour period expires, you must resubmit your preclearance request.

 

If you have questions regarding the preclearance requirements, please refer to the FAQs available on the Code of Ethics System or contact the Code of Ethics Team.

 

Please note that preclearance approval does not alter your responsibility to ensure that each personal securities transaction complies with the general standards of conduct, the reporting requirements, the restrictions on short-term trading, or the special rules for investment professionals set out in our Code of Ethics.

 

Web Resource: How to File a Preclearance Request

Preclearance must be obtained using the Code of Ethics System. Once the necessary information is submitted, your preclearance request will be approved or denied within seconds.

Caution on Short Sales, Margin Transactions, and Options

You may engage in short sales and margin transactions and may purchase or sell options provided you receive preclearance and meet all other applicable requirements under our Code of Ethics (including the additional rules for investment professionals described on page 8). Please note, however, that these types of transactions can have unintended consequences. For example, any sale by your broker to cover a margin call or to buy in a short position will be in violation of the Code unless precleared. Likewise, any volitional sale of securities acquired at the expiration of a long call option will be in violation of the Code unless precleared. You are responsible for ensuring any subsequent volitional actions relating to these types of transactions meet the requirements of the Code.

Preclearance of Private Placement Securities

You cannot invest in securities offered to potential investors in a private placement without first obtaining prior approval. Approval may be granted after a review of the facts and circumstances, including whether:

· an investment in the securities is likely to result in future conflicts with client accounts (e.g., upon a future public offering), and
· you are being offered the opportunity due to your employment at or association with Wellington Management.

 

If you have questions regarding whether an investment would be deemed a private placement security under the Code, please refer to the FAQs about private placements available on the Code of Ethics System, or contact the Code of Ethics Team.

 

To request approval, you must submit a Private Placement Approval Form (available online via the Code of Ethics System) to the Code of Ethics Team. Investments in our own privately offered investment vehicles (our Sponsored Products ), including collective investment funds and common trust funds maintained by Wellington Trust Company, NA, our hedge funds, and our non-US domiciled funds (Wellington Management Portfolios), have been approved under the Code and therefore do not require the submission of a Private Placement Approval Form.

 

Web Resource: Private Placement Approval Form

To request approval for a private placement, complete the Private Placement Approval Form available through the Code of Ethics System under Documents.

What Are the Additional Requirements for Investment Professionals?

If you are a portfolio manager, research analyst, or other investment professional who has portfolio management responsibilities for a client account (e.g., designated portfolio managers, backup portfolio managers, investment team members), or who otherwise has direct authority to make decisions to buy or sell securities in a client account (referred to here as an investment professional), you are required to adhere to additional rules and restrictions on your personal securities transactions. However, as no set of rules can anticipate every situation, you must remember to place our clients’ interests first whenever you transact in securities that are also held in client accounts you manage.

 

The following provisions of the code are intended to allow investment professionals to make long-term investments in securities. However, you may not be able to sell personal investments for extended periods of time and therefore should consider the liquidity, tax planning, market, and similar risks associated with making personal investments in securities of an issuer that are or may be held in client accounts.

 

· Investment Professional Blackout Periods –You cannot buy or sell a security for a period of 14 calendar days before or after any transaction in the same issuer by a client account for which you serve as an investment professional. In addition, You may not sell personal holdings in a security of the same issuer that is held by a client account for which you serve as an investment professional until the later of the following periods: (i) one calendar year from the date of your last purchase and (ii) 90 calendar days after all of your client accounts liquidate all holdings of the same issuer.

 

If you anticipate receiving a cash flow or redemption request in a client portfolio that will result in the purchase or sale of securities that you also hold in your personal account, you should take care to avoid transactions in those securities in your personal account in the days leading up to the client transactions. However, unanticipated cash flows and redemptions in client accounts and unexpected market events do occur from time to time, and a personal trade made in the prior 14 days should never prevent you from buying or selling a security in a client account if the trade would be in the client’s best interest. If you find yourself in that situation and need to buy or sell a security in a client account within the 14 calendar days following your personal transaction in a security of the same issuer, you should attempt to notify the Code of Ethics Team (by email at #Code of Ethics Team or through the Code of Ethics hotline, 617-790-8330 [x68330]) or your local Compliance Officer in advance of placing the trade. If you are unable to reach any of those individuals and the trade is time sensitive, you should proceed with the client trade and notify the Code of Ethics Team promptly after submitting it.

· Short Sales by an Investment Professional – An investment professional may not personally take a short position in a security of an issuer in which he or she holds a long position in a client account.
 
 

 

Gifts and Entertainment

Our guiding principle of “client, firm, self” also governs the receipt of gifts and entertainment from clients, consultants, broker/dealers, research providers, vendors, companies in which we may invest, and others with whom the firm does business. As fiduciaries to our clients, we must always place our clients’ interests first and cannot allow gifts or entertainment opportunities to influence the actions we take on behalf of our clients. In keeping with this standard, you must follow several specific requirements:

 

Accepting Gifts – You may only accept gifts of nominal value, which include logoed items, flower arrangements, gift baskets, and food, as well as other gifts with an approximate value of less than US$100 or the local equivalent per year from a single source. You may not accept a gift of cash, including a cash equivalent such as a gift card, regardless of the amount. If you receive a gift that violates the Code, you must return the gift or consult with the Chief Compliance Officer to determine appropriate action under the circumstances.

 

Accepting Business Meals – Business meals are permitted provided that neither the cost nor the frequency is excessive and there is a legitimate business purpose. If the host is a broker/dealer or research provider, the host must be reimbursed for the full amount of your proportionate share of the total cost of the meal if the approximate value of the meal is more than US$100 or the local equivalent.

 

Accepting Entertainment Opportunities – The firm recognizes that participation in entertainment opportunities with representatives from organizations with which the firm does business, such as consultants, broker/dealers, research providers, vendors, and companies in which we may invest, can help to further legitimate business interests. However, participation in such entertainment opportunities should be infrequent and is subject to the following conditions:

 

1) A representative of the hosting organization must be present;
2) The primary purpose of the event must be to discuss business or to build a business relationship;
3) You must receive prior approval from your business manager;
4) If the host is a broker/dealer or research provider, the host must be reimbursed for the full amount of the entertainment opportunity; and
5) For all other entertainment opportunities, the host must be reimbursed for the full face value of any entertainment ticket(s) if:
· the entertainment opportunity requires a ticket with a face value of more than US$200 or the local equivalent, or is a high-profile event (e.g., a major sporting event),
· you wish to accept more than one ticket, or
· the host has invited numerous Wellington Management representatives.

 

Business managers must clear their own participation under the circumstances described above with the Chief Compliance Officer or Chair of the Ethics Committee.

 

Please note that even if you pay for the full face value of a ticket, you may attend the event only if the host is present .

 

Lodging and Air Travel – You may not accept a gift of lodging or air travel in connection with any entertainment opportunity. If you participate in an entertainment opportunity for which lodging or air travel is paid for by the host, you must reimburse the host for the equivalent cost, as determined by Wellington Management’s travel manager.

 

 
 

Soliciting Gifts, Entertainment Opportunities, or Contributions – In your capacity as an employee of the firm, you may not solicit gifts, entertainment opportunities, or charitable or political contributions for yourself, or on behalf of clients, prospects, or others, from brokers, vendors, clients, or consultants with whom the firm conducts business or from companies in which the firm may invest.

 

Sourcing Entertainment Opportunities – You may not request tickets to entertainment events from the firm’s Trading department or any other Wellington Management department or employee, nor from any broker, vendor, company in which we may invest, or other organization with which the firm conducts business.

Outside Activities

While the firm recognizes that you may engage in business or charitable activities in your personal time, you must take steps to avoid conflicts of interest between your private interests and our clients’ interests. As a result, all significant outside business or charitable activities (e.g., additional employment, consulting work, directorships or officerships) must be approved by your business manager and by the Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel, or Chair of the Ethics Committee prior to the acceptance of such a position (or if you are new, upon joining the firm). Approval will be granted only if it is determined that the activity does not present a significant conflict of interest. Directorships in public companies (or companies reasonably expected to become public companies) will generally not be authorized, while service with charitable organizations generally will be permitted.

Client Confidentiality

Any nonpublic information concerning our clients that you acquire in connection with your employment at the firm is confidential. This includes information regarding actual or contemplated investment decisions, portfolio composition, research recommendations, and client interests. You should not discuss client business, including the existence of a client relationship, with outsiders unless it is a necessary part of your job responsibilities.

How We Enforce Our Code of Ethics

Legal and Compliance is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Code of Ethics. Members of Legal and Compliance will periodically request certifications and review holdings and transaction reports for potential violations. They may also request additional information or reports.

 

It is our collective responsibility to uphold the Code of Ethics. In addition to the formal reporting requirements described in this Code of Ethics, you have a responsibility to report any violations of the Code. If you have any doubt as to the appropriateness of any activity, believe that you have violated the Code, or become aware of a violation of the Code by another individual, you should consult the manager of the Code of Ethics Team, Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel, or Chair of the Ethics Committee.

 

Potential violations of the Code of Ethics will be investigated and considered by representatives of Legal and Compliance and/or the Ethics Committee. All violations of the Code of Ethics will be reported to the Chief Compliance Officer. Violations are taken seriously and may result in sanctions or other consequences, including:

· a warning
· referral to your business manager and/or senior management
· reversal of a trade or the return of a gift
· disgorgement of profits or of the value of a gift
 
 
· a limitation or restriction on personal investing
· termination of employment
· referral to civil or criminal authorities

 

If you become aware of any potential conflicts of interest that you believe are not addressed by our Code of Ethics or other policies, please contact the Chief Compliance Officer, the General Counsel, or the manager of the Code of Ethics Team.

Exceptions from the Code of ethics

The Chief Compliance Officer may grant an exception from the Code, including preclearance, other trading restrictions, and certain reporting requirements on a case-by-case basis if it is determined that the proposed conduct involves no opportunity for abuse and does not conflict with client interests. Exceptions are expected to be rare. If you wish to seek an exception, you must submit a written request to the Code of Ethics Team describing the nature of the exception and the reason(s) it is being sought.

Closing

As a firm, we seek excellence in the people we employ, the products and services we offer, the way we meet our ethical and fiduciary responsibilities, and the working environment we create for ourselves. Our Code of Ethics embodies that commitment. Accordingly, each of us must take care that our actions fully meet the high standards of conduct and professional behavior we have adopted. Most importantly, we must all remember “client, firm, self” is our most fundamental guiding principle.

 
 

Appendix A – Part 1

No Preclearance or Reporting Required:

· Open-end investment funds not managed by Wellington Management 1
· Interests in a variable annuity product in which the underlying assets are held in a fund not managed by Wellington Management
· Direct obligations of the US government (including obligations issued by GNMA and PEFCO) or the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, or the United Kingdom
· Cash
· Money market instruments or other short-term debt instruments rated P-1 or P-2, A-1 or A-2, or their equivalents 2
· Bankers’ acceptances, CDs, commercial paper
· Wellington Trust Company Pools
· Wellington Sponsored Hedge Funds
· Securities futures and options on direct obligations of the US government or the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, or the United Kingdom, and associated derivatives
· Options, forwards, and futures on commodities and foreign exchange, and associated derivatives
· Transactions in approved managed accounts

Reporting of Securities Transactions Required (no need to preclear and not subject to the 60-day holding period):

· Open-end investment funds managed by Wellington Management 1 (other than money market funds)
· Interests in a variable annuity or insurance product in which the underlying assets are held in a fund managed by Wellington Management
· Futures and options on securities indices
· ETFs listed in Appendix A – Part 2 and derivatives on these securities
· Gifts of securities to you or a reportable account
· Gifts of securities from you or a reportable account
· Non-volitional transactions (splits, tender offers, mergers, stock dividends, dividend reinvestments, etc.)

Preclearance and Reporting of Securities Transactions Required:

· Bonds and notes (other than direct obligations of the US government or the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, or the United Kingdom, as well as bankers’ acceptances, CDs, commercial paper, and high-quality, short-term debt instruments)
· Stock (common and preferred) or other equity securities, including any security convertible into equity securities
· Closed-end funds
· ETFs not listed in Appendix A – Part 2
· American Depositary Receipts
· Options on securities (but not their non-volitional exercise or expiration)
· Warrants
· Rights
· Unit investment trusts
 
 

 

Prohibited Investments and Activities:

· Initial public offerings (IPOs) of any securities
· Single-stock futures 2
· Options expiring within 60 days of purchase
· Securities being bought or sold on behalf of clients until one trading day after such buying or selling is completed or canceled
· Securities of an issuer that is the subject of a new, changed, or reissued but unchanged action recommendation from a global industry research or fixed income credit analyst until two business days following issuance or reissuance of the recommendation
· Securities of an issuer that is mentioned at the Morning Meeting or the Early Morning Meeting until two business days following the meeting
· Securities on the firmwide restricted list
· Profiting from any short-term (i.e., within 60 days) trading activity
· Securities of broker/dealers or their affiliates with which the firm conducts business
· Securities of any securities market or exchange on which the firm trades
· Using a derivative instrument to circumvent the requirements of the Code of Ethics
· Purchasing an equity security if your aggregate ownership of the equity security exceeds 0.05% of the total shares outstanding of the issuer

 

 

 
 

Appendix A – Part 2
ETFs Approved for Personal Trading Without Preclearance (but Requiring Reporting)

All regional/country exchange share listings of ETFs listed are also approved

This is a partial list. The complete and up-to-date list is available on the Code of Ethics System on the Intranet.

 

Ticker Name
United States: Equity
AAXJ iShares MSCI All COUNTRY ASIA
ACWI iShares MSCI ACWI Index Fund
BRF Market Vectors Brazil Small-CA
DIA DIAMONDS Trust SERIES I
DVY iShares DJ Select Dividend
ECH iShares MSCI Chile Investable
EEB Claymore/BNY BRIC ETF
EEM iShares MSCI EMERGING MKT IN
EFA iShares MSCI EAFE INDEX FUND
EFG iShares MSCI EAFE GROWTH INX
EFV iShares MSCI EAFE VALUE INX
EPI Wisdomtree India Earnings Fund
EPP iShares MSCI PACIFIC EX JPN
EWA iShares MSCI AUSTRALIA INDEX
EWC iShares MSCI CANADA
EWG iShares MSCI GERMANY INDEX
EWH iShares MSCI HONG KONG INDEX
EWJ iShares MSCI JAPAN INDEX FD
EWM iShares MSCI MALAYSIA
EWS iShares MSCI SINGAPORE
EWT iShares MSCI TAIWAN INDEX FD
EWU iShares MSCI UNITED KINGDOM
EWY iShares MSCI SOUTH KOREA IND
EZU iShares MSCI EMU
FXI iShares FTSE/XINHUA CHINA 25
GDX Market Vectors Gold Miners
GDXJ Market Vectors Gold Miners Min
IBB iShares NASDAQ BIOTECH INDX
ICF iShares COHEN & STEERS RLTY
IEV iShares S&P EUROPE 350
 
 

 

IGE iShares GOLDMAN SACHS NAT RE
IJH iShares S&P Midcap 400
IJJ iShares S&P Midcap 400/VALUE
IJK iShares S&P Midcap 400/GRWTH
IJR iShares S&P SmallCap 600
IJS iShares S&P SmallCap 600/VAL
IJT iShares S&P SmallCap 600/GRO
ILF iShares S&P Latin Amer 40 IDX
INP iPath MSCI India Index ETN
IOO iShares S&P GLOBAL 100
IVE iShares S&P 500 VALUE INDEX
IVV iShares S&P 500 INDEX FUND
IVW iShares S&P 500 GROWTH INDEX
IWB iShares Russell 1000 INDEX
IWD iShares Russell 1000 VALUE
IWF iShares Russell 1000 GROWTH
IWM iShares Russell 2000
IWN iShares Russell 2000 VALUE
IWO iShares Russell 2000 GROWTH
IWP iShares Russell Midcap GRWTH
IWR iShares Russell Midcap INDEX
IWS iShares Russell Midcap VALUE
IWV iShares Russell 3000 INDEX
IXC iShares S&P GLBL ENERGY SECT
IYR iShares DJ US REAL ESTATE
IYW iShares DJ US TECHNOLOGY SEC
MDY Midcap SPDR Trust SERIES 1
MOO Market Vectors AGRIBUSINESS
OEF iShares S&P 100 INDEX FUND
PBW PowerShares WILDERHILL CLEAN ENERGY
PFF iShares S&P PREF STK INDX FN
PGX Powershares Preferred Portfolio
PHO PowerSharesGLOBAL WATER
QID ProShares UltraShort QQQ
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ
QQQ PowerShares QQQ
RSP Rydex S&P EQUAL WEIGHT ETF
RSX Market Vectors RUSSIA ETF
RWM ProShares Short Russell 2000
 
 

 

RWR DJ Wilshire REIT ETF
RWX SPDR DJ WILS INTL RE
SCZ iShares MSCI EAFE Small Cap In
SDS ProShares UltraShort S&P500
SDY SPDR Divident ETF
SH ProShares Short S&P500
SKF ProShares UltraShort FINANCIALS
SPY SPDR Trust SERIES 1
SRS UltraShort REAL ESTATE ProShares
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500
TWM UltraShort Russell2000 ProShares
UWM ProShares Ultra Russell2000
UYG ProShares Ultra FINANCIALS
VB Vanguard SMALL-CAP ETF
VBK Vanguard SMALL-CAP GRWTH ETF
VBR Vanguard SMALL-CAP VALUE ETF
VEA Vanguard EUROPE PACIFIC ETF
VEU Vanguard FTSE ALL-WORLD EX-U
VGK Vanguard EUROPEAN ETF
VIG Vanguard DIVIDEND APPREC ETF
VNQ Vanguard REIT ETF
VO Vanguard MID-CAP ETF
VPL Vanguard PACIFIC ETF
VTI Vanguard TOTAL STOCK MKT ETF
VTV Vanguard VALUE ETF
VUG Vanguard GROWTH ETF
VV Vanguard LARGE-CAP ETF
VWO Vanguard EMERGING MARKET ETF
VXX iPath S&P 500 VIX
XLB MATERIALS Select SECTOR SPDR
XLE ENERGY Select SECTOR SPDR
XLF FINANCIAL Select SECTOR SPDR
XLI INDUSTRIAL Select SECT SPDR
XLK TECHNOLOGY Select SECT SPDR
XLP CONSUMER STAPLES SPDR
XLU UTILITIES Select SECTOR SPDR
XLV HEALTH CARE Select SECTOR
XLY CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY Select SPDR
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF
 
 

 

XOP S&P Oil & Gas Expland Prod

 

 

United States: Fixed Income

AGG iShares Lehman AGG BOND FUND
BIV Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bon
BSV Vanguard Total Bond Market
BOND PIMCO Total Return Bond ETF
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
BWX SPDR barclays Int Trea Bnd ETF
BZF Wisdomtree Brazilian Real Fund
CYB Wisdomtree Dreyfus China Yuan Fund
ELD Wisdomtree Emerging Markets Bond ETF
EMB JPM Emerging Markets Bond ETF
HYG iShares IBOXX H/Y CORP BOND
IEF iShares Lehman 7-10YR TREAS
IEI iShares Lehman 3-7 YEAR TREASURY
JNK SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF
LQD iShares GS$ INVESTOP CORP BD
MBB iShares MBS Bond Fund
MUB iShares S&P National Municipal Bond Fund
PCY Powershares EM MAR SOV DE PT
PST ProShares UltraShort Lehman 7-10 Year Treasury
SHY iShares Lehman 1-3YR TRS BD
TBF ProShares Short 20+ Treasury
TBT UltraShort Lehman 20+ Year Treasury ProShares
TIP iShares Lehman TRES INF PR S
TLT iShares Lehman 20+ YR TREAS
VCSH Vanguard Short-Term Corporate
United States: Commodity Trusts and ETNs
AMJ JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN
CORN Corn ETF
COW iPath DJ-AIG Livestock TR Sub-Index
DBA Powershares DB Agriculture Fund
DBB Powershares DB Base Metals Fund
DBC Powershares DB Commodity Index
DBE Powershares DB Energy Fund
DBO Powershares DB Oil Fund
DBP Powershares DB Precious Metals Fund
DGZ Powershares DB Gold Short ETN
 
 

 

DJP iPath Dow Jones - AIG Commodity
DNO Unicted States Short Oil Fund L
GAZ iPath DJ-AIG Natural Gas TR Sub-Index
GLD StreetTRACKS Gold Fund
GLL UltraShort Gold
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity Index
JJA iPath DJ-AIG Agriculture TR Sub-Index
JJC iPath DJ-AIG Copper TR Sub-Index
JJE iPath DJ-AIG Energy TR Sub-Index
JJG iPath DJ-AIG Grains TR Sub-Index
JJM iPath DJ-AIG Industrial Metals TR Sub-Index
JJN iPath DJ-AIG Nickel TR Sub-Index
JJS iPath DJ-AIG Softs TR Sub-Index
JJU iPath DJ-AIG Aluminum TR Sub-Index
SGG iPath DJ-UBS Sugar Subindex TR
SLV iShares Silver Trust
UCO Ultra DJ-AIG Crude Oil
UGA United States Gasoline Fund
UGL Ultra Gold
UHN United States Heating Oil Fund
UNG United States Natural Gas Fund
USO United States Oil Fund
ZSL UltraShort Silver
United States: Currency Trusts
DBV Powershares DB G10 Currency Harvest Fund
EUO UltraShort Euro
FXA Australian Dollar
FXB British Pound
FXC Canadian Dollar
FXE Euro
FXF Swiss Franc
FXM Mexican Peso
FXS Swedish Krona
FXY Japanese Yen
UDN Powershares DB US Dollar Bearish Fund
UUP Powershares DB US Dollar Bullish Fund
YCS UltraShort Yen
Australia: Equity
STW.AX S&P/ASX 200 Index
 
 

 

England: Equity
EUN LN iShares DJ STOXX 50
IEEM LN iShares MSCI EMERGING MKTS
FXC LN iShares FTSE/XINHUA CHINA 25
IJPN LN iShares MSCI JAPAN FUND
ISF LN iShares PLC-ISHARES FTSE 100
IUSA LN iShares S&P 500 INDEX FUND
IWRD LN iShares MSCI WORLD
England: Fixed Income
IEBC LN iShares Barclays Capital Euro
Hong Kong: Equity
2800 HK TRACKER FUND OF HONG KONG
2823 HK iShares A50 CHINA TRACKER
2827 HK WISE - CSI 300 CHINA TRACKER
2828 HK HANG SENG H-SHARE IDX ETF
2833 HK HANG SENG INDEX ETF

 

Japan: Equity
1305 JP DAIWA ETF = TOPIX
1306 JP  NOMURA ETF - TOPIX
1308 JP  NIKKO ETF - TOPIX
1320 JP  DAIWA ETF – NIKKEI 225
1321 JP  NOMURA ETF – NIKKEI 225
1330 JP NIKKO ETF – 225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This appendix is current as of 23 June 2014, and may be amended at the discretion of the Ethics Committee.

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vict o r y C apital Ma n a g e m e nt I nc.

Co d e o f E t h ic s

 

 

E f f e cti v e J u ly 30 , 20 1 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La s t upd a t ed : J u ly 2 0 , 201 6

 
 

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

I. In t r oducti o n ......................................................................................................................................... 1

II. Defini t io n s ............................................................................................................................................ 2

 

III. C u ltu r e of Com p li a n c e ........................................................................................................................ 4

I V . P ol ic y S t atement on Insider T r adi n g ................................................................................................ 5

 

A . In t r o d u c t i on ........................................................................................................................................... 5

B . S c o p e of t h e P o li c y S t at e m e n t .............................................................................................................. 5

C. W h at i s M a te r i al I n f or m at i o n ? ............................................................................................................... 5

D. W h at i s Non -P u b l i c I n f or m a t i o n ? .......................................................................................................... 6

E . Id e n t i f y i ng I n s i de I n f or m at i on ................................................................................................................ 6

F . Con t a c t w i t h P u b li c Co m p a n i es ............................................................................................................ 7

G . T e n d e r O f f ers ........................................................................................................................................ 7

H. P r ot e c t i ng S e n s i t i v e I n f or m at i o n ........................................................................................................... 7

I. T r a di ng i n S e c uri t i es L i s ted on E xc h a n g es i n O th e r Co u n tr i es ............................................................ 7

 

V . C o n f li c t s of In t e r e st ............................................................................................................................ 7

 

A . G i f ts a n d E nt e r t a i n m e n t ........................................................................................................................ 8

G i f ts ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

E nt e r t a i n m e n t ...................................................................................................................................... 9

B . P o l i t i c al Con t r i b u t i o ns ........................................................................................................................... 9

C. O uts i de B u si n e s s A c t i v i t i es ................................................................................................................. 10

Ho l d i n g P o l i t i c a l O ff i c e/ A p p o i nt m e n ts ............................................................................................... 10

O uts i de E m p l o y m e n t o r B u s i n e s s A c t i v i t i es ...................................................................................... 10

B e q u e s t s ............................................................................................................................................ 10

D. O th e r P r o h i b i t i o n s on C o n d u c t ............................................................................................................ 11

E . Re v i e w of E m p l o y e e C o mm u ni c at i o n s ............................................................................................... 11

 

V I. S t an d a r d s of Busin e ss C onduc t ................................................................................................... 12

V II. P e r so n al T r adi n g, Co d e of E t hics R ep o r t ing and Ce r t ific a t io n s ............................................... 12

 

A . E m p l o y e e I n v e s t m e n t A cc o u n ts ......................................................................................................... 12

M a n a g e d A cc o u nt s ............................................................................................................................ 12

P er s o n a l A cc o u nts ............................................................................................................................ 13

B . E m p l o y e e I n v e s t m e n t A cc o u n t R e p or t i n g ........................................................................................... 13

Inve s t m e n t A cc o u nt D i sc l o s ure ......................................................................................................... 13

In i t i a l H o l d i n g s R e p ort / A nn u a l Ho l d i n g s R e p o r t ................................................................................ 13

Q u a r ter l y S e c uri t i es T r a n s a c t i on R e p ort ........................................................................................... 13

C. P er s o n a l T r a di n g R e q u i r e m e n ts a n d R e s t r i c t i o ns .............................................................................. 14

P er m i ss i b l e T r a n s a c t i o n s .................................................................................................................. 14

P r e - C l e aran c e Re q u i r e m e n ts f or P e rs o n al T r a d i ng .......................................................................... 14

P r o h i b i t i o n o n S h o rt-S e l l i ng S e c ur i t i es .............................................................................................. 14

Bl a c k o u t P eri o d ................................................................................................................................. 14

M a n d at o r y S h o rt- T e r m Ho l d i n g P eri o d ............................................................................................. 14

M a x i m u m All o wa b l e T r a d e s .............................................................................................................. 15

De M i n i m i s T r a d es ............................................................................................................................ 15

Con t r a - T r ad i ng R u l e .......................................................................................................................... 15

S m a l l M a r k et Ca p i t a l i z a t i o n S e c ur i t i es .............................................................................................. 15

I P O R u l e ............................................................................................................................................ 15

L i m i ted O ff eri n gs ( P r i v ate P l a c e m e n t s ) ............................................................................................. 15

Si g n i f i c a n t A ff ili a ted F u n d T r a n s a c t i o ns ............................................................................................ 15

 
 

M a r k et T i m i ng M u t u al F u n d T r a n s a c t i o n s ......................................................................................... 15

D. Repre s e n ta t i on a n d W a rr a nt i es .......................................................................................................... 16

E . Q u a r ter l y a nd A n n u a l Cer t i f i c at i o n s of Co m p li a n c e ............................................................................ 16

F . Re v i e w P r o c e d ures ............................................................................................................................. 16

G . Re c o r d k e e p i n g .................................................................................................................................... 17

H. W h i s t l e bl o wer P r o v i s i o ns .................................................................................................................... 17

I. Con f i d e nt i a l i t y...................................................................................................................................... 17

J . Rep o r t i ng to t he B o a r d o f D i r e c tors of A ff ili at e d Fu n ds ...................................................................... 17

 

V III. C o de of E t hics V io l ati o n G uidelines ............................................................................................ 17

 

 

A p pen d i x 1 A ff il i at e d F u n d s , P r o pri e t a r y F u n ds & R e p ort a b l e Fu n ds ....................................................... i A p pen d i x 2 A p p r o v e d B r o k ers L i s t .......................................................................................................... . i i i A p pen d i x 3 I n v e s t m e n t A cc o u nt D i sc l o s ure ............................................................................................ iv A p pen d i x 4 R e p o r t a b l e S e c uri t i es ............................................................................................................ v A p pen d i x 5 E T Fs E l i g i b l e f or De M i n i m i s T r a n s a c t i on E x e m pt i on ......................................................... . v i i

S upplement 1 - RS I n v e s t m e n ts (Hong K o n g ) L i m i ted Co d e of E t h i c s S u p p l e m e n t ( Hong K o n g

S u p p l e m e n t” ) ............................................................................................................................................... v i i i

 

S upplement 2 - R S I n v e s t m e n t M a n a g e m e n t (S i n g a p o r e) P t e. L td. ( R S I M S ) C o d e of E th i c s

S u p p l e m e n t ( Si n g a p ore S u p p l e m e n t”) ....................................................................................................... xi

 
 

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

I. IN T R O DUC T I O N

 

Ru l e 2 0 4 A - 1 of t h e I n v e s t m e n t A d v i s ers A c t of 1 9 4 0 (“ A d vi s ers A c t”) r e q u i r es a l l i n v e s t m e n t a d vi s ers r e gi s ter e d w i th t he S e c uri t i es a n d E xc h a n ge Co m m is s i on ( SE C ) to a d o p t c o d e s of et hi c s th a t s et f orth s ta n d a r ds of c o n d u c t a n d r e q u i r e c o m p li a n c e w i th f e d eral s e c u r i t i es l a w s . Vi c to r y C a p i tal M a n a g e m e n t Inc. (“ Vi c tory C a p i t a l ) , a r e gi s ter e d i n v e s t m e n t a d v i s er u n d er the A d v i s ers A c t , a n d i ts s u b si d i a r i e s , R S Inve s t m e n ts ( U K ) L i m i te d , RS I n v e s t m e n ts ( Hong K o n g) L i m i te d , a nd RS I nve s t m e n t M a n a g e m e n t ( Si n g a p ore) P te. L t d. (c o l l e c t i v e l y, Vi c t o r y C a p i t a l ), ha v e a d o p t ed t h i s Code of E thi c s (“ Cod e ) , w h i c h s ets f orth the s t a n d ards o f b u s i n e s s c o n d u c t th a t a r e r e q u i r ed of Vi c t o r y C a pi t a l e m p l o y e e s . A s an a d v i s er t o r e g u l at e d i n v e s t m e n t c o m p a n i e s , Vi c t o r y C a pi t al a l s o a d o pts t h i s C od e i n a d h e r e n c e t o R u l e

17 j- 1 1 u n d er the I n v e s t m e n t Co m p a n y A c t of 1 9 40. O f f i c ers a n d e m p l o y e es of RS I n v e s t m e n ts ( Hong

K o n g) L i m i ted a nd RS I n v e s t m e n t M a n a g e m e n t (S i n g a p ore) P t e . L td. s h o u l d a l s o re v i e w t h e r e l a t ed Co d e s u p p l e m e n t s .

 

Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l A d v i s er s , I n c . (“ V C A ”) , a Vi c to r y C a p i ta l a ff ili at e , i s a r e g i s tered b r o k e r - d e a l er a n d p r i n c i p al u n d e r w r i ter of V i c to r y Ca p i t a l’ s A ff ili at e d F u n d s ( d e f i ne d h e r e i n) a nd h a s a d o p t ed th i s C o de i n c o m p li a n c e w i th R u l e 1 7 j - 1 u n d er t he Inve s t m e n t Co m p a n y A c t of 1 9 4 0 , as a m e n d e d ( t h e Inve s t m e n t Co m p a n y A c t” ) .

 

Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l e m p l o y e es h av e a r e s p o n si b i li t y to a d h ere to t he h i g h e s t et h i c al pr i n c i p l e s . T h u s , the Code i m p o s es o bli g at i o n s i n a d d i t i on t o th o s e r e q u i r ed u n d e r a p p li c a b l e l a ws a n d r e g u l at i o n s . T he Code i s a m i n i m um s ta n d a r d of c o n d u c t f or e m p l o y e e s . If an e m p l o y e e i s u n c ert a i n as to the i nt e nt or p u r p o s e of a n y p r o v i s i o n of the Co d e, he or s he s h o u l d c o n s u l t Vi c to r y C a p i t a l s Ch i ef Co m p li a n c e O f f i c er (“ CC O ”) or a m e m b e r of the Co m p l i a n c e t e a m .

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t a l r e c o g n i z e s t h e i m po r t a n c e to it s e m p l o y ee s o f b e i ng a b l e to m ana ge a n d d e v e l o p t h ei r o wn a n d t h e i r d e p e n d e nts’ f i n a n c i a l r e s o u rc es thro u gh l o n g - term i n v e s t m e n ts a n d s trat e g i e s . H o we v er, b e c a u s e of the p ot e n t i al c o n f li c ts of i nt e r e s t i n h e r e n t i n o u r b u s i n e s s a nd o ur i n d u s t r y , V i c to r y Ca p i t a l h as i m p l e m e n ted c ert a i n s ta n d ards a n d l i m i ta ti o n s d e s i gn ed to m i n i m i z e th e s e c o n f l ic t s .

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t a l s r e p u t at i o n i s of p a r a m o u nt i m p o r ta n c e; t h ere f ore, V i c to r y Cap i tal w i l l n ot t o l era t e b l e m i s h e s as a re s u l t o f c a r e l e s s p er s o n a l t r a d i ng or o t h e r c o n d u c t pro h i b i ted b y t he C o d e . C o n s e q u e n t l y, Mat e r i al V i o l at i ons ( as d e f i n e d h ere i n) of the C o d e m ay be s u b j e c t to h a rs h s a n c t i o n s . F r e q u e n t v i o l at i o n s of the C o d e m a y r e s u l t i n li m i ta ti o n s on p er s o n al s e c u r i t i es tra d i ng or o th e r d i sc i p l i n a r y a c t i o n s , w h i c h c a n i n c l u de t er m i n a t i o n o f e m p l o y m e n t .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Ru l e 17 j -1 r eq u i r e s t h a t f un d ad v ise r s ado p t w r i t te n code s o f e t h i c s an d ha v e p r o ce d u r e s i n pl a c e to p r e v en t t h e i r pe r s o nn e l fr o m ab u si n g t hei r a cc e s s to in f o r m a t i o n a b ou t t h e f und ' s se c u r i t i e s tr a d ing , a n d r equi r e s " a cc e s s pe r so n s " to s u b m i t r e p o rts pe r i od i c a ll y c on t a i ni n g in f o r m a t i o n a b ou t th ei r pe r so n a l s e cu r i t ie s h o ldi ng s a n d t r a n s a c t i o ns .

 
 

II. D E FINI T I O NS

 

A c c es s P ers o n m e a ns a n y e m p l o y e e of Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l or a n y o n e d e e m ed a n A cc e s s P er s on b y the CC O . A s a m at t er of pra c t i c e, the B o a r d of D i r e c tors of the Vi c t ory P ort f o l i o s , Vic tory P ort f o li os II, V i c tory Inst i t u t i o n a l Fu n ds and Vic tory V ari a b l e Insuran c e Fu n ds (c o l l e c t i v e l y the “ V ic tory Fu n ds ) ge n er a l l y c o n s i s ts of m e m b e r s w ho are n o t e m p l o y e e s or o ff i c ers of Vi c tory C a p i t a l , or t h ei r a ff ili a tes. A d i r e c tor d e s i g n a t e d as a n on - a cc e s s d i r e c tor i s n o t tre a t ed a s an a cc e s s p e rs o n ” of V ic tory C a p i t al, w i th i n t he m e a n i ng of R u l e 2 0 4A- 1 u n d e r t h e I n v e s t m e n t A d vi s ers A c t o f 1 9 4 0, as a m e n d e d ( the A d v i s ers A c t”) a nd i s n o t tre a t e d a s e i t h e r an “a cc e s s p e rs o n ” or an a d vis ory p e rs o n ” of Vi c to r y C ap i t a l .

 

A f f ili at e d F un d s m e a ns an y i n d i v i d u a l s e r i es p ort f o l i o of V i c to r y P ort f o l i o s , V i c t o r y P ort f o l i os I I , Vi c to r y V ar i a b l e Insur a n c e Fu n ds a n d V i c to r y I n s t i t ut i o n a l F u n d s , as we l l as ot h er s ub - a d v i s ed a ff ili a t es li s t e d i n A p p e n d i x 1, e a c h an i n v e s t m e n t c o m p a n y re g i s tered u n d er t h e I n v e s t m e n t Co m p a n y A c t.

 

A ut o m at i c or P eri o d i c Inv e s t m e n t Pl a n i s a program i n w h i c h r e g u l ar p e ri o d i c p u rc h a s es ( or w i th d r a wa l s ) are m a d e a u to m at i c a l l y i n ( or f r o m ) i n v e s t m e n t a cc o u nts i n a cc ordance w i th a p r e d et e r m i n e d sc h e d u l e a n d a l l o c a t i o n . A n A ut o m at i c I nv e s t m e n t P l an i nc l u d es a d iv i d e nd r e i n v e s t m e n t p l a n.

 

B e n ef i c i al In teres t” m e a ns the o p p o r t u n i t y , d i r e c t l y or i n di r e c t l y , thro u gh an y c o n tra c t, ar r a n g e m e n t, u n d e rs t a n d i n g , r e l a t i o n s h i p or ot h erw i s e, to pro f i t, or s h a r e i n an y pro f i t d e r i v ed f r o m , a t r a n s a c t i on i n the s u b j e c t S e c u r i t i e s . A n A c c e s s P er s on i s d e e m ed to h a v e a B e n e f i c i al In t ere s t i n s e c uri t i es o wned b y m e m b e rs of his or her I mm e d i ate Fa m i l y . C o m m on exa m p l es of B e n e f i c i a l I nt e r e s t i n c l u de j o i nt a cc o u nts, s p o u s al a cc o u nts (i n c l u d i n g No n- Vi c tory C a p i t al E m p l o y e e Co m p e n s a t i on P r o g r am s , No n - Vi c tory C a p i ta l E m p l o y e e S tock P art i c i p a t i on P r o g r a m , a n d E m p l o y e r - S p o n s or e d Ret i r e m e n t Pl an A cc o u nts ) , U n i f orm T r a ns f ers to M i n o r s A c t a cc o u nts, p a r tn e rs h i p s , tru s ts a n d c o n tro l l i ng i nt e r e s t s i n c orporat i o n s . A n y un c erta i n t y as to w h et h er a n A cc e s s P er s on h a s a B e n e f i c i al I nt e r e s t i n a S e c uri t y s h o u l d b e bro u g h t t o the at t e nt i on of t h e Co m p li a n c e D e p a r t m e n t. S u c h q u e s t i o n s w i l l be r e s o l v ed i n a c c ordance w i t h , a nd t h i s d e f i n i t i o n s h a l l be i n t erp r e t ed i n a m a n n e r c o n s i s te n t w i th, the d e f i n i t i on of b e n e f i c i al o wner” s et f orth i n Ru l es 1 6 a - 1(a )( 2) a n d ( 5) p r o m u l g a ted u n d er the S e c u r i t i es E xc h a n g e A c t o f 1 9 34 .

 

Bl ac k o u t P er i o d m e a ns s e v e n ( 7) c a l e n d ar d a y s b e f ore and thr e e ( 3) c a l e n d a r d a y s a f ter the d a t e a c li e n t tra d e i s e x e c ut e d .

 

B us i n es s E nt ertai nm e n t” i n c l u d es a n y s o ci al e v e n t, h o s p i t a l i t y e v e n t, c h a r i ta bl e e v e n t , s p o r t i ng e v e n t, e n tert a i n m e n t e v e n t , m e al , l e i s u r e a c t i v i t y or e v e n t of li k e n a ture or p u r p o s e, an d a n y tra n s p orta t i on or l o d g i n g a cc o m p a n y i n g or r e l a t ed to s u c h a c t i v i t y or e v e n t, i n c l u d i ng a n y e n ter t a i n m e n t a c t i v i t y o ff ered i n c o n n e c t i on w i t h a n e d u c a t i o n a l e v e nt or b u si n e s s c o n f eren c e, i rr e s p e c t i v e of whe t h er a n y b u si n e s s i s c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g , o r i s at t e n d a n t t o , s u c h a c t iv i t y.

 

“ Co v er e d G o v ern m e n t O ff i c i a l m e a ns a 1) s ta t e or l o c al g o v ern m e n tal o ff i c i a l ; 2) c a n d i d a t e f or s ta t e or l o c al o ff i c e; or 3 ) f e d eral c a n d i d a te c ur r e n t l y h o l d i n g s ta t e or l o c al o ff i c e. A g ov ern m e n tal o ff i c i a l i n c l u d e s an i n c u m b e nt, ca n d i d a t e, or s u cc e s s f ul c a n d i d a t e f or e l e c t i v e o ff ic e of a s ta t e or l o c al g o v ern m e n t e n t i t y, i f the o f f i c e i s d i r e c t l y or i n d i r e c tly r e s p o n si b l e f or, or c an i n f l u e n c e the o utco m e o f , the h i r i n g of an i n v e s tme n t a d v i s er, or h a s a u t h ori t y to a p p o i nt an y p er s on who i s d i r e c tly or i n d i r e c tly r e s p o n s i b l e f or, or c an i n f l u e n c e the o u t c o m e o f , the h i ri ng of an i n v e s t m e n t a d v i s er, b y a s ta t e or a p o l i t i c a l s u b d iv i s i on of a s t a te.

 

“ De M i n i m i s T r a d e m e a ns a s tock t r a d e u n d er $ 1 0 0, 0 00 i n a s e c uri t y of an i ss u e r th a t i s a m e m b e r of the S & P 5 0 0 I n d e x , or a s e c ur it y w i t h an e q u i v a l e nt m a r k et c a pi t a li z at i on a n d l i q u i d i t y to a S & P 5 00 s e c uri t y , as d e ter m i n e d b y t he C C O , or an e x e m pt E T F ( s ee A p p e n d i x 5 E TFs E l i g i b l e for De M i n i m i s T r a n s a c t i on E x e m p t i on f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n) . De M i n i m i s T r a d es are s u b j e c t to P er s o n a l T r a d i ng Req u i r e m e n ts a nd R e s tr i c t i o n s i n S e c t i o n V I I ( C) e xc e p t the B l a c k o u t P er i od.

 

E x em pt S ec uri t i es m e a ns 1) d i r e c t o b l i g a t i o n s of the U. S . G o v ern m e n t ; 2) b a n k er s a cc e p t a n c e s , b a nk c ert i f i c at e s of d e p o si t a n d c o m m er c i al p a p e r; 3) i n v est m e n t grade, s h o r t - term d e bt i n s tru m e n t s , i n cl u d i ng r e p ur c h a s e a gree m e n t s ; 4) s h a r es h e l d i n m o n e y m ar k et f u n d s ; 5) v ari a b l e i n s uran c e pr o d u c ts th a t i n v e s t

 
 

i n f u n ds f or w h i c h V i c to r y Cap i tal d o e s n o t a c t as a d vi s er or s u b - a d vi s e r ; 6) o p en - e n d m ut u al f u n ds f or wh i c h V i c to r y C a p i t a l d o e s n o t a c t as a dvi s er or s u b - a d vi s er; a nd 7) i n v e s t m e n ts i n q u a li f i e d tu i t i o n progra m s ( 5 2 9 Pl a n s” ) . Ex e m pt S e c uri t i es do n ot ne ed t o be pr e-c l e a r e d .

 

I m m e di ate Fa m i l y m e a ns a l l f a m i l y m e m b e r s w ho s h a r e t h e s a m e h o u s e h o l d , i n c l u d i ng b ut n ot li m i ted to, a s p o u s e, d o m e s t i c p ar tn e r , p a re n t s , gran d p a r e n t s , c h i l dren, gra n d c h i l dr e n, s i b l i n g s , s te p -s i b l i n g s , s te p -c h i l dren, s tep-p a r e n t s , or i n - l a w s . I m m e di ate F a m i l y i n c l u d e s a d o pt i v e r e l a t i o n s h i ps a n d a n y ot h er r e l a t i o n s h i ps (whe t h er or n o t r e c o g ni z ed b y l a w ) t h at t h e CCO d e ter m i n e s c o u l d l e a d to c o n f li c ts of i nt e r e s t, d i v er s i o n s of c orp o r ate o p p o r t u n i t y or cr e a te t he a p p e aran c e of i mpropr i e t y .

 

“ In d ex A c c es s P ers o n m e a ns a n y e m p l o y e e who i s a m e m b e r of the C E M P i n v e s t m e n t m a n a g e m e n t tea m , m e m b e r s of Vi c tory Ca p i t a l’ s tra d i ng te a m i n v o l v ed w i t h tr a d i n g C E M P, e m p l o y e e s who h a ve a cc e s s to tra d e r e b a l a n c e i n f o r m at i on f or i n d ex - b a s ed products or an y ot h er p e r s on d e si g n a ted as s u c h b y t h e CC O . I n d e x A cc e s s P er s o n s are r e s tr i c ted f r om tra di ng e q u i t i es d u ri ng the r e b a l a n c i n g m o n th s . In d ex A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y s t i l l tr a de s e c uri t i e s , s u c h as open - e n d e d m ut u al f u n ds a n d E TFs f or w h i c h Vi c tory C a p i t al d o es n o t a c t as a d vi s er or s ub - a dv i s er or ot h er t y p es of s e c uri t i e s p e r m i tt e d b y the CCO d u r i n g t h i s m o n t h .

 

In i t i al Ho l d i n g s R e p o r t i s a r e p ort t h a t d i sc l o s es a l l s e c uri ti es h o l d i n g s of e v ery A cc e s s P er so n, w h i c h m u s t be s u b m i tt e d to the Co m p li a n c e De p art m e n t w i th i n t e n ( 1 0 ) c a l e n d ar d a y s of b e c o m i ng a n A cc e s s P er s o n .

 

In i t i al P u b l i c O f f eri n g” or “ I P O m e a ns an o ff eri n g of s e c uri ti es r e gi s te r ed u n d er the S e c uri t i es A c t of

193 3 , the i ss u e r of w h i c h, i m m e di at e l y b e f ore s u c h r e gi s tra t i o n , was n o t s u b j e c t to the r e p o r t i ng r e q u i r e m e n ts of S e c t i o n s 1 3 o r 1 5 ( d) of t h e 1 9 3 4 A c t.

 

“ M a na g e d A c c o u nts m e a ns i n v e s t m e n t a dvi s o r y or b r o k erage a cc o u nts o v er wh i c h a n A cc e s s P er s on h a s no d i r e c t o r i n d i r e c t i n f l u e n c e or c o n tr o l i n t h e i n v e s t m e n t d e c i si o n s or a c t i v i t i e s .

 

M a ter i al N on -P u b li c In f o r m at i o n or “ MN P I” m e a ns i n f o r m at i on t h at i s b oth m at e r i al a n d n o n - pu b li c t h a t m i g h t h a v e an e ff e c t on th e m a r k et f or a s e c uri t y. Acc e s s P er s o n s w h o p o ss e s s MN P I m u s t n o t a c t or c a u s e o t h ers to act on s u c h i n f ormat i o n .

 

“ M a ter i al V i o l a t i o n m e a ns a n y v i o l at i on of th i s Co d e o r ot h er m is c o n d u c t d e e m ed m at e r i al b y the C C O , i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i th t he C o m p li a n c e C o m m i tt e e or t he Vi c t o r y C a p i t al B o ard of D i r e c tor s .

 

M a x i m u m All o wa b l e T r a d e s m e a ns no A cc e s s P e r s on i s p er m i tt e d to m a k e m ore th a n 20 tra d es p e r q u arter i n a P er s o n a l A cc o u nt ( . A tra d e i n the s a m e s e c uri t y i n m u l t i p l e a cc o u n t s on t he s a m e d a y w i l l c o u nt as o n e tra d e t o wards t h e Ma x i m u m All o wa b l e T r a d es i n a q u ar t er.

 

“ MC O m e a ns M y C o m p li a n c eO ff i c e, w h i c h i s a w e b - b a s ed c o m p li a n c e s y s tem that i s u s e d t o t r a c k a n d a p pr o v e P er s o n a l T r a d e s , s tore p oli c i e s , a n d f a c il i ta t e e m p l o y e e c ert i f i c a t i o ns a n d m a n a g e ot h er c o m p li a n c e o b j e c t i v e s .

 

P ers o n a l A c c ou nt m e a ns an i n v e s t m e n t a cc ount i n wh i c h a n e m p l o y ee r et a i ns i n v e s t m e n t di scr et i o n .

 

P er s o n a l T r a di ng” or P e r s o n al T r a d es m e a ns tra d es or tra n s a c t i o ns b y Acc e s s P er s o n s i n th ei r

P er s o n a l A cc o u nt s .

 

P r o p r i e tar y F u n d” i s a f u n d or pro d u c t i n w h i c h V i c t o r y C a p i tal or i ts e m p l o y ee s h av e an a g gr e g a t e of

2 5 % or m ore B e n e f i c i al I n tere st . S ee A p p e n d i x 1 A f f i l i at e d Fu n d s , P r o pri e t a r y Fu n ds & R e p o r t a b l e

Fu n ds f or m ore i n f o r m at i on.

 

P ortf o li o Ma n a g em e n t T e a m m e a ns a l l m e m b e r s of a p o r t f o l i o m a n a g e m e n t te a m i n c l u d i ng a l l r e s e a rc h a n a l y s ts a nd m a r k et tra d e r s .

 
 

“ Rep o r ta b l e F u n d m e a ns a n y i n v e s t m e n t c o m p a n y r e gi s ter e d u n d e r the I n v e s t m e n t C o m p a n y A c t f or wh i c h V i c to r y C a p i t al i s a n i n v e s t m e n t a d v i s er or a s ub - a d vi s er, or a n y r e g i s te r ed i n v e s t m e n t c o m p a n y whose i n v e s t m e n t a d v i s er or pri n c i p al u n d e r w r i ter c o n tro l s Vi c t o r y C a p i t a l , i s c o n t r o ll e d b y V i c to r y C a p i t a l, or i s u n d e r c o m m on c o n trol w i th Vi c tory Ca p i t a l . S ee A p p e n d i x 1 – A ff i l i at e d Fu n d s , P r o p ri et a r y Fu n ds & Rep o r t a b l e Fu n ds f or m ore i n f ormat i o n .

 

“ Rep o r ta b l e S ec urit y m e a ns a n y s e c u r i t y th a t i s n ot a n E x e m pt S e c uri t y .

 

“ RIC” m e a ns a r e g u l at e d i n v e s t m e n t c o m p a n y .

 

S h o r t - S el l or S h o r t - S e l l i ng” m e a ns the s a l e of a s e c uri t y t h a t i s n ot o wned b y t h e s e l l er. A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y n ot ta k e a s h o r t p o s i t i on i n a s e c uri t y . H o w e v er, m ut u al f u n ds or E T Fs th a t c or r e s p o nd to the i n v er s e p e r f o r m a n c e of a broa d - b a s ed i n d ex are n o t c o n s i d ered to be S h ort- S a l e s . For e x a m p l e, b u y i n g (l o n g) the P r o S h ares S h ort S & P 5 00 E T F i s p erm i tt e d. E m p l o y e es m a y a l s o tra d e i n f u n ds th a t tra c k a v o l at i l i t y i n d e x . P er s o n a l i n v e s t m e n ts i n h i g h l y c o n c e n trat e d f u n ds m a d e by P ort f o li o M a n a g e m e n t T eam m e m b e r s m a y be p r o h i b i t ed i f th e y c o n tr a d i c t t he c li e nt s r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s . S ee Con t r a - T r a d i ng Ru l e u n d er S e c t i o n V I I ( C ) : P er s o n al T r a d i n g R e q u i r e m e nts a nd R e s tr i c t i o n s f or more i n f o r m at i o n .

 

S h o r t - T e r m Ho l di ng P eri o d” m e a ns a l l e m p l o y e e s m u s t h o l d R e p ort a b l e S e c uri t i es f or a m i n i m u m o f 60 c a l e n d a r d a y s f r o m the d a t e of p u rc h a s e. P er s o n a l T r a d i ng m u s t be f or i n v e s t m e n t p u r p o s es r at h er t h a n f or s p e c u l at i o n . Cons e q u e n tl y , e m p l o y e es m a y n ot pro f i t f r o m the p u rc h a s e or s a l e of the s a m e s e c uri ti es i f i t v i o l at e s t h i s h ol d i ng p e r i o d r e s tr i c t i o n. E xc e s s pr o f i ts ( or l o ss es a v o i d e d ) as a r e s u l t of v i o l a t i n g t h e S h o r t - Te r m Ho l d i ng P er i od are s u b j e c t t o d i s g o r g e m e n t.

 

Si g n i f i c a n t T r a n s a c t i o n m e a ns the p ur c h a s e or s a l e of a n A f f ili at e d Fu n d b y an A cc e s s P er s on th a t e xc e e ds the l e ss er of $1 m illi on or 1% of the Fu n d s o u t s ta n d i n g s h a r e s , a cr o s s a l l s h a r e c l a ss e s . S ee A p p e n d i x 1 A f f i li a ted F u n d s , P r o p r i et a r y F u n d s & R e p o r ta b l e F u n ds f or more i n f ormatio n .

 

 

III. CU L T URE O F C O M P L I A N C E

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t a l’ s pri m a r y o b j e c t i v e i s to pro v i de v a l u e throu g h i n v e s t m e n t a dv is o r y , s ub - a d vi s o r y a nd ot h er f i n a n c i a l s er v i c es t o a w i de r a n g e of c li e n t s , i n c l u d i n g g o v ern m e n t s , c orporat i o n s , f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t ut i o n s , h i g h n e t wor t h i n d i v i d u a l s a n d p e n si on f u n d s .

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al r e q u i r es t h at a l l d e a l i n g s on b e h a l f o f e x i s t i ng a nd p r o s p e c t i v e c li e n ts be h a n d l e d w i th h o n e s ty, i nt e g r i ty a n d h i gh et hi c a l s ta n d a r d s , a nd t h at s u c h d e a l i n gs a d h ere to t he l etter and the s pi r it of app l i c ab l e law s , re g u l ations and c ont r a c tual gu i de l ine s . As a general m atte r , V i c t o r y Ca p i t a l i s a f i d u c i a r y th a t o wes i ts cl i e nts a d u t y of u n d i v i d e d l oy a l ty, a n d e a c h emp l o y e e h a s a r e s p o n si b i li ty t o a c t i n a ma n n e r c o n s i s te n t w i t h t h i s d u ty. A l l emp l o y e es mu s t a c t i v e l y work to av o i d the p o ss i b i li ty t h a t the a d vi c e or s er vi c es pr o v i ded t o c l i e nts i s , or g i v es t he a p p e ar a n c e of b ei n g, b a s ed o n the s e l f - i nt e r e s ts of Vi c to r y Cap i tal or i ts emp l oye e s a nd n ot i n the c l i e n t s b e s t i nt e r e s t s . V i o l at i o n s of t h e Code mu s t be r e p orted prompt l y to the CC O .

 

E m p l o y e es m u s t a c t s o l e l y i n t he b e s t i n t ere s ts t he i r c l i e n ts . S t at u t o r y a n d r e g u l at o r y r e q u i r e m e n ts i m p o s e s p e c i f i c r e s p o n s i b i li t i es g o v ern i ng t he b e h a v i or of p e rs o n n e l i n c ar r y i n g ou t th e i r r e s p o n s i b i l i t i es to c li e n t s . Vi c to r y C a p i t al a nd i ts e m p l o y e es m u s t c o m p l y f u ll y w i th t h e s e r u l es a n d r e g u l at i o n s . T he L e g al , Co m p li a n c e a nd R i s k Dep a r t m e n t (“ LCR Dep a r t m e n t ) p e rs o n n e l are a v a i l a b l e to a ss i s t e m p l o y e es i n m e e t i ng t h e s e req u i r e m e n t s .

 

Si n c e no s et of r u l es c an a nt i ci p a te e v e r y p o ss i b l e s i t u a t i o n , i t i s e ss e n t i al t h a t V i c to r y C a p i t a l e m p l o y e es a n d r e pre s e n t at i v es o bt a i n g u i d a n c e f r om the CCO o r Ch i ef L e g a l O ff i c er (“ C L O” ) w h e n u n s u r e h o w to f o ll o w th e s e r u l es i n l et t er a nd i n s p i r i t. It i s the r e s p o n s i b i li t y of a l l e m p l o y e e s a n d r e p r e s e n t at i v es to f u l l y u n d e rs t a nd a nd c o m p l y w i t h the C o de a n d the p o l i c i es of Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l or s e e k g u i d a n c e f r om the CC O . T e c h ni c al c o m p li a n c e w i th the Co d e a n d i ts pro c e d ures w i l l n o t n e c e ss ari l y v a li d ate a n e m p l o y e e s a c t i o n s as a p p r o p r i at e . A n y a c t i vi t y th a t c o m pr o m is es V i c to r y Ca p i t a l’ s i n t e g ri t y , e v en i f i t d o es n o t

 
 

e x pre ssl y v i o l a t e a r u l e, ma y r e s u l t i n f urther a c t i o n from t h e CC O . In s o m e i n s ta n c e s , the CCO h o l ds d i scr eti o n a ry a ut h or i t y to a p p l y e xc e p t i o n s u n d er t h e Cod e . I n t he CC O s a b s e n c e, t h e C LO m a y a c t i n h i s or h er p l a c e.

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t a l s f i d u ci a r y r e s p o n si b i l i t i e s a p p l y to a b r o ad r a n ge o f i n v e s t m en t a n d r e l at ed a c t iv i t i e s , in c l u d i n g s a l es a n d m a r k et i n g, p o r t f o l i o m a n a g e m e n t, s e c uri t i es tra d i n g , a l l o c a t i on of i n v e s t m e n t o p p o r t u n i t i e s , c li e nt s er v i c e, o p e r at i o n s s u p p o r t , p e r f or m a n c e m e a s ur e m e n t a n d r e p ort i n g , ne w pr o d u c t d e v e l o p m e n t as w e l l as p er s o n al i n v e s t i ng a c t iv i t i e s . T h e s e o b l i g a t i o ns i n c l u de th e d u t y to a v o i d m at e r i al c o n f li c ts of i n t ere s t ( a n d, i f th i s i s n o t p o ss i b l e, to pr o v i de f u l l a n d f a i r d i sc l o s ure to cl i e nts i n c o m m u ni c at i o n s) , to k e e p a cc urate b o o k s a n d r e c ord s , a n d to s u p e r vi s e p er s o n n e l a p p r o p r i a t e l y . T h e s e c o n c e p ts are f urther d e scri b e d i n t he s e c t i o n s t h a t f o ll o w .

 

 

I V . P O LICY S T A T E M E NT O N IN S I D E R T R A D ING A . In t r oducti o n

Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l s e e k s to f o s ter a c u l ture of c o m p li a n c e a n d a r e p u t a t i o n f or i nt e g r i t y a nd pro f e ss i o n a l i s m . Vi c to r y C a p i tal v a l u e s a nd e n d e a v ors to prote c t t he c o n f i d e n c e a n d tru s t p l a c ed i n us b y o u r c l i e n t s . T o f urther th a t g o a l , t h i s P o li c y S t a te m e n t i m p l e m e n ts pro c e d ures to d e ter the m i s u s e of MN P I i n s e c uri t i es tra n s a c t i o n s .

 

T he te r m i n s i d e r tra d i n g i s n o t d e f i n e d i n the f e d eral s e c uri ti es l a w , b ut r e f e r s g e n er a l l y to the s i t u a t i on when a p e rs on tra d es wh il e a w are of MN P I or c o m m u n i c a t es MN P I to ot h ers i n brea c h of a d u t y of tru s t or c o n f i d e n c e .

 

W h il e the l a w c o n c er n i n g i n s i d e r tr a d i ng i s n o t s ta t i c , i t i s g e n era l l y u n d e rs to o d t h a t t he l a w pro h i b i ts a n y of t h e f o l l o w i ng:

 

· T r a di ng b y a n i n s i d er, w h il e a w are of MN P I;

· T r a di ng b y a n o n - i n si d e r , wh i l e a w are of M N P I, w h e r e the i n f or m at i on was d i sc l o s ed t o t he n o n - i n s i d er i n v i o l a t i on of an i n si d e r s d u t y to k e e p i t c o n f i de nt i al ; or

· Co m m u ni c at i ng MN P I to o t h e r s i n brea c h of a d u t y of t r u s t o r c o n f i d e n c e .

 

T r a di ng s e c uri t i es wh i l e i n p o ss e ss i on of MN P I or i m proper l y c o m m u ni c at i n g t h a t i n f o r m at i on to ot h ers m ay r e s u l t i n s t r i n g e n t p e n a l t i e s . C r i m i n a l s a n c t i o n s m ay i n c l u de f i n es of u p t o $5, 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 , t w e n t y ye a r s i m priso n m e n t , or b o t h. T he c i v i l p e n a l t y f or a v i o l at o r m a y be a n a m o u nt up t o t hree t i m es the pro f i t ( or l o s s a v o i d ed ) as a r e s u l t of the i n s i d er tra d i ng v i o l a t i o n , a nd a p e r m a n e n t b a r f r o m w or k i ng i n the s e c uri ti es i n d u s t r y. I n v e s t o r s m a y s u e a n d se e k to r e c o v er d a m a g es f or i n s i d e r t r a d i ng v i o l a t i o n s .

 

Reg a r d l e s s of whe t h e r a r e g u l at o r y i n q u i r y o cc ur s , V i c to r y C a p i t a l v i e w s s er i o usl y an y v i o l at i on of th i s P o l i c y S t at e me n t. S u c h v i o l a t i o ns c o n s t i tu t e gr o u n ds f or d i sc i p l i n a r y s a n c t i o n s , up to a n d i n cl u d i ng d i s m i ss a l .

 

B. S co p e of the P oli c y S t at e me n t

 

T h i s P o li c y S ta t e m e n t i s dra f ted broa d l y a nd w i l l b e a p p l i ed a n d i n t erp r e t ed i n a si m il ar m a n n e r . It a p p l i es to a l l A cc e s s P er s o n s and to tra n s a c t i o n s i n a n y s e c u r i t y p a r t i c i p a ted i n b y I m m e di ate Fa m i l y m e m b e r s of A cc e s s P er s o n s or t r u s ts or c orporat i o n s c o n t r o l l ed b y A cc e s s P er s o n s .

 

A n y q u e s t i o n s r e l a t i ng to t h i s P o l i c y S t at e m e n t s h o u l d be d i r e c ted to t he CCO or h i s or h e r d e si g n ee . Y ou m u s t n o t i f y the LCR D e p artme n t i m m e di at el y i f y o u h a v e an y r e a s o n to b e l i e v e th a t a v i o l a t i on of t h i s P o l i c y S t at e m e n t h as oc c u r r ed or i s a b o ut to oc c ur.

 

C. W hat is M ater i al In f o r ma t i on?

 
 

T r a di ng on i nsi de i n f o r m at i on i s n o t a b a s i s f or li a b i l i t y u n l e s s the i n f or m at i on r e li ed u p on i s d e e m ed to be m at e r i a l . M a t eri a l i n f o r m at i o n i s d e f i n e d g e n er a l l y as i n f or m at i on f or wh i c h th e r e i s a s u b s ta n t i a l li k e li h o o d t h at a r e a s o n a b l e i n v e s t or w o u l d c o n si d er i t i m p o r ta n t i n m a k i ng h i s or h e r i n v e s t m e n t d e c i s i o n s , or i n f or m at i on th a t i s r e a s o n a b l y c erta i n to h a v e a s u b s ta n t i a l e ff e c t on the price of a c o m p a n y s s e c uri t i e s . If t he d i sc l o s ure of th a t i n f or m at i on w o u l d be e x p e c t e d to a l ter t he to t a l m i x of i n f or m at i on th a t i s p u b l i c a ll y a v a i l a b l e a b o ut th a t c o m p a n y , t h en t he i n f or m at i on i s c o n s i d ered m at e r i a l . A n y q u e s t i o ns a b o u t w h e th e r i n f or m at i on i s m at e r i al s h o u l d b e d i r e c ted t o a m e m b e r o f the LCR Dep a r t m e n t.

 

M a te r i al i n f o r m at i on o f ten r e l a t es to a c o m p a n y 's f i n a n c i al r e s u l ts a n d o p era t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g , f or e x a m p l e, d i vi d e n d c h a n g e s , e a r n i n g r e s u l t s , c h a n g e s i n pre v i ou sl y r e l e a s ed e a r n i n g s e s t i m at e s , s i g n i f i c a n t m erger or a c q ui si t i on pr o p o s a l s or a g r e e m e n t s , m a j or li t i g a t i o n , l i q u i d a t i o n pro b l em s , a n d e x tra o r d i n a r y m a n a g e m e n t d ev e l o p m e n t s . In f o r m at i on a b o u t a c o m p a n y c o u l d be m at e r i al b e c a u s e of i ts e x p e c t ed e ff e c t on a p art i c u l ar cl a s s of the c o m p a n y s s e c u r i t i e s , a l l of t h e c o m p a n y s s e c uri t i e s , t h e s e c ur i t i es of a n o t h e r c o m p a n y , or t he s e c uri t i es of s e v er a l c o m p a n i e s . M at e ri al i n f or m at i on d o e s n o t h a v e t o r e l ate t o a c o m p a n y s b u s i n e ss . F or e x a m p l e, i n Carp e n ter v . U. S . , the S u p r e m e Court c o n s i d e r e d as m at e r i a l c erta i n i n f o r m at i on a b o ut th e c o n te n ts of a f orth c o m i ng n e w s p a p er c o l u m n th a t w a s e x p e c ted to a ff e c t the m a r k et price of a s e c uri t y . In th a t c a s e, a r e p or t er f or T he W a l l S tre e t J o u r n a l w a s f o u nd cr i m i n al l y l i a b l e f or d i sc l o s i n g t o o th e r s th e d a tes t h a t r e p orts on v a r i o u s c o m p a n i es w o u l d a p p e ar i n the J o u r n al a n d whe t h er tho s e rep o r ts wo u l d b e f a v ora b l e or no t .

 

D. W hat is N on- P ublic In f o r ma t io n ?

 

In order f or i ss u e s c o n c ern i ng i n s i d er tra d i ng to arise, i n f o r m at i on m u s t n o t o n l y be m at e r i a l , i t m u s t a l s o be n o n - p u b li c” . N o n - p u b li c i n f or m at i on i s i n f or m at i on t h at h as n o t b e e n m a d e a v a i l a b l e to i n v e s tors g e n e ra ll y. I n f o r m at i on r ece i v ed i n c i rc u m s ta n c es i n di c a t i ng t h a t i t i s n o t yet i n g e n eral c i rc u l a t i on or where t h e r e c i p i e n t kn o w s or s h o u l d kn o w t h at t h e i n f o r m at i on c o u l d o n l y h av e b e e n pr o v i d e d b y a n i n s i d er” i s a l s o d e e m ed n o n - p u b li c i n f o r m at i o n . For n on - p u b l i c i n f or m at i on to b ec o m e p u b l i c i n f or m at i o n , i t m u s t be d i ss e m i n a ted throu g h r e c o g n i z e d c h a n n e l s of d i s tr i b u t i on d e s i g n e d to broa d l y r e a c h t h e s e c uri ti es m a r ket pl a c e.

 

F a c ts v eri f y i n g t h at the i n f o r m at i on i s p u b li c ( a nd th e r ef ore h a s b e c o m e g e n e r a l l y a v a i l a b l e ) m a y i n c l u d e , f or e x a m p l e, a n d w i th o ut l i m i ta ti o n , d i sc l o s ure i n :

 

· Nat i o n a l b u s i n e s s a n d f i na n c i al w i r e s er vi c e , s u c h a s D o w J o n es or R e ut e r s ;

· Nat i o n a l ne w s s er v i c e o r ne w s p a p e r , s u c h a s A P or T he W a l l S tre e t J o u r n al ; or

· P u b li c l y d i ss e m i n a ted d i scl o s ure d o c u m e n t , s u c h a s a pro x y s ta t e m e n t o r pro s p ec tu s .

 

T he c i rc u l at i on of r u m ors o r ta l k on t h e s tre e t”, e v en i f a cc urate, w i d e s pre a d a n d r e p ort e d i n t he m e di a , d o es n ot c o n s t i tu t e t h e r e q u i s i t e p u b l i c d i sc l o s ure. In a d d i t i o n , t he i n f or m at i on m u s t n o t o n l y b e p u b l i c l y d i sc l o s e d , th e r e m u s t a l s o be a d e q u ate t i m e f or the m ar k et as a w h o l e t o d i g e s t t he i n f o r m at i o n . M at e ri al non - p u b l i c i n f o r m at i on i s n ot m a d e p u b li c b y s e l e c t i v e d i ss e m i n a t i o n . M a ter i al i n f or m at i on i m proper l y d i sc l o s ed o n l y t o i n s t i t ut i o n al i n v e s tors or to a f u n d a n a l y s t or a f a v ored gro u p o f a n a l y s ts re t a i ns i ts s t at u s as “n o n - p u b l i c i n f or m at i on th a t m u s t n ot b e d i sc l o s ed or oth e r w i s e m i s u s e d .

 

P art i al d i sc l o s ure d o es n ot c o n s t i tu t e p u b l i c d i ss e m i n a t i o n. S o l o n g as an y m at e r i a l c o m p o n e nt of the i n s i d e” i n f ormation h a s yet to be p u b li c l y d i sc l o s e d , t h e i n f ormation i s d e e m ed n o n - p u b li c a n d m a y n o t b e m i s u s e d .

 

E . Ide nt ifying Inside In f o r m a t ion

 

B e f ore e x e c u t i n g a n y P er s o n a l T r a d es or tra d es f or cl i e n t acc o u nts, e m p l o y e e s m u s t d e ter m i ne whe t h e r th e y h a v e a cc e s s to MN P I . If an e m p l o y e e b e li e v es th a t he or s he m i g h t h av e a cc e s s to MN P I, the f o ll o w i ng s t e p s s h o u l d be t a k e n :

 
 
· Rep o r t t h e i n f or m at i on a n d proposed tr a de i m m e di at el y to t he CCO or a m e m b e r of the LCR Dep a r t m e n t;
· Do n o t p u rc h a s e or s e l l the s e c uri t i es as P er s o n a l T r a d es or f or c li e n t s w i th o ut w r i tt e n c l e a r a n c e to do s o fr om t h e CCO or a m e m b e r of t h e L CR De p art m e n t; and
· Do n o t c o m m u ni c ate the i nf o r m at i on i n s i de or o u t s i d e of Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l , ot h er th a n to t he LCR Dep a r t m e n t a n d, i f n e c e ss a r y , y o ur d i r e c t m a n a g e r .

 

A m e m b e r of the Co m p li a n c e De p art m e n t w i l l d e te r m i ne w h et h er t he i n f or m at i on i s m at e r i al a n d n o n- p u b li c .

 

F . C o n t a c t w ith P ublic C o m panies

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t a l s c o n tacts w i th p u b l i c c o m p a n i es r e pr e s e n t an i m p o r ta n t p a r t of i ts r e s e a rc h e f f ort s . Vi c to r y C a p i t a l m a y m a ke i n v e s t m e n t d e c i s i o n s on t h e b a s i s of the f i r m 's c o n c l u s i o n s f or m ed throu g h s u c h c o n tacts a n d a n a l y s i s of p u b li cl y a v a i l a b l e i n f or m atio n . Le g al i ss u e s m a y arise i f , i n the c o u rs e of th e s e c o n t a c t s , an e m p l o y ee b e co m es a w are of M N P I. Th i s c o u l d h a p p e n , f or e x a m p l e, i f a c o m p a n y's c h i ef f i n a n c i a l o ff i c er were t o pre m at u r ely d i sc l o s e q u ar ter l y r e s u l ts t o an a n alyst, or an i n v e s tor r e l a t i o n s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s e l e c t iv e l y d i sc l o s es a d v er s e n e ws to a h a n d f ul of i n v e s tor s .

 

G . T en d er Off e r s

 

T e n d e r o ff ers r e p r e s e n t a p a r t i c u l ar c o n c ern i n the l a w of i n s i d er tra d i ng f or two r e a s o n s . F i rs t, te n d e r o ff er a c t ivi t y o f ten produ c es e x tra o r d i n a r y gy r a t i o n s i n the p r i c e of the targ e t c omp a n y's s e c uri t i e s . T r a di ng d u r i ng t h i s t i me p e ri od i s more li k ely t o at t r a c t r e g u l at o ry a tt e n t i on ( a n d pro d u c es a d i s pro p ort i o n a t e p er c e n ta g e of i n si d e r tra d i n g c a s e s) . S e c o n d , the S E C f orb i d s tra di n g a nd t i p p i n g ” wh i l e i n p o ss e ss i o n of MN P I r e g ar d i ng t he r e c e i pt of a te n d er o ff er, the te n d e r o ff e r or, the tar g et c omp a n y or any o ne a c t i ng on b e h a l f of e i th e r of th e s e p art i e s . E mp l o y e es s h o u l d e x er c i s e p art i c u l ar c a u t i o n any t i me t h e y b e c ome a ware o f n o n - p u b li c i n f ormation r e l a t i ng to a t e n d er o ff er.

 

H. Pr o t e c t ing S en s iti v e I n f o r ma t i o n

 

E m p l o y e es are r e s p o n s i b l e f or s a f e g u a r d i ng a l l c o n f i d e n t i al i n f or m at i on r e l a t i n g t o i n v e s t m e n t r e s e a rc h, f u n d a n d c l i e n t h o l d i n g s , i n c l u d i ng a n al y s t r e s e a rc h r e p ort s , i n v e s t m e n t m e e t i n g d i sc u ss i o n s or n o tes, a n d c ur r e n t f u n d or cl i e n t t r a n s a c t i o n i n f or m at i on, r e g a r d l e s s whe t h er s u c h i n f or m at i o n i s d e e m ed MN P I. O th e r t y p es of i n f o r m at i on ( f or e x a m p l e, m a r k et i ng p l a n s , e m p l o y m e n t i ss u e s a n d s h a r e h o l d e r i d e n t i t i e s ) m ay a l s o b e c o n f i d e n t i al a n d s h o u l d n o t be s h a r ed w i t h i n d iv i d u a l s o uts i d e t he c o m p a n y u n l e s s a p pro v ed b y t he C CO or a Vi c t o r y Ca p i t a l exe c u t i v e o ff i c e r .

 

A l l A cc e s s P er s o n s are e x pre ssl y pr o h i b i t e d f r o m k n o w i n g l y s pre a d i n g a n y f a l s e r u m or c o n c ern i ng an y c o m p a n y , or a n y p u r p o r t ed m a r k et d ev e l o p m e n t, th a t i s d e s i g n e d to i m p a c t tr a d i n g i n or t h e price of th a t c o m p a n y s or an y o th e r c o m p a n y s s e c uri t i e s , a n d f r o m e n g a g i ng i n a n y o th er t y pe of a c t i vi t y t h at c o n s t i tu t es i ll e g a l m a r k et m a n i p u l at i o n .

 

I. T r adi n g in S e c u r ities Lis t ed on E x changes in Ot h e r Coun t r i e s

 

T r a di ng i n s e c uri t i es li s t ed on e xc h a n g es i n ot h er c o u ntr i es i s g o v erned b y t h e l a w s of th a t c o u nt r y. A cc e s s P er s o n s who are t r a d i ng i n s u c h s e c uri t i es m u s t e n s ure c o m p li a n c e w i th a p p li c a b l e l a w, w h i c h i n a l l r e l e v a n t c a s es pro h i b i ts tra di n g o n t he b a s i s of M N P I or price -s e n si t i v e i n f or m ati o n, as th o s e terms are d e f i n e d i n t h e re l e v a n t j uri s d i c t i o n .

 

 

V . C O N F LIC T S O F IN T E R E S T

 

A c o n f li c t o f i nt e r e s t” ex i s ts wh e n a p er s o n’ s pr i v ate i nt ere s ts m a y be c o n tra r y to t he i nt e r e s ts of c l i e n ts or s h a r e h o l d e r s of Vi c to r y C a p i t a l. A c o n f l i c t m a y arise i f a Vi c tory C a p i t a l e m p l o y ee takes a c t i o n s or h a s

 
 

b u s i n e ss , f i n a n ci al or ot h er i n t ere s ts t h at m a y m a k e i t d i ff i c u l t t o p e r f o r m h i s or h er w ork o b j e c t i v e l y a n d e ff e c t iv e l y .

 

Con f li c ts of i nt e r e s t m a y a r is e, f or e x a m p l e, i f a Vi c tory C a p i t a l e m p l o y e e or h i s or h e r I m m e di ate Fa m i l y m e m b e r r e c e iv es i m prop e r p e rs o n a l b e n e f i ts ( f or e x a m p l e, p er s o n a l l o a n s , s er vi c e s , or p a y m e n t f or s er vi c e s ) as a r e s u l t of h i s or h e r p o s i t i on at V i c to r y Cap i ta l , or g a i ns p e rs o n al e n r i c h m e n t or b e n e f i ts throu g h a cc e s s to c o n f i d e n t i a l i n f or m atio n . Con f li c ts m ay a l s o ar i s e i f a Vi c to r y Cap i tal e m p l o y ee or a n I mm e di ate Fa m i l y m e m b e r h o l ds a f i n a n c i al i n t ere s t i n a c o m p a n y th a t d o es b u si n e s s w i th Vi c to r y C a p i t al or h a s o u t si de b u si n e s s i nt e r e s ts t h at m a y r e s u l t i n d i v i d e d l o y a l t i es or c o m pro m i s e d i n d e p e n d e nt j u d g m e n t. Co n f li c ts m a y a l s o arise when m a k i ng s e c uri ti es i n v e s t m e n ts f or P r o p r i e t a r y F u n d s or P er s o n a l A cc o u nts or wh e n d e ter m i n i n g h o w to a l l o c a t e t r a d i ng o p p o r tu n i t i e s .

 

Con f li c ts of i nt e r e s t c an arise i n m a n y c o m m on s i tu a t i o n s , d e s p i t e b e s t e ff orts to a v o i d t h e m . T h i s Code d o es n ot a t te m pt to i d e n t i f y a l l p o ss i b l e c o n f li c ts of i n tere s t. L i ter a l c o m p li a n c e w i th e a c h of the s p e c i f i c pro c e d ures w i l l n o t s h i e l d Ac c e s s P er s o n s f r om li a b i li t y f or P er s o n al T r a di ng or o th er c o n d u c t th a t v i o l at e s f i d u c i a r y d u t i es to V i c to r y Cap i tal cl i e n t s . Vi c to r y C a p i t a l e m p l o y e es are e n c o u r a g ed to s e e k c l ari f i c at i on o f , a n d d i sc u s s q u e s t i o n s a b o u t, p o te n t i a l c o n f li c ts of i n tere s t. A n y q u e s t i on s r e g ar d i ng a c o n f li c t of i nt e r e s t or p ot e n t i a l c o n f li c t of i nt e r e s t s h o u l d be d i r e c ted t o a m a n a g e r , t h e C C O or a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e of the L CR D e p a r t m e n t .

 

T he f o ll o w i ng areas r e p r e s e n t m a n y c o m m on t y p e s of c o n f li c ts of i n t ere s ts a nd t he pro c e d u r es to be f o ll o w e d; h o we v e r , the l i s t i s n o t i nt e n d e d t o be a l l - i n c l u si v e . A s u m m ary i s pr o v i d e d f or e a c h c a s e , but f urther d e t a il s c an be f o u nd i n t h e r e l at e d P o l i c i es a n d P r o c e d ure s . For q u es t i o n s r e l at i ng p o t e nt i al c o n f li c t s , p l e a s e co n tact a m e m b e r of t h e LCR De p artme n t.

 

A . G if t s a nd E n t e r t a in m ent

 

G i f ts

 

G i v i ng or r e c e i v i ng g i f ts or ot h er i te m s of v a l ue to or f r om p e rs o n s d oi ng b u s i n e s s or s e e k i ng to do b u s i n e s s w i th V i c to r y C a p i t al c o u l d c a l l i n to q u e s t i on t he i n d e p e n d e n c e o f i ts j u d g m e n t a s a f i d u c i a r y of i ts c l i e n t s . A cc ord i n g l y , i t i s t h e p o l i c y of Vi c tory C a p i ta l to p e r m i t s u c h co n d u c t o n l y i n a cc ord a n c e w i th the li m i ta t i o n s s ta t e d h ere i n .

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t a l's p o l i c i es o n g i f ts a n d e n tert a i n m e n t are d e ri v ed f r om i n d u s t r y pra c t i c e s . E m p l o ye e s s h o u l d be a ware th a t t h e r e are v ar i o u s l a ws a nd r e g u l a t i o n s t h at pro h i b i t f i r m s a n d th ei r e m p l o yees f r om g i vi n g an y th i ng of v a l u e t o e m p l o y e es of v ari o us f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n s i n c o n ne c t i on w i t h a t te m pts to o b t a i n an y b u s i n e s s tra n s a c t i on w i th t h e i n s t i tu t i o n, wh i c h i s v i e wed as a f orm of bri b e r y. If th e r e i s a n y q u e s t i on a b o ut t h e a p prop r i at e n e s s o f a n y p a r t i c u l ar g i f t, an e m p l o y e e s h o u l d c o n s u l t a m e m b e r of the LCR D e p a r t m e n t.

 

Und e r no c i rc u m s ta n c es m ay a g i f t to Vi c to r y Ca p i tal or an y e m p l o y e e be r e c e i v ed as a n y f orm of c o m p e n s at i on f or s er vi c es pro v i d e d b y V i c tory C a p i t a l or an e m p l o y e e. G i f ts of n o m i n a l v a l ue m a y be a cc e p ted f r om pre s e n t or pro s p e c t i v e c u s to m er s , broker s , s er vi c e pro v i d e rs , s u p p l i ers or v e n d ors w i th whom Vi c tory Cap i tal h a s a b u s i n e s s or p o t e nt i al b u s i n e s s r e l at i o n s h i p. V i c tory Cap i tal e m p l o y e es are r e q u i r e d to d i scl o s e a l l g i ft s g i v en or r e c e i v e d i n e xc e s s of $ 5 0 v i a MC O . G i f ts f r om an i n d i v i d u al or e n t i t y m a y n o t e xc e e d $ 1 0 0 i n a g g r e g ate v a l ue i n a n y c a l e n d a r y e a r u n l e s s ap pro v a l i s o bt a i n e d f r om the e m p l o y e e s d i r e c t m a n a g er a n d t h e L C R D e p a r t m e n t .

 

G i f ts of up to $ 1 0 0 p e r p e r s on p e r y e a r m a y be pro vi d e d t o pre s e n t or pro s p e c t i v e c u s to m er s , bro k er s , s er vi c e pr o v i d e rs , s u p p l i e r s or v e n d ors w i th whom Vi c to r y C a p i t a l h as a b u s i n es s or p o te n t i al b u s i n e s s r e l a t i o n s h i p .

 

A d d i t i o n al p o li ci es c o n c er n i ng g i f ts m a y be a p p li c a b l e d e p e n d i n g o n t he t y p e of c u s to m er ( e. g ., E R I S A , f ore i g n , u n i on, g o v ern m e n t o ff i c i a l s , o r C o v ered G o v ern m e n t Of f i c i a l s ) .

 
 

Pl e a s e re f er to Vi c to r y C a p i ta l s G i fts a nd E nt e r t a i n m e nt P o l i c y f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 

E nt e r t a i n m e n t

 

E m p l o y e es m a y s p o n s or a nd p art i ci p a te i n R e a s o n a b l e a n d Cu s to m a r y B u s i ne s s E nt e r t a i n m e n t. A n y B u s i n e s s E nt e r t a i n m e n t th a t i s n o t R e a s o n a b l e a n d Cu s to m a r y m u s t be a p pr o v ed b y t h e CCO a n d the e m p l o y e e s m a n a g e r . Y o u m u s t ac c o m p a n y the p er s o n s b ei n g e n t erta i n e d f or an e n tert a i n m e n t a c t i v i t y to q u a li f y as p erm i ss i b l e B u s i n e s s E n t erta i n m e n t. Al l B u s i n e s s E n tert a i n m e n t e x p e n s e s m u s t be r e p orted pro m pt l y i n V i c tory C a p i ta l s e x p e n s e r e p ort i n g s y s t em ( Concur ) , li s t i n g e a c h a t te n d e e at t he e n tert a i n m e n t e v e n t . T he r e c e i pt of B u s i n e s s E nt er tain m e n t i n e xc e s s of $ 5 0 p e r o cc ur r e n c e p er e m p l o y ee m u s t be d i sc l o s ed pro m pt l y a f ter e a c h o cc ur r e n c e i n MC O . If the c li e n t, bro k er, s er vi c e pro v i d e r , v e n d or or s u p p l i er i s n o t pre s e n t , t h e e n tert a i n m e n t i s c o n s i d e r e d a g i f t.

 

A d d i t i o n al p o l i c i es c o n c e r n i n g g i f ts a n d e n ter t a i n m e n t m a y b e a p p l i c a b l e de p e n d i n g on t he t y pe of c u s to m er ( e. g ., E RI S A , f or e i g n , u n i o n , g o v e r n m e n t o ff i c i a l s , o r C o v ered G o v ern m e n t O ff i c i a l s) .

 

Pl e a s e re f er to Vi c to r y C a p i ta l s G i fts a nd E nt e r t a i n m e nt P o l i c y f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 

B. P olitic a l C o n t r ib ut io n s

 

SE C r e g u l at i o n s li m i t p o l i t i c al c o n tr i b u t i o n s to C o v er e d G o v ern m e n t O f f i c i a l s b y e m p l o y e e s of i n v e s t m e n t a d v i s o r y f i r m s a n d c ert a i n a ff ili at e d c o m p a n i e s . T he S E C s P a y - to - Pl a y R u l e 2 0 6(4 ) - 5 ( t h e R u l e”) proh i b i ts a d vi s e r s f r o m r e c e i v i ng an y c o m p e n s at i o n f or pro vi d i ng i n v e s t m e n t a d v i c e to a g o v ern m e n t e n t i t y w i t h i n t wo y e ars a f ter a c o n tr i b ut i on h as b e e n m a d e b y t h e a dv i s er or o n e o f i ts c o v ered a ss o c i a t e s . T he t w o - y e ar t i m e o u t i s tr i g g er e d b y a p o l i t i c a l c o n tr i b u t i o n to an o ff i c i al of a g o v e r n m e n t e n t i t y . T he d a te of t h e co n tr i b u t i o n starts t h e ti m e o ut.

 

T he Ru l e p e r m i t s c o n tr i b u t i o n s of up to $ 3 50 p e r p e rs o n f or a n y e l e c t i on to a n e l e c ted o ff i c i al or c a n d i d a t e f or w h o m the i n di v i d u a l i s e nt i t l ed to v ot e , a n d up to $1 50 p e r p e rs on f or a n y e l e c t i on to an e l e c ted o ff i c i al or c a n d i d a te f or whom the i n d i v i d u a l i s n o t e n t i t l ed t o v o t e. M an y U . S . c i t i e s , s t at e s a n d ot h er g o v ern m e n t e n t i t i es h a v e a l s o a d o p t e d r e g u l a t i o n s r e s tr i c t i ng p o l i t i c al c o n tr i b u t i o n s b y a ss o ci at e s of i n v e s t m e n t m a n a g e m e n t f i r m s s e e k i ng to pro vi d e s er v i c es to a g ov ern m e n t a l e n t i t y . Wh il e c o n tr i b u t i o ns to c a n d i d a tes i n f e d er a l e l e c t i o n s wo u l d g e n e r a l l y n o t r a i s e an y i ss u e s u n d e r s ta t e or l o c a l l a w s , c o n tr i b u t i o n s to s t ate a n d l o c al o ff i c i a l s m a y n o t be a p p r o v ed d e p e n d i n g o n t h e c i rc u m s ta n c e s . Vi c t o r y Cap i tal e m p l o y e es m u s t r e c e i v e a p p r o v a l f r om the LCR D e p art m e n t thr o u g h MCO b e f ore m a k i ng p e rs o n a l p o l i t i c a l c o n tr i b u t i o n s at a l l l e v e l s . P o l i t i c a l c o n tr i b ut i o n s w h i c h r e q u i r e pr e - a p pr o v a l i n c l u d e , b ut are n o t l i m i ted t o , the f o l l o w i n g :

 

· Co v ered G o v ern m e n t O ff i c i a l s ;

· Fe d er a l c a n d i d ate c a m p ai g ns a n d a ff ili at e d co m m i tt e e s ;

· P o l i t i c al A c t i on C o m m i tt e es ( PA C s ) a nd S u p er P A C s ; a n d

· No n - pro f i t or g a ni z at i o n s t h at m a y e n g a ge i n p o l i t i c a l a c t i v i t i e s , s u c h as 5 0 1 (c)( 4) a n d 5 0 1 (c)( 6)

orga n i z at i o n s .

 

Not e : U. S . n a t i o n a l p o l i t i c a l p a r t y d o n a t i o n s (e . g. D e m o cr at i c or R e p u b li c a n ) do n ot r e q u i r e pr e -c l e a r a n c e. Con t ri b u t i o n s i n cl u d e:

 

· M o n e ta r y c o n tr i b u t i o n s , g i ft s or l o a n s ;

· In k i n d c o n tr i b u t i o n s ( e. g. d o n a t i o ns of g o o ds o r s er vi c es or u n d e r w r i t i n g or h o s t i n g f u n dra i s er s ) ;
· Con t ri b u t i o n s to h e l p p a y a d e b t i n c ur r ed i n c o n n e c t i o n w i th an e l e c t i o n (i n c l u d i n g tra n s i t i on or i n a u g ur a l ex p e n s e s , p ur ch a s i ng t i c k ets to i n a u g ural e v e n t s ) ;

· Con t ri b u t i o n s t o j o i nt f und - r a i s i n g co m m i tt e e s ; o r

· Con t ri b u t i o n s m a d e b y a P A C t h at i s c o n tr o ll e d b y a n A cc e s s P er s on.

 
 

S ee V i c to r y C a p i t a l s P o li t i c al C o n tr i b u t i o n s P o li c y f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 

C. O u t side Busin e ss A c t i v ities

 

P r i or to c o m m e n c e m e n t of e m p l o y m e n t w i th V i c to r y C a pi t al a nd s u b s e q u e nt l y pr i or to c o mm e n c e m e n t of a n y n e w O ut s i de B u si n e s s A c t i vi t y ( O BA ”) , e m p l o y e e s m u s t f il l o u t a n d s u b m i t an O B A a p pr o v a l f orm i n MC O . E m p l o y e es are r e s p o n s i b l e f or n o t i f y i ng t he C o m p li a n c e De p art m e n t of a ny m at e r i a l OB A c h a n g e s and m u s t re v i e w , u p d a te a nd c ert i f y a n n u a l l y to t h e i r O B A a c t i vi t i e s .

 

H o ldi n g P oliti c al Off ic e / A p poin t me nt s

 

Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l e m p l o y e es m u s t a v o i d a n y p o li t i c a l a p p o i nt m e n t that m a y c o n f li c t w i th t h e p e r f or m a n c e o f h i s or h er d u t i es f or V i c to r y Cap i ta l . P r i or w r i tt e n a p pr o v a l m u s t be o b t a i n ed f r om t he CCO b e f ore h o l d i n g p o l i t i c a l o ff i c e a n d , i f a p p r o v e d , m u s t be c o n f i r m ed a n n u a l l y t hrou g h t he c o m p li a n c e c ert i f i c a t i on pro c e s s . E m p l o y e es m u s t e x pre ssl y r e m o v e th e m s e lv es f r o m d i sc u ss i o n s a n d d e c i si o n s r e g a r d i ng V i c to r y C a p i t a l, i ts products or s er vi c es when Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l m a y be a c o m p e t i tor f or b u s i n e s s r e l a t ed to t h ei r a p p o i nt m e n t.

 

O uts i de E m p l o y m e n t or B u s i n e s s A c t i v i t i es

 

E m p l o y e es m a y p u rs ue ot h er i nt e r e s ts o n th e i r o w n t i m e as l o n g as the a c t iv i t y d o e s n t r e f l e c t n e g a t i v e l y on V i c to r y C a p i t al a n d d o es n o t i n t er f ere or c o n f li c t i n a n y w a y w i t h Vi c to r y C a p i t al or i ts c l i e n t s . H o we v er, f u ll - t i m e e m p l o y e e s of V i c t o r y Ca p i t a l s h o u l d c o n si d e r t h ei r p o s i t i on to be t h ei r pr i m ary e m p l o y m e n t.

 

A l l o u t si de b u s i n e s s a c t i v i t i es m u s t be r e p orted to a n d pr e - a p p r o v ed b y b o th the e m p l o y e e s d i r e c t m a n a g er a n d the CC O . O uts i de e m p l o y m e n t or b u s i n e s s a c t i vi t i es m a y be c o n s i d e r e d a n y a c t i vi t y c o n d u c t e d b y a V i c to r y Ca p i t a l e m p l o y e e f or a n ot h er orga n i z at i on or b u si n e s s p u r p o s e that i s o u t s i d e the sc o p e of the e m p l o y e e s j ob f u n c t i on f or Vi c to r y C a p i t a l . T h i s i n c l u d e s , b u t i s n o t li m i ted t o , b e i ng an e m p l o y e e , i n d e p e n d e nt c o ntra c tor, s o l e pr o pri e t or, o f f i c er, d i r e c t or or p a r t n e r of a n o t h e r or g a n i z a t i o n, or b e i ng c o m p e n s at e d b y , or h a v i n g t h e r e a s o n a b l e e x p e c ta t i on of c o m p e n s ation f ro m , a n y ot h er p e rs on or orga n i z at i on as a r e s u l t o f a n y b u si n e s s act i v i t y o u t si d e t he sc o p e o f t h e re l at i o n s h i p w i t h V i c to r y Ca p i t a l .

 

P a ss i v e i n v e s t m e n ts m a y be e x e m pt e d f r o m the r e p ort i ng a n d pr e - a p pr o v a l r e q u i r e m e n t. Al t h o u gh p a ss i v e i n v e s t m e n ts are e x e m pt e d f r om the r e p ort in g r e q u i r e m e n ts u n d er t h e O uts i de E m p l o y m e nt or B u s i n e s s A c t i vi t i es s e c t i o n of this Co d e, t he y m ay be s u b j e c t to t h e r e p o r t i ng a nd pr e -cl e a r a n c e r e q u i r e m e n ts th a t f a l l u n d er the L i m i ted O ff eri n gs a n d P r i v ate Pl a c e m e n ts s e c t i on of this C o d e . A n y q u e s t i o n s r e g ard i ng n on - c o m p e n s at e d o u t si de e m p l o y m e n t or b u s i n e s s a c t i v i t i es a n d p a ssi v e i n v e s t m e n ts s h o u l d be d i r e c ted to t he CC O .

 

A b s e n t pri o r a p p r o v a l of the CCO or t h e Ch i ef E x e c ut i v e O ff i c er, no e m p l o y e e of Vi c tory C a p i t a l m a y s er v e o n t h e b o a r d of d i r ectors of a n y p u b l i cl y tra d ed c o m p a n y or i n v e s t m e n t c o m p a n y. A n e m p l o y e e s or I m m e di ate Fa m i l y m e m b e r s s er v i c e on a f o r - pro f i t private c o m p a n y s b o ard of d i r e c tors m u s t a l s o be pre - a p pr o v e d b y t h e e m p l o y ee s d i r e c t m a n a g er a n d t he CCO or CL O , a n d r e p o r ted on the e m p l o y ee s a n n u al Co d e cert i f i c a t i o n .

 

A l l o u t si de e m p l o y m e n t o r b u s i n e s s a c t i v i t i es m u s t be r e p orted to a nd pre - a p pr o v e d b y b o th the e m p l o y e e s d i r e c t m a n a g er a n d t he CCO a nd r e p ort e d on t he e m p l o y e e s a n n u a l c ert i f i c a t i o n . E m p l o y e es are pro h i b i t e d f r om the c o mm e n c e m e n t of a n y o u t si de e m p l o y m e n t or b u s i n e s s a c t i v i t i es u n t i l the CC O s f i n a l a p pro v al w i thin MCO h as oc c ur r e d .

 

In a d d i t i on to t he s e o u t si de e m p l o y m e n t or b u s i n e s s a c t ivi t y pro c e d u r e s , a l l e m p l o y e e s w h o are r e gi s ter e d r e p r e s e n ta t i v es of V CA m u s t a l s o a d h ere t o r e l a t ed r e q ui r e m e n ts as s et f orth i n V C A s W r i tt e n S u p er v i s o r y P r o c e d ures M a n u a l .

 

B e q u e s ts

 
 

A b e q u e s t i s the a c t of l e av i ng or g i v i ng s o m et hi n g of v a l u e i n a w i l l . T he a cc e p ta n c e of a b e q u e s t f r om a c li e n t, v e n d or or b u s i n e s s p a r tn e r m a y r a i s e q u e s t i o n s a b o ut t he pr o pri e t y of th a t r e l a t i o n s h i p. An y p o t e nt i al or a c tu a l b e q u e s t i n e xc e s s of $ 1 0 0 m a d e to an e m p l o y e e b y a c l i e n t, v e n d or, or b u s i n e s s p a r tn e r u n d e r a w i l l or tru s t a g r e e m e n t m u s t be r e p ort e d to t h e L CR D e p art m e n t. S u c h b e q u e s ts s h a l l b e s u b j e c t to t h e a p p r o v a l of t he e m p l o y e e s m a n a g er a n d CC O .

 

D. Ot her Pr ohi b itio n s on C o nduct

 

In a d d i t i o n t o t h e s p e c i f i c proh i b i t i o ns d e t a i l e d e l s e where i n the Co d e, Vi c t o r y Cap i tal e m p l o y e es a r e s u b j e c t to a g e n e r a l r e q u i r e m e n t n o t to e n g a ge or p art i c i p ate i n an y a c t or pr a c t i c e th a t wo u l d d e f r a u d Vi c tory C a p i t al c li e nts. T h i s g e n e r a l pr o h i b i t i o n i n c l u d e s , a m o n g o t h er th i n g s :

 

· M a k i ng an y u n true s t at e m e n t of a m at e r i al f a c t or e m p l o y i n g an y d e vi c e , sc h e m e or art i f i c e to d e f r a u d a cl i e n t ;
· O m i tt i ng t o s ta t e a m at e ri al f a c t , or f a i l i ng to pr o v i d e a n y i n f o r m at i on n e c e ss a r y to pr o p e r l y c l ari f y a n y s ta t e m e n ts m a d e, i n l i g h t of the c i rc u m s ta n c es, th e r e b y cr e at i n g a m at e r i a l l y

m i s l e a d i ng i m pre ss i o n ;

· M i s u s e o f c l i e n t c o n f i d e nt i al i n f or m at i o n ;

· M a k i ng i n v e s t m e n t d e c i s i o n s , c h a n g i ng i n tern a l r e s e ar c h r at i n g s a n d tr a d i ng d e c i s i o n s o t h e r th a n e xc l u si v e l y f or t h e b e n e f i t a n d i n t h e b e s t i n t ere s t of o u r c li e nt s ;

· U s i ng i n f or m at i on a b o ut i n v e s t m e n t or tra d i n g d e c i s i o n s or c h a n g es i n r e s e a rc h r at i n g s

( w h et h er c o n s i d e r e d , pr op o s ed or m a d e) to b e n e f i t or a v o i d e c o n o m i c i n j u r y t o an A cc e s s

P er s on or a n y o ne o th e r t h a n o ur cl i e nt s .

· T a k i n g , d e l a y i ng or f a i l i n g to ta k e a n y a c t i o n w i th r e s p e c t to a n y r e s e ar c h r e c o m m e n d a t i o n , r e p ort or r ati n g or a n y i n v e s t m e n t or tra di ng d e c i s i o n f or a c li e n t i n o r d e r to a v o i d e c o n o m i c i n j u r y t o a n A cc e s s P er s on or a n y o n e o t h e r t h an a cl i e nt;
· P ur c h a si ng or s e l li n g a s e c uri t y on the b a s i s of k n o w l e d g e of a p o ss i b l e tra d e b y or f or a c li e n t w i th t he i n t e n t of p e rs o n a ll y pro f i t i ng f r om p e rs o n al h o l d i n g s i n t he s a m e or r e l a ted s e c uri t i es (“ fro n t-r u n n i n g or “sc a l p i ng ) ;
· Re v e a l i n g to a n y o t h e r p e r s on ( e xc e p t i n t h e n o r m al c o u rs e of an e m p l o y e e s d ut i es o n b e h a l f of a c li e n t) a n y i n f o r m at i on r e g ard i n g s e c uri t i es tra n s a c t i o n s b y a n y cl i e nt or the c o n s i d e r a t i on

b y a n y c l i e n t of a n y s u c h se c uri t i es tran s a c t i o n s ; or

· E n g a g i ng i n an y a c t, pra c t ic e or c o u rs e of b u s i n e s s th a t o p erates or wou l d o p e r ate as a f r a u d or de c e i t o n a cl i e nt or e n g a g i ng i n a n y ma n i p u l at iv e pr a c t i c e w i t h re s p e c t to an y c li e n t .

 

E . Re v iew of E m p loyee C o m m u nic a t io n s

 

A l l c or r e s p o n d e n c e r e l a te d to V i c to r y C a p i t a l 's b u si n e s s a n d an y c l i e n t c or r e s p o n d e n c e i s s u b j e c t t o r e v i e w b y t he LCR D e p artme n t. Vi c tory C a p i t al i s r e q u i r ed t o m a i nt a i n ori g i n al r e c ords of e m p l o yee c or r e s p o n d e n c e th a t i s c o mm u ni c at e d on a p pr o v e d d e v i c es (s u c h as throu g h e m a il ) . In a d d i t i o n , V i c to r y Cap i tal i s r e q u i r e d to m o ni t or e m p l o y e e c o m m u ni c at i o ns a n d c o m p li a n c e w i th Vi c to r y C a p i ta l 's c o n f l i c ts of i nt e r e s t a nd i n s i d er tra d i ng p o l i c i es a n d pro c e d ure s . C o n s e q u e n t l y, V i c to r y C a p i ta l r e v i e w s or ar c h i v es a l l e m p l o yee c o m m u ni c at i o n s , i n cl u d i ng e m a il s a nd ot h er f o r m s of e l e c tro ni c c o m m un i c a t i on f or c o m p li a n c e p u r p o s e s . E m p l o ye e s are a d vi s e d t h a t t h e y s h o u l d h a v e n o e x p e c ta t i on of pr i v a c y r e g ard i ng p e rs o n a l c o m m u ni c at i o n s t h a t are s e n t or r e c e i v ed o n c o m p a n y - pr o vi d ed or c o n n e c ted e l e c tro n i c d evic es or c o m m u ni c at i on p l at f or m s , s u c h a s i n s ta n t m e ss a g es or e m a il s .

 

E m p l o y e es are pro h i b i t e d f r o m s e n d i ng c o m m u ni c at i o n s r e g ard i ng Vi c to r y C a pi t al b u s i n e s s vi a a n y p e rs o n a l , n on-V i c to r y C a p i t al e m a i l a cc o u n t , i n s t a nt m e ss a gi n g, text or ot h er m e t h o d t h at i s n o t c a pt u r e d i n o u r ar c h iv i ng s y s t e m . E m p l o y e es m a y o n l y u s e Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l’ s e - m a i l s y s te m , i n s ta n t m e ss a gi ng s y s t e m , Bl o o m b e r g a n d ot h er e x p li c i t l y a p p r o v ed m et h o d s f or b u s i n e s s -r e l a t ed c o m m u ni c at i o n s . E m p l o y e es are p e r m i tt e d t o c o mm u ni c ate on Vi c t o r y Cap i ta l s e - m a i l s y s t em c o n n e c ted t hrou g h p e rs o n al m o bil e d ev i c es s u c h as s m artph o n e s . S e e Vi c to r y C a p i t a l s Cor p orate In f o r m a t i on P r ot e c t i on a n d Te c h n o l o g y U s e P o li c y f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 
 

 

V I. S T A N D A R DS O F B U S I N E S S C O NDUCT

 

· E v e r y e m p l o y e e h as a d u t y to p l a c e t he i nt e r e s ts of V ic to r y Ca p i t a l c l i e n t a cc o u n t s f i rs t a n d n o t ta k e a d v a nt a ge of h i s or h e r p o s i t i ons at t h e exp e n s e o f Vi c to r y C a p i t a l or i ts c l i e n t s .
· Vi c to r y C a p i t al e m p l o y e es m u s t n o t m i s l e a d or d e f r a u d a n y V i c to r y Ca p i t a l cl i e n ts b y a n y s ta t e m e n t, a c t o r m a ni p u l a t i v e p r a c t i c e.
· A l l p e rs o n al s e c u r i t i es tr a n s a c t i o n s m u s t be c o n du c ted i n a m a n n e r to a v o i d a n y a c t u a l , p o t e nt i al or t he a p p e aran c e of a c o n f li c t of i nt e r e s t, o r a n y a b u s e of an e m p l o y e e s p o s i t i o n of

tru s t a nd r e s p o n si b i li t y w i t h Vi c to r y C a p i ta l .

· Vi c to r y C a p i t a l e m p l o y e es m ay n ot i n d u c e or c a u s e a c li e n t to ta k e a c t i o n , or n o t to ta k e a c t i o n , f or per s o n al b e n e f i t.
· Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l e m p l o y e es m a y n ot s h a r e p o r t f o l i o h o l d i n g s i n f o r m at i on e xc e p t as p e r m i tt e d u n d e r Vi c t ory C a p i t a l s D i sc l o s ures of P ort f o l i o S e c ur i t i es P o li c y .
· E v e r y A cc e s s P er s on m u s t n o t i f y t h e C CO or CL O , as s o o n as r e a s o n a b l y pr a c t i c a l , i f he or s he i s ar r e s t e d, ar r ai g n e d , i n d i c ted or p l e a ds no c o nt es t or g u i l t y to a n y c r i m i n a l o ff e n s e ( ot h er th a n m i n o r tra ff i c vi o l at i o n s ) or i f n a m ed as a d e f e n d a nt i n a n y i n v e s t m ent -r e l a t ed ci v i l pro c e e d i ng or a n y a d m i n i s t r at i v e o r d i sc i p l i n a r y a c t i o n .

 

 

V II. PE R S O N A L T R A D IN G , C O DE O F E T HICS R E P O R T I NG A ND C E R T IFI C A T I O N S

 

P er s o n a l T r a di n g i s a pr i v il e g e gran t ed b y V i c to r y C a p i t a l t h a t m a y be w i t h dr a wn at a n y t i m e. T he CCO h a s c o m p l ete d i scr e t i on o v er a l l P er so n a l T r a di ng a c t i vi t y a n d h as n o o b l i g at i on t o e x p l a i n a n y d e n i a l or r e s tr i c t i on r e l at i ng t h e r e to . E m p l o y e e s who v i o l ate P er s o n a l T r a di n g r e s tr i c t i o ns m a y b e r e q ui r ed t o d i s g o r g e a n y g a i ns g e n e r a ted ( or l o ss es a v o i d e d ) b y P er s o n a l T r a di n g. A cc e s s P er s o n s m u s t m a i nt a i n a d e q u a t e r e c ords of a l l P e r s o n al T r a di n g tra n s a c t i o n s a n d be prepar e d to d i sc l o s e th o s e tra n s a c t i o n s to the L CR D e p a r t m e n t.

 

A . E m p l o y e e I n v e s t me n t A c co u n t s

 

E m p l o y e e M a n a g e d A cc o u nts a n d P er s o n a l A cc o u n t s are s u p p orted b y MCO t hrou g h d i r e c t e l e c tro n i c f e e ds fr o m s e l e c t ap p r o v e d b r o k ers (“ A p p r o v ed B r o k e r s” ) . A n y a cc o u n ts h el d w i t h a bro k er th a t i s n o t an A p p r o v e d B r o k er m u s t be tra n s f er r ed to a n A p p r o v e d B r o k er w i t h i n 90 d a ys of the c o m m e n c e m e n t of e m p l o y m e n t w i th V i c to r y C a pi t al. S ee A p p e n d i x 2 A p p r o v ed B r o k e r s L i s t f or m ore i n f ormat i o n .

 

O n a c a s e - b y -c a s e b a s i s , t he L CR D e p art m e n t m a y a p p r o v e c ert a i n a cc o u nts h e l d w i th bro k ers th a t are n o t on t h e A p pr o v ed B r o k e r s L i s t. T he LCR Dep a r t m e n t m u s t s t il l r e c e i v e d u p li c a te s ta t e m e n ts a n d c o n f i r m at i o n s d i r e c t l y f r om t he bro k er f or e a c h o f t h e s e t y p es of ac c o u nts.

 

M a n a g e d A cc o u nts

 

A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y o p e n a n d m a i nt a i n M a n a g ed A cc o u nts w i t h bro k ers on t h e A p p r o v ed B r o k e r s L i s t. S ee A p p e n di x 2 A p pro v e d B r o k e r s L i s t f or m ore i nf o r m at i o n . W i th the e xc e p t i on of I P O s a nd L i m i ted O f f eri n g s , the r e q u i r e m e n ts li s ted b e l o w u n d e r P er so n a l T r a d i ng R e q u i r e m e n ts a n d R e s tr i c t i o n s do n o t a p p l y t o M a n a g e d A cc o u n t s . P art i c i p at i on i n an I P O or a private p l a c e m e n t i n a M a n a g e d A cc o u nt s t i l l r e q u i r es pri o r a p p r o v a l of t h e CCO or h i s or h er de s i g n e e .

 

Ma n a g e d A cc o u nts r e q u i r e the f o l l o w i n g :

 

· T h e y m u s t b e su b m i tt e d th r o u gh MCO a nd a p pr o v ed b y t h e L C R D e p a r t m e n t pri o r to tra d i n g ;

· T he e m p l o y ee m u s t c ert i f y a n d t he bro k er m u s t v eri f y t h a t t he ac c o u nt i s tru l y d i scr et i o n a r y ;

· T he bro k er m u s t p r o v i de to the C o m p li a n c e D e p art m e n t d u p li c a te c o n f i r m at i o n s or an e l e c tro n i c data f e e d of e a c h t r a n s a c t i on i n t h e a cc o u n t ;
 
 
· A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y n ot e x er c i s e a n y d i r e c t or i n d i r e c t i n f l u e n c e or c o n t r ol o v er the tra n s a c t i o ns ; a n d
· A cc e s s P er s o n s m u s t c ert i f y a n n u a ll y that th e y h ad no d i r e c t o r i n d i r e c t i n f l ue n c e or c o n tr o l o v er a n y tran s a c t i o n s t h a t o cc ur r ed i n th e i r M a n a g e d A cc o u nts.

 

Fa i l ure t o a d h ere to t h e s e r e q u i r e m e n t s c o u l d l e a d to d i sci p l i n a r y a c t i o ns a nd p e n a l t i es u p t o a nd i n c l u d i ng t er m i n a t i o n .

 

P er s o n a l A cc o u nts

 

A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y o p e n a n d m a i nt a i n P er s o n al A c c o u nts w i th bro k ers on t he A p pro v ed B r o k e r s L i s t. S ee A p p e n d i x 2 A p p r o v e d B r o k e r s L i s t f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n . A cc e s s P er s o n s a c k n o w l e d g e a n d a g r ee that V i c to r y C a p i t al m a y r e q u e s t a n d o bt a i n i n f or m at i o n r e g ard i ng P er so n a l A cc o u nts f r om br o k e r - d e a l er s . Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l m a y u s e p er s o n al i n f or m at i o n , i n cl u di ng n a m e, a d dre s s a n d s o c i al s e c ur it y n u m b e rs , to i d e nt i f y a n d v e r i f y e m p l o y e e a cc o u nts.

 

B. E m p l o y e e In v e s t me n t A c co u nt Rep o r t ing

 

Inve s t m e n t A cc o u nt D i sc l o s ure

 

A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y o p en a n d m a i nt a i n i n v e s t m e n t a cc o u nts s u b j e c t to the d i sc l o s ure a n d pr e -c l e a r a n c e r e q u i r e m e n t s . S ee A p p e nd i x 3 – Inve s tm e nt A cc o u nt D i sc l o s ure f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 

A t t he e nd of e a c h q u ar t er, a l l e m p l o y e e s m u s t c ert i f y t h at a l l P er s o n a l A cc o u n ts h a v e b e e n d i sc l o s ed a n d v eri f y a l l P er s o n a l T r a d es or t r a n s a c t i o n s are c or r e c t l y re f l e c t e d i n M C O .

 

In i t i a l H o l d i n g s R e p ort / A nn u a l Ho l d i n g s R e p o r t

 

No P er s o n al T r a di ng w i l l be a u t h o ri z e d b e f ore the LCR De p art m e n t h a s r e c e i v ed a c o m p l et e d I n i t i al Ho l d i n gs Rep o r t as p art of the n e w h i r e on - b o ard i ng p r o c e s s . A n y e xc e p t i o ns m u s t be a p pro v ed b y t h e CC O . T he I n i t i a l Ho l d i n g s Rep o r t m u s t be s u b m i t t ed t o t he Co m p li a n c e D e p a r t m e n t w i t h i n t e n ( 1 0) c a l e n d a r d a ys of b e c o m i ng an A cc e s s P er so n . A l l A c c e s s P er s o n s m u s t s ub m i t a s i m il ar r e p ort a n n u a ll y to t h e Co m p li a n c e D e p a r t m e n t . T h e s e r e p o r ts m u s t i n c l u d e the f o l l o w i n g i n f or m atio n :

 

· T he d a te when the i n d i v i d u al b e c a m e a n A cc e s s P er s on (I n i t i al Ho l d i n g s R e p o r t o n l y ) ;

· T he n a m e of e a c h P er s o n al A cc o u nt i n wh i c h a n y s e c uri ti es are or c o u l d b e h e l d i n t h e B e n e f i c i al I nt e r e s t of the A cc e s s P er s o n , a n d t he n a m e of the bro k e r- d e a l e r or f i n a n ci al i n s t i t ut i on h o l d i ng t h e s e a cc o u nt s ;
· Cur r e n t h o l d i n g s i n p ri v a t e p l a c e m e n ts ( or n on - p u b l i c o ff eri n g ) , i n cl u d i ng p ri v a te eq u i t y , h e d g e f unds or part n er s h i p s ; a n d
· E a c h Re p orta b l e S e c u r i t y or Re p orta b l e Fu n d i n wh ic h the A cc e s s P er s on h a s a B e n e f i c i a l Int e r e s t, i n c l u d i ng t i t l e, n u m b e r of s h a r e s , a n d pri n c i p a l a m o u nt. H o l d i n g s i n f ormation m u s t be c ur r e n t a s of 45 c a l e n d a r da ys b e f ore the r e p o r t i s s u b m i tt e d.

 

Q u a r ter l y S e c uri t i es T r a n s a c t i on R e p ort

 

A t t h e e nd of e a c h q u a r ter, e v e r y A cc e s s P er s on m u s t v eri f y h i s or h e r P er s o n a l T r a d es or tr a n s a c t i o ns i n P er s o n a l A cc o u n ts thr o u g h MCO b y s u b m i tt i n g a S e c uri t i es T r a n s a c t i on R e p o r t ( S T R ) no l a ter t h a n 30 c a l e n d a r da y s f o l l o w i ng the e n d of e a c h c a l e n d ar q u arter ( whe t h e r or n ot tr a d e s were m a d e). T he S T R m u s t i n c l u d e :

 

· A d e scr i p t i o n of a n y tr a n s a c t i on i n a R e p o r t a b l e S e c u r i t y or Re p orta b l e F u n d e f fec t ed d uri n g t h e pre c e d i ng q u arte r , s u c h as the d at e , n u m b e r of s h a r e s , pri n c i p al a m o u nt of s e c uri t i es i n v o l v e d , n a ture of the tra n s a c t i o n ( i .e . , a bu y or a s e l l ) , pr i ce , a n d t h e n a m e of the bro k e r - d e a l er or f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t ut i on t h a t e ff e c ted t h e t r a n s a c t i o n ; a n d
 
 
· T he n a m e a n d n u m b e r f or a n y a cc o u nt e s ta b li s h ed i n the pre c e d i ng q u ar t er, i n cl u d i ng t he n a m e a n d a d dre s s of the br o k e r - d e a l er or f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n w h ere the a cc o u nt i s h e l d a n d the d ate it was cr e a ted.

 

Certa i n tra n s a c t i o n s are e x e m pt f r o m the q u arte r l y r e p ort i n g r e q u i r e m e n t. S ee P re-cl e a r a n c e Not

Req u i r ed for P er s o n a l T r a d i n g i n A p p e n d i x 4 R e p o r t a b l e S e c uri t i es f or m ore i nf o r m at i o n .

 

C. P e r so n al T r adi n g Req u i r e me nt s and R e stri c t io n s

 

P er m i ss i b l e T r a n s a c t i o n s

 

P er s o n a l T r a d es are l i m i ted to the t y p es of s e c uri ti es t h at are p e r m i tt e d u n d er t h i s Cod e . S ee A p p e n d i x 4

Re p orta b l e S e c u r i t i es f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 

P r e - C l e aran c e Re q u i r e m e n ts f or P e rs o n al T r a d i ng

 

M o s t P er s o n a l T r a di ng tr a n s a c t i o n s r e q ui r e pr e - a p pro v a l b y t h e Co m p li a n c e D e p art m e n t thro u gh MC O . E m p l o y e es s h o u l d c o m p l ete a P er s o n al T r a di ng R e q u e s t ( P T R ) throu g h MCO f or r e v i e w b y t he LCR Dep a r t m e n t. P T Rs are o nl y v a l i d on t h e d a t e th a t t h e Co m p li a n c e D e p a r t m e n t a p pro v e d the tr a d e . P T Rs s h o u l d b e s u b m i tt e d b e f ore 3 : 30 P M E T and m a y be d e n i e d f or an y r e a s o n de e m ed a p prop r i a t e b y the CC O . L a te s u b m i ss i o n s o r t r a n s a c t i o n s t h at r e q u i r e a d d i t i o n a l r e s e a rc h m a y t a k e l o n g e r to o b t a i n pre- a p pr o v a l a nd a p p r o v a l m a y n o t be gr a nt e d i n t i m e t o a l l o w tr a d i ng on t he s a m e d a y.

 

P r o h i b i t i o n o n S h o r t -S e l l i ng S e c ur i t i es

 

E m p l o y e es m a y n ot S h o r t S e l l s e c ur i t i es i n t h e i r P er s o n a l A cc o u nt s .

 

Bl a c k o u t P eri o d

 

A cc e s s P er s o n s are s u b j e c t to the B l a c k o u t P er i od f or a n y s e c ur it y i n w h i c h a V i c to r y Ca p i t a l c l i e n t h as a b u y , se ll , o r S h or t - S e ll . For e xc e p t i o n s to t h e B l a ck o u t P er i o d , s e e E x e m pt S e c uri ti e s ” or De M i n i m i s ” tra n s a c t i o n s . In c er t a i n c i r c u m s ta n c e s , P er s o n al T r a d es a p p r o v ed b y t he LCR Dep a r t m e n t m a y n e ed to be bro k en d ue t o su b s e q u e nt c l i e n t tra d i ng a c t i vi t y d u ri ng t h e B l a c k o u t P eri o d.

 

Al t h o u gh S h or t- S e l l i n g i s s t r i c t l y pr o h i b i t e d i n P er so n a l A cc o u n t s , i t m a y b e p er m i tt e d i n c l i e n t ac c o u n ts as d i c ta t ed b y t h e i r i n v e s t m e n t g u i d e l i n e s . A s a r e s u l t , S h or t- S e l l s e c uri t i es i n a c li e nt a cc o u nt w i l l be r e s tr i c ted f r om P er s o n al T r a d i ng i n t he s a m e m a n n e r as i f t h e se c uri t y was s o l d l o n g.

 

T he Co m p li a n c e D e p art m e n t w il l e v a l u a te p r o g r am t r a d es ( e . g., cl i e nt c a s h f l o w s or s u b scr i p t i o n s a nd r e d e m pt i o n s ) p l a c ed b y a P ort f o l i o Ma n a g e m e n t T e a m a f ter an A cc e s s P er s on m a k es a P er s o n a l T r a d e to d e ter m i ne i f s u c h tra d e i s i n vi o l a t i on of the B l a c k out P er i o d . T r a d es i n the o p p o s i t e d i r e c t i on f r om an i n v e s t m e n t te a m m a y n ot c a u s e t h e P er s o n al T r a d e to b e i n v i o l a t i on of t h e B l a c k o u t P er i o d . A “l i m i t o r d e r b y a P ort f o l i o Ma n a g e m e n t T eam that i s p l a c ed b e f ore a n d e x e c u t ed d uri n g the B l a c k o u t P eri o d i s p e r m i tt e d. If th e r e i s a c o n s i s te n t p a t t ern of s u c h a c t i v i t y, t h e s e tra n s a c t i o n s m a y b e s u b j e c t to r e v i e w . T he LCR D e p a r t m e n t m a y d e n y a tra d e a n d i s n ot o b li g a t e d t o e x p l a i n t h e re a s on to t h e e m p l o y e e.

 

In d ex A cc e s s P er s o n s are r e s tr i c ted f r o m tra di ng e q u i t i es d u ri ng t he r e b a l a n c i n g m o n ths, w h i c h g e n era l l y o cc ur i n M a rc h a n d S e p t e m b e r . Ind e x A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y s t i l l tr a de s e c uri t i e s , s u c h as o p en - e n de d m ut u al f u n ds a n d E TFs f or wh i c h V i c tory C a p i t a l d o es n o t a c t as a d vi s er or s ub - a d v i s er or ot h er t y p es of s e c uri ti es p e r m i tt e d b y t h e CCO d u ri ng t h i s m o n th.

 

M a n d at o r y S h o r t - T e r m Ho l d i n g P eri o d

 

A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y n ot p ur c h a s e a n d s e l l or s e l l an d p u rc h a s e a n y R e p o r t a b l e S e c uri t i es i n a P er s o n al A cc o u nt w i t h i n s i x t y ( 6 0 ) c a l e n d ar d a y s . E a c h p u rc h a s e or s a l e of the s a m e s e c uri t y h a s i ts o wn 6 0- d a y h o l d i n g p eri o d.

 
 

 

M a x i m u m All o wa b l e T r a d e s

 

A cc e s s P er s o n s m a y m a k e no m ore th a n 20 P er s o n al T r a d es p e r c a l e n d a r q u arte r . A tra d e i n the s a m e s e c uri t y i n m u l t i p l e a cc o u n t s on the s a m e d a y m a y c o u n t as o ne t r a d e, a n d w i l l b e r e v i e wed b y a m e m b e r of t h e L CR De p art m e n t o n a ca s e - b y -c a s e b a s i s .

 

De M i n i m i s T r a d es

 

A tra d e u n d er $ 1 0 0 ,0 0 0 i n a s e c uri t y of an i ss u e r t h at i s a m e m b e r of the S & P 5 00 In d ex or an e x e m pt E T F ( or a s e c uri t y w i th a n e q u iv a l e nt m a r k et c a pi t a l i z a t i o n a n d l i q u i d i t y to a S& P 5 00 s e c uri t y , as d e ter m i n e d b y t he CC O ) i s a De M i n i m i s T r a d e . De M i n i m i s T r a d es m u s t be pr e-cl e a r ed b y the Co m p li a n c e D e p a r t m e n t b u t w i l l be a p pr o v e d i f the s e c uri t y h a s b e en h e l d at l e a s t 60 d a ys ( i f s e ll i n g ) . De M i n i m i s T r a d es c o u nt to w a r ds t h e M a x i m u m All o wa b l e T r a d e s . T he Bl a c k o u t P e r i od d o e s n o t a p p l y t o De M i n i m i s T r a d e s . S e e A p p e n d i x 5 E TFs E l i g i b l e for De M i n i m i s T r a n s a c t i on E x e m p t i o n f or m ore i n f or m at i on.

 

Con t r a - T r a di ng R u l e

 

No P ort f o l i o M a n age m e n t T e a m m e m b e r ma y tr a de a s e c uri t y i n t h e i r P er s o n al A cc o u nt i n t h e o p p o s i t e d i r e c t i on of a s e c uri t y h e l d i n an y c l i e n t a cc o u nt t h at h e or s he m a n a g es f or Vi c to r y C a p i t al u n l e s s he or s he r e c e i v es pri o r w r i tt e n a p p r o v al f r o m e i th e r t he C C O or h i s or h e r d e si g n e e. I t i s t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of the e m p l o y e e t o n o t i f y the CCO i f he or s he i n te n ds to m a k e a P er s o n al T r a d e t h a t i s c o n tra r y to a c li e nt a cc o u nt.

 

S m a l l M a r k et Ca p i t a l i z a t i o n S e c ur i t i es

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t a l g e n era ll y d isc o u r a g es P er s o n a l T r a di n g i n s m a ll er m a r k et c a pi ta li z a t i on s toc k s ( e. g . l e s s th a n $ 1 b i l l i o n ) , i n p a r t i c u l ar, a n y m i cr o c ap s to c k s , as t h e s e s e c uri t i es c o ul d l e a d to a p o t e nt i al c o n f l i c t of i nt e r e s t i f th e y a r e a l s o p ur c h a s ed i n cl i e n t a cc o u n t s . P er s o n al T r a di ng b y m e m b e r s o f a P ort f o li o M a n a g e m e n t T e a m i n c o mm on h ol d i n g s w i th Vi c t ory C a p i t al cl i e nts, e s p e ci a ll y i n l o w v o l u m e or l o w m a r k et c a pi ta l i z a t i o n stoc k s , c o u l d l e a d to a p o t e n t i a l c o n f li c t o f i n tere s t a nd t h e r e f ore m a y be p r o h i b i t e d .

 

I P O R u l e

 

No A cc e s s Per s on m a y d i r e c t l y or i n d i r e c t l y a c q u i r e a B e n e f i ci al I nt e r e s t i n a n y s e c uri ti es o ff ered i n a n I P O i n a P er s o n al A cc o u nt or M a n a g ed A cc o u nt, e x c e p t w i t h the pri o r a p pr o v al of the CCO or h i s or h e r d e s i g n e e.

 

L i m i ted O ff eri n gs ( P r i v ate P l a c e m e n t s )

 

No A cc e s s P er s on m a y a c q ui r e a B e n e f i c i a l In t ere s t i n a pr i v a t e p l a c e m e n t w i t h o u t t h e pr i or a p pr o v a l of the CCO or h i s or h e r d es i g n e e. P r i or a p pr o v al i s r e q u i r ed whe t h e r i n v e s t i n g d i r e c t l y or thro u gh a P er s o n a l A cc o u nt or M a n a g e d A cc o u n t. P ri v a te p l a c e m e n t s , s u c h as i n v e s t m ent i n a p r i v ate c o m p a n y, p u rc h a s es of h e d g e f u n ds or o t h e r private i n v e s t m ent f u n ds a r e r e p orta b l e th r o u gh t h e pr e -cl e a r a n c e pro c e ss . S u b s e q u e n t c a p i tal c o ntr i b ut i o n s a nd f u l l or p a r t i al r e d e m ptio n s m u s t be pr e -cl e a r ed thr o u g h MC O . T h i s r e q u i r e m e n t a p p l i es to i n v e s t m e n t i n a n y Vi c to r y C a p i t a l m a n a g e d p r i v ate p l a c e m e n ts ( L L C s ) b u t d o e s n ot i n c l u de tr a n s a c t i o n s of V i c to r y Ca p i t a l H o l d i n gs ( V CH ) s e c uri t i e s .

 

Si g n i f i c a n t A ff ili a ted F u n d Tr a n s a c t i o ns

 

P r e -c l e a r a n c e i s r e q u i r ed f or a n y S i g n i f i c a n t T r a n s a c t i o n . Si g n i f i c a n t T r a n s a c t i o n s do n o t r e q u i r e pr e - c l e a r a n c e i n V i c to r y Ca p i t a l s 4 0 1(k ) , u n l e s s i t i s a P r o pri e ta r y F u n d .

 

M a r k et T i m i ng M u t u al F u n d T r a n s a c t i o n s

 
 

A cc e s s P er s o n s s h a l l n ot p a r t i ci p a t e i n a n y a c t i v i t y t h a t m a y be c o n s tr u ed as m a r k et ti m i ng of m ut u al f u n d s . S p e c i f i c a l l y, no e m p l o y e e s h a l l e n g a g e i n e xc e ss iv e t r a d i ng or m a r k et ti m i ng a c t i v i t i es w i th r e s p e c t to a n y P r o p ri et a r y F u n d or Rep o r t a b l e Fu n d s . S e e A p p e n d i x I A ff i l i at e d Fu n d s , P r o p ri et a r y Fu n ds & Rep o r t a b l e F u n d s f or more i n f ormat i o n . In a cc ordance w i t h e a c h A ff ili a t ed F u n d s p o l i c y , no s h a r e h o l d e r s m ay c o m p l ete m ore th a n t h r ee ( 3) r o u nd - tr i p tr a d e s i n t he s a m e f u n d d u r i ng a n y 9 0 - d a y p e r i o d. For a f i rs t v i o l a t i o n, a warn i ng i s i ss u e d; f or the s e c o n d v i o l at i o n, t h e p e rs on i s p e r m a n e n t l y r e s tr i c t e d f r om a d d i t i o n a l p u rc h a s e s . T he f orego i n g r e s tr i c t i o n s s h a l l n o t a p p l y t o an e m p l o y e e i n v e s t i ng i n m ut u al f u n ds throu g h a ut o m at i c re i n v e s t m e n t p r o g r a m s or to a n y ot h e r n on- v o l i t i o n a l i n v e s t m ent prog r am.

 

D. Repr e s e n t ati o n and W a r r an t ies

 

E a c h t i m e an A cc e s s P er s on s u b m i ts a P T R , th a t A cc e s s P er s on s h al l b e d e e m ed to m a k e the f o ll o w i ng r e p r e s e n t a t i o ns a n d w ar r an t i e s :

 

· He or s he d o es n o t p o ss e s s a n y M N P I r e g ard i ng t he iss u e r of t h e se c uri t y ;

· T o h i s or her k n o w l e d g e , t h ere are no p e n d i n g t r a d es i n t he s e c uri t y f or a c l i e n t;

· T o h i s or her k n o w l e d g e , t h e se c uri t y i s n ot b e i ng c o n s i d e r e d f or pur c h a s e or s a l e f or a n y cl i e n t ;

· If he or s he i s a m e m b e r of a P ort f o li o M a n a g e m e n t Te a m or a p e rs on th a t a d v i s es a P ort f o li o

M a n a g e m e n t T e a m , n o ne of the a cc o u nts m a n a g ed b y h i s or h e r i n v e s t m e n t te a m i s s u b j e c t to

the Bl a c k o u t P eri o d f or the s e c uri t y ; a n d

· He or s he h a s r e a d the m o s t r e c e n t v er s i o n of the C o de a n d b e l i e v es th a t t h e p r o p o s ed t r a d e c o m p li es f u ll y w i t h t h e re q u ir e m e n ts of t h e C o d e .

 

E . Q ua r t e r l y a nd A nnu a l C e r t ific a t io n s of Com p l i ance

 

E a c h A cc e s s P er s on i s re q u i r ed to c er t i f y q u arte r l y t h a t h e or s he h as d i scl o s ed a l l re p or t a b l e :

1. G i f ts a n d e n tert a i n m e n t ;

2. P o l i t i c al a c t i vi t y a n d c o ntr ib ut i o n s ;

3. P er s o n a l A cc o u nt s ;

4. M a n a g e d A cc o u nts; a n d

5. P er s o n a l T r a d e s .

 

E a c h A cc e s s P er s on i s re q u i r ed to c er t i f y a n n u a l l y t h a t he or s h e i s s u b j e c t t o t h i s Code a n d h a s :

1. Read, u n d e rs ta n ds a n d c o m p li ed w i th t h i s C o d e ;

2. D i sc l o s ed or r e p or t ed a l l P er s o n al T r a d es i n a n y Re p ortab l e Fu n d s , R e p o r t a b l e S e c uri t i e s , or i n a n y P er so n a l A cc o u nt s

3. D i sc l o s ed a n d re p or t ed a l l o u t s i d e b u s i n e s s ac t iv i t i e s ;

4. A n s w er e d a l l a d d i t i o n a l qu e s t i o n s w i t h i n Vi c t o r y C a p i t a l’ s A n n u a l C o de of E t h i c s Cert i f i c at i on i n

an ac c urate a n d t r u t h f ul m a n n e r ; a nd

5. Re a d a n d u n d e rs ta n ds V i c to r y C a p i t a l s p o li c i e s .

 

F . Re v iew Pr oc e du r es

 

T he LCR D e p a r t m e n t w i l l m a i nt ai n r e v i e w p r o c e d ures c o n s i s te n t w i t h t h i s C o de.

 
 

G . Record k e e ping

 

A l l C o d e of E t h i c s r e c or d s w i l l be m a i nt a i n ed p u r s u a nt to the pr o vi s i o n s of Ru l e 2 0 4 A - 1 u n d er the A d vi s ers A c t and R u l e 1 7 j - 1 u n d e r t h e Inve s t m e n t Co m p a n y. S e e V i c to r y C a p i t a l’ s B o o k s a n d Re c ords P o l i c y f or m ore i n f or m atio n .

 

H. W histlebl o w er Pr o v is i ons

 

If an A cc e s s P er so n b e l i e v es th a t t h ere h as b e en a v i o l a t i o n of t h i s C o d e , he or s he m u s t pr o m pt l y n o t i f y the CCO or CLO or r e p ort a n o n y m o u s l y t o t h e V i c tory Cap i tal E t h i c s t e l e p h o n e h ot l i ne at 8 00 - 5 8 4 - 9 0 5 5 . A cc e s s P er s o n s are prot e c ted f r o m r et al i at i on f or r e p ort i n g v i o l a t i o n s of th i s C o d e. Re t a l i a t i on or the threat of r et al i at i on a g a i n s t an A cc e s s P er s on f or r e p ort i ng a vi o l a t i o n c o n s t i t u tes a f urther vi o l at i on of th i s Code a nd m a y l e a d to i mm e d i ate s u s p e n s i on a n d f u r t h e r s a n c t i o n s . S ee Vi c to r y Cap i t a l s W h i s t l e b l ower and R e p ort i n g S u s p i ci o u s A c t i v i ty P o li c y f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 

Vi c to r y Ca p i t a l i s a l s o r e s p o n si b l e f or c o mm u ni c at i n g the A ff ili a ted F u n d s w h is t l e b l o w er pro c e d u r es to o u r emp l o y e e s . T he A ff ili a ted Fu n ds h a v e i mp l eme n ted pro c e d ures f or r e c e iv i n g a n on ymo u s r e p orts of s u s p e c ted or a c t u al v i o l at i on s of A ff ili at e d F u n ds’ p o li ci es a n d q u e s t i o n a b l e a cc o u nt i n g , i nt e r nal a cc o u nt i ng c o n tr o l s , or a u d i t i ng mat t er s . Ca l l 8 6 6 - 8 44 - 3 8 63 to i n i t i a t e a r e p o r t r e g ard i ng an A ff ili at e d Fu n d.

 

I. C o n f ide nt ia l i t y

 

A l l i n f o r m at i on o bt a i n e d f r om a n y e m p l o y ee s h a l l b e k e p t i n s tr i c t c o n f i d e n c e, e xc e p t w h e n r e q u e s t e d b y the S E C or a n y ot h er r e g u l at o r y or s e l f -r e g u l at o r y org a n i z at i o n , a n d m a y o t h e rw i s e b e d i sc l o s e d t o t h e e x te n t r e q u i r e d b y l a w or r e g u l at i o n . A d d i t i o n a l l y , c erta i n i n f or m at i on m a y b e pr o v i d e d t o a broke r- d e a l e r , s er vi c e pro v i d e r or v e n d or, s u c h as e m p l o y e e n a m e, s o c i al s e c ur it y n u m b e r a n d h o m e a d dre ss , i n order to a sc erta i n P er s o n a l T r a d i ng ac t i v i t y t h at i s r e q u i r ed t o b e d i sc l o s e d b y a n A cc e s s P er s o n .

 

J. Rep o r t ing to t he B o a r d of Di r e ct o r s of A ff il i ated F u nds

 

A t l e a s t a n n u a l l y , V i c to r y Cap i tal w i l l pr o v i de t h e B o ard of D i r e c tors of A ff ili a te d Fu n ds w i th i n f or m at i on r e g ard i ng: 1) an y M at e ri al Vi o l a t i o ns u n d e r t h i s C o d e a n d a n y s a n c t i o ns i m p o s ed as a r e s p o n s e to s u c h Mat e r i al V i o l a t i o n ; a n d 2) c ert i f i c at i o n t h a t Vi c t o r y Ca p i t a l h a s a d o pt e d pro c e d u r e s n e c e ss a r y t o pr e v e nt A cc e s s P er s o n s f r om vi o l a t i ng th i s C o d e .

 

 

V III. C O DE O F E T HICS V I O L A T I O N G UID E LIN E S

 

E a c h A cc e s s P er s on i s r e s p o n s i b l e f or c o n d u c t i ng h i s or h er a c t i v i t i es i n a cc o r d a n c e w i th t h i s Co d e. Vi o l a t i o ns of t h e C o d e m a y r e s u l t i n a p p li c a b l e s a n c t i o n s .

 

S a n c t i o n s m a y c or r e l ate t o the s e v eri t y of the v i o l a t i on a nd m a y t a k e i nto c o ns i d e r a t i o n , a m o n g ot h er thi n g s , s u c h f a c tors as t h e f r e q u e n c y a n d s e v eri t y of a n y p r i or v i o l a t i o n s . T he CCO m a y r e c o m m e n d e sc a l a t i on t o the V i c tory C a pi t al B o a r d of D i r e c tors a nd Co m p li a n c e Co m m i tt e e. Wh e n n e c e ss a r y, t h e Vi c tory Ca p i t a l B o a r d of D ir e c tors m a y o b t a i n i n p u t f r om the Co m p li a n c e Co m m i tt e e a n d the CCO when d e term i n i ng wh e th e r s u c h v i o l at i on i s a M a te r i a l V i o l a t i o n .

 

T he CCO h o l ds d i scr et i o n a r y a u t h ori t y to r e v o k e P e r s o n al T r a di ng pr i v il e g e s fo r a n y l e n gth of t i m e a n d a l s o r e s e r v es t h e ri g h t to l i f t P er s o n al T r a di ng s a n c t i o ns i n r e s p o n s e to m a r k et c o n d i t i o n s . A d d i t i o n a ll y, the CCO or Co m p l i a n c e C o m m i tt e e m a y i m p o s e a m o n et a r y p e n a l t y f or a n y v i o l a t i o n. T he CCO w i l l r e p ort a l l war n i n g s , v i o l at i o ns a n d s a n c t i o ns to t he Co m p li a n c e C o m m i tt e e.

 
 

 

M i n or V i o l a ti o n s Pot e nt ia l A c ti o ns

 

· Pr o v ide d i n c o rr e c t o r i n c om p l e te a c co u n t o r t r a d in g in f o r ma t i o n

· E ngag i n g i n a pa t t e rn o f d i s c o u r age d o r e x ce s si v e tr adi n g

· T r adin g w i t hou t p r e - c lea r an c e app r o v a l w he n t r ad e w oul d ha v e no r ma l l y be e n a pp r o v e d an d ad d i t i ona l v iola t i on s di d no t o c cu r

· F ailu r e t o s u bm i t a co m pl e te o r tim e l y in i t i a l o r a nn u a l hol d in g s o r s e cu r i t ie s t r a n s a c t i on s r epo rt

· F ailu r e t o p r o v id e t h e C om p li a nc e D e pa r t men t a dup l ica t e c on f i r ma t io n i n a t i m el y ma n ne r a f te r r equ e s t o r no t ic e b y t h e C o m pl ian c e D e p a rt m en t

· F ailu r e t o p r e - cl e a r p r o pe r l y a n ou t si d e b u si n e s s ac t i v i ty p r io r t o c o m m e n ce m e n t o f s uc h a c t i v i ty

· F ailu r e t o c o mp l e te a q u a rt e r l y o r an n ua l ce r t i f i ca t io n b y du e d a te

· F ailu r e t o p r e - cl e a r a n in v es t m en t i n a p r i v a te pla c em e n t t ha t w oul d ha v e b e e n a p p r o v e d

 

· L CR D epa r t men t ma y q u es t i o n e m plo y e e an d doc u me n t r e spo n s e

· 1 st v iola t io n w i t hi n a 1 2 - m on th pe r io d ma y r e s u l t i n a w a r nin g le t t e r

· C C O an d C om p li a nc e C o m mi t t e e w il l b e no t i f i e d o f al l w a r ning s a n d ci t a t io n s g i v e n t o e m plo y e e s

· E mplo y e e ma y b e r e q ui r e d t o b r ea k a t r a d e o r dis g o r g e p r o f i ts fr o m th e tr ad e

· A n y addi t ion a l a c t i on s t h e C C O o r L CR D epa r t me n t dee m app r op r i a te unde r th e c i r cu m s t a nc e s

T ec h n i ca l Vi o l a ti o n s Pot e nt ia l A c ti o ns

 

· A n y pa t te rn o f a M ino r V iol a t i o n w i t hi n a 1 2 - m on th pe r io d ma y q ua l i fy a s a T ech ni ca l V iol a t i o n

· F ailu r e t o r epo r t a P e r s o na l A c cou n t

· T r adin g w i t hou t p r e - c lea r an c e app r o v a l w he n t r ad e w oul d no t h a v e be e n a p p r o v e d

· T r adin g w i t hou t p r e - c lea r an c e o r s u p p l i e d in c o rr e c t in f o r ma t i on , w hi c h ma y h a v e r esu l t e d i n a ddi t io n a l

v iola t i on s

· F ailu r e t o p r e - cl e a r an y a c t i v i ty tha t w oul d ha v e b e e n deni e d b y t h e C o m pl i an c e D e pa rt m en t

· A n y w ill f u l v iol a t i o n s o f t h e C o de , a s d e t e r m in e d b y t h e CC O , to b e m o re se v e re th a n a M ino r V i o la t i o n

 

· L CR D epa r t men t ma y q u es t i o n e m plo y e e an d doc u me n t r e spo n s e

· L CR D epa r t men t ma y i ss u e a w a r nin g le t t e r

· Co mp l ia n c e C o m m i t te e i s no t i f ie d

· Hu ma n R e s o u r c e s w il l b e no t i f ie d

· E mplo y e e ma y b e r e q ui r e d t o b r ea k a t r a d e o r dis g o r g e p r o f i ts fr o m th e tr ad e an y s u c h p r o f i ts w il l

b e c oll e c t e d b y V i c t o ry C ap i t a l an d d ona t e d t o c ha r i ty

· T empo r a ry b a n fr o m P e r s on a l T r adin g fo r n o le s s t h a n

3 0 c ale n da r d a y s

· A fin e ma y b e i m po s ed , a s de t e r mi n e d b y t h e C C O o n a c a se - b y - c as e b a si s

· A n y o t he r a c t i on s de e m e d a pp r op r ia t e b y t h e CCO o r t h e L CR D e p a rt m en t

Re pea t T ec h n i ca l V i o la ti o ns Pot e nt ia l A c ti o ns

 

· A n y T echni c a l V i ola t io n tha t i s r epea t e d a t l e as t t w o

( 2 ) t i me s du r i n g a 12 - mon t h p e r io d

 

· C C O ma y mee t w i th e m p lo y e e s d i r e c t m ana g e r to di s cu s s v i o la t i o n

· Hu ma n R e s o u r c e s w il l b e no t i f ie d

· E mplo y e e ma y b e r e q ui r e d t o b r ea k a t r a d e o r dis g o r g e p r o f i ts fr o m th e tr ad e an y s u c h p r o f i ts w il l

b e c oll e c t e d b y V i c t o ry C ap i t a l an d d ona t e d t o c ha r i ty

· T h r e e ( 3 ) o r mo re t e c hn i ca l v i o la t i o n s w i t h i n a 1 2 - mon t h pe r io d ma y r e cei v e a c it a t io n le t t e r , mon e t a ry

f in e an d lo s s o f P e r s on a l T r ad i n g p r i v i leg e s f o r n o l e s s t ha n 9 0 c al e nda r da y s

· A n y o t he r a c t i on s de e m e d a pp r op r ia t e b y t h e CCO o r t h e L CR D e p a rt m en t

Ma t e ri a l Vi o l a t i o ns / Fr a u d u l e nt A c ti o ns Pot e nt ia l A c ti o ns

 

· A n y M a t e r ia l V io l a t i o n

 

· Co mp l ia n c e C o m m i t te e w il l r ev ie w an d r ec o m m en d sa n c t i o n s an d pen a l t i e s u p t o an d i nc l ud i n g t e r m i na t io n o f e m plo ym en t

· T h e B oa rd o f D i r e c t o rs an d , w he n a pp l ic a ble , c l ien t s w il l b e no t i f i e d

 
 

· P os s ibl e c r im i na l s a nc t i o n s im pos e d b y r e g ula t o ry au t ho r i t i e s

· A fin e o f $ 10 , 0 0 0 ma y b e im po se d b y th e B o a rd o f

Dir ec t o r s

· A n y o t he r a c t i on s de e m e d a pp r op r ia t e b y t h e CC O , Co mp l ia n c e C o m m i t te e o r t h e B oa rd o f D i r e c t o r s

 

 

T he Co d e o f E th i c s V i o l a t i o n Gu i d e l i n es pr o vi d es ex a m p l es of p o te n t i al Co d e v i o l a t i o n s a nd t he a c t i o ns that Vi c to r y C a p i tal m i g h t t a k e i f e m p l o y e e s are i n v i o l a t i on of t h e C o d e ; i t i s n ot i n t e n d e d t o s er v e as an e x h a u s t i v e l i s t o f p o t e nt i al Code v i o l at i o n s or a c t i o ns re l a t i n g t h ereto. A l l f i n d i n g s of Co d e v i o l at i o n s a n d a n y a c t i o n s re l at i ng t h e r e t o w i l l b e m a d e o n a ca s e - b y - c a s e b a s i s . T he CCO h a s d i scr et i o n t o i n terp r et v i o l a t i o ns a n d i m p o s e vari o us s a n c t i o ns i n r e s p o n s e to s u c h v i o l at i o n s as d e e m ed n e c e ss a r y .

 

Reco n sid e r ati o n

 

If an A cc e s s P er s on w i s h e s to d i s p u t e a v i o l a t i on n o t ic e, he or s he m a y s u b m i t a w r i t t en e x p l a n a t i o n of the c i rc u m s ta n c es of the v i o l a t i o n t o t he CC O . The CCO ( a n d t h e C LO i f e sc a l a t i o n i s d e e m ed n e c e ss ary) w i l l r e v i e w s u b m is s i o n s on a c a s e b y ca s e b a s i s . The CCO a n d C L O are u n d er n o o b l i g a t i o n to c h a n ge a n y s a n c t i on t h a t h a s b e en i m p o s e d .

 
 

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

A p pen d i x 1 A ff ili a t ed F u nd s , Pr o p r iet ar y Fund s & Rep o r t able F u nds

 

Vi c to r y C a p i tal i s a m u l t i - b o u t i q u e a ss et m a n a g er c o m prised of the f o l l o w i ng a u t o n o m o u s i n v e s t m e n t f r a n c h i s e s : C E M P ( f or m erly, Co m p a s s E M P ) , D i v er s i f i ed E q u i t y M a n a g e m e n t, E x p e d i t i on I n v e s t m e n t P art n er s , INC O RE C a p i t al M a n a g e m e n t, In t e gri t y Ass et M a n a g e m e n t, M u n d e r Capit a l M a n a g e m e n t, N e w B r i d g e A s s et M a n a g e m e n t, RS I n v e s t m e n t s , S y c a m ore Capit a l , a nd T r i v a l e nt I n v e s t m e n t s .

 

A s of J u l y 3 0, 2 0 16, t h e f u n ds li s ted b e l o w are s u b j e c t to P er s o n al T r a di ng r e p o r t i ng a n d r e s tr i c t i o n s . For the m o s t up - to - date li s t of A ff ili at e d Fu n d s , p l e a s e v i s i t www. v i c to r y f u n d s . c o m , www. rs f u n d s . c om a n d www. c o m p a ss e m p f u n d s . c om .

 
 

 

 

A ffi l i a t e d F u n d s RICs Su b - A d v i se d b y V ic to r y Ca p it a l

 

V ic t o r y I n s t i t u t i on a l Fu n d s , m a nage d b y:

· Di v e r si f i e d E q ui ty M anagem en t

 

V ic t o r y P o r t f ol i o s , m a na g e d b y :

· C E M P (S&P 50 0 In d e x Fund )

· Di v e r si f i e d E q ui ty M anagem en t

· E x pedi t i o n In v e s t m en t P a r t ne r s

· INC O RE Ca pi t a l M anag e men t

· I n t eg r i ty A s s e t M anage m en t

· M unde r Ca pi t a l M anagem e n t

· Ne w Br idg e A s s e t M anage m e n t

· RS I n v es t m en t s

· S oph u s Ca p i t a l

· S y camo re C api t a l

· T r i v alen t I n v es t m e n ts

 

V ic t o r y P o r t f ol i o s I I , man a ge d b y:

· C E M P (f o r me r l y C o m pa s s E M P )

 

V ic t o r y V a r iab l e I n su r a n c e F u nd s , ma n ag e d b y :

· C E M P (S&P 50 0 In d e x V I P S e r ies )

· Di v e r si f i e d E q ui ty M anagem en t

· INC O RE A sse t M anage m en t

· RS I n v es t m en t s

· S oph u s Ca p i t a l

 

V ic t o r y C a p i t a l C ol l ec t iv e I n v e s t m en t T r us t , m a nag e d b y :

· Di v e r si f i e d E q ui ty M anagem en t

· Ne w Br idg e A s s e t M anage m e n t

· S y camo re C api t a l

 

V ic t o r y C a p i t a l In t e r na t ion a l C oll e c t i v e I nv e s t m en t

Tr ust , m a nag e d b y :

· E x pedi t i o n In v e s t m en t P a r t ne r s

· I n t eg r i ty A s s e t M anage m en t

· T r i v alen t I n v es t m e n ts

 

Propri e t a r y Fun d s

 

· V ic t o r y M unde r S m al l C a p Gr o wth Fun d , m ana g e d b y M unde r C a p i t a l M anag e m e n t

 

· V ic t o r y M unde r S m al l C ap / M i d -Cap B le n d , man a ge d b y M unde r C a p i t a l M anag e m e n t

 

· V ic t o r y S e lec t Fu n d , man a ge d b y D i v e r si f i e d E q ui ty

M anagemen t

 

· V ic t o r y T r i v a len t E m e r gin g M a r ke ts S m al l C a p

F und , ma n ag e d b y T r i v alen t In v es t m e n ts

· (Co lu m bia ) V a r i a bl e P o rt f o li o ( VP) V ic t o r y E s t a b li s he d V al u e F u n d , sub - a d v ise d b y S y camo r e Ca pi t a l

· (F ide l i t y ) Str a t eg i c A d vi s e rs S m al l - M i d C a p Fun d ,

sub - a d v is e d b y RS In v e s t m e n t s

· (F ide l i t y ) Str a t eg i c A d vi s e rs S m al l - M i d C a p M ul t i - M anage r Fun d , s u b - ad v i s e d b y RS In v es t m e n ts
· ( Ja c k s o n N a t ion a l ) J NL M ul t i - M anage r M i d Cap F un d , sub - ad v i s e d b y S y c a m o re C api t a l ( f un d in g S ep t. 2 016 )

· ( Ja c k s o n N a t ion a l ) J NL M ul t i - M anage r S m al l C a p

G r o wth Fun d , s ub - ad v i se d b y RS In v es t m en t s

· Nor the rn M ul t i - M anage r I n t e r n a t io n a l E q ui t y F u nd ,

sub - a d v is e d b y T r i v alen t I n v e s t men t s

· (Pr inc i pa l ) M id Cap V alu e Fu n d I , s u b - ad v i se d b y

S y camo re Ca pi t a l

· (Pr uden t ia l ) A S T S m all -C a p Growth Op po r t un i ty

F un d , sub - ad v i s e d b y RS In v e s t m e n ts

· SEI S m all / M id -Cap E qu i ty F u n d , s u b - ad v i se d b y

I n t eg r i ty A s s e t M anage m en t

· USAA E m e r gin g M a r ke ts F u n d , s u b - ad v i se d b y

E x pedi t i o n In v e s t m en t P a r t ne r s

· (VA L IC) S m al l C a p A gg r e s s i v e Growth F u n d , sub - ad v ise d b y RS In v es t m e n ts

· V oy a M ul t i - M anage r I n t e r n a t i o na l S m a l l C a p

F un d , sub - ad v i s e d b y T r i v ale n t I n v es t men t s

· W il s hi re La r g e C o m pa n y Gro w th P o rt f o lio , s ub - ad v ise d b y Ne w Br idg e A s se t M anagemen t

 

Su b - A d v i se d A ffi l i a t e d F u n d s

 

· V ic t o r y Na t ion a l M unici p a l B on d Fun d, s ub - ad v ise d b y KPB In v e s t m e n t A d v iso rs LL C
· V ic t o r y O hi o M unicip a l B o n d F un d , sub - ad v is e d b y KPB in v es t men t A d v iso r s L L C

· V ic t o r y F l oa t in g R a te F u n d , s u b - ad v is e d b y P a r k

A v enu e A d v i s o rs

· V ic t o r y H i g h I n co m e M unic i pa l B on d F un d , s u b - ad v ise d b y P a rk A v enu e A d v i s o rs

· V ic t o r y H i g h Y i e l d F u n d , s u b - a d v ise d b y P a rk

A v enu e A d v i s o rs

· V ic t o r y H i g h Y i e l d V I P S e r ies , su b - a d v is e d b y

P a rk A v en u e A d v i s o rs

· V ic t o r y S t r a t eg i c I nco m e F un d , su b - ad v i s e d b y

P a rk A v en u e A d v i s o rs

· V ic t o r y T a x -E x e m p t F u nd , su b - ad v ise d b y P a rk

A v enu e A d v i s o rs

· V ic t o r y G lo b a l N a t u r a l R e s ou r ce s F und , s ub - ad v ise d b y S a i ling S t on e C api t a l P a r t ne rs
 
 

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

A p pen d i x 2 A pp r o v ed B r ok e r s List

 

 

 

1. E m p l o y er S p o n s ored Re t i r e m e n t Pl an s

2. A m eri p r i s e F i n a n c i a l S er v i c es

3. Char l es S c h w a b

4. E* T R A DE

5. E d w a r d Jo n es

6. F i d e li t y I n v e s t m e n ts

 

7. In t era c t i v e B r o k e r s

8. J P M o r g an C h a s e

9. M e rr i l l L y n c h

10. M o r g a n S t a n l e y

11. North e r n T r u s t

12. S c ot t r a d e

13. T D A m eri t r a d e

14. U B S

15. V a n g u ard

 

16. W e ll s Fa r go

 
 

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

A p pen d i x 3 In v e s t me n t A c co u nt Di s closu r e

 

T he a cc o u nt d i sc l o s ure r e q ui r e m e n ts l i s ted b e l o w a r e r e q u i r ed u n d er t he Co d e . A cc o u nts n e e d to be d i sc l o s ed when o p e n ed an d th e n v eri f i e d as p a r t of yo u r q u arte r l y C o d e of E t h i c s c ert i f i c atio n . Fa i l ure to c o m p l y m a y r e s u l t i n s a n c t i o n s i m p o s ed b y t he V i c to r y C a p i t a l Co m p l i a n c e Co m m i tt e e a n d /or B o a r d of D i r e c tor s .

 

A B e n e f i c i a l In t ere s t i n t h e f o ll o w i ng t y p e s of a cc o u n t s m u s t be r e p orted to t h e LCR De p art m e n t i n i t i a l l y a n d r e p o r t e d o n t h e a n n u a l h o l d i n g s re p ort:

· A l l P er s o n al A cc o u nt s , wh i c h i n c l u d es a n y a cc o u n t th a t c an h o l d a R e p or t a b l e S e c u r i t y or

Rep o r t a b l e Fu n d

· A ff ili at e d Fu n ds a cc o u nts ( or a n y o t h e r R e p o r t a b l e F u n d )

· E m p l o y e e & I m m e di ate F a m i l y s 4 0 1( k ) i f a bl e to bu y or s e l l Re p orta b l e S e c u r i t i e s

· S e c uri t y L e n d i n g A cc o u nts

· M a r g i n A cc o u n ts

 

T he f o ll o w i ng a cc o u nts m u s t b e r e p orted to t he L CR D e p art m e n t i n i t i a ll y :

· P ri v ate P l a c e m e n ts ( P r i v a t e I n v e s t m e n t F und s , H e d g e Fun d , P r i v ate E q u i t y , L i m i ted O ff eri n g s )

· Inve s t m e n t C l u b s

 

T he f o ll o w i ng a cc o u nts do n o t n e e d to be h e l d at an A p p r o v e d B r o k er a n d do n o t n e ed to b e pre -c l e a r e d or r e p ort e d o n t h e a n n u a l h o l d i n g s r e p o r t :

· O p e n - e n d m ut u al f und a cc o u nts h e l d d i r e c t l y w i th a n u n a ff ili a t ed Fu n d ( f or Non - Rep o r t a b l e Fu n ds o n l y )

· E m p l o y e e & I m m e di ate F a m i l y s e m p l o y er s p o n s ored r et i r e m e n t p l a n a cc o u nts ( e. g ., 4 0 1 ( k ) ) if

u n a b l e to bu y or s e l l R e p or t a b l e S e c uri t i es re q u i ri ng pr e -c l e a r a n c e

· 5 2 9 P l a n s

 
 

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

A p pen d i x 4 Rep o r t able S ec u r ities

 

P er s o n a l A cc o u nts g e n er a l l y r e q u i r e e m p l o y e es t o p r e -c l e a r tra n s a c t i o n s b y s u b m i tt i ng P T Rs throu g h

MC O . S ee S e c t i on V I: P e r s o n al T r a d i ng R e q u i r e m e n t s a n d R e s tr i c t i o ns f or m ore i n f or m at i o n .

 

Pr e - c le a r an c e Req u i r ed f or P e r so n a l T r adi n g

 

A l l A cc e s s P er s o n s m u s t o b t a i n pre -c l e aran c e pri o r to a ff e c t i ng a n y of t h e f o ll o w i n g tr a n s a c t i on s i n a

P er s o n a l A cc o u nt:

· B o n ds ( i n cl u d i ng c o n v ert i b l e, c orpora t e, h i g h - y i e l d, an d m u ni c i p a l b o n d s )

· C l o s e d - end f u n ds

· E q u i t i es

· E xc h a n g e - t r a d e d f u n ds ( E T F s) , i n c l u d i n g V i c to r y Ca p i t al E T Fs

· E xc h a n g e - t r a d e d n ot e s ( E T Ns )

· Fa n n i e M ae & F r e d d i e M ac m ortga g e -r e l at e d se c uri t i e s

· T r u s t p r e f e r r ed & t r a d i t i o n a l p r e f er r ed s e c uri t i es

· I P Os , w i t h t h e p r i or a p pr o v al of t h e CCO or h i s or h e r d e s i g n e e

· P ri v ate p l a c e m e n ts

· A n y s e c uri t i es t h at a r e g i f ted or d o n a t ed b y an A cc e s s P er s on

· Un i t i n v e s t m e n t t r u s ts

· Si g n i f i c a n t T r a n s a c t i o n s i n an A ff il i at e d Fu n d

· Inve s t m e n ts i n P r o pri e t a r y Fu n ds

 

Pr e - c le a r an c e N o t Req u ir ed f or P e r so n al T r adi n g

 

For c erta i n a cc o u n t s a n d s e c uri t y t y p e s , pre -cl e a r a n c e i s n o t n e c e ss a r y . G e n er a l l y , t h e s e tran s a c t i o n s do n o t n e ed to be pr e-cl e a r ed b e c a u s e the tra n s a c t i o n s are p a ss i v e, are n o t R e p o r ta b l e S e c u r i t i e s , or th e y a r e m a d e i n a cc o u nts i n wh i c h the A cc e s s P er s on h a s no d i r e c t or i n d i r e c t i n f l ue n c e or c o ntr o l . A P T R i s n o t re q u i r e d f or the f o l l o w i n g t r a n s a c t i o n s :

· A l l s e c uri t i e s , w i th the e xc e p t i o n o f I P O s or P ri v a t e P l a c e m e n ts i n M a n a g e d A cc o u n ts

· A ut o m at i c or P er i o di c I n ves t m e n t Pl a n s

· B a n k er s ac c e p t a n c e s , b an k c ert i f i c at e s of d e p o s i t a nd c o mm er c i al p a p er

· Corp o r a t e a c t i on t r a n s a c t i on s (e. g ., stock s p li t s , r i g h ts o ff eri n g s , m ergers a n d a c q u i s i t i o n s )

· D i r e c t o b l i g a t i o ns of t h e U. S . g o v ern m e n t

· Inve s t m e n ts i n D i v i d e n d R e i n v e s t m e n t P l a n s or d i vi d e n d tra n s a c t i o n s

· Inve s t m e n t g r a d e, s h or t- te r m d e bt i n s tru m e n t s , i n c l u d i ng re p ur c h a s e a gree m e n ts

· V ar i a b l e i n s ur a n c e pro d u c ts th a t i n v e s t i n f u n ds f or w h i c h V i c to r y C a p i t al d o e s n ot a c t as a dvi s er or s u b - a d vi s er

· O p e n - e n d m ut u al f unds ( u nl e s s i t i s a P r o p r i et a r y F u n ds or S i g ni f i c a n t T r a n s a c t i on f or w h i c h

Vi c to r y C a p i t al a c ts as a d v is er or s u b - a d vi s e r )

· M o n e y m a r k et f unds

· A ff ili at e d Fu n ds u n d e r $ 1 m i l li o n o r t h a t are n ot P r o p ri e ta r y F u n d s

· P h y s i c al c o m m o di t y c o n tr a c ts

· Inve s t m e n ts i n q u a l i f i ed t u i t i on progra m s (“ 5 2 9 P l an s”)

· S e c uri t i es t h a t are g i f ted or do n a ted to a n A cc e s s P er s on

· S e c uri t y l e n d i ng tr a n s a c t i on s

· Vi c to r y C a p i t al 4 0 1( k ) tran s a c t i o n s ( u n l e s s great e r t h a n $ 2 5, 0 0 0 i n a P r o p r i e t a r y Fu n d)

· V CH tr a n s a c t i o ns

 
 

Prohibited from Personal Trading

 

Access Persons may NOT Short-Sell securities or trade the following securities in Personal Accounts:

Commodities

Currencies

Futures

Options

 
 

 

Vi c to r y C a p i t al M a n a g e m e nt Inc. C o d e of E t h i c s

 

A p pen d i x 5 E T Fs E l igi b l e f o r De M ini m is T r ansa c t ion E x e m pt ion

 

T r a d es i n the f o l l o w i ng E T F s s h al l be c o n s i d ered D e M i n i m i s T r a d es d u e to t h e i r u s e as h i g h l y l i q u i d c a s h m a n a g e m e n t v e hi c l es i n v a r i o u s V i c to r y C a p i t al a cc o u nts.

 

Name S y m b ol CUS I P
iS h ares M S CI A C W I In d ex Fund A C W I 4 6 4 2 8 8 2 57
iS h ares M S CI E m erg i ng In d e x Fund E T F E E M 4 6 4 2 8 7 2 34
iS h ares M S CI EA F E I n d ex Fu n d E T F E FA 4 6 4 2 8 7 4 65
iS h ares M S CI J a p a n In d ex Fund E T F E W J 4 6 4 2 8 6 8 48
iS h ares F T S E C h i n a 25 I n d ex F X I 4 6 4 2 8 7 1 84
iS h ares i B o x x $ H i g h Yi e l d Corp o r a t e B o n d H Y G 4 6 4 2 8 8 5 13
iS h ares M S CI I n d i a INDA 4 6 4 2 9 B 5 9 8
iS h ares Core S & P 5 0 0 E T F I V V 4 6 4 2 8 7 2 00
iS h ares Ru ss e l l 1 0 0 0 I W F 4 6 4 2 8 7 6 14
iS h ares Ru ss e l l 2 0 0 0 E T F I W M 4 6 4 2 8 7 6 55
iS h ares Ru ss e l l 2 0 0 0 V a l u e I W N 4 6 4 2 8 7 6 30
iS h ares Ru ss e l l M i d- C ap V a l u e I W S 4 6 4 2 8 7 4 73
iS h ares M S CI C h i na I n d ex Fu n d MCHI 4 6 4 2 9 B 6 7 1
SP D R S & P M i dC a p 4 00 E T F M D Y 7 8 4 6 7 Y 1 0 7
V a n g u ard T ot a l I nt e r n a t i o n al S tock E T F V X US 9 2 1 9 0 9 7 68
 
 

S upplement 1 -

 

RS In v e s t me nt s (H o ng K o ng) Li m ited

C o de of E t hics S upple me nt ( H o ng Kong S upplemen t” )

 

T he f o ll o w i ng p o l i c i es a nd pro c e d ures are i n a d d i t i on to, a n d s u p er s e d e where r e l e v a nt, t h e p o l i c i es a nd pro c e d ures d et a i l ed i n t he Cod e .

 

I. C O M P L I A N CE G ene r al

Co m p li a n c e w i th a l l r e g u l a t o r y r e q u i r e m e n ts i s of the ut m o s t i m p o r ta n c e to R S I n v e s t m e n ts ( Hong K o n g ) L i m i ted ( R S H K ”) . A l l s ta f f m e m b e r s o f R S HK s h o u l d r e a d a n d u n d er s t a nd t he c o n t e nt of t h e C o d e a n d Vi c to r y C a p i t a l s Co m p li a n c e M a n u a l (t h e “Co m p li a n c e M a n u al ”) , a n d e a c h s t a f f m e m b e r s h o u l d a l s o r e ad a n d u n d er s t a nd t he c o n t e nt of the C o d e of Con d u c t f or P er s o n s L i c e n s ed b y or Re g i s tered w i th the S e c uri t i es a nd F u tures C omm i ss i on ( the C o de of C onduc t ) a n d the F u n d M a n a g e r C o d e of Con d u c t ( the F M C C ) i ss u e d b y th e S e c u r i t i es a n d Fut u r es C o m m i ss i on ( the S F C ) w h ere s u c h s ta f f m e m b e r i s li c e n s e d b y t he S FC. R S HK s h o u l d at a l l t i m es h a v e at l e a s t o n e d e si g n a ted Co m p li a n c e O ff i c er. T he Co m p li a n c e O ff i c er a n d t h e r e s p o n si b l e o ff i c ers w ho are u l t i m at e l y r e s p o n s i b l e f or s e e k i ng to e n s ure c o m p li a n c e b y R S HK w i th a l l a p p l i c a b l e r e g u l a to r y r e q u i r e m e n ts on a d ail y b as i s are i d e n t i f i ed i n t h e R S H K Co m p li a n c e M a n u al.

 

In a d d i t i o n, i t i s a l s o the d u t y of a l l s t a f f m e m b e r s of R S HK to c o m p l y w i t h t h e c o nt e nts of the C o d e a n d the Co m p li a n c e M a n u a l , a n d to o b s er v e a l l ot h er r e g u l at o r y r e q u i r e m e n ts as a p p lic a bl e to t h e m f r o m t i m e to t i m e, i n a l l t h e i r a c t i vi t i es on b e h a l f of R S H K . F a il ure to d o so m a y r e s u l t i n d i sci p l i n a r y act i o n .

 

II. P R O HIBI T E D C O N D UCT G ene r al

E v e r y d i r e c tor, m a n a g er o r a n y o th e r p er s on i n v o lv ed i n the m a n a g e m e n t of R S H K h a s a s t a tu t o r y o b l i g a t i o n to t a k e a l l r e a s o n a b l e m e a s ures from ti m e to t i m e to s e e k to e n s ure th a t pr o p e r s a f e g u a r ds e x i s t to pr e v e nt R S HK f rom a c t i ng i n a w a y w h i c h wo u l d r e s u l t i n R S HK p e r p e tr a t i n g an y m ar k et m is c o n d u c t u n d e r t h e S e c u r i t i es a nd F ut u r es Or d i n a n c e (the S F O ”).

 

M a r k e t M is c onduct

 

M a r k et m i sc o n d u ct u n d e r the S FO m e a n s :

 

1. Ins i d e r d e a l i ng

2. Fa l s e t r a d i n g

3. P r i c e r i g g i ng

4. D i sc l o s ure of i n f o r m a t i on a b o ut pro h i b i ted tran s a c t i o n s

5. D i sc l o s ure of f a l s e o r m i s l e a d i ng i n f or m at i on i n d u ci ng t r a n s a c t i o ns s tock m a r k et m a ni p u l at i o n ; a n d

6. In c l u d es at t e m pt i ng to e n g a g e i n, or a ss i s t i n g, c o u n s e li n g or pro c ur i ng a n o th e r p er s on to e n g a ge i n a n y of t h e a b o v e a c t i vi t i e s

 

Insider Dea l ing

 

S ee S e c t i on IV P o l i c y S ta te m e nt o n I n si d e r T r a d i n g f or m ore i n f o r m at i o n .

 

Fal s e T r adi n g

 
 

Fa l s e tr a d i n g a t tra c ts c i v i l a n d cr i m i n a l l i a b i l i t i e s . In bri e f , f a l s e tra d i ng o cc urs when a p er s o n , i n H o n g K o n g or e l s e w h e r e, e n g a g es i n c o n d u c t i n t e n d i n g t h a t, or b e i ng r e c k l e s s as to whe t h er, i t cr e a tes, or i s li k e l y to cr e a t e, a f a l s e or m i s l e a d i ng a p p e ar a n c e of a c t i v e tra d i ng i n s e c uri ti es or f ut u r es c o n tra c ts tra d ed on a H o ng K o ng or o v er sea s m a r k et. A n o n - m a r k et wa s h sa l e” or “match e d ord e r i s pre s u m ed to cr e ate a f a l s e o r m i s l e a d i ng a p p e a r a n c e o f act i v e t r a d i n g .

 

Pr i ce Rig g ing

 

P r i c e r i g g i n g at t r a c ts c i v i l a n d cr i m i n a l l i a b i l i t i e s . In bri e f , price r i g g i ng o cc urs where a p e rs o n , i n Ho n g

K o n g o r e l s e w h ere e n g a g es , di r e c t l y or i n d i r e c t l y , i n :

 

1. A wa s h s a l e w h i c h m a i nt a i n s , i n cr e a s e s , r e d u c e s , s ta bi li z es or c a u s es f l u c tu a t i o n s i n, the price of s e c uri ti es tr a d e d on a H o n g K o n g m a r k et; or

 

2. A n y f i c t i t i o u s or art i f i c i a l tra n s a c t i o n or d e vi c e, i n t e n d i ng t h at, or b e i n g r e c k l e s s as to w h et h er, i t m a i nt ai n s , i n cr e a s e s , r e d u c e s , s ta bi li z es or c a u s es f l u c tu a t i o n s i n, the price of s e c uri t i e s , or the price f or de a l i ng i n f ut u r es c o n tra c t s , trad e d o n a H o n g K o ng m a r k et.

 

T h e r e w i l l a l s o be a br e a c h where s u c h a c t i v i t y i s c ar r i ed o u t i n H o n g K o n g wh i c h a ff e c ts s h a r es a n d f ut u r es c o n tra ct s t h at are t r a d ed on an o v er s e a s ma r k et.

 

Dis c los u r e of Pr ohibi t ed T r ansa c t io n s a nd D is c l o s u r e of Fal s e a nd M is l e a d i ng In f o r ma t ion

 

D i sc l o s ure of proh i b i t e d t r a n s a c t i o ns a n d d i scl o s ure of f a l s e a n d m i s l e a d i n g i n f or m at i on i n d u c i ng tra n s a c t i o ns at t r a c t ci v i l an d cr i m i n a l l i a b i l i t i e s . In br i e f , th e s e o cc ur w h e n a p e r s on d i sc l o s e s , c i rc u l a t es or d i ss e m i n a tes i n f o r m at i o n :

 

1. T o the ef f e c t th a t the p r i c e of s e c uri ti es of a c orporat i o n, or the price f or d e a li n gs i n f ut u r es c o n tra c t s , w i l l be m a i nt a i ne d, r e d u c e d o r s t a b i l i z e d b e c a u s e o f a pr o h i b i t ed tr a n s a c t i o n ; or

2. T h a t i s li k e l y t o i n d u c e a t r a n s a c t i o n i n s e c uri t i es or f ut u r es c o n tra c ts i f the i n f o r m at i on i s f a l s e or m i s l e a d i n g .

 

S t ock M a r k e t M ani p ulati o n

 

S tock m a r k et m a ni p u l at i o n at t r a c ts ci v i l a nd cr i m i n a l li a b i li t i es u n d er the l aw s of Hong K o n g. It i s proh i b i t ed w h e n , i n Hong K o n g or e l s e w h ere, a p e r s on e n ters i n t o, d i r e c t l y or i n di r e c t l y, t wo or m ore tra n s a c t i o ns i n s e c u r i t i es t h at b y t h e m s e lv es or i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i th a n y o t h e r tra ns a c t i on i n cr e a s e r e d u c e, m a i nt ai n or s t a b i l i z e the pr i c e of s e c uri ti es a n d w i th th e e ff e c t of i n f l u e n c i ng the i n v e s t m e n t d e c i s i o n s of ot h er p er s o n s .

 

Ot her Off enses

 

A l l V i c to r y Ca p i t a l e m p l o y e e s , i n c l u d i n g the e m p l o y e e s of R S H K , are proh i b i t ed f r o m e n g a g i ng i n the S h o r t - S e l l i ng of a n y s e c ur i t i e s , i n c l u d i ng " n a k e d " or " u n c o v ere d, " S h or t- S e l l i ng on t he SE H K . It i s a cr i m i n a l o ff e n c e u n d e r the S FO f or a p e rs on to s e l l s e c uri ti es at or thro u gh t h e S E HK u n l e s s at the t i m e o f the s a l e he ( or h i s c li e nt, i f he a c ts as an a g e nt) h as a pre s e n t l y e x er c i s a b l e a n d u n c o n d i t i o n a l r i g h t to v e s t t he s e c uri t i es i n the p ur c h a s er of t h e m , or b e l i e v es a n d h as r e a s o n a b l e gr o u n ds t o b e l i e v e t h at he ( or h i s c l i e n t, as t h e ca s e m a y b e ) h a s s u c h a r i g h t.

 

R S H K s h o u l d a l s o n o te t h at s e c t i o n 1 7 1 of the S FO i m p o s es a d u t y to r e p o r t S h o r t - S e l l i n g tra n s a c t i o n s ( w h i c h are c o v er e d) on b o t h the s e l l er ( as a pri n c i p a l , whe t h er he i s a c l i e n t or a n i n t er m e di a r y ) a n d t h e i nt e r m e di a r y ( as a n a g e nt ) . R S HK m u s t a l s o o b s e r v e t he S e c u r i t i es a n d Fu t ures ( S h or t- S e l l i ng a n d S e c uri t i es B or r o w i ng a n d L e n d i ng ( M i sc e l l a n e o u s ) Ru l e s ) a n d the S FC s " G u i d a nc e Note on S h o r t - S e l l i ng Rep o r t i ng a n d S t o c k L e n d i ng Re c o r d K e e p i n g R e q ui r e m e n t s " as a p p li c a b l e.

 
 

R S H K a n d t h e e m p l o y e e s of R S HK s h a l l n o t m a k e a n y u n s o l i c i t ed c a l l ( u nl e s s s p e c i f i c a l l y a l l o wed u n d e r s 1 7 4 of the S FO or u n d e r the S e c uri t i es a nd Fu t ur e s ( Un s o li c i t ed C a l l s – E xcl u s i o n ) R u l es i n o r d e r to i n d u c e or at t e m pt to i n d u c e a n o t h er p er s on t o s e l l or p u rc h a s e s e c uri t i e s , f ut u r es c o n tra c t or l e v era g ed f ore i gn ex c h a n g e c o n tra c t.

 

O th e r cr i m i n a l o f f e n c es u n d er the S FO i n c l u d e:

 

1. O f f e n c e i n v o lv i ng f r a u d ul e n t or d e c e p t i v e d e vi c es etc. i n tr a n s a c t i o ns i n s e c uri t i e s , f ut u r es c o n tra c ts or l e v e r a g e d f ore i gn ex c h a n g e tra d i n g ;

 

2. O f f e n c e of d i sc l o s i ng f a l s e or m i s l e a d i n g i n f o r m at i o n i n d u c i n g o t h e r s to e nt e r i nto l e v er a g e d f ore i gn ex c h a n g e c o n tra c t s ; a nd

 

3. O f f e n c e o f f a l s e l y r e pre s e n t i ng d e a l i n g s i n f ut u r es c o n t r a c ts on b e h a l f of o t h e rs , e t c .

 

Ot her M is c onduct

 

P r o h i b i t i o n o n S h a do w i ng

 

A n e m p l o y ee i s p r o h i b i t ed f r om r e pli c a t i n g d el i b e r a t e l y what the c l i e n ts of R S HK t r a d e f or the p u r p o s e of m a k i ng s p e c u l a t i v e p r o f i ts or a v o i d i n g l o ss e s .

 

P r o h i b i t i o n o n C h urn i ng or T w i s t i n g

 

R S H K i s n o t p e r m i tt e d to g e n e r ate h i gh c o m m i ss i on i n c o m e b y p u tt i ng e xc e ss i v e orders throu g h the c li e n t a cc o u n t s .

 

P r o h i b i t i o n o n R a t T r a di ng

 

A n e m p l o y e e i s proh i b i t ed f r o m r at tra di n g , w h i c h c o v ers d e li b erate tr a d i ng to t he d i s a d v a n t a g e of the c li e n t. For e x a m p l e, a f u n d m a n a g er m i g h t e x e c ute a b u y order a n d d e l a y a l l o c at i ng i t to t h e f u n ds or a cc o u nts i t m a n a g e s . If t he pr i c e m o v es u p , he ma y a l l o c a t e i t to h i s o w n a cc o u nt or t o a n o m i n e e a cc o u nt at t h e l o wer e x e c ut i o n price. O n the o t h e r h a n d , he m a y d e l a y e x e c u t i ng t he order a n d, i f the price m o v es d o w n , b u y i t at the l o w er price f or h i m s e l f or h e rs e l f a n d s e l l i t to the f u n d or a cc o u nts th a t i t m a n a g e s .

 
 

S upplement 2 -

 

RS In v e s t me n t M anagement ( S in g ap o r e) P t e. L t d. ( R S I M S ) C o de of E t hics S upple me nt ( S in g ap o r e S upp l em e n t” )

 

T he p o l i c i es a n d pro c e d u r es i n t h i s S i n g a p ore S u p p l e m e n t to the C o de a p p l y to A cc e s s P er s o n s of

R S I M S a nd are i n a d d i t i on t o, a n d su p p l e m e n t, t he p o lic i es a n d pro c e d ures d e ta i l e d i n t h e Co d e.

M a tt e r s s et o u t i n t h e r e l e v a n t s e c t i o ns of th i s Si n g a p ore S u p p l e m e n t s h al l b e r e a d i n c o n j u n c t i o n, a n d as o n e, w i th the C o d e . T o t h e e x t e nt th e r e i s a n y i n c o n s i s te n c y b e t w e en the C o de a n d t h i s S i n g a p ore S u p p l e m e n t, t h i s Si n g a p o r e S u p p l e m e n t s h a l l pr e v a i l .

 

S ho r t- S e l ling of S e curit ie s

 

A l l V i c to r y C a p i tal e m p l o y e e s , i n cl u d i ng e m p l o y e es of R S IM S , are pro h i b i t e d f r o m S h o rt- S e l l i n g a n y s e c uri t y .

 

T r adi n g on Inside In f o r m a t ion

 

In a d d i t i o n to the r e q u i r e m e n ts s et o ut i n t he Co d e, a l l e m p l o y e es of R S I MS a nd a l l m e m b e r s of th ei r I mm e di ate Fa m i l y are r e q u ir ed to c o m p l y w i th a l l a p p li c a b l e l a ws i n S i n g a p o r e i n r e l a t i o n to a n y S e c uri t i es T r a n s a c t i o n s . S u c h l a ws i n c l u d e b ut are n o t li m i ted to P art X II ( M a r k et Co n d uc t) of the S e c ur i t i es a n d Fut u r es A c t ( C h a p t er 2 8 9 o f Si n g a p o r e) (“ S F A ) wh i c h s et o ut pro h i b i t i o n s a g a i n s t the f o l l o w i ng c o n d u c t:

· Fa l s e t r a d i n g a nd m a r k et r i g g i ng tr a n s a c t i o n s ;

· S e c uri t i es m a r k et m a ni p u l a t i on a n d m a ni p u l a t i on of pr i c es of f ut u r es c o n tra c ts a n d corner i n g ;

· T he m a k i ng of f a l s e or m isl e a d i n g s ta t e m e n ts or the d i ss e m i n a t i o n of i n f o r m at i o n th a t i s f a l s e or m i s l e a d i n g ;

· F r a u d u l e n t l y i n d u c i ng p e rs o n s to d e a l i n se c uri t i es or t r a d e i n f ut u r es c o n t r a c t s ;

· E m p l o y m e n t of f r a u d ul e nt o r d e c e p t i v e d e v i c e s , o r m a ni p u l a t i v e a nd d e c e p t i v e d e v i c e s ;

· B u c k et i n g ; a n d

· Ins i d e r t r a d i ng a n d t i p p i ng o f f.

 

Rep o r t ing Req u i r emen t s

 

In a d d i t i on t o the P er s o n a l A cc o u nt a n d P er so n a l T r a d i ng r e q u i r e m e n ts a n d r e s tr i c t i o n s s et o u t i n t h e Cod e , e a c h e m p l o y e e of R S I M S who a c ts as a r e pre s e n ta ti v e of R S I M S i n R S IM S c a p a c i t y as the h o l d er of a c a pi tal m ar k ets s er v ic es li c e n s e i ss u e d p u rs u a n t to the S F A f or f u n d m a n a g e m e n t ( e a c h a Re l e v a n t A cc e s s P er s o n ) i s r e q ui r e d to m a i nt a i n a r e g i s ter of h i s or h e r i nt e r e s ts i n s e c uri t i es ( as s u c h term i s d e f i n e d i n s e c t i on 2(1) of the S F A , the r e l e v a nt e x tr a c t of wh i c h i s s et o ut i n the A p p e n d i x ) th a t are li s t e d f or q u ot a t i o n , or q u ot e d, o n a s e c uri t i es e xc h a n ge or r e c o g n i z ed m ar k et o p erator i n t he pre scr i b ed Form

15 to t h e S e c u r i t i es a n d Fu t ures (L i c e n si ng a n d Co n d uc t o f B u s i n e ss ) R e g u l at i o n s (Rg 1 0).

 

W i th i n 7 d a y s a f ter t h e da te h e or s h e a c q u i r es t he i n t ere s t i n t he r e l e v a nt se c uri t i es, each R e l e v a nt

A cc e s s P er s on s h a l l be r eq u i r ed to e nt e r i n t o h i s or her r e gi s ter:

 

1. P art i c u l ars of s e c uri t i es i n wh i c h su c h Re l e v a n t A cc e s s P er s on h as a n y i nt e r e s t; a n d

2. P art i c u l ars of s u c h i nt e r e s t s .

 

W h ere th e r e i s an y c h a n g e i n a n y i nt e r e s t i n the s e c uri t i es of s u c h Re l e v a n t A c c e s s P er s o n , h e or s he s h al l e nt e r p a r t i c u l ars of t h e c h a n g e (i n c l u d i n g the d a t e of the c h a n g e a n d the c i r c u m s ta n c es b y r e a s o n of wh i c h t he c h a n g e h as oc c ur r e d ) , w i t h i n 7 d a ys a f ter t h e d a t e o f t h e c h a n g e .

 

A l l e n tr i es i n the r e g i s ter m u s t be k e p t i n an e a s i l y a cc e ss i b l e f o r m f or a p e r i od of n o t l e s s th a n 5 y e a r s a f ter the d ate on wh i c h su c h e nt r y w as f i rs t m a d e. T he re gi s t er s h a l l :

1. If i n p h y s i c a l f o r m , b e k e p t a t R S I M S’ s p r i n c i p al p l a c e of b u s i n e s s i n S i n g a p ore; o r

 
 

2. If i n e l e c tro ni c f o r m , be k e pt i n s u c h m a n n e r s o as to e n s ure th a t f u l l a cc e s s to the r e gi s t er m a y be g a i n ed b y t h e M o n e tary A ut h ori t y of S i n g a p o r e (“ M AS ) at R S I M S’ s p r i n c i p al p l a c e of b u s i n e s s i n Si n g a p o r e.

 

R S I M S i s r e q u i r ed to m a i nt a i n r e c ords of t h e p l a c e at w h i c h t he R e l e v a n t A c c e s s P er s o n s k e e p th e i r r e s pe c t i v e r e gi s t ers a n d t he p l a c es at wh i c h c o p i e s of th o s e r e gi s ters are k e p t i n S i n g a p o r e. A s a s e p arate m at t er, R S I M S i s a l s o r e q u i r ed to m a i nt a i n a Fo r m 15 i n r e l at i on to R S I M S o w n i n t ere s ts i n the r e l e v a n t S e c uri t i e s .

 

LOOMIS, SAYLES & CO., L.P.

 

Code of Ethics

 

 

 

Policy on Personal Trading and Related Activities

by Loomis Sayles Personnel

 

 

 

EFFECTIVE:

January 14, 2000

 

 

AS AMENDED:

August 11, 2016

 
 

Table of Contents

1.   INTRODUCTION 3
2.   STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES 3
3.   A FEW KEY TERMS 4
3.1.   Covered Security 4
3.2.   Beneficial Ownership 5
3.3.   Investment Control 6
3.4.   Maintaining Personal Accounts 7
4.   SUBSTANTIVE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL TRADING 8
4.1.   Pre-clearance 8
4.2.   Good Until Canceled and Limit Orders 9
4.3.   Short Term Trading Profits 9
4.4.   Restrictions on Round Trip Transactions in Loomis Advised Funds 10
4.5.   Derivatives 10
4.6.   Short Sales 11
4.7.   Competing with Client Trades 11
4.8.   Large Cap/De Minimis Exemption 11
4.9.   Investment Person Seven-Day Blackout Rule 12
4.10.   Research Recommendations 13
4.11.   Initial Public Offerings 14
4.12.   Private Placement Transactions 14
4.13.   Insider Trading 15
4.14.   Restricted and Concentration List 16
4.15.   Loomis Sayles Hedge Funds 16
4.16.   Exemptions Granted by the Chief Compliance Officer 17
5.   PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES 17
5.1.   Public Company Board Service and Other Affiliations 17
5.2.   Participation in Investment Clubs and Private Pooled Vehicles 18
6.   REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 18
6.1.   Initial Holdings Reporting, Account Disclosure and Acknowledgement of Code 18
6.2.   Brokerage Confirmations and Brokerage Account Statements 19
6.3.   Quarterly Transaction Reporting and Account Disclosure 19
6.4.   Annual Reporting 20
6.5.   Review of Reports by Chief Compliance Officer 21
6.6.   Internal Reporting of Violations to the Chief Compliance Officer 21
7.   SANCTIONS 21
8.   RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS 22
9.   MISCELLANEOUS 23
9.1.   Confidentiality 23
9.2.   Disclosure of Client Trading Knowledge 23
9.3.   Notice to Access Persons, Investment Persons and Research Analysts as to Code Status 23
9.4.   Notice to Personal Trading Compliance of Engagement of Independent Contractors 23
9.5.   Questions and Educational Materials 24

 

 
 

 

 

Code of Ethics

 

 

 

Policy on Personal Trading and Related Activities

 

 

 

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) has been adopted by Loomis, Sayles & Co., L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”) to govern certain conduct of Loomis Sayles’ Supervised Persons and personal trading in securities and related activities of those individuals who have been deemed Access Persons thereunder, and under certain circumstances, those Access Persons’ family members and others in a similar relationship to them.

The policies in this Code reflect Loomis Sayles’ desire to detect and prevent not only situations involving actual or potential conflicts of interest or unethical conduct, but also those situations involving even the appearance of these.

2. STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES

It is the policy of Loomis Sayles that no Access Person or Supervised Person as such terms are defined under the Code, (please note that Loomis Sayles treats all employees as Access Persons ) shall engage in any act, practice or course of conduct that would violate the Code, the fiduciary duty owed by Loomis Sayles and its personnel to Loomis Sayles’ clients, Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or the provisions of Section 17(j) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and Rule 17j-1 there under. It is required that all Access Persons must comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations including, but not limited to the Federal Securities Laws . The fundamental position of Loomis Sayles is, and has been, that it must at all times place the interests of its clients first. Accordingly, your personal financial transactions (and in some cases, those of your family members and others in a similar relationship to you) and related activities must be conducted consistently with this Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or abuse of your position of trust and responsibility.

Without limiting in any manner the fiduciary duty owed by Loomis Sayles to its clients, it should be noted that Loomis Sayles considers it proper that purchases and sales be made by Access Persons in the marketplace of securities owned by Loomis Sayles’ clients, provided that such securities transactions comply with the spirit of, and the specific restrictions and limitations set forth in the Code. In making personal investment decisions, however, you must exercise extreme care to ensure that the provisions of the Code are not violated and under no circumstances, may an Access Person use the knowledge of Covered Securities purchased or sold by any client of Loomis Sayles or Covered Securities being considered for purchase or sale by any client of Loomis Sayles to profit personally, directly or indirectly, by the market effect of such transactions.

Improper trading activity can constitute a violation of the Code. The Code can also be violated by an Access Person’s failure to file required reports, by making inaccurate or misleading reports or statements concerning trading activity, or by opening an account with a non- Select Broker without proper approval as set forth in the Code.

 
 

It is not intended that these policies will specifically address every situation involving personal trading. These policies will be interpreted and applied, and exceptions and amendments will be made, by Loomis Sayles in a manner considered fair and equitable, but in all cases with the view of placing Loomis Sayles’ clients’ interests paramount. It also bears emphasis that technical compliance with the procedures, prohibitions and limitations of this Code will not automatically insulate you from scrutiny of, and sanctions for, securities transactions which indicate an abuse of Loomis Sayles’ fiduciary duty to any of its clients.

You are encouraged to bring any questions you may have about the Code to Personal Trading Compliance .

Personal Trading Compliance , the Chief Compliance Officer and the Loomis Sayles Ethics Committee will review the terms and provisions of the Code at least annually, and make amendments as necessary. Any amendments to the Code will be provided to you.

3. A FEW KEY TERMS

Boldfaced terms have special meaning in this Code. The application of a particular Code requirement to you may hinge on the elements of the definition of these terms. See the Glossary at the end of this Code for definitions of these terms. In order to have a basic understanding of the Code, however, you must have an understanding of the terms “ Covered Security ”, “ Beneficial Ownership ” and “ Investment Control ” as used in the Code.

3.1. Covered Security

This Code generally relates to transactions in and ownership of an investment that is a Covered Security . Currently, this means any type of equity or debt security (such as common and preferred stocks, and corporate and government bonds or notes), any equivalent (such as ADRs), any derivative, instrument representing, or any rights relating to, a Covered Security , and any closely related security (such as certificates of participation, depository receipts, collateral–trust certificates, put and call options, warrants, and related convertible or exchangeable securities and securities indices). Shares of closed-end funds, municipal obligations and securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government (e.g. GNMA obligations) are also considered Covered Securities under the Code.

Additionally, the shares of any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act and the shares of any collective investment vehicle (“CIV”), (e.g. SICAVs, OEICs, UCITs, etc.) that is advised, sub-advised, or distributed by Loomis Sayles, Natixis, or a Natixis affiliate (“ Reportable Funds ”) are deemed to be Covered Securities for purposes of certain provisions of the Code. Reportable Funds include open-end and closed-end funds and CIVs that are advised, sub-advised, or distributed by Loomis Sayles, Natixis, or a Natixis affiliate, but exclude money market funds. A current list of Reportable Funds is attached as Exhibit One and will be maintained on the firm’s intranet site under the Legal and Compliance page.

Explanatory Note: While the definition of Reportable Funds encompasses funds or CIVs that are advised, sub-advised and/or distributed by Natixis and its affiliates, only those funds or CIVs advised or sub-advised by Loomis Sayles ("Loomis Advised Fund") are subject to certain trading restrictions of the Code (specifically, the Short-Term Trading Profit and Round Trip Transaction restrictions). Please refer to Section 4.3 and 4.4 of the Code for further explanation of these trading restrictions. Additionally, Exhibit One distinguishes between those funds and CIVs that are only subject to reporting requirements under the Code (all Reportable Funds ), and those that are subject to both the reporting requirements and the aforementioned trading restrictions (Loomis Advised Funds).

Shares of exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end funds are deemed to be Covered Securities for the purposes of certain provisions of the Code. Broad based open-ended ETFs with either a market capitalization exceeding U.S. $1 billion OR an average daily trading volume exceeding 1 million shares (over a 90 day period); options on such ETFs, options on the indices of such ETFs; and ETFs that invest 80% of their assets in securities that are not subject to the pre-clearance requirements of the Code, are exempt from certain provisions of the Code (“ Exempt ETFs ”). A current list of Exempt ETFs is attached as Exhibit Two and will be maintained on the firm’s intranet site under the Legal and Compliance page.

Explanatory Note: Broad based open-ended ETFs are determined by Personal Trading Compliance using Bloomberg data.

All Access Persons are expected to comply with the spirit of the Code, as well as the specific rules contained in the Code. Therefore, while the lists of Reportable Funds and Exempt ETFs are subject to change, it is ultimately the responsibility of all Access Persons to review these lists which can be found in Exhibit(s) One and Two , prior to making an investment in a Reportable Fund or ETF.

It should be noted that private placements, hedge funds and investment pools are deemed to be Covered Securities for purposes of the Code whether or not advised, sub-advised, or distributed by Loomis Sayles or a Natixis investment adviser. Investments in such securities are discussed under sections 4.12 and 5.2.

 

Please see Exhibit Three for the application of the Code to a specific Covered Security or instrument, including exemptions from pre-clearance.

 

3.2. Beneficial Ownership

The Code governs any Covered Security in which an Access Person has any direct or indirect “ Beneficial Ownership .” Beneficial Ownership for purposes of the Code means a direct or indirect “pecuniary interest” that is held or shared by you directly or indirectly (through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise) in a Covered Security . The term “pecuniary interest” in turn generally means your opportunity directly or indirectly to receive or share in any profit derived from a transaction in a Covered Security, whether or not the Covered Security or the relevant account is in your name and regardless of the type of account (i.e. brokerage account, direct account, or retirement plan account). Although this concept is subject to a variety of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and interpretations, you should know that you are presumed under the Code to have an indirect pecuniary interest as a result of:

· ownership of a Covered Security by your spouse or minor children;
· ownership of a Covered Security by a live-in partner who shares your household and combines his/her financial resources in a manner similar to that of married persons;
· ownership of a Covered Security by your other family members sharing your household (including an adult child, a stepchild, a grandchild, a parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, mother- or father-in-law, sister- or brother-in-law, and son- or daughter-in-law);
 
 
· your share ownership, partnership interest or similar interest in Covered Securities held by a corporation, general or limited partnership or similar entity you control;
· your right to receive dividends or interest from a Covered Security even if that right is separate or separable from the underlying securities;
· your interest in a Covered Security held for the benefit of you alone or for you and others in a trust or similar arrangement (including any present or future right to income or principal); and
· your right to acquire a Covered Security through the exercise or conversion of a “derivative Covered Security .”

In addition, life events such as marriage, death of a family member (i.e., inheritance), etc. may result in your acquiring Beneficial Ownership and/or Investment Control over accounts previously belonging to others. Therefore, any Covered Security , including Reportable Funds, along with any account that holds or can hold a Covered Security , including Reportable Funds , in which you have a Beneficial Ownership and/or Investment Control, as described in Section 3.2 and Section 3.3 of the Code, resulting from marriage or other life event must be reported to Personal Trading Compliance promptly, and no later than the next applicable quarterly reporting period.

Explanatory Note: All accounts that hold or can hold a Covered Security in which an Access Person has Beneficial Ownership are subject to the Code (such accounts include, but are not limited to, personal brokerage accounts, mutual fund accounts, accounts of your spouse, accounts of minor children living in your household, Family of Fund accounts, transfer agent accounts holding mutual funds or book entry shares, IRAs, 401Ks, trusts, DRIPs, ESOPs, etc).

Please see Exhibit Four for specific examples of the types of interests and accounts subject to the Code.

3.3. Investment Control

The Code governs any Covered Security in which an Access Person has direct or indirect “ Investment Control .” The term Investment Control encompasses any influence (i.e., power to manage, trade, or give instructions concerning the investment disposition of assets in the account or to approve or disapprove transactions in the account), whether sole or shared, direct or indirect, you exercise over the account or Covered Security .

You should know that you are presumed under the Code to have Investment Control as a result of having:

· Investment Control (sole or shared) over your personal brokerage account(s);
· Investment Control (sole or shared) over an account(s) in the name of your spouse or minor children, unless, you have renounced an interest in your spouse’s assets (subject to the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer );
· Investment Control (sole or shared) over an account(s) in the name of any family member, friend or acquaintance;
 
 

·          Involvement in an Investment Club;

·          Trustee power over an account(s); and

·          The existence and/or exercise of a power of attorney over an account.

Please see Exhibit Four for specific examples of the types of interests and accounts subject to the Code.

3.4. Maintaining Personal Accounts

All Access Persons who have personal accounts that hold or can hold Covered Securities in which they have direct or indirect Investment Control and Beneficial Ownership are required to maintain such accounts at one of the following firms: Ameriprise, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, Citi Personal Wealth Management, E*TRADE, Fidelity Investments, Interactive Brokers, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, TD Ameritrade, Scottrade, UBS, Vanguard, or Wells Fargo (collectively, the “ Select Brokers ”). Additionally, an Access Person may only purchase and hold shares of Reportable Funds through either a Select Broker , directly from the Reportable Fund through its transfer agent, or through one or more of Loomis Sayles’ retirement plans.

 

Accounts in which the Access Person only has either Investment Control or Beneficial Ownership ; certain retirement accounts with an Access Person’s prior employer; accounts managed by an outside adviser in which the Access Person exercises no investment discretion; accounts in which the Access Person ' s spouse is employed by another investment firm and must abide by that firm's Code of Ethics; and/or the retirement accounts of an Access Person’s spouse may be maintained with a firm other than the Select Brokers with the approval of Personal Trading Compliance or the Chief Compliance Officer . However, Access Persons are responsible for ensuring that Personal Trading Compliance receives duplicate confirms as and when transactions are executed in such accounts, and statements on a monthly basis, if available, or at least quarterly. In addition, Personal Trading Complianc e or the Chief Compliance Officer may grant exemptions to the Select Broker requirement for accounts not used for general trading purposes such as ESOPs, DRIPs, securities held physically or in book entry form, family of fund accounts or situations in which the Access Person has a reasonable hardship for maintaining their accounts with a Select Broker .

 

In addition, Access Persons with a residence outside the U.S. are not required to maintain their personal accounts with a Select Broker . However, such Access Persons who have personal accounts that hold or can hold Covered Securities , including Reportable Funds in which they have direct or indirect Investment Control and/or Beneficial Ownership , are responsible for ensuring that Personal Trading Compliance receives duplicate confirms as and when transactions are executed in the account, and statements on a monthly basis, if available, or at least quarterly. All of the remaining requirements and restrictions of the Code apply to Access Persons with a residence outside the U.S.

 

Explanatory Note: While certain accounts may be granted an exemption from certain provisions of the Code, inclusive of the Select Broker requirement, they are still subject to the reporting requirements of the Code and may be subject to the pre-clearance requirements of the Code (e.g. joint accounts). The terms of a specific exemption will be outlined in an exemption memorandum which is issued to the Access Person by Personal Trading Compliance. An Access Person ' s failure to abide by the terms and conditions of an account exemption issued by Personal Trading Compliance could result in a violation of the Code.

 

4. SUBSTANTIVE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL TRADING

The following are substantive prohibitions and restrictions on Access Persons’ personal trading and related activities. In general, the prohibitions set forth below relating to trading activities apply to accounts holding Covered Securities in which an Access Person has Beneficial Ownership and Investment Control .

 

4.1. Pre-clearance

Each Access Person must pre-clear through the PTA Pre-clearance System (“PTA”) all Volitional transactions in Covered Securities (i.e. transactions in which the Access Person has determined the timing as to when the purchase or sale transaction will occur and amount of shares to be purchased or sold) in which he or she has Investment Control and in which he or she has or would acquire Beneficial Ownership . Exceptions to the pre-clearance requirement include, but are not limited to: Open-ended mutual funds and CIVs meeting the criteria described below, Exempt ETFs listed in Exhibit Two , and US Government Agency bonds (i.e. GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC), as set forth in Exhibit(s) Three and Five .

Explanatory Note: A CIV is exempt from preclearance under the following conditions: issues shares that shareholders have the right to redeem on demand; calculates an NAV on a daily basis in a manner consistent with the principles of Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act and Rule 2a-4 thereunder; issues and redeems shares at the NAV next determined after receipt of the relevant purchase or redemption order consistent with the "forward pricing" principles of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act; and there is no secondary market for the shares of the CIV.

 

Explanatory Note: Futures, options and swap transactions in Covered Securities must be manually pre-cleared by Personal Trading Compliance since PTA cannot handle such transactions. Initial public offerings, private placement transactions, including hedge funds whether or not they are advised, sub-advised, or distributed by Loomis Sayles or a Natixis investment adviser, participation in investment clubs and private pooled vehicles require special pre-clearance as detailed under Sections 4.11, 4.12 and 5.2 of the Code.

Explanatory Note: Broad based open-ended ETFs with either a market capitalization exceeding $1billion OR an average daily trading volume exceeding 1 million shares (over a 90 day period); options on such ETFs, options on the indices of such ETFs; and ETFs that invest 80% of their assets in securities that are not subject to the pre-clearance requirements of the Code, are exempt from the pre-clearance and trading restrictions set forth in Sections 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.9, and 4.10 of the Code. A list of the Exempt ETFs is provided in Exhibit Two of the Code. All closed end-funds, closed-end ETFs, sector

 
 

based/narrowly defined ETFs and broad based open-ended ETFs with a market capitalization below U.S. $1 billion AND an average daily trading volume below 1 million shares (over a 90 day period) are subject to the pre-clearance and trading restrictions detailed under Section 4 of the Code.

All closed-end funds and ETFs, including those Exempt ETFs and their associated options as described above, are subject to the reporting requirements detailed in Section 6 of the Code.

Any transaction approved pursuant to the pre-clearance request procedures must be executed by the end of the trading day on which it is approved unless Personal Trading Compliance extends the pre-clearance for an additional trading day. If the Access Person’s trade has not been executed by the end of the same trading day (or the next trading day in the case of an extension), the pre-clearance will lapse and the Access Person may not trade without again seeking and obtaining pre-clearance of the intended trade.

For Access Persons with a U.S. residence, pre-clearance requests can only be submitted through PTA and/or to Personal Trading Compliance Monday – Friday from 9:30am-4:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Access Persons with a residence outside the U.S. will be given separate pre-clearance guidelines instructing them on the availability of PTA and Personal Trading Compliance support hours.

If after pre-clearance is given and before it has lapsed, an Access Person becomes aware that a Covered Security as to which he or she obtained pre-clearance has become the subject of a buy or sell order or is being considered for purchase or sale for a client account, the Access Person who obtained the pre-clearance must consider the pre-clearance revoked and must notify Personal Trading Compliance immediately . If the transaction has already been executed before the Access Person becomes aware of such facts, no violation will be considered to have occurred as a result of the Access Person’s transaction.

If an Access Person has actual knowledge that a requested transaction is nevertheless in violation of this Code or any provision thereof, approval of the request will not protect the Access Person’s transaction from being considered in violation of the Code. The Chief Compliance Officer or Personal Trading Compliance may deny or revoke pre-clearance for any reason that is deemed to be consistent with the spirit of the Code.

 

 

4.2. Good Until Canceled and Limit Orders

No Access Person shall place a “good until canceled,” “limit” or equivalent order with his/her broker except that an Access Person may utilize a “day order with a limit” so long as the transaction is consistent with provisions of this Code, including the pre-clearance procedures. All orders must expire at the end of the trading day on which they are pre-cleared unless otherwise extended by Personal Trading Compliance.

4.3. Short Term Trading Profits

No Access Person may profit from the Volitional purchase and sale, or conversely the Volitional sale and purchase, of the same or equivalent Covered Security ( including Loomis Advised Funds) within 60 calendar days (unless the sale involved shares of a Covered Security that were acquired more than 60 days prior). Hardship exceptions may be requested (in advance) from Personal Trading Compliance .

 
 

An Access Person may sell a Covered Security (including Loomis Advised Funds ) or cover an existing short position at a loss within 60 calendar days. Such requests must be submitted through the PTA System and to Personal Trading Compliance for approval because the PTA System does not have the capability to determine whether the Covered Security will be sold at a gain or a loss.

 

Explanatory Note: For purposes of calculating the 60 day holding period, the trade date of a given purchase or sale is deemed to be day zero. 60 full days must pass before an Access Person can trade that same Covered Security for a profit and therefore, allowing the Access Person to do so on the 61st day.

Explanatory Note: The Short Term Trading Profits provision is applicable to transactions that are executed across all of an Access Person's accounts. For example, if an Access Person sold shares of ABC in his/her Fidelity brokerage account today, that Access Person would not be allowed to buy shares of ABC in his/her Charles Schwab IRA account at a lower price within 60 days following the sale.

Explanatory Note: Please refer to Exhibit One for a current list of Loomis Advised Funds . Please also note that all closed-end funds are subject to the trading restrictions of Section 4.3 of the Code.

4.4. Restrictions on Round Trip Transactions in Loomis Advised Funds

In addition to the 60 day holding period requirement for purchases and sales of Loomis Advised Funds, an Access Person is prohibited from purchasing, selling and then re-purchasing shares of the same Loomis Advised Fund within a 90 day period (“Round Trip Restriction"). The Round Trip Restriction does not limit the number of times an Access Person can purchase a Loomis Advised Fund or sell a Loomis Advised Fund during a 90 day period. In fact, subject to the holding period requirement described above, an Access Person can purchase a Loomis Advised Fund (through one or multiple transactions) and can liquidate their position in that fund (through one or several transactions) during a 90 day period. However, an Access Person cannot then reacquire a position in the same Loomis Advised Fund previously sold within the same 90 day period.

 

The Round Trip Restriction will only apply to Volitional transactions in Loomis Advised Funds . Therefore, shares of Loomis Advised Funds acquired through a dividend reinvestment or dollar cost averaging program, and automatic monthly contributions to the firm’s 401K plan will not be considered when applying the Round Trip Restriction.

 

Finally, all Volitional purchase and sale transactions of Loomis Advised Funds, in any share class and in any employee account (i.e., direct account with the Loomis Advised Fund , Select Broker account, 401K account, etc.) will be matched for purposes of applying the Round Trip Restriction.

 

Explanatory Note: Only Loomis Advised Funds are subject to Section 4.4 of the Code. Please refer to Exhibit One for a current list of Loomis Advised Funds .

4.5. Derivatives

No Access Person shall use derivatives, including but not limited, to options, futures, swaps or warrants on a Covered Security to evade the restrictions of the Code. In other words, no Access Person may use derivative transactions with respect to a Covered Security if the Code would prohibit the Access Person from taking the same position directly in the underlying Covered Security .

Explanatory Note: When transacting in derivatives, Access Persons must pre-clear the derivative and the underlying security in PTA as well as receive manual approval from Personal Trading Compliance before executing their transaction. Please note that options on Exempt ETFs and the underlying index of the ETF, as well as futures on currencies, commodities, cash instruments (such as loans or deposits), stock indexes and interest rates do not require pre-clearance. For more detailed information, please see Section 4.1 of the Code.

 

4.6. Short Sales

No Access Person may purchase a put option, sell a call option, sell a Covered Security short or otherwise take a short position in a Covered Security then being held long in a Loomis Sayles client account, unless, in the cases of the purchase of a put or sale of a call option, the option is on a broad based index.

Explanatory Note: If an Access Person seeks pre-clearance to purchase a put option or sell a call option to hedge an existing long position in the same underlying securities, PTC will compare the value of the underlying long position to the option to determine whether the Access Person’s net position would be long or short. If short, the option transaction will be denied.

 

4.7. Competing with Client Trades

Except as set forth in Section 4.8, an Access Person may not, directly or indirectly, purchase or sell a Covered Security ( Reportable Funds are not subject to this rule.) when the Access Person knows, or reasonably should have known, that such Covered Securities transaction competes in the market with any actual or considered Covered Securities transaction for any client of Loomis Sayles, or otherwise acts to harm any Loomis Sayles client’s Covered Securities transactions.

Generally pre-clearance will be denied if:

· a Covered Security or a closely related Covered Security is the subject of a pending “buy” or “sell” order for a Loomis Sayles client until that buy or sell order is executed or withdrawn.
· the Covered Security is being considered for purchase or sale for a Loomis Sayles client, until that security is no longer under consideration for purchase or sale.

The PTA System has the information necessary to deny pre-clearance if any of these situations apply. Therefore, if you receive an approval in PTA, you may assume the Covered Security is not being considered for purchase or sale for a client account unless you have actual

 
 

knowledge to the contrary, in which case the pre-clearance you received is null and void. For Covered Securities requiring manual pre-clearance (i.e. futures, options and other derivative transactions in Covered Securities ), the applicability of such restrictions will be determined by Personal Trading Compliance upon the receipt of the pre-clearance request.

 

4.8. Large Cap/De Minimis Exemption

An Access Person who wishes to make a trade in a Covered Security that would otherwise be denied pre-clearance solely because the Covered Security is under consideration or pending execution for a client, as provided in Section 4.7, will nevertheless receive approval when submitted for pre-clearance provided that:

· the issuer of the Covered Security in which the Access Person wishes to transact has a market capitalization exceeding U.S. $5 billion (a “Large Cap Security”); AND
· the aggregate amount of the Access Person’s transactions in that Large Cap Security on that day across all personal accounts does not exceed $10,000 USD.

Such transactions will be subject to all other provisions of the Code.

 

4.9. Investment Person Seven-Day Blackout Rule

No Investment Person shall, directly or indirectly, purchase or sell any Covered Security ( Reportable Funds are not subject to this rule) within a period of seven (7) calendar days (trade date being day zero) before and after the date that a Loomis Sayles client, with respect to which he or she has the ability to influence investment decisions or has prior investment knowledge regarding associated client activity, has purchased or sold such Covered Security or a closely related Covered Security . It is ultimately the Investment Person’s responsibility to understand the rules and restrictions of the Code and to know what Covered Securities are being traded in his/her client(s) account(s) or any account(s) with which he/she is associated.

Explanatory Note: The “seven days before” element of this restriction is based on the premise that an Investment Person who has the ability to influence investment decisions or has prior investment knowledge regarding associated client activity can normally be expected to know, upon execution of his or her personal trade, whether any client as to which he or she is associated, has traded, or will be trading in the same or closely related Covered Security within seven days of his or her personal trade. Furthermore, an Investment Person who has the ability to influence investment decisions has a fiduciary obligation to recommend and/or affect suitable and attractive trades for clients regardless of whether such trades may cause a prior personal trade to be considered an apparent violation of this restriction. It would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty and a violation of this Code to delay or fail to make any such recommendation or transaction in a client account in order to avoid a conflict with this restriction.

It is understood that there may be particular circumstances (i.e. news on an issuer, a client initiated liquidation, subscription or rebalancing) that may occur after an Investment Person’s personal trade which gives rise to an opportunity or necessity for an associated client to trade in that Covered Security which did not exist or was not anticipated by that person at the time of that person’s personal trade. Personal Trading Compliance will review all extenuating circumstances which may warrant the waiving of any remedial actions in a particular situation involving an inadvertent violation of this restriction. In such cases, an exception to the Investment Person Seven-Day Blackout Rule will be granted upon approval by the Chief Compliance Officer .

The Chief Compliance Officer , or designee thereof, may grant a waiver of the Investment Person Seven-Day Blackout Rule if the Investment Person's proposed transaction is conflicting with client "cash flow" trading in the same security (i.e., purchases of a broad number of portfolio securities in order to invest a capital addition to the account or sales of a broad number of securities in order to generate proceeds to satisfy a capital withdrawal from the account). Such "cash flow" transactions are deemed to be non-volitional at the security level since they do not change the weighting of the security being purchased or sold in the client’s portfolio.

 

Explanatory Note: The trade date of an Investment Person 's purchase or sale is deemed to be day zero. Any associated client trade activity executed, in either that Covered Security or a closely related Covered Security , 7 full calendar days before or after an Access Person 's trade will be considered a violation of the Investment Person Seven-Day Blackout Rule. For example, if a client account purchased shares of company ABC on May 4th, any Access Person who is associated with that client account cannot trade ABC in a personal account until May 12th without causing a potential conflict with the Investment Person Seven-Day Blackout Rule.

Explanatory Note: While the Investment Person Seven-Day Blackout Rule is designed to address conflicts between Investment Persons and their clients, it is the fiduciary obligation of all Access Persons to not affect trades in their personal account if they have prior knowledge of client trading or pending trading activity in the same or equivalent securities. The personal trade activity of all Access Persons is monitored by Personal Trading Compliance for potential conflicts with client trading activity.

 

4.10. Research Recommendations

The Loomis Sayles Fixed Income Research Analysts issue “Buy,” “Sell,” and “Hold” recommendations on the fixed income securities that they cover. The Loomis Sayles Equity Research Analysts issue price targets and other types of recommendations on the companies they cover, and certain Equity products have their own research analysts that provide recommendations to their respective investment teams. Collectively the fixed income and equity recommendations and equity price targets are hereinafter referred to as “Recommendations”.

Recommendations are intended to be used for the benefit of the firm’s clients. It is also understood Access Persons may use Recommendations as a factor in the investment decisions they make in their personal and other brokerage accounts that are covered by the Code. The fact that Recommendations may be used by the firm’s investment teams for client purposes and Access Persons may use them for personal reasons creates a potential for conflicts of interests. Therefore, the following rules apply to Recommendations :

·    During the three (3) business day period before a Research Analyst issues a recommendation on a Covered Security, that the Research Analyst has reason to believe that his/her Recommendation is likely to result in client trading in the Covered Security , the Research Analyst may not purchase or sell said Covered Security for any of his/her personal brokerage accounts or other accounts covered by the Code.

Explanatory Note: It is understood that there may be particular circumstances such as a news release, change of circumstance or similar event that may occur after a Research Analyst’s personal trade which gives rise to a need, or makes it appropriate, for the Research Analyst to issue a Recommendation on said Covered Security. A Research Analyst has an affirmative duty to make unbiased Recommendations and issue reports, both with respect to their timing and substance, without regard to his or her personal interest in the Covered Security . It would constitute a breach of a Research Analyst’s fiduciary duty and a violation of this Code to delay or fail to issue a Recommendation in order to avoid a conflict with this restriction.

Personal Trading Compliance will review any extenuating circumstances which may warrant the waiving of any remedial sanctions in a particular situation involving an inadvertent violation of this restriction.

·    Access Persons are prohibited from using a Recommendation for purposes of transacting in the Covered Security covered by the Recommendation in their personal accounts and other accounts covered by the Code until such time Loomis Sayles’ clients have completed their transactions in said securities in order to give priority to Loomis Sayles’ clients’ best interests.

 

Explanatory Note: Personal Trading Compliance utilizes various automated reports to monitor Access Persons’ trading in Covered Securities relative to Recommendations and associated client transactions. It also has various tools to determine whether a Recommendation has been reviewed by an Access Person . An Access Person’s trading in a Covered Security following a Recommendation and subsequent client trading in the same security and in the same direction will be deemed a violation of the Code unless Personal Trading Compliance determines otherwise.

 

4.11. Initial Public Offerings

Investing in Initial Public Offerings of Covered Securities is prohibited unless such opportunities are connected with your prior employment compensation (i.e. options, grants, etc.) or your spouse’s employment compensation. No Access Person may, directly or indirectly, purchase any securities sold in an Initial Public Offering without obtaining prior written approval from the Chief Compliance Officer .

 
 
4.12. Private Placement Transactions

No Access Person may, directly or indirectly, purchase any Covered Security offered and sold pursuant to a Private Placement Transaction , including hedge funds, without obtaining the advance written approval of Personal Trading Compliance, the Chief Compliance Officer and the applicable Access Person’s supervisor or other appropriate member of senior management. In addition to addressing potential conflicts of interest between the Access Person’s Private Placement Transaction and the firm’s clients’ best interests, the pre-clearance of Private Placements is designed to determine whether the Access Person may come into possession of material non-public information (“MNPI”) on a publically traded company as a result of the Private Placement .

 

A Private Placement Transaction approval must be obtained by completing an automated Private Placement Pre-clearance Form which can be found on the Legal and Compliance Intranet Homepage under 'Personal Trading Compliance Forms'.

 

Explanatory Note: If you have been authorized to acquire a Covered Security in a Private Placement Transaction , you must disclose to Personal Trading Compliance if you are involved in a client’s subsequent consideration of an investment in the issuer of the Private Placement , even if that investment involves a different type or class of Covered Security . In such circumstances, the decision to purchase securities of the issuer for a client must be independently reviewed by an Investment Person with no personal interest in the issuer.

The purchase of additional shares, (including mandatory capital calls), or the subsequent sale (partial or full) of a previously approved Private Placement , must receive pre-clearance approval from the Chief Compliance Officer . In addition, all transactions in Private Placements must be reported quarterly and annually as detailed in Section 6 of the Code.

 

Explanatory Note: To submit a pre-clearance request for subsequent trade activity in a Private Placement , Access Persons must complete the automated Private Placement Pre-clearance Form which will be reviewed by Personal Trading Compliance to ensure there are no conflicts with any underlying Code provisions including the Short-Term Trading Rule.

4.13. Insider Trading

At the start of an Access Person’s engagement with Loomis Sayles, and annually thereafter, each Access Person must acknowledge his/her understanding of and compliance with the Loomis Sayles Insider Trading Policies and Procedures. The firm’s policy is to refrain from trading or recommending trading when in the possession of MNPI.

 

Some examples of MNPI may include:

 

· Earnings estimates or dividend changes
· Positive or negative forthcoming news about an issuer
· Supplier discontinuances
· Mergers or acquisitions

 

 
 

If an Access Person receives or believes that he/she may have received MNPI with respect to a company, the Access Person must contact the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel immediately, and must not :

 

· purchase or sell that security in question, including any derivatives of that security;
· recommend the purchase or sale of that security, including any derivatives of that security; or
· relate the information to anyone other than the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel of Loomis Sayles.

 

If it has been determined that an Access Person has obtained MNPI on a particular company, its securities will generally be placed on the firm’s Restricted List thereby restricting trading by the firm’s client accounts and Access Persons . The only exception to this policy is with the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel of the firm, and then only in compliance with the firm’s Firewall Procedures.

 

Separately, Access Persons must inform Personal Trading Compliance if a spouse, partner and/or immediate family member (“Related Person”) is an officer and/or director of a publicly traded company in order to enable Personal Trading Compliance to implement special pre-clearance procedures for said Access Persons in order to prevent insider trading in the Related Person’s company’s securities.

 

Access Persons should refer to the Loomis Sayles Insider Trading Policies and Procedures which are available on the Legal and Compliance homepage of the firm’s Intranet, for complete guidance on dealing with MNPI.

 

4.14. Restricted and Concentration List

The Loomis Sayles Restricted and Concentration List (“Restricted List”) is designed to restrict Loomis Sayles and/or Access Persons from trading in or recommending, the securities of companies on the Restricted List for client and/or Access Persons personal accounts. Companies may be added to the Restricted List if Loomis Sayles comes into possession of MNPI about a company. A company’s securities can also be added to the Restricted List due to the size of the aggregate position Loomis Sayles’ clients may have in the company. Finally, there may be regulatory and/or client contractual restrictions that may prevent Loomis Sayles from purchasing securities of its affiliates, and as a result, the securities of all publicly traded affiliates of Loomis Sayles will be added to the Restricted List. No conclusion should be drawn from the addition of an issuer to the Restricted List. The Restricted List is confidential, proprietary information which must not be distributed outside of the firm.

 

At times, an Access Person may have possession of MNPI on a specific company as a result of his/her being behind a firewall. In such cases, Personal Trading Compliance will create a specialized Restricted List in PTA for the Access Person behind the wall in order to prevent trading in the company’s securities until such time as the Chief Compliance Officer has deemed the information in the Access Person’s possession to be in the public domain or no longer material.

 

If a security is added to either the Loomis Sayles firm-wide Restricted List or an individual or group Access Person Restricted List, Access Persons will be restricted from purchasing or selling all securities related to that issuer until such time as the security is removed from the applicable

 
 

Restricted List. The PTA System has the information necessary to deny pre-clearance if these situations apply.

 

4.15. Loomis Sayles Hedge Funds

From time to time Loomis Sayles may manage hedge funds, and Access Persons of Loomis Sayles, including the hedge fund’s investment team and supervisors thereof may make personal investments in such hedge funds. At times, especially during the early stages of a new hedge fund, there may be a limited outside investors (i.e., clients and non-employee individual investors) in such funds. In order to mitigate the appearance that investing personally in a hedge fund can potentially be used as a way to benefit from certain trading practices that would otherwise be prohibited by the Code if Access Persons engaged in such trading practices in their personal accounts, investment team members of a hedge fund they manage are individually required to limit their personal investments in such funds to no more than 20% of the hedge funds’ total assets. In addition, the supervisor of a hedge fund investment team must limit his/her personal investment in such hedge fund to no more than 25% of the hedge fund’s total assets.

 

By limiting the personal interests in the hedge fund by their investment teams and their supervisors in this manner, all of the portfolio trading activity of the Loomis Sayles hedge funds is deemed to be exempt from the pre-clearance and trading restrictions of the Code.

 

 

 

4.16. Exemptions Granted by the Chief Compliance Officer

Subject to applicable law, Personal Trading Compliance or the Chief Compliance Officer may from time to time grant exemptions, other than or in addition to those described in Exhibit Five , from the trading restrictions, pre-clearance requirements or other provisions of the Code with respect to particular individuals such as non-employee directors, consultants, temporary employees, interns or independent contractors, and types of transactions or Covered Securities , where, in the opinion of the Chief Compliance Officer , such an exemption is appropriate in light of all the surrounding circumstances.

5. PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES
5.1. Public Company Board Service and Other Affiliations

To avoid conflicts of interest, MNPI and other compliance and business issues, Loomis Sayles prohibits Access Persons from serving as officers or members of the board of any publicly traded entity. This prohibition does not apply to service as an officer or board member of any parent or subsidiary of the firm.

In addition, in order to identify potential conflicts of interests, compliance and business issues, before accepting any service, employment, engagement, connection, association, or affiliation in or within any enterprise, business or otherwise, (herein after, collectively Outside Activity(ies)), an Access Person must obtain the advance written approval of Personal Trading Compliance, the Chief Compliance Officer and the applicable Access Person’s supervisor or other appropriate member of senior management.

An Outside Activity approval can be obtained by completing an automated Outside Activity Form which can be found on the Legal and Compliance Intranet Homepage under 'Personal Trading Compliance Forms'. In determining whether to approve such Outside Activity, Personal Trading Compliance and the Chief Compliance Officer will consider whether such service will involve an actual or perceived conflict of interest with client trading, place impediments on Loomis Sayles’ ability to trade on behalf of clients or otherwise materially interfere with the effective discharge of Loomis Sayles’ or the Access Person’s duties to clients.

Explanatory Note: Examples of Outside Activities include, but are not limited to, family businesses, acting as an officer, partner or trustee of an organization or trust, political positions, second jobs, professional associations, etc. Outside Activities that are not covered by the Code are activities that involve a charity or foundation, as long as you do not provide investment or financial advice to the organization. Examples would include: volunteer work, homeowners' organizations (such as condos or coop boards), or other civic activities.

5.2. Participation in Investment Clubs and Private Pooled Vehicles

No Access Person shall participate in an investment club or invest in a hedge fund, or similar private organized investment pool (but not an SEC registered open-end mutual fund) without the express permission of Personal Trading Compliance, the Chief Compliance Officer and the applicable Access Person’s supervisor or other appropriate member of senior management, whether or not the investment vehicle is advised, sub-advised or distributed by Loomis Sayles or a Natixis investment adviser.

6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
6.1. Initial Holdings Reporting, Account Disclosure and Acknowledgement of Code

Within 10 days after becoming an Access Person, each Access Person must file with Personal Trading Compliance , a report of all Covered Securities holdings (including holdings of Reportable Funds ) in which such Access Person has Beneficial Ownership or Investment Control . The information contained therein must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the individual becoming an Access Person .

 

Additionally, within 10 days of becoming an Access Person , such Access Person must report all brokerage or other accounts that hold or can hold Covered Securities in which the Access Person has Beneficial Ownership or Investment Control . The information must be as of the date the person became an Access Person . An Access Person can satisfy these reporting requirements by providing Personal Trading Compliance with a current copy of his or her brokerage account or other account statements, which hold or can hold Covered Securities . An automated Initial Code of Ethics Certification and Disclosure Form can be found on the Legal and Compliance Intranet Homepage under 'Personal Trading Compliance Forms'. This form must be completed and submitted to Personal Trading Compliance by the Access Person within 10 days of becoming an Access Person . The content of the Initial Holdings information must include, at a minimum, the title and type of security, the ticker symbol or CUSIP, number of shares, and principal amount of each Covered Security (including Reportable Funds) and the name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the securities are held.

 

Explanatory Note: Loomis Sayles treats all of its employees and certain consultants as Access Persons . Therefore, you are deemed to be an Access Person as of the first day you begin working for the firm.

Explanatory Note: Types of accounts in which Access Persons are required to report include, but are not limited to: personal brokerage accounts, mutual fund accounts, accounts of your spouse, accounts of minor children living in your household, Family of Fund accounts, transfer agent accounts holding mutual funds or book entry shares, IRAs, 401Ks, trusts, DRIPs, ESOPs etc. that either hold or can hold Covered Securities (including Reportable Funds). In addition, physically held shares of Covered Securities must also be reported. An Access Person should contact Personal Trading Compliance if they are unsure as to whether an account or personal investment is subject to reporting under the Code so the account or investment can be properly reviewed.

At the time of the initial disclosure period, each Access Person must also submit information pertaining to:

· His/her participation in any Outside Activity as described in Section 5.1 of the Code;
· His/her participation in an Investment Club as described in Section 5.2 of the Code;
· Holdings in Private Placements including hedge funds; and
· A Related Person that is an officer and/or director of a publicly traded company; if any.

 

Upon becoming an Access Person, each Access Person will receive a copy of the Code, along with the Loomis Sayles Insider Trading Policies and Procedures and Loomis Sayles Gifts, Business Entertainment and Political Contributions Policies and Procedures. Within the 10 day initial disclosure period and annually thereafter, each Access Person must acknowledge that he or she has received, read and understands the aforementioned policies and recognize that he or she is subject hereto, and certify that he or she will comply with the requirements of each.

6.2. Brokerage Confirmations and Brokerage Account Statements

Each Access Person must notify Personal Trading Compliance immediately upon the opening of an account that holds or may hold Covered Securities (including Reportable Funds ), in which such Access Person has Beneficial Ownership or Investment Control. In addition, if an account has been granted an exemption to the Select Broker requirement and/or the account is unable to be added to the applicable Select Broker's daily electronic broker feed, which supplies PTA with daily executed confirms and positions, Personal Trading Compliance will instruct the broker dealer of the account to provide it with duplicate copies of the account's confirmations and statements. If the broker dealer cannot provide Personal Trading Compliance with confirms and statements, the Access Person is responsible for providing Personal Trading Compliance with copies of such confirms as and when transactions are executed in the account, and statements on a monthly basis, if available, but no less than quarterly. Upon the opening of an account, an automated Personal Account Information Form must be completed and submitted to Personal Trading Compliance . This form can be found on the Legal and Compliance Intranet Homepage under 'Personal Trading Compliance Forms'.

Explanatory Note: If the opening of an account is not reported immediately to Personal Trading Compliance , but is reported during the corresponding quarterly certification period, and there has not been any trade activity in the account, then the

 
 

Access Person will be deemed to have not violated its reporting obligations under this Section of the Code.

Explanatory Note: For those accounts that are maintained at a Select Broker and are eligible for the broker's daily electronic confirm and position feed, Access Persons do not need to provide duplicate confirms and statements to Personal Trading Compliance . However, it is the Access Person's responsibility to accurately review and certify their quarterly transactions and annual holdings information in PTA, and to promptly notify Personal Trading Compliance if there are any discrepancies.

6.3. Quarterly Transaction Reporting and Account Disclosure

Utilizing PTA, each Access Person must file a report of all Volitional transactions in Covered Securities (including Volitional transactions in Reportable Funds ) made during each calendar quarterly period in which such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires or disposes of, any Beneficial Ownership of a Covered Security (even if such Access Person has no direct or indirect Investment Control over such Covered Security ), or as to which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Investment Control (even if such Access Person has no Beneficial Ownership in such Covered Security ). Non-volitional transactions in Covered Securities (including Reportable Funds ) such as automatic monthly payroll deductions, changes to future contributions within the Loomis Sayles Retirement Plans, dividend reinvestment programs, dollar cost averaging programs, and transactions made within the Guided Choice Program are still subject to the Code’s annual reporting requirements. If no transactions in any Covered Securities, required to be reported, were effected during a quarterly period by an Access Person , such Access Person shall nevertheless submit a report through PTA within the time frame specified below stating that no reportable securities transactions were affected. The following information will be available in electronic format for Access Persons to verify on their Quarterly Transaction report:

 

The date of the transaction, the title of the security, ticker symbol or CUSIP, number of shares, and principal amount of each reportable security, nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition), the price of the transaction, and the name of the broker, dealer or bank with which the transaction was effected. However, the Access Person is responsible for confirming the accuracy of this information and informing Personal Trading Compliance if his or her reporting information is inaccurate or incomplete.

 

With the exception of those accounts described in Exhibit Four, Access Persons are also required to report each account that may hold or holds Covered Securities (including accounts that hold or may hold Reportable Funds ) in which such Access Person has Beneficial Ownership or Investment Control that have been opened or closed during the reporting period. In addition, life events such as marriage, death of a family member (i.e., inheritance), etc. may result in your acquiring Beneficial Ownership and/or Investment Control over accounts previously belonging to others. Therefore, any Covered Security , including Reportable Funds, along with any account that holds or can hold a Covered Security, including Reportable Funds, in which you have a Beneficial Ownership and/or Investment Control, as described in Section 3.2 and Section 3.3 of the Code, resulting from marriage or other life event must be reported to Personal Trading Compliance promptly, and no later than the next applicable quarterly reporting period.

 

Every quarterly report must be submitted no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the close of each calendar quarter.

 

 
 
6.4. Annual Reporting

On an annual basis, as of a date specified by Personal Trading Compliance, each Access Person must file with Personal Trading Compliance a dated annual certification which identifies all holdings in Covered Securities (including Reportable Funds ) in which such Access Person has Beneficial Ownership and/or Investment Control . This reporting requirement also applies to shares of Covered Securities , including shares of Reportable Funds that were acquired during the year in Non-volitional transactions. Additionally, each Access Person must identify all personal accounts which hold or may hold Covered Securities (including Reportable Funds), in which such Access Person has Beneficial Ownership and/or Investment Control . The information in the Annual Package shall reflect holdings in the Access Person’s account(s) that are current as of a date specified by Personal Trading Compliance . The following information will be available in electronic format for Access Persons to verify on the Annual Holdings report:

 

The title of the security, the ticker symbol or CUSIP, number of shares, and principal amount of each Covered Security (including Reportable Funds ) and the name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the securities are held. However, the Access Person is responsible for confirming the accuracy of this information and informing Personal Trading Compliance if his or her reporting information is inaccurate or incomplete.

Furthermore, on an annual basis, each Access Person must acknowledge and certify that during the past year he/she has received, read, understood and complied with the Code, Insider Trading Policies and Procedures, and the Policies and Procedures on Gifts, Business Entertainment, and Political Contributions, except as otherwise disclosed in writing to Personal Trading Compliance or the Chief Compliance Officer . Finally, as part of the annual certification, each Access Person must acknowledge and confirm any Outside Activities in which he or she currently participates and any Related Person that is an officer and/or director of a publicly traded company.

 

All material changes to the Code will be promptly distributed to Access Persons, and also be distributed to Supervised Persons on a quarterly basis. On an annual basis, Supervised Persons will be asked to acknowledge his/her receipt, understanding of and compliance with the Code.

 

Every annual report must be submitted no later than (45) calendar days after the date specified by Personal Trading Compliance .

 

6.5. Review of Reports by Chief Compliance Officer

The Chief Compliance Officer shall establish procedures as the Chief Compliance Officer may from time to time determine appropriate for the review of the information required to be compiled under this Code regarding transactions by Access Persons and to report any violations thereof to all necessary parties.

6.6. Internal Reporting of Violations to the Chief Compliance Officer

Prompt internal reporting of any violation of the Code to the Chief Compliance Officer or Personal Trading Compliance is required under Rule 204A-1. While the daily monitoring process undertaken by Personal Trading Compliance is designed to identify any violations of the Code and handle any such violations promptly, Access Persons and Supervised Persons are required to promptly report any violations they learn of resulting from either their own conduct or those of other Access Persons or Supervised Persons to the Chief Compliance Officer or Personal Trading Compliance . It is incumbent upon Loomis Sayles to create an environment that encourages and protects Access Persons or Supervised Persons who report violations. In doing so, individuals have the right to remain anonymous in reporting violations. Furthermore, any form of retaliation against an individual who reports a violation could constitute a further violation of the Code, as deemed appropriate by the Chief Compliance Officer . All Access Persons and Supervised Persons should therefore feel safe to speak freely in reporting any violations.

7. SANCTIONS

Any violation of the substantive or procedural requirements of this Code will result in the imposition of a sanction as set forth in the firm’s then current Sanctions Policy, or as the Ethics Committee may deem appropriate under the circumstances of the particular violation. These sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

· a letter of caution or warning (i.e. Procedures Notice);
· payment of a fine,
· requiring the employee to reverse a trade and realize losses or disgorge any profits;
· restitution to an affected client;
· suspension of personal trading privileges;
· actions affecting employment status, such as suspension of employment without pay, demotion or termination of employment; and
· referral to the SEC, other civil authorities or criminal authorities.

Serious violations, including those involving deception, dishonesty or knowing breaches of law or fiduciary duty, will result in one or more of the most severe sanctions regardless of the violator’s history of prior compliance.

Explanatory Note: Any violation of the Code, following a "first offense" whether or not for the same type of violation, will be treated as a subsequent offense.

Fines, penalties and disgorged profits will be donated to a charity selected by the Loomis Sayles Charitable Giving Committee.

8. RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Loomis Sayles shall maintain and preserve records, in an easily accessible place, relating to the Code of the type and in the manner and form and for the time period prescribed from time to time by applicable law. Currently, Loomis Sayles is required by law to maintain and preserve:

· in an easily accessible place, a copy of this Code (and any prior Code of Ethics that was in effect at any time during the past five years) for a period of five years;
· in an easily accessible place a record of any violation of the Code and of any action taken as a result of such violation for a period of five years following the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs;
· a copy of each report (or information provided in lieu of a report including any manual pre-clearance forms and information relied upon or used for reporting)
 
 

submitted under the Code for a period of five years, provided that for the first two years such copy must be preserved in an easily accessible place;

· copies of Access Persons’ and Supervised Persons’ written acknowledgment of initial receipt of the Code and his/her annual acknowledgement;
· in an easily accessible place, a record of the names of all Access Persons within the past five years, even if some of them are no longer Access Persons , the holdings and transactions reports made by these Access Persons, and records of all Access Persons’ personal securities reports (and duplicate brokerage confirmations or account statements in lieu of these reports);
· a copy of each report provided to any Investment Company as required by paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act or any successor provision for a period of five years following the end of the fiscal year in which such report is made, provided that for the first two years such record shall be preserved in an easily accessible place; and
· a written record of any decision and the reasons supporting any decision, to approve the purchase by an Access Person of any Covered Security in an Initial Public Offering or Private Placement Transaction or other limited offering for a period of five years following the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.

Explanatory Note: Under Rule 204-2, the standard retention period required for all documents and records listed above is five years, in easily accessible place, the first two years in an appropriate office of Personal Trading Compliance .

9. MISCELLANEOUS
9.1. Confidentiality

Loomis Sayles will keep information obtained from any Access Person hereunder in strict confidence. Notwithstanding the forgoing, reports of Covered Securities transactions and violations hereunder will be made available to the SEC or any other regulatory or self-regulatory organizations to the extent required by law rule or regulation, and in certain circumstances, may in Loomis Sayles’ discretion be made available to other civil and criminal authorities. In addition, information regarding violations of the Code may be provided to clients or former clients of Loomis Sayles that have been directly or indirectly affected by such violations.

9.2. Disclosure of Client Trading Knowledge

No Access Person may, directly or indirectly, communicate to any person who is not an Access Person or other approved agent of Loomis Sayles (e.g., legal counsel) any non-public information relating to any client of Loomis Sayles or any issuer of any Covered Security owned by any client of Loomis Sayles, including, without limitation, the purchase or sale or considered purchase or sale of a Covered Security on behalf of any client of Loomis Sayles, except to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law or to effectuate traditional asset management/operations activities on behalf of the client of Loomis Sayles.

9.3. Notice to Access Persons, Investment Persons and Research Analysts as to Code Status
 
 

Personal Trading Compliance will initially determine an employee’s status as an Access Person, Research Analyst or Investment Person and the client accounts to which Investment Persons should be associated, and will inform such persons of their respective reporting and duties under the Code.

 

All Access Persons and/or the applicable supervisors thereof, have an obligation to inform Personal Trading Compliance if an Access Person’s responsibilities change during the Access Person’s tenure at Loomis Sayles.

 

9.4. Notice to Personal Trading Compliance of Engagement of Independent Contractors

Any Access Person that engages as a non-employee service provider (“NESP”), such as a consultant, temporary employee, intern or independent contractor shall notify Personal Trading Compliance of this engagement, and provide to Personal Trading Compliance the information necessary to make a determination as to how the Code shall apply to such NESP, if at all.

NESP’s are generally not subject to the pre-clearance, trading restrictions and certain reporting provisions of the Code. However, NESP’s must receive, review and acknowledge a Code of Ethics Compliance Statement that further describes his/her Code requirements and fiduciary duties while engaged with Loomis Sayles.

At times, NESP’s are contracted to various departments at Loomis Sayles where they may be involved or be privy to the investment process for client accounts or the Loomis Sayles recommendation process. Prior to their engagement, the Loomis Sayles Human Resources Department will notify Personal Trading Compliance of these NESP’s and depending on the facts and circumstances, the NESP will be communicated what provisions of the Code will apply to them during their engagement.

9.5. Questions and Educational Materials

Employees are encouraged to bring to Personal Trading Compliance any questions you may have about interpreting or complying with the Code about Covered Securities , accounts that hold or may hold Covered Securities or personal trading activities of you, your family, or household members, your legal and ethical responsibilities, or similar matters that may involve the Code.

Personal Trading Compliance will from time to time circulate educational materials or bulletins or conduct training sessions designed to assist you in understanding and carrying out your duties under the Code. On an annual basis, each Access Person is required to successfully complete the Code of Ethics and Fiduciary Duty Tutorial designed to educate Access Persons on their responsibilities under the Code and other Loomis Sayles policies and procedures that generally apply to all employees.

 
 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The boldface terms used throughout this policy have the following meanings:

1. Access Person ” means an “access person” as defined from time to time in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act or any applicable successor provision. Currently, this means any director, or officer of Loomis Sayles, or any Advisory Person (as defined below) of Loomis Sayles, but does not include any director who is not an officer or employee of Loomis Sayles or its corporate general partner and who meets all of the following conditions:
    1. He or she, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, does not make, participate in or obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by a registered investment company, and whose functions do not relate to the making of recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales;
    2. He or she does not have access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund ; and
    3. He or she is not involved in making securities recommendations to clients, and does not have access to such recommendations that are nonpublic.

Loomis Sayles treats all employees as Access Persons .

2. Advisory Person ” means an “advisory person” and “advisory representative” as defined from time to time in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204-2(a)(12) under the Advisers Act, respectively, or any applicable successor provision. Currently, this means (i) every employee of Loomis Sayles (or of any company in a Control relationship to Loomis Sayles), who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a Covered Security by Loomis Sayles on behalf of clients, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and (ii) every natural person in a Control relationship to Loomis Sayles who obtains information concerning recommendations made to a client with regard to the purchase or sale of a Covered Security. Advisory Person also includes: (a) any other employee designated by Personal Trading Compliance or the Chief Compliance Officer as an Advisory Person under this Code; (b) any consultant, temporary employee, intern or independent contractor (or similar person) engaged by Loomis Sayles designated as such by Personal Trading Compliance or the Chief Compliance Officer as a result of such person’s access to information about the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by Loomis Sayles on behalf of clients (by being present in Loomis Sayles offices, having access to computer data or otherwise).

 

3. Beneficial Ownership is defined in Section 3.2 of the Code.

 

4. Chief Compliance Officer refers to the officer or employee of Loomis Sayles designated from time to time by Loomis Sayles to receive and review reports of
 
 

purchases and sales by Access Persons , and to address issues of personal trading. “ Personal Trading Compliance ” means the employee or employees of Loomis Sayles designated from time to time by the General Counsel of Loomis Sayles to receive and review reports of purchases and sales, and to address issues of personal trading, by the Chief Compliance Officer , and to act for the Chief Compliance Officer in the absence of the Chief Compliance Officer .

5. Covered Security ” is defined in Section 3.1 of the Code.
6. “Exempt ETF” is defined in Section 3.1 of the Code and a list of such funds is found in Exhibit Two.
7. Federal Securities Laws ” refers to the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the SEC under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted there under by the SEC or the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and any amendments to the above mentioned statutes.
8. Investment Control ” is defined in Section 3.3 of the Code. This means “control” as defined from time to time in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204-2(a)(12) under the Advisers Act or any applicable successor provision. Currently, this means the power to directly or indirectly influence, manage, trade, or give instructions concerning the investment disposition of assets in an account or to approve or disapprove transactions in an account.
9. Initial Public Offering ” means an “initial public offering” as defined from time to time in Rule 17j-l under the 1940 Act or any applicable successor provision. Currently, this means any offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933 the issuer of which immediately before the offering, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
10. Investment Company ” means any Investment Company registered as such under the 1940 Act and for which Loomis Sayles serves as investment adviser or subadviser or which an affiliate of Loomis Sayles serves as an investment adviser.
11. Investment Person ” means all Portfolio Managers of Loomis Sayles and other Advisory Persons who assist the Portfolio Managers in making and implementing investment decisions for an Investment Company or other client of Loomis Sayles, including, but not limited to, designated Research Analysts and traders of Loomis Sayles. A person is considered an Investment Person only as to those client accounts or types of client accounts as to which he or she is designated by Personal Trading Compliance or the Chief Compliance Officer as such. As to other accounts, he or she is simply an Access Person .
12. "Loomis Advised Fund" is any Reportable Fund advised or sub-advised by Loomis Sayles. A list of these funds can be found in Exhibit One .
13. Non-volitional transactions are any transaction in which the employee has not determined the timing as to when the purchase or sale will occur and the amount of shares to be purchased or sold, i.e. changes to future contributions within the Loomis Sayles Retirement Plans, dividend reinvestment programs, dollar cost averaging program, automatic monthly payroll deductions, and any transactions made within the Guided Choice Program. Non-volitional transactions are not subject to the pre-clearance or quarterly reporting requirements under the Code.
14. Portfolio Manager ” means any individual employed by Loomis Sayles who has been designated as a Portfolio Manager by Loomis Sayles. A person is considered a Portfolio Manager only as to those client accounts as to which he or she is designated by the Chief Compliance Officer as such. As to other client accounts, he or she is simply an Access Person .
15. Private Placement Transaction ” means a “limited offering” as defined from time to time in Rule 17j-l under the 1940 Act or any applicable successor provision. Currently, this means an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or 4(6) or Rule 504, 505 or 506 under that Act, including hedge funds.
16. Recommendation ” means any change to a security’s price target or other type of recommendation in the case of an equity Covered Security, or any initial rating or rating change in the case of a fixed income Covered Security in either case issued by a Research Analyst .
17. Reportable Fund is defined in Section 3.1 of the Code, and a list of such funds is found in Exhibit One .
18. Research Analyst ” means any individual employed by Loomis Sayles who has been designated as a Research Analyst or Research Associate by Loomis Sayles. A person is considered a Research Analyst only as to those Covered Securities which he or she is assigned to cover and about which he or she issues research reports to other Investment Persons or otherwise makes recommendations to Investment Persons beyond publishing their research. As to other securities, he or she is simply an Access Person .
19. Select Broker ” is defined in Section 3.4 of the Code.
20. Supervised Person ” is defined in Section 202(a)(25) of the Advisers Act and currently includes any partner, officer, director (or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or employee of Loomis Sayles, or other person who provides investment advice on behalf of Loomis Sayles and is subject to the supervision and control of Loomis Sayles.
21. Volitional ” transactions are any transactions in which the employee has determined the timing as to when the purchase or sale transaction will occur and amount of shares to be purchased or sold. Volitional transactions are subject to the pre-clearance and reporting requirements under the Code.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Code of Business Conduct

and

Code of Ethics

 

 

 

 

ALLIANZ GLOBAL INVESTORS U.S. HOLDINGS

and subsidiaries

 

ALLIANZ ASSET MANAGEMENT OF AMERICA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Effective: April 1, 2013, Amended July 1, 2016

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I.  

GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT

 

 
   

A.     Compliance

 

3
   

B.      Certifications

 

 

3
II.  

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

 
   

A.      Fiduciary Duty of our Investment Advisers

 

4
   

B.      General Obligations of all Covered Persons

 

4
   

C.      Insider Trading Policies and Procedures

 

5
   

D.      Anti-Corruption

 

12
   

E.      Gifts and Business Entertainment Policy

 

12
   

F.       Charitable Contributions

 

15
   

G.     Political Contributions

 

16
   

H.     Outside Business Activities

 

16
   

I.        Service as Director of any Unaffiliated Organization

 

17
   

J.       Privacy

 

17
   

K.     Policy for Reporting Suspicious Activities and Concerns

 

 

18
III.  

CODE OF ETHICS

 

 
   

A.     Personal Securities Transactions Policy

 

20

 

 

 

 

I.      GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT

 
 

The Code has been adopted by Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. (“AAMA LP”), Allianz Asset Management of America LLC (“AAMA LLC”), Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC (“AGI U.S. Holdings”), Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AGI U.S.”), Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC (“AGID”), Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC (“AGIFM”), NFJ Investment Group LLC (“NFJ”), and Pallas Investment Partners, L.P. [1] (“Pallas”) (each, a “Company”) and is applicable to all partners, officers, directors, and employees of the Company, interns and Temporary Employees (i.e., temp, consultant or contractor) (collectively, “Covered Persons”). The Code is based on the principle that in addition to the fiduciary obligations of the Company, you owe a fiduciary duty to the shareholders of the registered investment companies (the “Funds”), other clients for which the Company serves as an adviser or sub-adviser (the “Advisory Clients”), and customers of our broker-dealer (“Customers” and together with Funds and Advisory Clients, “Clients”). Accordingly, you must avoid activities, interests and relationships that could interfere or appear to interfere with making decisions in the best interests of Clients.

 

A. COMPLIANCE

Compliance with the Code is considered a basic condition of employment with the Company. We take this Code and your obligations under it very seriously. A failure to comply with the Code may constitute grounds for remedial actions, which may include, but are not limited to, a letter of caution, warning or censure, recertification of the Code, disgorgement of profits, suspension of trading privileges, termination of officer title, and/or suspension or termination of employment. Situations that are questionable may be resolved against your personal interests. Violations of this Code may also constitute violations of law, which could result in criminal or civil penalties for you and/or the Company.

In addition, the Federal Securities Laws [2] require companies and individual supervisors to reasonably supervise Covered Persons with a view toward preventing violations of law and violations of a company’s Code. As a result, all Covered Persons who have supervisory responsibility should endeavor to ensure that those individuals that they supervise, including Temporary Employees, are familiar with and remain in compliance with its requirements.

Further, Covered Persons must refrain from any intentional act or omission, which is illegal under applicable laws or regulations, and which may result in an actual or potential loss of Company assets or revenue or harm of reputation.

 

B. CERTIFICATIONS

Covered Persons are required to certify their receipt and understanding of and compliance with the Code within ten days of becoming a Covered Person. On an annual basis, all Covered Persons are required to re-certify their understanding of and compliance with the Code. You will be provided with timely notification of these certification requirements and directions on how to complete them by the Code of Ethics Office. Other reporting and certification requirements are set forth in the Gifts and Business Entertainment Policy, Political Contributions Policy, and Personal Securities Transactions Policy.

II.CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

A. FIDUCIARY DUTY OF OUR INVESTMENT ADVISERS

 
 

Our investment advisers owe a fiduciary duty to the Clients for which they serve as an adviser or sub-adviser. Covered Persons of our investment advisers must avoid activities, interests, and relationships that could interfere or appear to interfere with our advisers’ fiduciary duties. Accordingly, at all times, Covered Persons must place the interests of Clients first and scrupulously avoid serving their own personal interests ahead of the interests of Clients. Covered Persons may not cause a Client to take action, or not to take action, for their personal benefit rather than for the benefit of the Client. For example, you would violate the Code if you caused a Client to purchase a Security [3] you owned for the purpose of increasing the price of that Security. If you are an Investment Person 3 of the Company, you would also violate this Code if you made a personal investment in a Security that might be an appropriate investment for a Client without first considering the Security as an investment for the Client. Investment opportunities of limited availability that are suitable for Clients also must be considered for purchase for such Clients before an Investment Person may personally trade in them. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, investments in initial public offerings and private placements.

 

B. GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF ALL COVERED PERSONS

At all times, Covered Persons must:

1. Conduct personal securities transactions in full compliance with the Code including the Insider Trading Policy and Personal Securities Transactions Policy . The Company encourages you and your family to develop personal investment programs. However, you must not take any action in connection with your personal investments that could cause even the appearance of unfairness or impropriety.
  1. Avoid taking inappropriate advantage of your position. The receipt of investment opportunities, gifts or gratuities from persons seeking business with the Company directly or on behalf of a Client of the Company could call into question the independence of your business judgment. In addition, information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of a Client is confidential. You may not use personal or account information of any Client of the Company except as permitted by the Company’s Privacy policies (See section III. J on Privacy).
  2. Comply with applicable Federal Securities Laws and regulations. You are not permitted to: (i) defraud a Client in any manner; (ii) mislead a Client, including making a statement that omits material facts; (iii) engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon a Client; (iv) engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a Client; (v) engage in any manipulative practices with respect to securities, including price manipulation; or (vi) otherwise violate applicable Federal Securities Laws and regulations. AGID Covered Persons and/or AGID Registered Representatives 3 must also comply with applicable NASD/FINRA and MSRB rules and AGIFM and AGI U.S. Covered Persons must also comply with applicable Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations. In the event that you are unsure of any such laws or regulations, consult your Legal Department.

A potential violation of the Code may result in remedial actions, which may include but are not limited to, a letter of caution, warning or censure, recertification of the Code, disgorgement of profits, suspension of trading privileges, termination of officer title, and/or suspension or termination of employment. Situations that are questionable may be resolved against your personal interests.

 

C. INSIDER TRADING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 
 

Section I. Policy Statement on Insider Trading

 

The Company forbids any of its partners, officers, directors, and employees, including interns and Temporary Employees (i.e., temp, consultant or contractor) (collectively, “Covered Persons”) from trading, either personally or on behalf of others (such as, the Clients), on the basis of material non-public information or communicating material non-public information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as "insider trading."

 

The law related to prohibitions on insider trading is based on the broad anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act which were enacted after the United States market crash of 1929. The Exchange Act addressed insider trading directly through Section 16(b) and indirectly through Section 10(b). [4]

 

While the law concerning insider trading is not static, it is generally understood that the law prohibits:

 

(1) trading by an insider, while aware of material, non-public information;

 

(2) trading by a non-insider, while aware of material, non-public information, where the information was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider's duty to keep it confidential; or

 

(3) communicating material, non-public information to others in breach of a duty of trust or confidence.

 

Any questions regarding this policy statement and the related procedures set forth herein should be referred to your Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or to the AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel.

 

Please note that Covered Persons are subject to other Company policies that prohibit or restrict the disclosure or use of material, non-public information regarding Clients and their investments, regardless of whether the disclosure or use gives rise to insider trading. For instance, the selective disclosure of portfolio holdings or related information regarding Clients to third parties is generally prohibited except in limited circumstances in accordance with applicable Company or Fund policies. In addition, the Affiliated Closed-End Funds [5] have adopted policies under Regulation FD which govern and severely restrict circumstances under which a Covered Person acting on behalf of the Affiliated Closed-End Funds (i.e., an “insider”) may selectively disclose material non-public information regarding the funds to certain categories of third parties (e.g., broker-dealers, analysts, investment advisers, funds and shareholders). If you have any questions, you should consult with the individuals noted in the prior paragraph before disclosing or using material, non-public information regarding Clients and their investments under any circumstances.

 

1. To Whom Does The Insider Trading Policy Apply ?

 

 
 

This policy applies to Covered Persons and extends to activities within and outside their duties at the Company. This policy also applies to any transactions in any securities by family members, trusts or corporations controlled by such persons.

 

In particular, this policy applies to securities transactions by (but not limited to):

 

person has no direct or indirect control over the trust;

10% or greater stockholder; or

investment clubs) unless the Covered Person has no direct or indirect control

over the partnership.

 

2. What is Material Information ?

 

Trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless the information is deemed to be material. "Material Information" generally is defined as information for which there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities.

 

Although there is no precise, generally accepted definition of materiality, information is likely to be material if it relates to significant changes affecting such matters as:

 

 

Information provided by a company could be material because of its expected effect on a particular class of the company's securities, all of the company's securities, the securities of another company, or the securities of several companies. Moreover, the resulting prohibition against the misuses of Material

 
 

Information reaches all types of securities (whether stock or other equity interests, corporate debt, government or municipal obligations, or commercial paper) as well as any option related to that security (such as a put, call or index security).

 

Material Information does not have to relate to a company's business. For example, in Carpenter v. U.S. , 108 U.S. 316 (1987), the Supreme Court considered as material certain information about the contents of a forthcoming newspaper column that was expected to affect the market price of a security. In that case, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal was found criminally liable for disclosing to others the dates that reports on various companies would appear in The Wall Street Journal and whether those reports would be favorable or not.

 

3. What is Non-public Information ?

 

In order for issues concerning insider trading to arise, information must not only be material, it must be " non-public ". "Non-Public Information” is information which has not been made available to investors generally. Information received in circumstances indicating that it is not yet in general circulation or where the recipient knows or should know that the information could only have been provided by an "insider" is also deemed Non-Public Information.

 

At such time as Material Non-Public Information has been effectively distributed to the investing public, it is no longer subject to insider trading restrictions. However, for Non-Public Information to become public information, it must be disseminated through recognized channels of distribution designed to reach the securities marketplace.

 

To show that Material Information is public, you should be able to point to some fact verifying that the information has become generally available, for example, disclosure in a national business and financial wire service (Dow Jones or Reuters), a national news service (AP or UPI), a national newspaper ( The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times or The Financial Times ), or a publicly disseminated disclosure document (a proxy statement or prospectus). The circulation of rumors or "talk on the street", even if accurate, widespread and reported in the media or social media does not constitute the requisite public disclosure. The information must not only be publicly disclosed, there must also be adequate time for the market as a whole to digest the information. Although timing may vary depending upon the circumstances, a good rule of thumb is that information is considered non-public until the third business day after public disclosure.

 

Material Non-Public Information is not made public by selective dissemination. Material Information improperly disclosed only to institutional investors or to a fund analyst or a favored group of analysts retains its status as Non-Public Information which must not be disclosed or otherwise misused. Similarly, partial disclosure does not constitute public dissemination. So long as any material component of the "inside" information possessed by the Company has yet to be publicly disclosed, the information is deemed "non-public" and may not be misused.

 

Information Provided in Confidence . It is possible that one or more Covered Persons of the Company may become temporary "insiders" because of a duty of trust or confidence. A duty of trust or confidence can arise: (1) whenever a person agrees to maintain information in confidence; (2) when two people have a history, pattern, or practice of sharing confidences such that the recipient of the information knows or reasonably should know that the person communicating the Material Non-Public Information expects that the recipient will maintain its confidentiality; or (3) whenever a person receives or obtains Material Non-Public Information from certain close family members such as spouses, parents, children and siblings. For example, personnel at the Company may become insiders when an external source, such as a company whose securities are held by one or more of the accounts managed by the Company, discloses Material Non-Public Information to the Company’s portfolio managers or analysts with the expectation that the information will remain confidential.

 
 

 

As an "insider", the Company and any applicable Covered Person has a duty not to breach the trust of the party that has communicated the Material Non-Public Information by misusing that information. This duty may arise because the Company has entered or has been invited to enter into a commercial relationship with a company, Client or prospective Client and has been given access to confidential information solely for the corporate purposes of that company, Client or prospective Client. This duty remains whether or not the Company ultimately participates in the transaction.

 

Information Disclosed in Breach of a Duty . Analysts and portfolio managers at the Company must be especially wary of Material Non-Public Information disclosed in breach of corporate insider's duty of trust or confidence that he or she owes the corporation and shareholders. Even where there is no expectation of confidentiality, a person may become an "insider" upon receiving material, non-public information in circumstances where a person knows, or should know, that a corporate insider is disclosing information in breach of a duty of trust and confidence that he or she owes the corporation and its shareholders. Whether the disclosure is an improper "tip" that renders the recipient a "tippee" depends on whether the corporate insider expects to benefit personally, either directly or indirectly, from the disclosure. In the context of an improper disclosure by a corporate insider, the requisite "personal benefit" may not be limited to a present or future monetary gain. Rather, a prohibited personal benefit could include a reputational benefit, an expectation of a “quid pro quo” from the recipient or the recipient's employer by a gift of the "inside" information.

 

A person may, depending on the circumstances, also become an "insider" or "tippee" when he or she obtains Material Non-Public Information by happenstance, including information derived from social situations, business gatherings, overheard conversations, misplaced documents, and "tips" from insiders or other third parties.

 

Investment Information Relating to our Clients is Non-Public Inside Information . In the course of your employment, Covered Persons may learn about the current or pending investment activities of our Clients (e.g. actual or pending purchases and sales of securities). Using or sharing this information other than in connection with the investment of Client accounts is considered acting on inside information and therefore prohibited. The Boards of the Funds (both proprietary and third party sub-advised) have adopted Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policies to prevent the misuse of Material Non-Public Information relating to the Funds and to ensure all shareholders of the Funds have equal access to portfolio holdings information. In that regard, Covered Persons must follow the Funds' policies on disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information unless disclosure is specifically permitted under other sharing of investment-related information.

 

4. Identifying Material Information

 

Before trading for yourself or others, including investment companies or private accounts managed by the Company, in the securities of a company about which you may have potential Material Non-Public Information, ask yourself the following questions:

 

i. Is this information that an investor could consider important in making his or her investment decisions? Is this information that could substantially affect the market price of the securities if generally disclosed?

 

ii. To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the marketplace by being published in The Financial Times , Reuters , The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation?

 

 
 

Given the potentially severe regulatory, civil and criminal sanctions to which you, the Company and its personnel could be subject, any Covered Persons uncertain as to whether the information he or she possesses is Material Non-Public Information should immediately take the following steps:

 

i. Report the matter immediately to the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or the Chief Legal Officer, or the AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel;

 

ii. Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including investment companies or private accounts managed by the Company; and

 

iii. Do not communicate the information inside or outside the Company, other than to your Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or the AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel.

 

After the Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or the AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel has reviewed the issue, you will be instructed to continue the prohibitions against trading and communication or will be allowed to trade and communicate the information.

 

5. Penalties for Insider Trading

 

Penalties for trading on or communicating Material Non-Public Information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties below even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violation. Penalties include: civil injunctions, treble damages, disgorgement of profits, jail sentences, fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited, and fines for the employer or other controlling person of up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided.

 

In addition, any violation of this policy statement can be expected to result in serious sanctions by the Company, including possible dismissal of the persons involved.

 

Section II. Procedures to Prevent Insider Trading

 

The following procedures have been established to aid Covered Persons of the Company in avoiding insider trading, and to aid the Company in preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions against insider trading. Every Covered Person of the Company must follow these procedures or risk serious sanctions, including dismissal, substantial personal liability and criminal penalties. Also refer to your Company’s compliance policies and procedures for detailed procedures.

 

1. Trading Restrictions and Reporting Requirements

 

a. No Covered Person of the Company who is aware of Material Non-Public Information relating to the Company, including Allianz SE, may buy or sell any securities of the Company, including Allianz SE, or engage in any other action to take advantage of, or pass on to others, such Material Non-Public Information.

 

b. No Covered Person of the Company who is aware of Material Non-Public Information which relates to any other company, entity, or Client in circumstances in which such person is deemed to be an insider or is otherwise subject to restrictions under the Federal Securities Laws may buy or sell securities of that company or otherwise take advantage of, or pass on to others, such Material Non-Public Information.

 

 
 
c. No Covered Person of the Company shall engage in a securities transaction with respect to the securities of Allianz SE, except in accordance with the specific procedures published from time to time by the Company.

 

d. No Covered Person shall engage in a personal securities transaction with respect to any securities of any other company, except in accordance with the specific procedures set forth in the Company’s Personal Securities Transactions Policy.

 

e. Covered Persons shall submit reports concerning each security transaction in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Personal Securities Transactions Policy and verify their personal ownership of securities in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Company’s Personal Securities Transactions Policy.

 

f. Because even inadvertent disclosure of Material Non-Public Information to others can lead to significant legal difficulties, Covered Persons of the Company should not discuss any potentially Material Non-Public Information concerning the Company or other companies, including other Covered Persons, except as specifically required in the performance of their duties.

 

g. Covered Persons managing the work of Temporary Employees who have access to Material Non-Public Information are responsible for ensuring that Temporary Employees are aware of this procedure and the consequences of non-compliance.

 

h. A Covered Person’s obligation to notify the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or the AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel of a potential insider trading violation applies even if the Covered Person knows or has reason to believe that the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel has already been informed by other Covered Persons.

 

2. Information Barrier Procedures

 

The Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act in the U.S. requires the establishment and strict enforcement of procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of "inside" information. Accordingly, you should not discuss Material Non-Public Information about the Company or other companies with anyone, including other Covered Persons, except as required in the performance of your regular duties. In addition, care should be taken so that such information is secure. For example, files containing Material Non-Public Information should be sealed; access to computer files containing Material Non-Public Information should be restricted. For additional information, please refer to your Company’s compliance policies and procedures.

 

3. Over the Wall and Market Sounding Procedures

 

Generally, “over the wall” and “market sounding” refers to the market practice where underwriters and issuers (“sounding parties”) contact institutional investors to assess the appetite of the marketplace for a transaction. [6] If the Company participates in over the wall discussions or market soundings or in the event the Company becomes aware at any time that a Covered Person has come into possession of Material Non-Public Information, a global trading restriction will be placed on the issuer’s securities for firm trades and personal securities transactions. Covered Persons are also prohibited from communicating the

 
 

information inside or outside the Company, other than to Legal and Compliance. For additional information, please refer to your Company’s compliance policies and procedures.

 

4. Expert Network Consultants Procedures

 

Covered Persons may from time to time make use of paid investment research consultant firms or expert networks (“Investment Research Consultant Firms”) [7] which may gather and summarize information for the Company or which may maintain a network of individual consultants (“Consultants”) [8] that are made available to the Company. Investment Research Consultant Firms and Consultants will typically gather, analyze and provide information that may assist in providing the basis for investment decisions by the Company and its employees. Covered Persons should actively seek to prevent the disclosure of Material Non-Public Information to them by Investment Research Consultant Firms and Consultants. In the event that a Covered Person receives Material Non-Public Information, the Covered Person may not share the Material Non-Public Information inside or outside the firm, other than with Legal and Compliance, or execute trades in securities based on the Material Non-Public Information on behalf of any Client account or for his or her own personal accounts. For additional information, please refer to your Company’s compliance policies and procedures.

 

 

5. Resolving Issues Concerning Insider Trading

 

The Federal Securities Laws, including the U.S. laws governing insider trading, are complex. If you have any doubts or questions as to the materiality or non-public nature of information in your possession or as to any of the applicability or interpretation of any of the foregoing procedures or as to the propriety of any action, you should contact your Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel. Until advised to the contrary by your Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel, you should presume that the information is Material Non-Public Information and you should not trade in the securities or disclose this information to anyone.

 

D. ANTI-CORRUPTION

The Company does not tolerate any form of corruption. Federal and State laws, and laws of other countries, prohibit the payment or receipt of bribes, kickbacks, inducements, facilitation payments, non-monetary benefits, or other illegal gratuities or payments by or on behalf of any of our Companies or Covered Persons in connection with our businesses. For example, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act makes it a crime to corruptly give, promise or authorize payment, in cash or in kind, for any service to a foreign government official or political party in connection with obtaining or retaining business. The U.K. Bribery Act prohibits corruption of public officials as well as business-to-business corruption. Each Company, through its policies and practices, is committed to comply fully with these and other anti-corruption laws. If you or any member of your household is solicited to make or receive an illegal payment, or have any questions regarding whether any solicitation to receive or make a payment is illegal, contact your Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel. For additional information, please refer to your Company’s compliance policies and procedures.

 
 

 

E. GIFTS AND BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT POLICY

The Company is committed to having policies and procedures designed to ensure that Covered Persons do not attempt to improperly influence Clients or prospective Clients with gifts or business entertainment and are not unduly influenced themselves by the receipt of gifts or business entertainment. The Company’s policies are designed to prohibit Covered Persons who purchase products and services as part of their job responsibilities from using their position for their own benefit.

 

Providing gifts or business entertainment is improper when a Covered Person’s giving of a gift or business entertainment is or appears to be an attempt to obtain business through inappropriate means or to gain a special advantage in a business relationship. It is important for Covered Persons to keep in mind that these activities may create the appearance of a conflict and in certain cases may implicate regulations applicable to Clients and the Company. Similarly, accepting gifts or business entertainment is improper when it would compromise, or could be reasonably viewed as compromising, a Covered Person’s ability to make objective and fair business decisions. Finally, government, union and ERISA plan officials may be subject to additional prohibitions and limits that apply whether or not there is a real or perceived conflict of interest.

 

 

 

 

Definitions

 

Providing Gifts and Business Entertainment

General Principles

 

Providing Gifts and Business Entertainment to Government Officials

Covered Persons must obtain approval from the Code of Ethics Office prior to giving a gift or providing business entertainment to a Government Official. A form for this purpose is located in the personal trading system.

 

Providing Gifts and Business Entertainment to Restricted Recipients

 

Providing Gifts and Business Entertainment to Other Business Contacts (persons other than Government Officials and Restricted Recipients)

 

Receiving Gifts

 

Receiving Business Entertainment

· Covered Persons are required to report business entertainment received that exceeds $100 in the aggregate per Business Contact per calendar quarter within thirty days after the quarter-end through the personal trading system.

 

Receiving Gifts and Business Entertainment - Investment Professionals

 

The following requirements only apply to Gifts and Business Entertainment provided by broker/dealers to investment professionals.

 

· Investment professionals may accept meals (lunches and dinners) provided by a broker/dealer if the event is related to research or other company business ( e.g., meetings with company management, industry experts, analysts or traders).
· Investment professionals (other than those who work in a trading function) may accept meals (lunches and dinners) provided by a broker/dealer that are not related to research or other company business. All such entertainment must be promptly reported to the Compliance Department. A form for this purpose is located in the personal trading system.
· Investment professionals (other than those who work in a trading function) may accept other forms of entertainment such as golf tournaments, baseball games and shows. Any single event whose value is in excess of US$100 requires the approval of the regional asset class CIO or Director of Research (for analysts). Records of the approvals are required to be maintained by the investment professionals. All such entertainment must be promptly reported to the Compliance Department. A form for this purpose is located in the personal trading system.
· Investment professionals may not accept any gifts, other than those that are token in nature ( e.g., items with company logos). All other gifts should be returned to the broker. If that is not possible, the gift should be forwarded to HR or Compliance.

F. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

 
 

The Company may from time to time be solicited to make contributions to charitable organizations by Clients or prospective Clients. These may be in the form of hosting a table at a dinner or lunch, sponsoring a golf outing or part thereof, or in other forms. A charitable contribution may be made under certain circumstances at the request of an existing Client. It is prohibited to make a charitable contribution on behalf of the Company at the request of a prospective Client. Forms for pre-approval of charitable contributions are located in the personal trading system.

 

 

G. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In support of the democratic process, Covered Persons are encouraged to exercise their rights as citizens by voting in all elections. Certain state and federal restrictions and obligations, however, are placed on our Companies and Covered Persons, including Covered Persons’ spouses and dependent children (“Family Members”), in connection with their political contributions and solicitation activities. For example, our investment advisers must comply with Investment Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-5 (hereinafter, “Rule 206(4)-5”), and our broker-dealer must comply with MSRB Rule G-37. These and other rules are intended to prevent companies from obtaining business from state and local government entities in return for Political Contributions or fundraising. Among other consequences, failure to comply with Rule 206(4)-5 may trigger a ban on receiving compensation for Investment Advisory Services Business for two years, and failure to comply with MSRB Rule G-37 may prohibit our broker-dealer from engaging in municipal securities business (i.e., offering Section 529 Plans) with an issuer for two years.

 

All Covered Persons must abide by the requirements of the Political Contributions Policy, which can be found on the Compliance tab of the Company Intranet.

 

H. OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

Your outside business activities must not reflect adversely on the Company or give rise to a real or apparent conflict of interest with your duties to the Company or its Clients. You must be alert to potential

 
 

conflicts of interest and be aware that you may be asked to discontinue an outside business activity if a potential conflict arises. You may not, directly or indirectly:

 

(a) Accept a business opportunity from someone doing business or seeking to do business with the Company that is made available to you because of your position within the Company;

(b) Take for oneself a business opportunity belonging to the Company; or

(c) Engage in a business opportunity that competes with any of the Company’s businesses.

 

 

 

You are required to disclose any existing outside business activities at the time of hire.

 

You must obtain pre-approval from your immediate supervisor and your Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (or designee) for any outside business activities.

 

Outside business activities requiring pre-approval include but are not limited to:

Outside business activity for which you will be paid, including a second job;

Any affiliation with another public or private company, regardless of whether that company is a for profit or not-for-profit business, or a political organization as a director, officer, advisory board member, general partner, owner, consultant, holder of a percentage of the business voting equity interests or in any similar position;
Any governmental position, including as an elected official or as an appointee or member, director, officer or employee of a governmental agency, authority, advisory board, or other board (e.g., school or library board); and
Candidate for elective office.

A form for this purpose is located in the personal trading system . You must seek new clearance for a previously approved activity whenever there is any material change in relevant circumstances, whether arising from a change in your job, association, or role with respect to that activity or organization. You must also notify each of the parties referenced above regarding any material change in the terms of your outside activity or when your outside activity terminates. On an annual basis you are required to provide an update related to any approved activity.

 

I. SERVICE AS DIRECTOR OF ANY UNAFFILIATED ORGANIZATION

You may not serve on the board of directors or other governing board of any unaffiliated organization unless you have received the prior written approval of your Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, or the AAMA LP General Counsel or AGI U.S. Holdings General Counsel. Approval will not be given unless a determination is made that your service on the board would be consistent with the interests of Clients. If you are permitted to serve on the board of a public company, you may also be subject to additional requirements. [9]

 

 
 

J. PRIVACY

The Company considers the protection of Client and employee non-public personal information to be a fundamental aspect of sound business practice and is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of such information in accordance with applicable law. In support of this commitment, the Company has developed policies and procedures, including a Written Information Security Program Governing the Protection of Non-Public Personal Information , that protect the confidentiality of non-public personal information while allowing for the continuous needs of Clients and employees to be served. All Covered Persons, including Temporary Employees, who have access to non-public personal information, are subject to the applicable requirements set forth in the Company’s privacy program. Covered Persons are required to report to their Privacy Officer or Privacy Committee any suspicious or unauthorized use of Client or employee non-public personal information or non-compliance with the privacy program by employees of the Company. The Written Information Security Program can be found on the respective Compliance tab of the Company Intranet. The Privacy Policy for Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings and subsidiaries can be found at: http://us.allianzgi.com/Pages/PrivacyPolicy.aspx

K. “SPEAK UP” REPORTING AND ANTI-RETALIATION POLICY / POLICY FOR REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES AND CONCERNS

This section summarizes the “Speak Up” Reporting and Anti-Retaliation Policy for Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings and subsidiaries (collectively, “AllianzGI”) and the Policy for Reporting Suspicious Activities and Concerns for AAMA.

Reporting Responsibility

Covered Persons should promptly report their good faith concern regarding potentially illegal, fraudulent, or unethical conduct relating to our business activities.

Examples of conduct that should be reported include, as applicable:

· Potential violations of applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
· Fraudulent, illegal, or unethical acts involving any aspect of the Company’s business;
· Material misstatements and/or false statements made in regulatory filings, internal books and records, financial reports, or client records and reports;
· Activity that is harmful to clients;
· Material deviations from required controls and procedures, including violations of the Company compliance policies or accounting standards;
· Bribery;
· Theft or embezzlement of Company resources; and
· Retaliatory conduct.

 

How to Report

 

Covered Persons have several options for reporting information, including:

 

· Calling the toll-free number (877) 628-7486 (anonymous)
· Accessing the related internet site at https://allianzgi-us.alertline.com (anonymous)
· Contacting your Company’s Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel
 
 

 

Information that relates to suspected violations of Human Resources policies and employment related violations may also be reported to the Human Resources Department.

 

Suspected violations involving the Funds should be reported in accordance with the Funds’ Policy for Reporting Suspicious Activities and Concerns.

 

Covered Persons should be as detailed as possible when submitting their concerns. Any information that could help the Company determine what actions need to be taken should be included.

 

The Company’s Response

 

The Company is committed to promoting an ethical and complaint workplace and will take any appropriate action it deems necessary to respond to every reported concern. Potential actions include investigating the details of the concern, interviewing the person under investigation, reporting the concern to appropriate management and taking remedial action.

 

Anti-Retaliation

 

The Company will not tolerate retaliation of any kind towards a Covered Person who in good faith reports a violation or suspected violation pursuant to this section. Retaliation is any conduct by the Company or any Covered Persons that would reasonably dissuade a Covered Person from raising or reporting good faith concerns through the Company’s internal reporting channels or with any governmental body, or from participating in or cooperating with an investigation of such concerns.

 

Links

 

For the full policies and details specific to your Company and the Funds’ Policy for Reporting Suspicious Activities and Concerns, please see:

 

AAM Intranet for the Policy for Reporting Suspicious Activities and Concerns

http://intranet/aam-functions/us/LegalandCompliance/Pages/SuspiciousActivities_Concerns.aspx

 

AllianzGI Intranet for the Speak Up Reporting and Anti-Retaliation Policy

http://intranet.allianzgi-intra.com/global/news/Documents/Speak%20Up%20Reporting%20and%20Anti-Retaliation%20Policy%20FINAL%20July%202015.pdf

 

Funds’ Policy for Reporting Suspicious Activities and Concerns

http://intranet.cn.us1.1corp.org/Compliance/Policies%20and%20Procedures%20of%20AGI%20Funds/F.%20%20%20Fund%20Governance/04.%20Policy%20for%20Reporting%20Suspicious%20Activities%20and%20Concerns/04.%20Policy%20for%20Reporting%20Suspicious%20Activities%20and%20Concerns.pdf

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

III.         CODE OF ETHICS

 

A. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS POLICY

 

INTRODUCTION

Personal securities transactions by investment management and investment company personnel continue to be an area of heightened scrutiny by regulators and auditors during their examinations and reviews. The SEC, the ICI, the IAA and the CFA Institute have published reports and standards, and the SEC has issued rules and regulations, regarding personal securities trading by employees of investment management and investment company firms.

 

The Company has established this Policy under the Code of Ethics in order to prevent and detect inappropriate personal trading practices and activities by Covered Persons. The restrictions on personal trading are stringent because they address both insider trading prohibitions and the fiduciary duty to place the interests of our Clients ahead of personal investment interests. The rules regarding personal securities transactions that are contained in this Policy are designed to address or mitigate potential conflicts of interest and to minimize any potential appearance of impropriety.

 

This Policy applies to all categories of Covered Persons. You must be familiar with the applicable personal trading, pre-clearance, reporting and certification requirements set forth in this Policy and must be careful to conduct your personal securities trading in accordance with all requirements of this Policy.

 

Certain persons who are employees of an Affiliate may be deemed as associated with the Company (“Associated Persons"). Associated Persons include anyone who would otherwise be categorized as an Access Person under the Policy but is not a Covered Person. Associated Persons are subject to the respective Code of Ethics of the Affiliate with whom they are employed (collectively “Associated Person Codes”). Any Associated Person who would otherwise be subject to this Policy, who is subject to an Associated Person Code and who complies with such Associated Person Code, shall not be subject to the provisions of this Policy. Associated Persons are subject to the oversight and supervision of the applicable U.S. registered investment adviser with respect to their activities on behalf of U.S. Clients and their personal trading activities.

 

It is important to note that the personal trading and reporting policies and requirements in this Policy generally apply to Securities with respect to which you have or will acquire Beneficial Ownership, which you may have either directly, or indirectly , including through holdings of certain other individuals (such as members of your immediate family sharing the same household and other individuals for whom you provide significant economic support) or holdings in certain trusts for which you serve as trustee or settlor or in various vehicles or accounts (such as a general or limited partnership for which you serve as a general partner, a limited liability company for which you serve as a manager-member, or your 401(k), defined contribution retirement account or individual retirement account). The determination of whether you have Beneficial Ownership of a particular Security can be complicated, and you should consult the Code of Ethics Office if you have any questions.

 
 

 

A glossary of terms contained within this Policy is set forth in the “Definitions” section at the end of this document for your reference.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 

 

 

I.

 

General Policy Statement

 

 

22

  A.     Fiduciary Duty of Our Investment Advisers    
  B.      Compliance with Federal Securities Laws and Regulations    
II. Categories of Covered Persons   22
III.

Exempt Securities

 

  23
IV. Pre-Clearance Procedures   24
  A.     Personal Trading System    
  B.      How Long are Approvals Effective?    
  C.      Special Pre-Clearance Requirements    
V.

Pre-Clearance Exemptions

 

  25
VI. Blackout Periods – Client Trades   26
  A.     De Minimis Transactions    
  B.      Blackout Periods for Investment Persons    
  C.      Blackout Periods for Access Persons (other than Investment Persons)    
  D.     Liquidation Exemption from the Blackout Periods    
VII. Blackout Periods – Allianz SE and Affiliated Securities   29
  A.     Blackout Periods – Allianz SE Shares    
  B.      Blackout Periods – Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds    
  C.      Blackout Periods – Affiliated Closed-End Funds    
VIII. Intraday Trading Prohibition   30
IX.

Ban on Short-Term Trading Profits

 

  30
X. Restricted/Watch Lists   31
  A.     AllianzAM Global Restricted List    
  B.      Other Restricted/Watch Lists    
XI.

Affiliated Closed-End Funds – Special Pre-Clearance Procedures

 

  32
XII.

Public Offerings

 

  32
XIII.

Private Placements

 

  33
XIV. Reportable Accounts   34
  A.     Accounts Required to be Reported    
  B.      Designated Broker-Dealers    
  C.      Non-Designated Broker-Dealers    
XV.

Reporting and Certification Requirements

 

  36
XVI.

Exemptions from this Policy

 

  37
XVII.

Consequences of Violations of this Policy

 

  37
XVIII.

Reporting of Violations

 

  37
XIX.

Questions Concerning this Policy

 

  38
XX.

Code of Ethics Office Contact Information

 

  38
XXI. Definitions   38

 

 

I. GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT

 

A. Fiduciary Duty of our Investment Advisers

 
 

Our investment advisers owe a fiduciary duty to the Clients for which they serve as an adviser or sub-adviser. Covered Persons of our investment advisers must avoid activities, interests, and relationships that could interfere or appear to interfere with our advisers’ fiduciary duties. Accordingly, at all times, Covered Persons must place the interests of Clients first and scrupulously avoid serving their own personal interests ahead of the interests of Clients. Covered Persons may not cause a Client to take action, or not to take action, for their personal benefit rather than for the benefit of the Client. For example, you would violate the Policy if you caused a Client to purchase a Security you owned for the purpose of increasing the price of that Security. If you are an Investment Person of the Company, you would also violate this Policy if you made a personal investment in a Security that might be an appropriate investment for a Client without first considering the Security as an investment for the Client. Investment opportunities of limited availability that are suitable for Clients also must be considered for purchase for such Clients before an Investment Person may personally trade in them. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, investments in initial public offerings and private placements.

 

B. Compliance with Federal Securities Laws and Regulations

At all times, Covered Persons must comply with applicable Federal Securities Laws and Regulations. You are not permitted to: (i) defraud a Client in any manner; (ii) mislead a Client, including making a statement that omits material facts; (iii) engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon a Client; (iv) engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a Client; (v) engage in any manipulative practices with respect to securities, including price manipulation; or (vi) otherwise violate applicable Federal Securities Laws and regulations. AGID Covered Persons and/or AGID Registered Representatives must also comply with applicable NASD/FINRA and MSRB rules and AGIFM and AGI U.S. Covered Persons must also comply with applicable Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations. In the event that you are unsure of any such laws or regulations, consult your Legal Department.

 

II. CATEGORIES OF COVERED PERSONS

Different requirements and limitations on Covered Persons are based on their activities and roles within the Company. Covered Persons are assigned one of the following categories as listed below.

 

Please note your category under this Policy may change if your position within the Company changes or if you are transferred to another department or Company. You will be notified in the event that your category changes. If you have any questions regarding your category, please contact the Code of Ethics Office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access Person :

An Access Person is any Covered Person who satisfies the definition of “Access Person” of the Company as defined in Rule 204A-1(e)(1) under the Advisers Act and/or “Access Person” with respect to an Affiliate Fund as defined in Rule 17j-1(a)(1) under the 1940 Act. An Access Person generally includes any Covered Person who:

(1) has access to nonpublic information regarding any Clients’ purchase or sale of Securities;

(2) has access to nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Clients;

(3) is involved in making Securities recommendations to Clients;

(4) has access to Securities recommendations to Clients that are nonpublic; or

 
 

(5) is an Investment Person as defined below.

 

Investment Person :

An Investment Person is a subset of Access Person who, in connection with his/her regular functions and duties:

(1) makes, or participates in making, recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of

Securities on behalf of any Client;

(2) provides information or advice with respect to a purchase or sale of Securities to a portfolio

manager; or

(3) helps to execute a portfolio manager’s investment recommendations.

 

Generally, Investment Persons include, but are not limited to, portfolio managers, research analysts, and traders.

 

 

Non-Access Person : A Non-Access Person is any Covered Person of the Company who does not satisfy the definition of Access Person above. Non-Access Persons are only subject to the Reporting and Certification Requirements section of this Policy.

 

In addition, any Covered Person may be designated as an Access Person or an Investment Person by the Code of Ethics Office and, if so, shall comply with this Policy according to such designation.

 

 

III. EXEMPT SECURITIES

SEC Rule 204A-1 treats all Securities as “Reportable Securities” with five exceptions as described below. As a result, this Policy does not apply to any of the following types of Securities or instruments (“Exempt Securities”). You may engage in transactions in any Exempt Security without obtaining pre-clearance. Further, you are not required to report transactions in Exempt Securities.

  1. Direct obligations of the Government of the United States, such as Treasury Notes, Treasury Bonds, Treasury Bills and U.S. Savings Bonds.

 

  1. Money market instruments, such as bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements.

 

  1. Shares of money market funds.

 

 

  1. Shares of unaffiliated open-end mutual funds.

Caution: Shares of Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds are not Exempt Securities.

  1. Shares of unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more unaffiliated open-end mutual funds.

Caution: Shares of unit investment trusts that are invested in one or more Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds and/or other types of Securities are not Exempt Securities.

 

Similarly, this Policy does not apply to trades in derivatives based on any of the above listed Securities.

 

IV. PRE-CLEARANCE PROCEDURES

 
 

Access Persons and Investment Persons are required to obtain pre-approval for personal trades in accordance with specific procedures as described below.

Failure to adhere to the following pre-clearance requirements is a serious breach of this Policy and may be considered a violation. In the event that you fail to pre-clear a transaction, you may be required to cancel, liquidate or otherwise unwind your trade and/or disgorge any profits realized in connection with the trade. Please refer to the section “Consequences of Violations of this Policy” for further discussion regarding violations.

 

A. Personal Trading System

 

Access Persons and Investment Persons are required to pre-clear all personal transactions in Securities through the Company’s personal trading system, with the exception of (i) transactions in Exempt Securities; and (ii) transactions listed under Pre-Clearance Exemptions.

 

Upon submitting a pre-clearance request through the personal trading system, you will receive an approval or denial message in connection with your request. Although the Company retains records of all electronic pre-clearance requests, it is recommended that you print and retain copies for your records.

If you are out of the office and want to make a personal trade, but do not have access to the system, send an e-mail request to the Code of Ethics Office with the proposed trade details. The Code of Ethics Office will enter your trade request through the personal trading system on your behalf and notify you whether the trade request has been approved or denied.

Instructions and a link to the personal trading system can be found on the Compliance tab of the Company Intranet.

 

B. How Long are Approvals Effective?

 

Pre-clearance approvals for securities traded on a U.S. exchange or in a U.S. market are effective until the close of business on the day that your pre-clearance request has been approved. Pre-clearance approvals for securities traded on a foreign exchange or in a foreign market are effective until the close of business on the business day following approval of your pre-clearance request. If you want to modify your trade request previously submitted in any way (e.g., date of execution or share quantity), you must submit a new pre-clearance request.

 

 

 

C. Special Pre-Clearance Requirements

 

You may be subject to special pre-clearance requirements either in addition to, or in place of, those pre-clearance requirements described in this section. Such requirements may be necessary due to your particular position within the Company or if your position requires you to have access to Non-Public Information of an Affiliate. In such cases, the Code of Ethics Office notifies you of any special pre-clearance requirements.

 

V. PRE-CLEARANCE EXEMPTIONS

The following types of transactions are not subject to the pre-clearance requirements of this Policy. You are not required to pre-clear transactions for which you do not exercise investment discretion at the time of the transactions (“non-volitional transactions”) or certain other automated transactions. The

 
 

transactions listed below are, however, required to be reported through your trade confirmations and/or account statements, unless noted otherwise .

  1. Purchases and sales of Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds.

 

  1. Purchases and sales of unaffiliated closed-end funds.

 

  1. Purchases and sales of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”).

 

  1. Purchases and sales of exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”).
5. Purchases and sales of index options and index futures.
  1. Purchases and sales of instruments issued by the national governments of the G8 member countries.

Note: Instruments issued by the U.S. Government are Exempt Securities and are not subject to pre-clearance or reporting.

 

  1. Transactions in Securities made in an account that is fully managed by a third party.

Note: Transactions in an account which is fully managed by a third party are not subject to reporting. You are however required to initially notify the COE office of such an account. Refer to the section “Reportable Accounts / Accounts Required to be Reported” for additional information pertaining to accounts fully managed by a third party.

 

  1. Purchases and sales of Securities in accordance with a pre-set amount or pre-determined schedule effected through an automatic investment plan or dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). This includes the automatic reinvestment of dividends, income or interest received from a Security in such plans or any other type of account.

Note: The purchase or sale of Securities outside of a pre-set amount and/or pre-determined schedule in such plans is subject to pre-clearance and reporting.

 

  1. Purchases of Securities by exercise of rights issued to the holders of a class of Securities pro rata, to the extent they are issued with respect to Securities of which you have Beneficial Ownership.

 

  1. Acquisitions or dispositions of Securities as the result of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, merger, consolidation, spin-off or other similar corporate distribution or reorganization applicable to holders of a class of Securities of which you have Beneficial Ownership.

 

  1. The automatic exercise or liquidation by an exchange of an in-the-money derivative instrument upon expiration, the delivery of Securities pursuant to a written option that is exercised against you and the assignment of options.

 

  1. Transactions in 529 Plans.

Note: Transactions in 529 Plans that are not distributed by AGID are not reportable.

 

  1. Transactions in variable annuity accounts.

 

  1. The transfer of Securities between accounts.

 

  1. Gifts of Securities received.

 

VI. BLACKOUT PERIODS – CLIENT TRADES

 
 

Potential conflicts of interest are of particular concern when an Access Person or Investment Person buys or sells a Security at or near the same time as the Company buys or sells that Security or an Equivalent Security for Client accounts. The potential appearance of impropriety in such cases is particularly severe if the Access Person or Investment Person acts as the portfolio manager or in another investment related capacity for the Client account in question.

 

To reduce the potential for conflicts of interest and the potential appearance of impropriety that can arise in such situations, this Policy prohibits Access Persons and Investment Persons from trading during a certain period before and after trades on behalf of Clients. The period during which personal securities transactions is prohibited is commonly referred to as a “blackout period.” The applicable blackout period depends on (i) whether your transaction is classified as a De Minimis Transaction as defined below; and (ii) whether you are an Access Person or an Investment Person.

“Clients” for purposes of the blackout periods depends on which Clients’ non-public orders, trades and/or portfolio holdings the Access Person or Investment Person has access to. For example, an Access Person or Investment Person may be associated with one or more of the following: (i) the Funds; (ii) NFJ Clients and/or (iii) Allianz Global Investors Clients.

The Company recognizes that the application of the blackout period during the period prior to Client transactions may result in inadvertent violations of this Policy from time to time. Nevertheless, virtually every industry group that has examined the issues surrounding personal securities trading has recommended the imposition of a blackout period. As a result, Covered Persons should consider carefully the potential consequences of the applicable blackout period before engaging in personal securities transactions in Securities which the Company holds, or might consider holding, in Client accounts. If your personal securities transaction in a particular Security is executed within the applicable blackout period, you may be required to cancel, liquidate or otherwise unwind the transaction and/or disgorge any profits realized in connection with the transaction.

If you have any questions about the application of the blackout periods to a particular situation, please contact the Code of Ethics Office before you submit a trade request.

The blackout periods below apply to both Securities and Equivalent Securities.

Caution: Because of the many variations and complexities of options transactions, you are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the Code of Ethics Office if you are unsure whether a particular option is deemed to be an Equivalent Security.

 

A. De Minimis Transactions

The following types of transactions are defined as “De Minimis Transactions” under this Policy. Such transactions are either highly liquid, present no conflict or present a low-risk conflict with Client transactions. De Minimis Transactions are required to be pre-cleared and reported.

  1. Purchases and sales of a Security or an Equivalent Security that, in the aggregate , do not exceed 5,000 shares per day per issuer with a total market capitalization of $10 billion or greater at the time of investment.

Note: 1 option contract is generally equivalent to 100 shares of the option’s underlying Security.

 

Issuer market capitalization amounts may change from time to time. Accordingly, you may purchase a Security that has a market capitalization of greater than $10 billion only to find out that you cannot sell the Security at a later date because the market capitalization has fallen below $10 billion and your trade is during a blackout period in connection with a Client trade in the same Security or Equivalent Security. If you are unsure whether a Security meets the market capitalization criteria, please contact the Code of Ethics Office.

 
 

 

  1. Purchases or sales of fixed-income Securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the Government of the United States.

 

  1. Short sales of any De Minimis Transaction or derivatives of any De Minimis Transaction where the underlying amount of Securities controlled is an amount otherwise permitted in this section.

 

Note : De Minimis Transactions are subject to an intraday trading prohibition as described in the section “Intraday Trading Prohibition” and a ban on short-term trading profits as described in the section “Ban on Short-Term Trading Profits”.

 

B. Blackout Periods for Investment Persons

The blackout periods for Investment Persons as described below do not apply to: (i) Exempt Securities; or (ii) the transactions listed under Pre-Clearance Exemptions.

De Minimis Transactions

Investment Persons may not purchase or sell Securities if, on the day of pre-clearance :

(i) there is a pending buy or sell order in the same Security or an Equivalent Security on behalf of Clients for which the Investment Person, or a member of the Investment Person’s team, has discretion; or

 

(ii) the same Security or an Equivalent Security is purchased or sold on behalf of Clients for which the Investment Person, or a member of the Investment Person’s team, has discretion.

 

 

Non-De Minimis Transactions

 

Investment Persons may not purchase or sell Securities if:

(i) the same Security or an Equivalent Security has been purchased or sold on behalf of Clients within the 5 business days prior to the day of pre-clearance ;

 

(ii) there is a pending buy or sell order in the same Security or an Equivalent Security on behalf of Clients on the day of pre-clearance ;

 

(iii) the same Security or an Equivalent Security is purchased or sold on behalf of Clients on the day of pre-clearance ; or

 

(iv) the same Security or an Equivalent Security is purchased or sold on behalf of Clients for which the Investment Person, or a member of the Investment Person’s team, has discretion, within the 5 business days after the day of pre-clearance .

 

Summary of Blackout Periods for Investment Persons

Time Period De Minimis Transactions Non-De Minimis Transactions
5 Business Days Prior to Day of Pre-Clearance None Trades for Clients
 
 

 

Day of Pre-Clearance Orders/Trades for Clients for which the IP, or a member of the IP’s team, has discretion Orders/Trades for Clients
5 Business Days After Day of Pre-Clearance None Trades for Clients for which the IP, or a member of the IP’s team, has discretion

 

Note: The specific Client accounts an Investment Person has discretion over is determined by the Code of Ethics Office in conjunction with your local Compliance Department.

 

C. Blackout Periods for Access Persons (other than Investment Persons)

The blackout periods for Access Persons (other than Investment Persons) as described below do not apply to: (i) Exempt Securities; or (ii) the transactions listed under Pre-Clearance Exemptions.

 

De Minimis Transactions

Access Persons are not subject to a blackout period for De Minimis Transactions.

Non-De Minimis Transactions

Access Persons may not purchase or sell Securities if, at the time of pre-clearance :

(i) there is a pending buy or sell order on behalf of Clients in the same Security or an Equivalent Security; or

 

(ii) the same Security or an Equivalent Security is purchased or sold on behalf of Clients during the period beginning 5 business days before the day on which the Access Person requests pre-clearance to trade in the Security, and ending on the day the Access Person requests pre-clearance, up until the time of pre-clearance .

 

Summary of Blackout Periods for Access Persons

Time Period De Minimis Transactions Non-De Minimis Transactions
5 Business Days Prior to Day of Pre-Clearance None Trades for Clients
Day of Pre-Clearance None Orders/Trades for Clients, up until the time of pre-clearance
5 Business Days After Day of Pre-Clearance None None

 

D. Liquidation Exemption from the Blackout Periods

 

You may sell up to 5,000 shares of any Security, and not be subject to the applicable blackout periods described in this section, provided the following conditions are satisfied :

 

1. Such transactions may only be executed on dates pre-determined by the Company. These dates are posted on the Compliance tab of the Company Intranet.
 
 

 

2. A written notification of such trades must be submitted to the Code of Ethics Office at least 2 weeks prior to the pre-determined trade dates.

 

3. If your order is not completed by your broker on the pre-determined trade date, you must cancel the remaining uncompleted order.

 

4. You may only provide such notification for up to 6 transactions each calendar year regardless of whether or not the orders are executed.

 

VII. BLACKOUT PERIODS – ALLIANZ SE AND AFFILIATED SECURITIES

 

A. Blackout Periods - Allianz SE Shares

You are prohibited from trading in Allianz SE shares (including ADRs) during certain periods of the year, generally surrounding the release of annual financial statements and quarterly results. This restriction also applies to transactions that completely or in part refer to Allianz SE company shares (or derivatives thereof) which involve the exercise of cash settled options or any kind of rights granted under compensation or incentive programs such as Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARS”), Phantom Stocks or Participation Schemes. Any exercise with direct cash-out payments are equivalent to the outright sale of Allianz SE shares held by you and therefore, would not be permitted during such a blackout period.

Note: The sale of shares from your Allianz ESPP account requires pre-clearance. You are not permitted to sell shares of Allianz SE stock from your Allianz ESPP account during the blackout periods. Please refer to the Compliance tab of the Company Intranet for the respective blackout periods relating to Allianz SE shares .

 

B. Blackout Periods – Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds

A personal trading blackout may be put in place in connection with shares of an Affiliated Open-End Mutual Fund up until the release of certain information regarding the Fund to the public. Reasons for a personal trading blackout with respect to a Fund may include, but are not limited to: (i) an upcoming change in portfolio management; (ii) a planned reorganization of the Fund, including a merger into an existing Fund; or (iii) an anticipated dissolution/liquidation of the Fund. Please note that the information regarding the Fund is confidential and must not be discussed with, or disclosed to, anyone outside of the Company.

Note: Such a blackout period applies to all share classes across all Accounts in which you are a Beneficial Owner, including transactions in your Allianz 401(k) Plan that are not effected through your automatic investment plan, such as rebalancing transactions and fund transfers.

Any transactions during the blackout period in the particular Affiliated Open-End Mutual Fund are considered a violation of this Policy and subject to remedial actions which may include, but not be limited to, personal trading bans and/or disgorgement of profits.

Covered Persons are notified of such a personal trading blackout for an Affiliated Open-End Mutual Fund in advance of the blackout period. Information pertaining to a firm-wide blackout period for a Fund is posted on the Compliance tab of the Company Intranet.

 

C. Blackout Periods – Affiliated Closed-End Funds

 
 

Affiliated Closed-End Funds are subject to blackout periods surrounding a Fund’s dividend declaration press release and quarterly earnings release that may prevent you from purchasing or selling the Fund. Affiliated Closed-End Funds may also be subject to blackout periods surrounding events involving Funds that have not yet been disclosed to the public.

Note: Refer to the AGI Closed-End Funds Dividend Blackout Calendar posted on the Compliance tab of the Company Intranet.

 

VIII. INTRADAY TRADING PROHIBITION

Access Persons and Investment Persons are prohibited from the purchase and sale, and sale and purchase, of the same security, on the same day (“intraday trading”). This prohibition does not apply to Exempt Securities.

IX. BAN ON SHORT-TERM TRADING PROFITS

Frequent personal trading can cause distraction from your job and, in turn, conflict with your fiduciary duty to the Company’s Clients. Short-term trading also involves higher risks of front running and abuse of confidential information. Access Persons and Investment Persons are prohibited from profiting from the purchase and sale (or in the case of short sales or similar transactions, the sale and purchase) of the same Securities within 30 calendar days .

The ban on short-term trading profits is applicable on an account-by-account basis. A series of purchases and sales is measured on a last-in, first-out basis (“LIFO” accounting method) until all purchases and sales transactions of the same Security within a 30 calendar day period in a Reportable Account are matched. A purchase or sale is ordinarily deemed to occur on trade date. If the purchase is considered to be made on day 1, day 31 is the first day a sale of those Securities may be made at a profit.

Note: You may sell Securities at a loss within 30 calendar days (subject to pre-clearance, where applicable) without violating this restriction.

Securities may be repurchased within 30 calendar days of a sale provided there are no additional conflicts with this Policy.

Any short-term trade that violates this restriction may be required to be unwound and/or any profits realized on the transaction may be required to be disgorged.

The ban on short-term trading profits does not apply to the following:

 

X. RESTRICTED/WATCH LISTS

 

A. AllianzAM Global Restricted List

The AllianzAM Global Restricted List includes companies in which the trading of securities is restricted for certain types of accounts. Such restrictions may be applicable to trades for Clients, trades for proprietary accounts and/or for personal securities transactions. Issuers may be added to the AllianzAM Global Restricted List for a variety of reasons, such as the following: (i) the issuer being a traded affiliate; (ii) an affiliated Company having inside information about a particular issuer; or (iii) to ensure that the aggregate group holding does not breach a particular threshold.

 
 

Access Persons and Investment Persons are prohibited from trading in any Securities by issuers on the AllianzAM Global Restricted List if such restrictions apply to personal account dealings.

 

B. Other Restricted/Watch Lists

From time to time, your Company may place restrictions on personal trading in the Securities of a company. Restrictions may be implemented, for example, to enhance an information barrier by preventing the appearance of impropriety in connection with trading, or preventing the use or appearance of the use of inside information. Access Persons and Investment Persons are prohibited from trading in the Securities of any issuer on such a restricted list if the restrictions apply to personal account dealings.

Your Company may also place the Securities of a company on a watch list. In such cases, the Code of Ethics Office reviews any personal trading activity in the Securities of an issuer on the watch list on a post-trade basis and evaluates whether there is any appearance of impropriety with respect to the personal trades by that Access Person or Investment Person.

 

 

 

 

XI. AFFILIATED CLOSED-END FUNDS – SPECIAL PRE-CLEARANCE PROCEDURES

Covered Persons who want to purchase or sell an Affiliated Closed-End Fund must complete and submit the form for this purpose through the personal trading system. In determining whether to grant approval for the trade, the Code of Ethics Office makes an assessment as to whether the transaction complies with this Policy. Your request will be denied if the transaction would violate any requirements of this Policy.

 

Section 16 Requirements

 

Common shares of closed-end funds are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. As such, there are specific reporting requirements and trading prohibitions under Sections 16(a) and 16(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 30(h) of the Investment Company Act if you are deemed to be a “Section 16 Person” with respect to a closed-end fund that include special filing obligations with the SEC. The Company’s Legal Department will notify you in the in the event that you are deemed to be a Section 16 Person in connection with an Affiliated Closed-End Fund. Even though individuals are personally responsible to file the forms with the SEC under Section 16, the Company’s Legal Department will manage the Section 16 filings on your behalf, if authorized by you. In connection with Affiliated Closed-End Funds, if you are a Section 16 Person, the COE Office must provide your trade execution details to the Legal Department or to the respective Company’s CCO (or designee) for third party closed-end funds sub-advised by a Company within one business day for filing purposes.

 

In addition, Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (together with Section 30 (h)) prohibits Section 16 Persons from profiting from the purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of an applicable Closed-End Fund within a six month period (referred to as “short-swing profits”). Any such profits realized are required to be forfeited to the applicable Closed-End Fund.

 

XII. PUBLIC OFFERINGS

Acquisitions of Securities in a public offering are subject to special pre-clearance procedures. Public offerings give rise to potential conflicts of interest that are greater than those present in other types of personal securities transactions since such offerings are generally only offered to institutional and retail investors who have a relationship with the underwriters involved in the offering. In order to preclude any

 
 

possibility of a Covered Person profiting from his/her position with the Company, the following rules apply to public offerings.

Initial Public Offerings – Equity Securities

You are prohibited from purchasing equity and equity-related Securities in IPOs of those Securities in the U.S., whether or not the Company is participating in the offering on behalf of its Client accounts.

You are prohibited from purchasing equity and equity-related Securities in IPOs of those Securities outside of the U.S., whether or not the Company is participating in the offering on behalf of its Client accounts, except that you may participate in a retail tranche of such IPOs if available and subject to pre-clearance approval.

 

Secondary Offerings – Equity Securities

Subject to pre-clearance approval, you are generally permitted to purchase equity and equity-related Securities in secondary offerings of those Securities if the Company does not hold the Security on behalf of its Client accounts, and if no portfolio manager of the Company wishes to participate in the offering for Client accounts.

Debt Offerings

Subject to pre-clearance approval, you are permitted to purchase debt Securities in public offerings of those Securities, unless the Company is participating in that offering on behalf of its Client accounts. You cannot participate in any public offering of debt Securities if the Company is participating in the offering on behalf of its Client accounts.

Note: These prohibitions do not apply to investments in public offerings by your spouse, provided the investment pertains to your spouse’s firm of employment . These prohibitions also do not apply to investments in public offerings if such an investment is available to the Covered Person as a result of the Covered Person’s existing investment in a Private Placement . However, any such investments are subject to prior review and approval by the Code of Ethics Office.

A form for pre-clearing the purchase of Securities that are the subject of public offerings is located in the personal trading system.

 

XIII. PRIVATE PLACEMENTS

Acquisitions of Securities in a Private Placement are subject to special pre-clearance procedures. Investments in hedge funds and PIPEs are considered to be Private Placements. Prior approval is required by: (i) your immediate supervisor; (ii) your Company’s CIO, if applicable; and (iii) your Company’s CCO (or designee). The form for this purpose is located in the personal trading system.

Approval will not be given if:

- The investment opportunity is suitable for Clients;
- The opportunity to invest has been offered to you solely by virtue of your position; or
- The opportunity to invest could be considered a favor or gift designed to influence your judgment in the performance of your job duties or as compensation for services rendered to the issuer.

 

Note: You must provide documentation supporting your investment in the Private Placement to the Code of Ethics Office upon completion of your investment. You must also notify the Code of Ethics Office if there are any changes in the circumstances of your Private Placement investment (e.g., liquidation or

 
 

dissolution of the Company). Additional contributions to an existing Private Placement must be pre-cleared as a new Private Placement investment. For IPOs stemming from an existing Private Placement, refer to the section “Public Offerings”.

 

If you are an Investment Person and you have acquired Beneficial Ownership of Securities in a Private Placement, you must disclose your investment when you play a part in any consideration of an investment by a Client in the issuer of the Securities, and any decision to make such an investment must be independently reviewed by your Company’s CIO or a portfolio manager who does not have Beneficial Ownership of any Securities of the issuer.



XIV. REPORTABLE ACCOUNTS

 

A. Accounts Required to be Reported

The following personal accounts are required to be reported to the Code of Ethics Office: (i) upon hire; (ii) upon a change in your category from Non-Access Person to Access Person or Investment Person; (iii) at the time a new account is opened; and (iv) annually, as described in the section “Initial and Annual Reporting and Certification Requirements”:

 

  1. Accounts in the name of, or for the direct or indirect benefit of:
(a) You; or
(b) Your spouse, domestic partner, minor children and any other person to whom you provide significant financial support, as well as to transactions in any other account over which you exercise investment discretion or trading authority, regardless of Beneficial Ownership.

 

  1. Accounts that are fully managed by a third party where you do not have discretion over investment selections for the account through recommendation, advice, pre-approval or otherwise.

Note: The Code of Ethics Office independently verifies that the account is fully managed with your broker or financial adviser.

 

  1. Accounts that have the ability to hold Reportable Securities, even if the account currently only holds Exempt Securities.

Example: If you have a 401(k) Plan with a prior employer that includes an Affiliated Open-End Mutual Fund as an investment option, the account is required to be reported regardless of whether you hold that particular Fund in your account.

 

  1. Accounts that are established under the following Allianz Plans:
· Allianz 401(k) Plan
· Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. Roth 401(k) Plan
· Allianz Asset Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Account (“DCP Account”)
· AllianzGI Deferral into Funds Plan (“DIF Plan”)
· AllianzGI Class A Shares Purchase Program (through BFDS)
· AllianzGI Institutional Shares Purchase Program (through BFDS)
· Allianz Institutional Shares Purchase Program (through Charles Schwab)
· Allianz Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“Allianz ESPP”)
· Allianz Personal Choice Retirement Account (“PCRA Account”)
· CollegeAccess 529 Plan distributed by AGID
· MI 529 Advisor Plan distributed by AGID
· OklahomaDream 529 Plan distributed by AGID
 
 

Note: The Code of Ethics Office receives statements and transactions for the above listed Allianz Plans directly from the Company, the broker or the Plan Administrator.

Examples of the types of accounts that you must report if the account holds Reportable Securities or has the ability to hold Reportable Securities include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

Note: 529 Plans are not Reportable unless they are distributed by AGID.

 

If you are unsure whether an account is required to be reported, please contact the Code of Ethics Office for guidance.

 

B. Designated Broker-Dealers

The Company has selected certain broker-dealers as “Designated Broker-Dealers”. A list of the Company’s Designated Broker-Dealers can be found on the Compliance tab of the Company Intranet. The Code of Ethics Office receives automated trade confirmations and/or account statements directly from these broker-dealers, thereby eliminating the need for you or your broker-dealer to submit copies of these documents in paper format.

Access Persons and Investment Persons are required to maintain their Reportable Accounts with a Designated Broker-Dealer, unless they have submitted an exception request in writing and received approval from the Code of Ethics Office to maintain the account(s) with a non-Designated Broker-Dealer. Refer to the section “Non-Designated Broker-Dealers”. Temporary Employees, however, are not subject to this requirement and may hold accounts outside of the Designated Broker-Dealers without obtaining prior approval.

Note: If you open a new account with a Designated Broker-Dealer, you must promptly notify the Code of Ethics Office in writing of the new account and provide the account details.

 

C. Non-Designated Broker-Dealers

Certain limited exceptions may be granted that would allow you to maintain a Reportable Account with a non-Designated Broker-Dealer. For example, an exception may be granted based on the type of the account (e.g., a 401(k) account with a prior employer, a spousal 401(k) account with the spouse’s employer, an employee stock purchase plan account or a direct stock purchase plan account). An exception may also be granted if your spouse works for another investment adviser or broker-dealer with their own designated or preferred broker-dealer requirement.

You must submit a request in writing to the Code of Ethics Office if you want to open or report a new account with a non-Designated Broker-Dealer, prior to opening the account . The notification must include the name of your broker-dealer, the type of account and the reason(s) for requesting the exception.

 
 

If you are a new Access Person or Investment Person, you are required to transfer your Reportable Accounts to a Designated Broker-Dealer within a reasonable period of time from the commencement of your employment with the Company or from the date you become an Access Person or Investment Person resulting from a change in your category classification, unless you have been granted an exception for the account(s).

If the circumstances of the non-Designated Broker-Dealer account change in any way, it is your responsibility to notify the Code of Ethics Office immediately. Please note that the nature of the change in circumstances reported may cause the Designated Broker-Dealer exception to be revoked. Also note that an exception request must be made for each account to the Code of Ethics Office. You may not assume that because an exception was granted in one instance that you would necessarily be permitted to open a new account with the same non-Designated Broker-Dealer or another non-Designated Broker-Dealer.

The Company treats all trade confirmations and account statements as confidential and only discloses such information to the personal trading system vendor or in connection with an audit request, or during an exam or upon a request by a regulatory authority.

 

XV. REPORTING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Under SEC Rule 204A-1, advisers must provide each supervised person with a copy of the code of ethics and any amendments. The code of ethics must also require each supervised person to acknowledge, in writing, receipt of those copies. In addition, Access Persons and Investment Persons are required to provide a complete report of Securities holdings at the time the person becomes an Access Person or an Investment Person and at least once a year thereafter. The information supplied must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the individual becoming an Access Person or an Investment Person (initial report) or prior to the date the report is submitted (annual report).

SEC Rule 204A-1 requires an adviser’s employees who have been designated as Access Persons and Investment Persons to provide quarterly reports of their personal securities transactions no later than 30 days after the close of each calendar quarter. An adviser’s code of ethics may excuse Access Persons and Investment Persons from submitting transaction reports that would duplicate information contained in trade confirmations and/or account statements that the adviser holds in its records, provided that the adviser has received those confirmations and/or statements not later than 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which the transaction takes place.

The Code of Ethics Office provides you with notification of, and instructions pertaining to, your initial, quarterly and annual reporting and certification requirements.

Access Persons and Investment Persons

Within 10 days of becoming an Access Person or an Investment Person (either following the commencement of employment with the Company or due to a change in your category classification), you are required to (1) certify your receipt and understanding of and compliance with the Code; and (2) complete an initial report of personal Securities holdings and accounts and submit the report, along with any relevant documentation as requested by the Code of Ethics Office.

On a quarterly basis, you are required to report your personal securities transactions to the Code of Ethics Office no later than 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter. With respect to accounts held with a Designated Broker-Dealer, the Company receives transactions directly from the broker-dealer through an electronic feed. With respect to accounts held with a Non-Designated Broker-Dealer, you are required to submit duplicate trade confirmations and/or account statements, either on a monthly basis or on a quarterly basis (depending on the time frame for which a statement is generated by the broker-dealer), to the Code of Ethics Office no later than 30 days after the end of the calendar month or calendar quarter, as

 
 

applicable. The Code of Ethics Office sends a NYSE Rule 407/FINRA Rule 3050 Letter to the broker-dealer requesting these documents. In the event that the broker-dealer is unable to routinely mail the documents to the Company through such a letter, you are required to provide the documents to the Code of Ethics Office by the deadline.

On an annual basis, you are required to (1) re-certify your understanding of and compliance with the Code; (2) provide information regarding your Securities holdings; and (3) certify to a list of your current Reportable Accounts.

Non-Access Persons

Within 10 days of becoming a Non-Access Person (either following the commencement of employment with the Company or due to a change in your category classification), you are required to certify your receipt and understanding of and compliance with the Code.

On an annual basis, you are required to re-certify your understanding of and compliance with the Code.

 

XVI. EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

You may apply for an exemption from a provision of this Policy by making a request in writing to the Code of Ethics Office. The request must fully describe the basis upon which the request is being made. As part of the consideration process, the CCO of your Company (or designee) determines if a Client may be disadvantaged by the request and considers any other relevant factors in deciding whether to grant or deny the request.

No exemptions may be granted for those sections of this Policy that are mandated by regulation.

 

XVII. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS OF THIS POLICY

Compliance with this Policy is considered a basic condition of employment with the Company. We take this Policy and your obligations under it very seriously. A potential violation of this Policy may constitute grounds for remedial actions, which may include, but are not limited to, a letter of caution, warning or censure, recertification of the Code, disgorgement of profits, suspension of trading privileges, termination of officer title, and/or suspension or termination of employment. Situations that are questionable may be resolved against your personal interests. Violations of this Policy may also constitute violations of law, which could result in criminal or civil penalties for you and the Company.

 

In addition, the Federal Securities Laws require companies and individual supervisors to reasonably supervise Covered Persons with a view toward preventing violations of law and violations of a company’s Code of Ethics. As a result, all Covered Persons who have supervisory responsibility should endeavor to ensure that the Covered Persons they supervise, including Temporary Employees, are familiar with and remain in compliance with the requirements of this Policy.

 

XVIII. REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS

Violations of this Policy must be reported to your Company’s CCO and the Head of the Code of Ethics Office. In connection with any Company-advised Funds, the CCO of the Company (or designee) will report promptly any material violations of this Policy by Access Persons of the Funds to the Funds’ Board of Directors or Trustees. In connection with any Company-advised Funds, the CCO of AGI U.S. (or designee) will report all violations of this Policy by Access Persons of the Funds to the Funds’ Board of Directors or Trustees on a quarterly basis.

 

 

 
 

 

XIX. QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS POLICY

Given the seriousness of the potential consequences of violations of this Policy, all employees are urged to seek guidance with respect to issues that may arise. Determining whether a particular situation may create a potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of such a conflict, may not always be easy, and situations inevitably arise from time to time that require interpretation of this Policy as related to particular circumstances. If you are unsure whether a proposed transaction is consistent with this Policy, please contact the Code of Ethics Office before initiating the transaction.

 

XX. CODE OF ETHICS OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION

For purposes of this Policy, the contact information for the Code of Ethics Office in New York is as follows:

 

Personal Trading Helpline:  (212) 739-3186

Outlook Group E-Mail Address:  COE-PT@allianzgi.com (COE – PT)

 

XXI. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply to terms that appear in this Policy. Additional definitions are contained in the text itself.

 

1940 Act

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder

 

529 Plan

A tax-advantaged investment vehicle in the U.S. designed to encourage savings for the future higher education expenses of a designated beneficiary

 

Advisers Act

The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder

 

Advisory Clients

Clients, other than Funds, for whom the Company serves as an adviser or sub-adviser

 

Affiliate

Any company or entity that is under common ownership or control with Allianz SE.

 

Affiliated Funds:

 

Affiliated Closed-End Funds

Closed-end funds that are advised or sub-advised by AllianzGI U.S., NFJ or any of their affiliates (excluding Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO) and PIMCO Investments LLC).

 

 

 

 

Affiliated Open-End Mutual Funds

 
 

Open-end mutual funds that are advised or sub-advised by AllianzGI U.S., NFJ or any of their affiliates (excluding Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO) and PIMCO Investments LLC).

 

AGID Registered Representatives

A Covered Person who is a Registered Representative of AGID. A “registered representative” (also called a general securities representative) is licensed to sell Securities in the U.S and generally involves Covered Persons engaged in sales, trading and investment banking activities. A registered representative must be sponsored by a broker-dealer and pass the FINRA-administered Series 7 examination (known as the General Securities Representative Exam) or another Limited Representative Qualifications Exam. Some state laws and broker-dealer policies also require the Series 63 examination.

Allianz Global Investors Clients

Refers to Clients of AllianzGI U.S., NFJ and certain non-U.S. Affiliates. Orders and trades for these Clients are included on the Bloomberg global trading platform.

 

Beneficial Ownership

For purposes of this Policy, Beneficial Ownership is interpreted in the same way as it would under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Exchange Act, and the rules thereunder. You are considered to have Beneficial Ownership of Securities if you have or share a direct or indirect Pecuniary Interest in the Securities. Through indirect Pecuniary Interest, you will generally be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of Securities held by members of your immediate family sharing the same household and other individuals for whom you provide significant economic support, and Securities held in investment vehicles for which you serve as general partner or managing member, among other circumstances. See the definition of “Pecuniary Interest” below.

You are also considered to have Beneficial Ownership of Securities held in a trust where (i) you act as trustee and either you or members of your immediate family have a vested interest in the principal or income of the trust; or (ii) you act as settlor of a trust, unless the consent of all of the beneficiaries is required in order for you to revoke the trust.

CCO

Chief Compliance Officer

 

CIO

Chief Investment Officer

 

Clients

Collectively, the Funds and Advisory Clients

 

Company

Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. (“AAMA LP”), Allianz Asset Management of America LLC (“AAMA LLC”), Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC (“AGI U.S. Holdings”), Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI U.S.”), Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC (“AGID”), Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC (“AGIFM”), NFJ Investment Group LLC (“NFJ”) and Pallas Investment Partners, L.P. (“Pallas”)

 

COO

Chief Operating Officer

 

 

Covered Persons

All partners, officers, directors, and employees of the Company, including interns and Temporary Employees

 
 

 

Designated Broker-Dealer

A broker-dealer for which the Company receives automated trade confirmations and/or account statements for Covered Persons directly from such broker-dealer

 

Equivalent Security

An “Equivalent Security” for purposes of this Policy means any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege at a price related to the value of the underlying Security, or similar Securities with a price derived from the value of the underlying Security.

The following are examples of Equivalent Securities:

 

Example 1 :

General Electric Co. Common Stock

General Electric Co. Convertible Security

General Electric Co. Preferred Shares

General Electric Co. Call Option 22 6/21/2013

Example 2:

SPDR S&P 500 ETF

SPDR S&P 500 Put Option 139 9/14/2013

ETFs

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are investment vehicles that have many attributes of mutual funds but trade throughout the day on an exchange like a stock.  ETFs come in a variety of styles including passive or index ETFs, which typically aim to closely track their underlying index, and actively managed ETFs, which are typically managed with the objective of providing above-benchmark returns or to objectives such as income or total return.

 

ETNs

Exchange-traded notes (ETNs) are a type of unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities issued by an underwriting bank. This type of debt differs from other types of bonds and notes because ETN returns are based upon the performance of a market index minus applicable fees, no period coupon payments are distributed and no principal protection exists. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are traded on a major exchange, such as the NYSE during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the debt security until maturity.

 

Exchange Act

Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder

 

 

 

Federal Securities Laws

Including without limitation, the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, any rules adopted by the SEC and other regulatory bodies under these statutes, the U.S.A. Patriot Act and Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to mutual funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of Treasury

 
 

 

FINRA

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

 

Funds

The registered investment companies for which AAMA LP or any of its affiliated subsidiaries serves as an adviser or sub-adviser

 

G8

The Group of Eight (G8) is a forum for the governments of eight of the world’s largest economies. The group members include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

 

IAA

Investment Adviser Association

 

ICI

Investment Company Institute

 

IPO

An initial public offering (IPO), also referred to as a “new issue” under FINRA Rule 5130, means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act to file public periodic reports with the SEC.

 

Non-Public Information

Non-Public Information is information which has not been made available to investors generally. Information received in circumstances indicating that it is not yet in general circulation or when the recipient knows or should know that the information can only have been provided by an
“insider” is also Non-Public Information.

 

NYSE

New York Stock Exchange

 

Pecuniary Interest

You have a Pecuniary Interest in Securities if you have the opportunity to directly or indirectly benefit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the Securities. The following are examples of indirect pecuniary interest in Securities:

 

 
 

You do not have a pecuniary interest in the Securities held by a corporation or similar entity in which you hold an equity interest, unless you are a controlling shareholder of the entity or you have or share investment control over the Securities held by the corporation or similar entity.

 

PIPEs

Private investments in public equities

 

Policy

Personal Securities Transactions Policy

 

Private Placements

A private placement is the sale of securities to a relatively small number of select investors as a way of raising capital. A private placement is the opposite of a public issue, in which Securities are made available for sale on the open market. Although private placements are subject to the Securities Act, the Securities offered do not have to be registered with the SEC if the issuance of the securities conforms to an exemption from registration as set forth in the Securities Act and SEC rules.

 

Reportable Account

An account that is required to be reported by Access Persons, Investment Persons, AGID Covered Persons and AGID Registered Representatives under this Policy

 

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

 

SEC Rule 204A-1

Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, also known as the “Code of Ethics Rule”

 

Securities Act

Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder

 

Security

The term “Security”, as defined in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act, means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security”, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing.

For purposes of this Policy, commodities and futures and options traded on a commodities exchange, including currency futures, are not Securities. However, securities futures, financial futures and futures and options on any group or index of Securities are Securities.

 

Temporary Employee

A temp, consultant or contractor

 

 


[1] Although Pallas is an unaffiliated registered investment adviser, it shares common employees, facilities and systems with AGI U.S.

[2] Including without limitation, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”), the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, any rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other regulatory bodies under these statutes, the U.S.A. Patriot Act and Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to mutual funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of Treasury.

[3] As defined in the Personal Securities Transactions Policy.

[4] Section 16(b) prohibits short-swing profits by corporate insiders in their own corporation’s stock, except in very limited circumstances. It applies only to directors or officers of the corporation and those holding greater than 10% of the stock and is designed to prevent insider trading by those most likely to be privy to important corporate information. Section 10(b) makes it unlawful for any person to use or employ in the connection with the purchase or sale of any security registered on a national securities exchange or any security not so registered, any manipulative or deceptive device or in contravention of such rules and regulations as the SEC may prescribe.

[5] Closed-end funds that are advised or sub-advised by AllianzGI U.S., NFJ or any of their affiliates (excluding Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO) and PIMCO Investments LLC).

[6] In North America, the practice of market sounding is generally known as confidential pre-marketing. As a condition of participating in such pre-marketing/market sounding efforts, the underwriters require the potential investors to enter into confidentiality agreements, in which they agree not to disclose the information about the potential offering or trade in the issuer’s securities until the information becomes public or is no longer considered current.

[7] For purposes of these procedures, “Investment Research Consultant Firms” are firms that employ or have similar arrangements with professionals in various fields of expertise to conduct, analyze, review and/or provide specialized information and research services for third parties. Investment Research Consultant Firms do not include entities whose employees provide generally available market and/or securities analysis or information.

[8] For purposes of these procedures, “Consultants” include individuals who provide, analyze and/or research information for third parties pursuant to their employment or other arrangement with an Investment Research Consultant Firm.

[9] See your Company’s compliance policies and procedures.

____________________________________

 

 

Group Personal Account Dealing Policy

 

 

 

Group Policy Document

26 July 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Contents

1   About this Document 4
1.1   Purpose 4
1.2   Policy Owner and document approval 4
1.3   Disclaimer 4
2   Scope 5
3   Governing Principles 5
4   Summary of Requirements 6
5   Exemptions and Derogations 7
5.1   Dividend Reinvestment Plans 7
5.2   Discretionary Managed Accounts 7
5.3   Regular Savings Plans 7
5.4   Derogations 7
6   Non-Compliance 8
APPENDIX 1 Personal Account Dealing Rules 9
1   Application 9
2   Pre-Clearance Requirements – All Staff 9
2.1   Staff Risk Levels 9
2.2   Use of ‘My Compliance’ system 9
2.3   Pre-clearance for Financial Instruments other than Schroders plc shares and Schroder Investment Trusts 9
2.4   Schroders plc 10
2.5   Schroders Closed Ended Funds 10
2.6   Schroders Open Ended Funds 10
2.7   Non-Schroder Open Ended funds 10
3   Dealing Restrictions – All Staff 10
3.1   Stop List 10
3.2   Dealing in Schroders plc shares 10
3.3   Where the Group holds more than 10 per cent. 10
3.4   Minimum Holding Period 11
3.5   Pending Client Orders 11
3.6   Remuneration Awards - Hedging 11
3.7   Clearance period and lapsed approvals 12
 
 
4   Additional restrictions for Higher Risk Staff 12
4.1   Pending Client Orders 12
4.2   Proximity to Client Trades 12
4.3   Trades in own Investment Universe 12
4.4   Trades in own managed funds 12
4.5   Access Persons 13
5   Post Trade Reporting 14
5.1   Reporting to Compliance 14
5.2   Reporting of PA Dealing to Management 14
6   Permissible Investments 15
7   Applicable Accounts 18
8   Local PA Dealing Rules 19
APPENDIX 2 Personal Account Dealing Rules in relation to Schroders Shares 20
1   Application 20
2   Prohibited Periods 20
3   Transactions 21
4   Unrestricted Actions 22
5   Persons Closely Associated  (‘PCAs’) and Investment Managers 22
6   Notification of Transactions 23
7   What this means in practice 23
Schedule 1 25
Summary of dealing restrictions in Schroders plc shares for plc Directors and their PCAs 26
 
 

 

1 About this Document
1.1 Purpose

This policy sets out Schroders’ principles governing personal account (‘PA’) dealing in financial instruments, including Schroders plc shares. It reinforces the Group’s high standards of integrity, and provides a framework for Staff to comply with regulations on the prevention of market abuse and appropriately to avoid or manage conflicts of interest, in relation to personal investment activities. The policy (‘PA Dealing Policy’ or ‘Policy’) is supported by rules and procedures (‘PA Dealing Rules’), which are attached at Appendix 1 and 2 to the Policy. The PA Dealing rules are modified in some countries as explained under ‘Scope’ below. Specific rules in relation to Schroders plc shares are attached at Appendix 2, which apply to all Staff globally including non-executive Directors of Schroders Group companies.

1.2 Policy Owner and document approval

The Policy is owned by Jonathan Jesty, Global Head of Compliance. If you have any queries or comments regarding the information contained in the document, please contact Jonathan Jesty using the contact details below:

 

Function: Global Head of Compliance
Department: Compliance
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7658 7983
Email: Jonathan.Jesty@schroders.com

 

 

1.3 Disclaimer

Important information

 

This document has been prepared for internal use only. It is subject to change and revision from time to time. This document and its contents are confidential and should not be passed onto third parties, such as clients or prospective clients of Schroders, or communicated externally or published in any way whatsoever without the consent of the Group Head of Risk. A summary of this document may be available for use externally through the RFP Team.

 

 
 

 

2 Scope

This Policy is applicable to the Group’s employees, contractors (as far as required by HR Contractor procedures) and the long term in-house Staff of outsourced service providers (herein known as “Staff”) and ‘Persons Closely Associated (“PCAs”) with Staff

 

PCAs are:

 

· spouses, partners, minors and other dependent children/ stepchildren
· a relative who has shared the same household for the previous year (or more)
· anyone the Staff member advises, exerts influence over, or for whose account the Staff member effects or instructs trades
· any other person, corporate body, trust or partnership in whose trades the Staff member or their PCA has a material direct or indirect interest or has direct or indirect control. This may include other family members, for example, or trusts of which a member of Staff or their PCA is a beneficiary and/or a trustee or an adviser.

 

The PA Dealing Rules set out in Appendix 1 also apply to all Staff globally, except in countries which have issued their own PA Dealing Rules, as set out in Section 8 of the PA Dealing Rules.

 

This Policy and the PA Dealing Rules do not apply to trades entered into by PCAs as part of the remuneration schemes of their own employment.

 

The PA Dealing Rules in relation to Schroders shares apply to all Staff globally and to non-executive Directors of Schroders Group companies as described in Appendix 2.

3 Governing Principles

As the Group’s business involves research and investment on behalf of clients, conflicts of interest and exposure to confidential or price sensitive information can often arise or be perceived to arise. These can present significant regulatory and reputational risks both for individual Staff and for the Group when Staff make personal account transactions in instruments in respect of which the Group has confidential information, is currently dealing or which it is holding for its clients. Circumstances can be ambiguous and regulators’ sanctions and publicity for PA transactions that are found not to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements or the Group’s policy can be severe and very damaging.

 

Staff must comply with the PA Dealing Rules applicable to them summarised below. In addition, Staff must not enter into personal transaction s that could amount to market abuse, criminal activity, a material conflict of interest that is not mitigated or a breach of fiduciary duty.

 

This includes transactions which (not limited to):

 

· are based on inside information;
· involve the misuse or improper disclosure of confidential information; or
· conflict with, or are likely to conflict with, an obligation of Schroders to a client , including the fundamental duty to act in the best interests of clients.

 

For further information on market abuse risks, please refer to the Global Market Abuse Policy.

 
 

 

PA dealing activities must not detract (or be seen to detract) from an individual’s responsibilities to Schroders’ clients. Accordingly, all Staff must ensure when undertaking personal transactions for themselves or their PCAs, or when advising or influencing any PCAs of theirs that they do not:

 

· deal on confidential information, or advise, encourage or influence anyone else to do so;
· utilise knowledge of client trading for their own or another’s benefit;
· undertake transactions that would conflict with any of Schroders’ obligations to its clients;
· participate in excessively active trading, which may interfere or be seen to interfere with the ability to commit to employment responsibilities and may also substantially increase the risks (both regulatory and reputational) to the employee, or the Group;
· make trades that expose them to material open-ended liabilities. This includes short selling, CFD investing, spread betting and leveraged account management without putting an appropriate stop-loss mechanism in place.

 

Staff are reminded that inside, confidential or price-sensitive information obtained as a consequence of their employment with Schroders is to be kept confidential at all times and only disclosed during the proper course of the exercise of their employment duties.

 

These principles also apply to Staff joining or leaving Schroders with regard to any knowledge of confidential information, they may have acquired prior to joining Schroders or during their time with Schroders.

4 Summary of Requirements

Staff and their PCAs must comply with the PA Dealing Policy and the supporting PA Dealing Rules relevant to them in relation to purchases and sales of securities and certain other investment transactions as specified in the PA Dealing Rules relevant to them (for example, for the UK, as set out in the table in Section 6 of those Rules). Those Rules explain whether the proposed transaction is permissible, if it requires pre-clearance or post-trade reporting or both. Dealing in some financial instruments is prohibited.

 

Pre-clearance is required for most purchases and sales and is always required for dealings in Schroders plc shares. Reasons why clearance may not be given include:

 

· The instrument is on the Stop List
· There is recent, current or planned client trading in the instrument
· The Group holds more than 10 per cent. of the capital of the stock for clients and/or itself
· The instrument has not been held for the minimum holding period
· For Schroders plc shares, the Group is in a Closed or Restricted Period.

 

Most purchases and sales require post trade reporting (for example, for the UK, as set out in Sections 5 and 6 of the PA Dealing Rules).

 

All securities and other investments for which pre-clearance or post trade reporting is required must be held for a minimum of 60 days (or one year in the case of Schroders plc shares acquired other than through remuneration awards). Short term trading is discouraged in all instruments.

 
 

Hedging of unvested remuneration awards that reflect deferred compensation in shares or funds under the Group’s Equity Compensation Plan, Equity Incentive Plan or Long-Term Incentive Plan is prohibited (excluding currency hedging, which is permitted).

 

All Staff must:

· review and understand the provisions of this Policy and, if they wish to undertake personal account investment transactions, the applicable PA Dealing Rules
· obtain any pre-clearance required under the PA Dealing Rules through the automated system (‘My Compliance’) before under-taking any transactions
· provide to persons involved in the PA Dealing process all relevant requested information on a timely basis
· report immediately to Compliance any breach or suspected breach of the PA Dealing Policy or applicable PA Dealing Rules as soon as the Staff member becomes aware of such circumstance.

If in doubt, speak to Compliance.

5 Exemptions and Derogations
5.1 Dividend Reinvestment Plans

This Policy does not apply todividend reinvestment plans (other than in relation to Schroders plc – see Appendix 2), scrip issues, scrip dividends, tender offers, taking up rights issues (although permission is required to sell rights) and other corporate actions that do not involve discretion at the time of the transaction

5.2 Discretionary Managed Accounts

Arrangements under which full discretion is formally delegated by a member of Staff or their PCAs to a third party investment manager must be declared in My Compliance. Transactions by the discretionary investment manager are not subject to the dealing restrictions of this Policy other than in relation to Schroders plc shares – see Appendix 2 Section 5 for further details.

5.3 Regular Savings Plans

When setting up a regular savings plan, the first transaction must be pre-cleared/reported in My Compliance as per the requirements listed in Section 6 of Appendix 1. Subsequent transactions do not require pre-clearance. Reporting of subsequent transactions is required for Directors of Schroders Plc and their PCAsin relation to Schroders plc shares (see Section 6 in Appendix 2 ) and for Access Persons in their Quarterly and Annual transactions / holdings reporting (see Section 4.5 in Appendix 1). Changes to a regular savings plan must be notifiedto Compliance)who may also periodically request confirmation that the plan has not changed.

5.4 Derogations

Staff may request a derogation if the PCA manages their financial affairs wholly independently of, and without any knowledge or influence of, the member of Staff. Compliance will assess individual circumstances, including, if applicable, the compliance process the PCA is subject to in their own employment, and the appropriate certification of independence of the management of their financial affairs.

 

Staff should discuss other requests for derogations with their Head of Compliance. The Global Head of Compliance will document any derogation that Compliance agrees to give. Such derogations can be ongoing or limited to specific transactions – but are only likely to be granted in exceptional circumstances.

 
 

Any derogation request in respect of Schroders plc shares should be discussed with Corporate Secretariat.

6 Non-Compliance

Staff and their PCAs should regularly review their own trading to ensure that they have acted in compliance with the provision of this Policy. To the extent that a member of Staff determines that they or a PCA of theirs has executed a transaction not in compliance with this Policy, they have an obligation to report the violation to the relevant Head of Compliance.

Personal trades are subject to post-trade monitoring, irrespective of value and Staff risk level, which could result in retrospective action being taken, if there is evidence of non-compliance with the governing principles of this Policy, even if the request was approved in the ‘My Compliance’ system.

Depending on the circumstances, non-compliance with the Policy and/or the PA Dealing Rules may be treated as a serious disciplinary matter and may potentially result in a breach of an individual’s legal obligations.

In the event that any Staff or their PCA are found to have breached the Policy and/or the PA Dealing Rules, including the governing principles, Schroders reserves the right to:

 

· insist that the member of Staff or PCA closes out the position at their own cost
· pay any profits to charity
· escalate to management, for consideration as part of supervision and compensation discussions
· take further sanctions, up to and including dismissal of Staff and/or the reporting of the situation to the relevant regulatory body.

 

 
 

APPENDIX 1
Personal Account Dealing Rules

1 Application

The PA Dealing Rules apply to all Staff and their PCAs to whom the Policy applies, as defined in that policy, in the UK and globally, except in countries which have issued their own PA Dealing Rules, as set out in Section 8. Guidance on the account types to which these Rules are applicable is set out in Section 7.

 

If you have been advised by Compliance that you are an ‘Access Person’ associated with our SEC regulated entities (currently SIMNA Ltd and our SEC regulated US based entities) and so subject to the US Code of Ethics policy, additional reporting requirements will apply as set out in Section 4.5 below.

2 Pre-Clearance Requirements – All Staff
2.1 Staff Risk Levels

Staff are divided into two categories for the purposes of the PA Dealing Rules based on the potential risk associated with their roles. Some Staff are more likely to have access to non-public price sensitive information and/or to client trading information and/or may undertake roles that may be more likely to create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.

 

More restrictive rules are applied to the following Staff (‘Higher Risk Staff’):

 

· GMC members
· Investment Staff
· Compliance Staff
· Investment Risk Staff
· All other ‘Access Persons’ associated with our SEC regulated entities.

 

If you are a Higher Risk Staff member, additional restrictions apply as set out in Section 4.

2.2 Use of ‘My Compliance’ system

All Staff are required to obtain pre-clearance through ‘My Compliance’, except where agreed otherwise with the local Head of Compliance.

My Compliance will process all trade requests and provide staff with a decision. My Compliance will not normally, and Compliance reserve the right not to, give the reason for any denial of clearance, as providing an explanation could reveal confidential or price sensitive information.

2.3 Pre-clearance for Financial Instruments other than Schroders plc shares and Schroder Investment Trusts

Pre-clearance must be obtained from Compliance through My Compliance for all transactions, irrespective of size, in securities and other instruments for which pre-approval is required as set out in the table in Section 6.

 

Any limit on the order or stop-loss arrangement must be notified to Compliance via My Compliance at the time of requesting trade approval.

 
 
2.4 Schroders plc

For all transactions in Schroders plc shares, irrespective of size, pre-clearance is required from Corporate Secretariat through My Compliance in accordance with the PA Dealing Rules in relation to Schroders shares (see Appendix 2).

For Directors of Schroders plc or other cases requiring special clearance, the request will be routed to the Company Secretary to obtain the relevant approval or to carry out additional checks. If you have any doubts how a potential transaction should be treated please contact Corporate Secretariat before you or your PCA undertake any transaction.

All trades in Schroders plc shares need to be notified within 2 business days of executing the trade.

2.5 Schroders Closed Ended Funds

Pre-clearance through My Compliance is required for transactions in Schroder managed listed investment trusts. Additional clearance is required from the Investment Trust Company Secretary (which is sought via My Compliance) and Closed Periods apply to relevant members of Staff.

2.6 Schroders Open Ended Funds

No pre-clearance is required for trades in Schroder open ended funds except for some Investment staff (see 4.4), but all transactions need to be reported via My Compliance within 5 business days of execution.

2.7 Non-Schroder Open Ended funds

Investment in non-Schroder open ended funds which are authorised for distribution to the public in the Staff member’s country do not require pre-clearance or reporting, whether held within a tax wrapper (such as an ISA or pension plan) or not.

However, Access persons subject to the US Code of Ethics are required to report all non-US open ended funds as part of their initial, quarterly and annual disclosures.

3 Dealing Restrictions – All Staff
3.1 Stop List

If securities are on the Stop List, Staff will be refused permission to deal. This is normally because one or more employees of the Group are in possession of potentially price-sensitive, confidential information.

3.2 Dealing in Schroders plc shares

Transactions in Schroders shares are prohibited during Closed Periods as well as in Restricted Periods when a staff member is an insider in relation to Schroders shares. The specific restrictions and the definition of these periods are set out in Appendix 2.

3.3 Where the Group holds more than 10 per cent.

Where Schroders holds more than 10 per cent. of the issued share capital of a company, on behalf of clients or itself, staff will be refused permission to purchase equity investments. This is because regulatory and reputational risks are deemed higher, as the Group is more likely to be in possession of, or exposed to confidential information.

 

Exceptions to this rule are:

 

· Open ended Schroder managed funds
· Closed ended Schroder managed investment trusts
 
 
· If pre-emption rights are compromised, e.g. in the case of public rights issues, in which case Compliance should be consulted.


Disposal of such an investment is permitted. However, staff (in particular Investment staff, with knowledge of, or dealings with, the company or its senior management) should take great care in timing these disposals in accordance with the governing principles of the Policy.

3.4 Minimum Holding Period

Staff should not engage in personal account dealing activity for short-term speculative purposes. Permissible Investments (listed in Section 6 of this Appendix), irrespective of whether they require pre-clearance or reporting, must be held for a minimum of 60 calendar days. The only exception is for money market funds, for which the 60 day holding period does not apply. Please refer to Section 6 of this Appendix for details.

The use of Stop Loss limits within the 60 day period is permitted if the details are disclosed at the time of the pre-clearance request.

Other derogations may be exceptionally agreed with Compliance (e.g. in cases of personal hardship).

Schroders plc shares purchased in the market (rather than forming part of a remuneration award) are subject to a one-year holding period.

3.5 Pending Client Orders

Checks will be made in My Compliance as to whether there are any pending client orders. Factors which are taken into consideration within My Compliance in responding to a pre-clearance request include:

 

· The size of the trade request (and the cumulative value of other trades in the investment in the prior 60 days)
· Whether the trade request relates to a ‘Small Cap’ stock (typically market capitalisation of £2 billion or less)
· Whether the staff member is ‘Higher Risk’.

 

Executed transactions are also subject to post-trade monitoring against client trading activity and explanations may be requested from Staff in relevant cases of correlation.

3.6 Remuneration Awards - Hedging

Personal hedging is prohibited for restricted or unvested remuneration awards that reflect deferred compensation in shares, or equivalent. This includes Share or Fund Awards that employees receive as part of their performance-based remuneration under our Equity Compensation Plan, Equity Incentive Plan or Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

Any use of financial products to protect against or limit the risk associated with deferred remuneration awards is prohibited. This includes short sales, puts, calls or other types of financial instruments (including but not limited to variable forwards contracts, and collars) which are based on the value of Schroders shares, funds, or other securities granted to, or held directly or indirectly by such employee as part of their performance-based remuneration.

 

Hedging of any currency risk that may be associated with a Share or Fund Award or other employee compensation is permitted.

 

If an employee breaches this rule, they may be liable to forfeit all or part of their restricted or unvested awards.

 
 
3.7 Clearance period and lapsed approvals

After pre-clearance has been received from My Compliance, it will be valid until market close on the following business day (where market refers to the exchange(s) that the security is traded on) unless otherwise stated, and PA dealing may only take place in that timeframe (except, for example, in the case of applications for IPOs, where clearance will apply until allocation).

 

Unexecuted trade approvals should be cancelled by the Staff member in My Compliance at the earliest opportunity.

4 Additional restrictions for Higher Risk Staff

In addition to the requirements in Sections 2 and 3, the following rules are also applicable to Higher Risk Staff:

4.1 Pending Client Orders

Restrictions set within My Compliance are greater for Higher Risk staff on approving the buying or selling of financial instruments where the instrument is pending client order execution. In addition to the factors in 3.5, the decision will also take into consideration whether the instrument is within the investment universe of an Investment employee.

4.2 Proximity to Client Trades

Buying or selling financial instruments up to 5 business days after client trades is generally restricted. Determining factors include:

 

· Whether the instrument is within the Investment Universe (see 4.3 below) of an Investment employee
· The size of the personal trade request (and the cumulative value of other trades in the investment in the prior 60 days).

 

This is because regulatory and reputational risks regarding conflicts of interest are higher when PA dealing is undertaken in close proximity to dealing on behalf of clients.

 

Buying or selling financial instruments up to 5 business days before client trades is prohibited where the employee has knowledge of the Group’s intention to trade on behalf of a client and such trading may have an impact on the price of the instruments, even where approval through My Compliance is received. This may be subject to post-trade compliance monitoring.

4.3 Trades in own Investment Universe

Investment Staff are required to inform Compliance via the My Compliance system when a trade request is within their own Investment Universe, irrespective of the size of the request.

 

Investment Universe includes investments in relation to which the individual or others on the same desk have undertaken research or analysis on the security or issuer as part of that desk’s coverage, whether or not it has been held in a client portfolio, in the last 12 months; or in the case of dealers, within the dealing desk’s scope of responsibility.

4.4 Trades in own managed funds

Investment Staff are required to inform Compliance via the My Compliance system when a trade request is in a fund managed by their desk, irrespective of the size of the request.

Proposed trades exceeding £20,000 in the above are subject to review by Compliance.

 
 
4.5 Access Persons

If you have been advised by Compliance that you are an ‘Access Person’ associated with our SEC regulated entities (currently SIMNA Ltd and our SEC regulated US based entities) and hence subject to the US Code of Ethics policy, the following additional requirements will apply:

Pre-Clearance

In addition to Group policy requirements for all employees (see Section 6 of this appendix), dealing in Index tracking Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) also requires pre-clearance in
My Compliance.

Covered Accounts

A “Covered Account” under the Code of Ethics requirements is an account in which Permissible Investments (as set out in Section 6) are owned by you or any of your PCAs.

Trade Reporting Requirements

In addition to the post-trade reporting as set out in Section 5, Access Persons are also required to report

· Non-Schroder Open Ended Funds, authorised for distribution to the public in the Staff member’s country (UCITS funds in Europe), excluding open ended exchange traded funds, within five business days; and
· Subsequent transactions in regular savings plans for which the initial transaction has been pre-cleared require reporting in the Quarterly Reports (see below).

The reporting obligation may be discharged by arranging with their brokers/agents to report the transaction via an established automated feed into My Compliance.

Initial Declaration

No later than 10 days after being advised that they are subject to the Code, each Access Person must report each Permissible Investement they own in My Compliance or if agreed with Compliance, provide a list of their investments (as defined below).

The information provided, which must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date such person became an Access Person, must include the title of the security, at least two of exchange ticker symbol, ISIN, CUSIP orSedol number of shares owned (for equities), and principal amount (for debt securities). The Access Person must also provide information regarding the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the employee maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee, and set these accounts up in My Compliance.

Quarterly Reports

No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, each Access Person must confirm that all transactions in Permissible Investments, including for the avoidance of doubt Schroder Funds and Reportable Funds for which pre-clearance was not required, in the quarter have been reported in My Compliance and make any additions/amendments in the system as necessary. Access Persons are requried to confirmation of these transactions through an attestation in My Compliance.

Annual Reports

Within 45 days after the end of the calendar year, each Access Person must confirm all holdings in Permissible Investments for their covered accounts as at 31 December in My Compliance. Access Persons are requried to confirmation of these transactions through an attestation in My Compliance.

 

 
 
5 Post Trade Reporting
5.1 Reporting to Compliance

Post-trade reporting to Compliance is required for:

 

· All trades for which pre-clearance is required
· Schroder open ended funds
· ETFs and derivatives not required to be pre-cleared
· Government bonds
· Unquoted shares, Enterprise Investment Schemes

 

Once a trade is executed, the individual must confirm the trade details in the My Compliance system within 5 business days (2 business days for Schroders plc shares see Appendix 2). Compliance recommends that you arrange for your broker or platform to provide this directly to Compliance. If you have an account with a broker which provides an automated feed (see the list of automated brokers in My Compliance) you can and are strongly advised to contact Compliance regarding setting up automated feeds which will execute the reporting on those accounts on your behalf.

 

All Schroders corporate SIPPs through Hargreaves Lansdown should be set up for automatic reporting (UK only). Any trades undertaken through the Computershare employee share plan portal will be reported automatically.

 

If you do not have an account with an automated broker, you are required to complete all trade reporting in My Compliance within 5 business days of the trade and at the same time provide Compliance with a paper or electronic proof of executing the transaction (e.g. contract note).

5.2 Reporting of PA Dealing to Management

The relevant Asset Class Head will be notified at the time of clearance of requests by relevant Investment staff that exceed £25,000 if:

 

· The instrument is within the Investment Staff member’s eligible Investment Universe; or
· The instrument is a fund managed by an individual’s own Investment desk.

 

In addition, all Staff and their PCAs are regarded as consenting to ongoing reporting of transactions to senior management when they submit their pre-clearance requests or report trades.

 

This reporting may be exceptional or routine, and refer to pre-clearance requests, PA dealing approvals, reporting or trades executed.

 

 

 
 
6 Permissible Investments
Financial instrument (including new issues) Permissible (subject to clearance where required)? Pre-clearance required - all transactions
required to be checked against Stop List and, where applicable, the 10% Shareholding List and related requirements
Post trade reporting by broker, Staff member or PCA to Compliance required within 5 business days Required holding period of 60 calendar days
(but frequent trading discouraged for all instruments)
Shares (including ADRs, GDRs and transferable rights) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Private equity [1] Yes Yes Yes Yes
Other unquoted shares Yes No Yes Yes
Crowd funding – Non-lnvestment based and loan-based [2] Yes No No Yes
Crowd funding – investment based (shares & debentures) [3] Yes Yes Yes Yes
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Non-discretionary dividend reinvestment transactions and corporate action elections for which formal public documents are issued [4] Yes No No Yes

Schroders plc shares

See Appendix 2

Yes Yes Yes (reporting required within 2 days) Yes (minimum one year)
Hedging remuneration awards No (with the exception of currency) N/A N/A N/A
Hedging - any other type – see the relevant security in this table for their respective rules Yes N/A N/A N/A
 
 

 

Government or Supra-national Bond Yes No Yes Yes
Corporate Bond Yes Yes Yes Yes
Convertible Bond Yes Yes Yes Yes
Structured Notes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Asset/mortgage/
credit backed securities
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Non-Schroder Open Ended Funds, authorised for distribution to the public in the Staff member’s country (UCITS funds in Europe), excluding open ended exchange traded funds Yes No No (Post trade reporting within 5 business days required for Access Persons) Yes
Index tracking Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) Yes No (Pre-clearance required for Access Persons) Yes Yes
Other non-Schroder Open Ended Funds Yes No Yes Yes
Non-Index tracking ETFs Yes Yes Yes Yes
Enterprise Investment Schemes (UK only) Yes No Yes Yes
Schroder Open Ended Funds Yes No Yes Yes
Schroder Money Market Funds Yes No No No
Non-Schroder Closed Ended Funds (e.g. UK Investment Trusts and VCTs) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Schroder Closed Ended Funds (UK Investment Trusts) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Derivatives linked to major market indices Yes No Yes Yes
Options (call/put) Yes Yes Yes Yes (except for hedging)
Writing Uncovered Options (incl. options on currency and on interest rate) No N/A N/A N/A
 
 

 

Writing Covered Options (incl. options on currency and on interest rate) Yes Yes Yes Yes (except for hedging)
Futures (buying/selling) Yes Yes Yes Yes (except for hedging)
Swaps (Equity, Credit,  Interest Rate, Currency) No 3 N/A N/A N/A
Contract for Differences or spread bets linked to a security, commodity or other financial instrument Yes Yes Yes Yes
Forward Interest Rate Agreements No [5] N/A N/A N/A
Warrants Yes Yes Yes Yes
Spot and Forward FX [6] , Gold and financial investments referencing gold Yes No No No
Financial investments referencing other physical commodities Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

 
 

 

7 Applicable Accounts
Account type Applicable/Not Applicable under these rules Additional considerations
Any execution only or advisory accounts (including spread-betting accounts) Applicable Includes any accounts where the Schroders Staff member or their PCAs have any discretion in managing their financial affairs
ISAs including Junior ISAs (UK only) Applicable Includes any accounts where the Schroders Staff member or their PCAs have any discretion in managing their financial affairs
Schroders Corporate Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) SIPP (UK only) Applicable All HL SIPPs are required to be set up for automatic reporting through HL.
Any other SIPPs (UK only) Applicable  
Trusts in respect of which a member of Staff is a beneficiary, and/or a trustee or an adviser Applicable  
Schroders Corporate pensions, Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes and any other pension schemes (excluding the above) Not Applicable  
Discretionary managed accounts (accounts where full discretion has been given to a third party to manage)

Not Applicable if declared

 

All Discretionary managed accounts need to be declared in My Compliance. If the accounts are not declared, they are considered to be covered by the policy in full. including pre-clearance and reporting of all relevant investments.
ECP Fund awards or other forms of deferred compensation with the exception of awards or options over Schroder shares    Not Applicable  

 

 
 

 

8 Local PA Dealing Rules

Local rules apply instead of, or in addition to, these PA Dealing Rules, as set out in the local rules, to Staff in:

 

 

 

 
 

 

APPENDIX 2
Personal Account Dealing Rules in relation to Schroders Shares

1 Application

The rules apply to transactions in Schroders shares for all Staff, and their Persons Closely Associated (‘PCAs’) globally. For the purpose of the ‘PADealing Rules in relation to Schroders shares’, “Staff” includes non-executive Directors of Schroders Group companies

Specific rules applicable to Directors of Schroders plc and their PCAs are also set out in sections 5 and 6. A summary of the scope of these rules is included on page 26.

The following restrictions apply to all Staff:

· Pre-clearance must be obtained via My Compliance in advance of all dealings in Schroders shares (i.e. to buy, sell, lend or enter into any arrangement linked to the value of Schroders shares).
· All transactions are prohibited during Closed Periods.
· If you are on an insider list, pre-clearance will not be given during the relevant Restricted Period.
· Whether or not you have pre-clearance, you must not deal if you have any inside information.
· You cannot deal on short term considerations (the minimum holding period for Schroders shares is one year).
· You must keep confidential the fact that you are intending to deal or that you have applied for pre-clearance, and, if it is refused, that this was the case.
· Dealings relating to options in Schroders shares such as traded options, contracts for difference, spread betting and short selling are prohibited.

Notwithstanding the above restrictions, where a transaction is being undertaken on your or your PCA’s account during an open period under a discretionary arrangement with a third party investment manager that has been declared in My Compliance, or where you are the potential beneficiary of a discretionary trust, then pre-clearance is not required to be obtained. However, the notification requirements in section 6 must be adhered to.

If you are in doubt whether a proposed transaction in Schroders shares constitutes insider dealing or market abuse or about any aspect of these rules as they apply to Schroders plc shares, you should contact Corporate Secretariat (on +44 (0) 20 7658 5807 or +44 (0) 20 7658 6942) before undertaking any transaction.

If you think you or your PCA may be in breach of these rules at any time please notify Corporate Secretariat before taking any other action.

2 Prohibited Periods

Closed Periods and Restricted Periods are Prohibited Periods. You may not transact in Schroders shares during Closed Periods or if you have been advised your name is on an insider list and you are therefore a Restricted Person and in a Restricted Period.

Closed Periods are the period of 30 days immediately before an announcement of Schroders plc's Quarterly, Half-Year or Full Year Results, or if longer, the period from the end of the financial period until the announcement of Schroders plc's Quarterly, Half-Year or Full Year Results.

 
 

Restricted Periods are any period, other than a Closed Period, when there exists inside information in relation to Schroders plc or Schroders shares. In these cases, Restricted Persons are advised of his or her name being included on an insider list and the obligations and restrictions imposed upon them.

3 Transactions

During a Closed Period, Staff, their PCAs and their discretionary investment managers must not conduct any transactions for the account of the Staff member or any of their PCAs, directly or indirectly, relating to Schroders plc shares or debt instruments or to deriviatives or other financial instruments linked to them. Staff and their PCAs must not also conduct any transactions for the account of a third party.

Transactions outside of a Closed Period which require pre-clearance and are notifiable to the Company include the following:

 

· any acquisition (including the exercise of any option under the Equity Compensation Plan, Equity Incentive Plan, Long Term Incentive Plan and Restricted Growth Share Plan (Share-Based Deferred Awards)) or disposal, or agreement to acquire or dispose, of Schroders shares whether through a recognised stock exchange or by private off-market dealings;
· any acquisition or disposal in an investment fund or unit trust containing Schroders shares where the value of Schroders shares constitutes greater than 20 per cent. of the fund or trust’s value;
· transactions in Schroders shares executed by a third party under an individual portfolio or asset management mandate on behalf of or for the benefit of the Staff member. This does not incude discretionary arrangements with third party investment managers notified in My Compliance;
· entering into a contract (including a contract for difference and spread betting) the purpose of which is to secure a profit or avoid a loss by reference to fluctuations in the price of Schroders shares;
· the grant, acceptance, acquisition, disposal, exercise or discharge of any option, other than an option under the Share-Based Deferred Awards, (whether for the call, or put or both) to acquire or dispose of any Schroders shares;
· entering into or terminating, assigning or novating any stock lending agreement in respect of Schroders shares;
· using as security, or otherwise granting a charge, lien or other encumbrance over Schroders shares;
· any transaction, including a transfer for nil consideration, or the exercise of any power or discretion effecting a change of ownership of a beneficial interest in Schroders shares;
· any other right or obligation, present or future, conditional or unconditional, to acquire or dispose of any Schroders shares;
· investment into an ISA or divestment from an ISA where Schroders shares will be acquired through the ISA or disposed of through the ISA (including any acquisitions or disposals of Schroders shares through a 'self-select' ISA) where a Staff member retains control of the investment decisions;
· Dealings by Staff acting as sole trustee of a trust or acting as trustee on their own account; and
· Gifts and donations made or received, and inheritance received, in the form of Schroders shares

 

This list is not exhaustive. Should you be in any doubt as to how a particular transaction should be treated, you should contact Corporate Secretariat before undertaking any such transaction.

 
 
4 Unrestricted Actions

Transactions for which no clearance or notification is required are set out as follows:

 

· dealings where the beneficial interest in Schroders shares does not change;
· transfers of shares into a savings scheme investing in Schroders shares following the release of shares from the SIP;
· with the exception of a disposal of Schroders shares received as a participant, dealings in connection with the SIP;
· the cancellation or surrender of an option under a Share-Based Award Scheme;
· transfers of Schroders shares already held by means of a matched sale and purchase into a saving scheme or into a pension scheme in which the Staff member is a participant or beneficiary;
· an investment in a scheme or arrangement (other than where the investment in Schroders shares constitutes greater than 20 per cent. of the arrangement’s value) and where the assets of the scheme or arrangement are invested at the discretion of an independent third party;
· dealings in the units of an authorised unit trust or in shares in an open-ended investment company which holds Schroders shares (other than where the investment in Schroders shares constitutes greater than 20 per cent. of the arrangement’s value).

 

5 Persons Closely Associated (‘PCAs’) and Investment Managers

During any Closed Period, a Staff member must seek to prohibit any dealings in Schroders shares by or on behalf of a PCA or by an investment manager on his or her behalf or on behalf of a PCA where he or she or any PCA has funds under management with that investment fund manager, whether or not discretionary (except for transfers of shares into a savings scheme investing in Schroders shares following the release of shares from the SIP, purchases made in connection with the SIP or the re-investment of dividends under a standing instruction. Schroders plc Directors are not permitted to particpate in a dividend re-investment arrangement during a Closed Period).

 

Staff members must advise all his or her PCAs and investment managers acting on his or her behalf:

 

·          of Schroders plc's Closed Periods during which they cannot deal in Schroders Shares;

·          that with the exception of discretionary arrangements, clearance to deal in Schroders shares is required prior to all transactions; and

·          that the investment manager or PCA must advise Corporate Secretariat or the staff member immediately after they have dealt in Schroders shares.

 

Staff members should not alert their PCAs or investment managers of Restricted Periods which are determined by the Staff member’s access to Inside Information.

 

Staff members must take reasonable steps to prevent any dealings in Schroders shares by or on behalf of any PCA on considerations of a short term nature.

 
 
6 Notification of Transactions

Once a trade is executed, Staff must confirm the trade details in the My Compliance system within two business days. Any trades undertaken through the Computershare employee share plan portal will be reported automatically.

 

For Directors of Schroders plc and their PCAs, once a notifiable transaction is executed, they must confirm the transaction details to the Group Company Secretary within two business days of the transaction date. The transaction details must be in the form prescribed in Schedule 1 to this Policy. On receipt of the completed form, Schroders Corporate Secretariat will make the necessary announcement and submit the form to the Financial Conduct Authority on the Director’s or PCA’s behalf.

 

It is also a requirement that Directors of Schroders plc notify their PCAs and investment managers in writing of these notification obligations and retain a copy of the notification letter.

 

A copy of the notification form in Schedule 1 is available from Schroders Corporate Secretariat.

7 What this means in practice

Trading Plans

 

Schroders Share Incentive Plan (SIP)

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)

· Clearance to Deal is required prior to any subsequent dealing in any Schroders shares acquired through the DRIP. This will not be granted during a Prohibited Period.

 

Share-Based Deferred Awards (e.g. ECP, EIP and LTIP)

 
 

 

Schedule 1

 

Notification Template

 

1. Details of the Restricted Person / person closely associated with them (“PCA”)
a) Name

 

 

2. Reason for the notification
a) Position / status  
3.

Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of

instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted

a)

Description of the

financial instrument, type of instrument

 
b)

Nature of the

transaction

 

 

c)

Price(s) and

volume(s)

 

 

d)

Aggregated

information

 

Aggregated volume

 

Price

 
e)

Date of the

transaction

 
f)

Place of the

transaction

 
 
 

Summary of dealing restrictions in Schroders plc shares for plc Directors and their PCAs

Clearance to deal required Open Period Closed Period Restricted Period Notification required
Plc Director (acting on own behalf) P P × × P
PCA (acting on own behalf) P P × P P
Discretionary investment manager (acting on behalf of plc Directors or PCAs) × P × P P
Independent trust arrangement (where plc Directors or PCAs are beneficiaries) × P × P P
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) [7] P P P P P
Share Incentive Plan (SIP) [8] P P P P P
Trading plans (in relation to plc Directors) [9] P P × × P
Trading plans (in relation to PCAs) [10] P P × P P
Collective Investment Vehicle  / Unit Trust) (in relation to the plc Directors and PCAs) [11] × P P P P

 

Key: P = Dealing permitted × = Dealing not permitted


[1] “Private equity” in this context means investments or special purpose vehicles arranged by private equity firms or financial advisers that are not publicly traded.

[2] Non-investment based Crowd funding includes a) donation-based crowdfunding (people give money to enterprises or organisations they want to support pre-payment) and b) rewards-based crowdfunding (people give money in return for a reward, service or product such as concert tickets, an innovative product, or a computer game). Loan-based crowdfunding, also known as ‘peer-to-peer lending’, is where consumers lend money in return for interest payments and a repayment of capital over time.

[3] Investment-based crowd funding, where the investment is directly or indirectly in new or established businesses by buying investments such as shares or debentures. Depending on the nature of the investment, the pre-clearance and reporting requirement will be assessed by Compliance on a case-by-case basis.

[4] This includes dividend reinvestment plans, scrip issues, scrip dividends, tender offers, taking up rights issues (although permission is required to sell rights)

[5] For hedging, please contact Compliance.

[6] These include electronic currencies such as bitcoin.

[7] Clearance to deal is required prior to any subsequent dealing in any Schroders shares acquired through the DRIP.

[8] Clearance to deal is required prior to any subsequent dealing, such as a sale of shares in any Schroders shares acquired through the SIP. During a closed period and restricted period, Staff may join the SIP and make changes to SIP instructions but Directors of Schroders plc may not.

[9] Clearance is required to permit a Director to enter into a trading plan. However, after such clearance has been given purchases of the Company’s shares under such a programme do not require clearance. Note that purchases are not permitted during a closed period and/or restricted period.

[10] Clearance is required to permit a PCA to enter into a trading plan. However, after such clearance has been given purchases of the Company’s shares under such a programme do not require clearance. Note that purchases are not permitted during a closed period.

[11] If the value of Schroders’ shares within this vehicle does not constitute greater than 20 per cent. then no preclearance or notification is required.

 

 

UBS Asset Management–Americas

Code of Ethics

OR Taxonomy:
 

Owner/Issuer: Head C&ORC AM Americas

 

 

 

 

Why do we have this policy?

The regulatory requirements section 204A-1 of the investment Advisors Act and 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act require it.

 

 

 

 

 

Applicability   Summary of Key Requirements
 
 

 

Location

United States

 

 

This policy has the following key requirements:

·          It lays out a standard of business conduct that reflects the fiduciary obligations of supervised persons

·          Provisions that require all access persons to report, and compliance to review, personal security transactions and holdings periodically

·          Provisions requiring supervised persons to comply with U.S. federal securities law

Legal Entity

UBS Asset Management (Americas), Inc.

UBS Asset Management (US) Inc.

 
Business Division

Asset Management

 

 
Business Area / Function

Traditional Asset Classes : Equities, Multi-Asset & Currency, Fixed Income and Money Market

 

 
Roles

All

 

 
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Infringements of this policy may result in disciplinary action including dismissal.

 

 
 

df

Table of Contents

1.1 Who is subject to the Code? 4

1.2 Interested Directors of a Fund 4

1.3 Independent Directors of a Fund 4

2.1 Covered Accounts 5

2.2 Joint Accounts 5

2.3 Investment Clubs 5

3.1 Employee Account Centralization 5

3.2 Discretionary Accounts 6

4.1 Definition of Security 7

4.2 Preclearance Requirements 7

4.3 UBS AG Securities, UBS Mutual Funds and UBS Savings and Investment Plans 8

4.4 Frequency 8

4.5 Holding Period 8

4.6 Lockout Period 9

 
 

4.6.1 General 9

4.7 Prohibited Transactions 9

4.8 Initial Public Offerings 10

4.9 Investment in Partnerships and Other Private Placements 10

4.10 Options 10

4.11 Futures 10

5.1 Reporting 11

5.2 Copying Central Compliance on Statements and Confirms 11

5.3 Quarterly Transactions Report for Covered Persons and Interested Directors 12

5.4 Quarterly Transactions Report for Independent Directors 12

5.5 Annual Certification for Covered Persons, Interested Directors and Independent Directors 12

5.6 External Directorships and Positions: 12

6.1 Review of Personal Trading Information 13

6.2 Annual Reports to Mutual Fund Boards of Directors and UBS Asset Mangement's CEO 13

6.3 Sanctions and Remedies 13

 

 
 

 

· Policy
· Introduction

UBS Asset Management (“UBS AM”) has many important assets. Perhaps the most valuable is its established and unquestioned reputation for integrity. Preserving this integrity demands the continuing alertness of every employee. Each employee must avoid any activity or relationship that may reflect unfavorably on UBS AM as a result of a possible conflict of interest, the appearance of such a conflict, the improper use of confidential information or the appearance of any impropriety. Although no written code can take the place of personal integrity, the following, in addition to common sense and sound judgment, should serve as a guide to the minimum standards of proper conduct.

 

UBS AM insists on a culture that promotes honesty and high ethical standards. This Code of Ethics (“Code”) is intended to assist Employees in meeting the high ethical standards UBS AM follows in conducting its business. The following general principles must govern your activities:

 

- You have a fiduciary duty to place the interests of Clients first
- You must avoid or appropriately manage and report any actual or potential conflict of interests
- You must not take inappropriate advantage of your position at UBS AM
- You must comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which we operate.

 

If you violate the Code or its associated policies and procedures UBS AM may impose disciplinary action against you as more fully described in Section 6.3 below.

 

This Code is designed to ensure, among other things, that all employees conduct their personal securities transactions in a manner where clients’ interests are placed first and foremost and are consistent with the law. Any conduct that violates this Code is unacceptable and always constitutes an activity beyond the scope of the employee's legitimate employment.

 

The Code is designed to detect and prevent conflicts of interests between its employees, officers and directors and its Advisory Clients that may arise due to personal investing activities. UBS AM also has established separate procedures designed to detect other conflicts of interest and prevent insider trading (“Insider Trading Policy and Procedures”; "Political Contributions and Activities" Policy and Procedures), which should be read together with this Code.

 

Personal investing activities of “Covered Persons” (defined below) can create conflicts of interests that may compromise our fiduciary duty to Advisory Clients. As a result, Covered Persons must avoid any transaction that involves, or even appears to involve, a conflict of interests, diversion of an Advisory Client investment opportunity, or other impropriety with respect to dealing with an Advisory Client or acting on behalf of an Advisory Client.

 

As fiduciaries, Covered Persons must at all times comply with the following principles:

 

 
 
· Client Interests Come First. Covered Persons must scrupulously avoid serving their own personal interests ahead of the interests of Advisory Clients. If a Covered Person puts his/her own personal interests ahead of an Advisory Client’s, or violates the law in any way, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action, even if he/she is in technical compliance with the Code.

 

· Avoid Taking Advantage. Covered Persons may not make personal investment decisions based on their knowledge of Advisory Client holdings or transactions. The most common example of this is "front running," or knowingly engaging in a personal transaction ahead of an Advisory. This prohibition applies whether a Covered Person's transaction is in the same direction as the transaction placed on behalf of an Advisory Client (for example, two purchases) or the opposite direction (a purchase and sale).

 

If you are uncertain whether a real or apparent conflict exists in any particular situation or if you become aware of a violation, you should consult with your local Compliance & Operational Risk Control ("C&ORC") representative immediately.

 

This Code applies to UBS AM and the registered investment companies for which UBS AM serves as investment manager, investment advisor and/or principal underwriter (“Funds”). The Code sets forth detailed policies and procedures that Covered Persons of UBS AM must follow in regard to their personal investing activities. All Covered Persons are required to comply with the Code as a condition of continued employment.

· Who is subject to the Code?

Covered Persons. For purposes of this Code, Covered Person is defined as:

 

· each employee, officer and director of UBS AM, their spouses and members of their immediate families;
· each employee, officer or director or their spouses and members of their immediate families of any UBS Group AG affiliate, who is domiciled on the premises of UBS AM for a period of 30 days or more; and
· consultants and other temporary employees hired for a period of 30 days or more whose duties include access to UBS AM's technology and systems, and/or trading information in any form, unless they obtain a written exemption from the Central (Group) Compliance. Consultants and other temporary employees who are employed for less than a 30-day period, but who have access to UBS AM's trading information, will be subject to the reporting requirements as determined by their line manager and C&ORC (See Appendix F).
· Interested Directors of a Fund

Directors of any Fund that is an Advisory Client of UBS Group AG (“Interested Directors”) are subject to the following sections of the Code, except if covered by “Independent Directors of a Fund” below (item 1.3):

 

Section 4.6 Lockout Period

Section 5.1 Initial Holdings Report and Certification

Section 5.2 Quarterly Transactions Report for Covered Persons and Interested Directors

Section 5.3 Annual Certification for Covered Persons, Interested Directors and Independent Directors

 
 
· Independent Directors of a Fund

Directors of a Fund who are not affiliated with UBS AM (“Independent Directors”) as well as Interested Directors who do not have access to non-public information regarding the Portfolio Holdings of any fund advised by UBS AM or who are not involved in making securities recommendations or have access to such recommendations that are not public are subject only to the following sections of the Code:

 

Section 4.6 Lockout Period

Section 5.2 Quarterly Transactions Report for Independent Directors

Section 5.3 Annual Certification for Covered Persons, Interested Directors and Independent Directors

· Types of Accounts
· Covered Accounts

"Covered Account" includes any securities account (held at a broker-dealer, transfer agent, investment advisory firm, bank, or other financial services firm) in which a Covered Person has a beneficial interest or over which a Covered Person has investment discretion or other control or influence. Restrictions placed on transactions executed within a Covered Account also pertain to investments held outside of an account over which a Covered Person has physical control, such as a stock certificate.

· Joint Accounts

Covered Persons are prohibited from entering into a joint account with any Advisory Client.

· Investment Clubs

Covered persons are prohibited from participating in investment clubs.

· Establishing Covered Accounts
· Employee Account Centralization

Generally, Covered Persons must maintain Covered Accounts only with UBS Wealth Management (WMA). Any exceptions to this rule must be approved in writing by the Central (Group) Compliance by submitting a form located on Affirmation Online ("AOL") (See Appendix B for an example of the appropriate form). Covered Persons must obtain prior written approval from the Central (Group) Compliance to open a futures account.

 

 
 

Exceptions. The following Covered Accounts may be maintained away from WMA without obtaining prior approval.

 

· Mutual Fund Only Accounts. Any account that permits a Covered Person only to buy and sell shares of open-end mutual funds for which UBS AM does not serve as investment adviser or subadviser and cannot be used to trade any other types of securities like stocks or closed-end funds.

 

· 401(k) Plans. Any account with a 401(k) retirement plan that a Covered Person established with a previous employer, provided that the investments in the plan are limited to pooled investment options (e.g., open-end mutual funds). A 401(k) plan account that permits you to trade individual securities or invest in pools consisting of securities of a single issuer must be approved by the Compliance Department. The UBS SIP plan or any successor UBS 401(k) plan is not an excepted account within this definition .

 

· Investments in the Physical Control of a Covered Person. Covered Persons may maintain physical possession of an investment (for example, a stock certificate).

 

· Covered Person accounts at another financial services firm that require the accounts to remain with that firm. These accounts must be disclosed and statements must be provided to Central (Group) Compliance. Ongoing reporting requirements may be required as well.

 

· Employee stock option plan or share scheme accounts where securities are not yet vested.

 

· Estate accounts

 

· Trusts on which you are the beneficiary

 

· Custodial accounts for your children where you are not the custodian (i.e. your parents who are financially independent from you open a UTMA account with their grandchild(ren).

 

You must obtain approval to maintain the following Covered Accounts:

 

· Investments Directly with Issuers (or their Transfer Agents). Covered Persons may participate in direct investment plans that allow the purchase of an issuer's securities without the intermediation of a broker-dealer provided that timing of such purchases is determined by the plan (e.g., dividend reinvestment plans ("DRIPS”)). Such investments must be approved prior to the initial purchase of the issuer’s securities. Once approved, you are not required to pre-clear purchases or sales of shares in the plan, although transactions and holdings must be reported. However, if you withdraw the securities and hold a certificate or transfer them to a brokerage account, subsequent sales are subject to preclearance as well as the 30-day holding period.

 

Note: Covered Persons are required to report all Covered Accounts pursuant to the Reporting and Certification Requirements of Section 5 below.

· Discretionary Accounts

Typically all investment and trading accounts, including managed, discretionary and commodity accounts for which the UBS Covered Person is the account holder or joint account holder must

 
 

be centralized at UBS WMA. Covered Persons may request an exception from Central (Group) Compliance to open discretionary securities accounts. A discretionary account is one where all investment decisions are made by a third-party who is unrelated to the Covered Person or is not otherwise a Covered Person ("Discretionary Account"). Although Discretionary Accounts are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (Trading Restrictions) of this Code, they are still Covered Accounts and must comply with all other provisions of this Code, including this Section 3 Establishing Covered Accounts) and Section 5 (Reporting and Certification Requirements). In order to obtain necessary approval to open a Discretionary Account, Covered Persons must provide the following to the Central (Group) Compliance.

 

· E-mail the request to sh-affirmation-online@ubs.com. The request should include the reasons for your request, supporting documentation and any other information that will be useful for Central (Group) Compliance to make an informed decision. The subject line of your e-mail should read: EXCEPTION REQUEST .

 

· A copy of the Investment Advisory Agreement and/or any other relevant documents that demonstrate that the fiduciary has full investment discretion; and

 

If approval is granted the employee will be required to submit

 

· A copy of the signed Investment Advisory Agreement;

 

· A signed attestation (See Appendix E) that, if the Covered Person discusses any specific strategies, industries or securities with the independent fiduciary, the Covered Person will pre-clear any related trades that result from the discussion. (Note: if no such discussions take place in advance of transactions, preclearance is not required).

 

The Central (Group) Compliance will review Discretionary Account trading for abuses and conflicts and reserves the right to cancel approval of a Discretionary Account and to subject all of the account’s trades to preclearance and other requirements of this Code. Discretionary Accounts may not be used to undermine these procedures. Subsection Title

· Trading Restrictions
· Definition of Security

In this Code, the term security means any interest or instrument commonly known as a security, whether in the nature of debt or equity, including but not limited to any option, futures contract, shares of registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds) advised or sub-advised by UBS AM, warrant, note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or any participation in or right to subscribe to or purchase any such interest or instrument. For purposes of these trading restrictions and the reporting requirements described in Section 5, the term security does not include direct obligations of the U.S. government, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high-quality short-term debt instruments (including repurchase agreements), or shares of registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds) for which UBS AM does not serve as investment adviser or sub-adviser.

 
 
· Preclearance Requirements

Covered Persons must obtain prior written approval before purchasing, selling or transferring any security, or exercising any option (except as noted below).

 

· Preclearance is performed electronically through the Group Trade Pre-clearance System – GTPS, ( goto/gtps ). Each trade request requires approval by your Line Manager via e-mail prior to entering the trade(s) in GTPS. This e-mail must be forwarded to: SH-PAD-LM-Approval-Americas.

 

In the event the system is down, the process involves the following three steps:

 

· Complete the Trade Request Form. Covered Persons must complete a Trade Request Form (See Appendix A and submit it to their local C&ORC representative before making a purchase, sale or transfer of a security, or exercising an option.

 

· Wait for Approval. Their local the C&ORC representative will review the form and, as soon as practicable, determine whether to authorize the transaction.

 

· Execute Before the Approval Expires. A preclearance approval for a transaction is only effective on the day you receive approval (regardless of time).

 

· If your trade is not fully executed by the end of the day, you must obtain a new preclearance approval in GTPS before your order (or the unfilled portion of your order) can be executed. You do NOT require another approval by your line manager UNLESS some aspect of your order has changed (i.e. quantity, security, etc…)

 

· Exceptions. Covered Persons do not need to preclear the following types of transactions. Please see the “Transaction Requirement Matrix” in Appendix G for a summary of the preclearance requirements.

 

· Open-End Investment Company Shares (Mutual Funds), including funds offered within a 529 College Savings Plan. Purchases and sales of mutual funds do not require preclearance and are not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 5. However, certain holding period requirements apply to open-end registered investment companies advised or subadvised by UBS AM (see Section 4.3 herein).

 

· Unit Investment Trusts (UITs). Purchases and sales of unit investment trusts do not require preclearance.

 

· Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Purchases and sales of Exchange Traded Funds that are based on a broad-based securities index do not require preclearance. Transactions in all other ETFs, including industry or sector-based funds, must be precleared.

 

· Certain Corporate Actions. Acquisitions of securities through stock dividends, dividend reinvestments, stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, consolidations, spin-offs, or other similar corporate reorganizations or
 
 

distributions generally applicable to all holders of the same class of securities do not require preclearance.

 

· Rights. Acquisition of securities through the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent the rights were acquired through the rights offering and not through the secondary market.
·
· Third Party 401(k) Plans. Any transaction in these plans is generally exempt from the preclearance requirements, unless the plan permits a Covered Person to trade individual securities (e.g., shares of stock), in which case such transactions are subject to preclearance.

 

· Futures and Options on Currencies, Commodities and Broad Based Indices. A Covered Person is not required to preclear commodities, currencies and broad based indices.

 

· Transactions in Discretionary Accounts. Except under certain circumstances, a Covered Person is not required to preclear transactions in a Discretionary Account.

 

NOTE: All transactions, including those exempt from the preclearance requirement (other than mutual funds), are subject to the reporting requirements (See Section 5).

· UBS AG Securities, UBS Mutual Funds and UBS Savings and Investment Plans

Pre-Clearance is required for all transactions by Covered Persons in UBS Securities and UBS Labeled Products, including UBS Mutual Fund and PACE Select Funds. Covered Persons who are deemed company insiders are subject to blackout periods. In addition, any Covered Person who possesses material non-public information regarding UBS AG is prohibited from engaging in transactions in UBS securities and UBS labeled products.

· Frequency

In order to ensure that Covered Persons are not distracted from servicing Advisory Clients, Covered Persons should not engage in more than 20 transactions per month. (Note: This does not include repetitive transactions such as rolling futures contracts or broad based ETF’s).

· Holding Period

If a Covered Person is required to pre-clear a transaction in a security, he/she also must hold the security for at least 30 days.

 

As a result, Covered Persons may not:

 

· buy a security or Related Investment within 30 days after selling that security or Related Investment; or

 

· sell a security or Related Investment within 30 days after purchasing that security or Related Investment.
 
 

 

Please refer to the Transaction Requirement Matrix in Appendix G.

 

 

Exceptions.

· UITs although not subject to preclearance, must be held for at least 30 days.

 

· Shares of registered open-end investment companies advised or sub-advised by UBS AM must be held for at least 30 days.

 

· If a security has experienced a loss equal to at least 10% of the purchase price, the Covered Person may sell the security in less than 30 days, with prior approval from the Central (Group) Compliance.

 

· If you receive restricted stock as part of your compensation, you are not required to hold it for 30 days after it vests.
· Lockout Period
· General

Investment Personnel are prohibited from buying, selling or transferring any security if they know that the security, or Related Investment, was purchased or sold on behalf of an Advisory Client five days or less prior thereto or will be purchased or sold on behalf of an Advisory Client within five days therefrom. Personal trades in securities that are affected in close proximity to the addition or deletion of such security to or from a model will be closely scrutinized. Pre-clearance through GTPS should not be equated with pre-clearance of conflicts.

 

· Covered Persons are prohibited from executing a securities transaction on a day during which any client or fund has a pending or executed "buy" or "sell" in the same security.

 

· Trade Reversals. Even if a personal transaction is pre-cleared, such personal transaction is subject to being reversed after-the-fact. Furthermore, as indicated below, Central (Group) Compliance may require any violator to disgorge any profits or absorb any losses associated with the relevant security. In short, Covered Persons assume the risk (financial or otherwise) associated with any trade reversals regardless if they were pre-cleared to execute the trade.

 

· Broad-based Securities Indices. A Covered Person's knowledge that a security will be purchased or sold by an account managed with a quantitative model that tracks the performance of a Broad-Based Securities Index, such as the S&P 500 or the Russell 1000, does not trigger the lockout period. Futures and options transactions on Broad-based Securities Indices or currencies also are exempt from the lockout period.

 

· Closed-End Funds. Covered Persons, Interested Directors and Independent Directors are prohibited from buying, selling or transferring shares of any Closed-End Fund advised or sub-advised by UBS AM within two weeks before or after any regularly scheduled Board meeting. If a Board meeting is not considered a regularly scheduled meeting and notice of such meeting is provided within less than two weeks of the meeting date, the lockout period begins upon receipt of the notice and continues until two weeks after the meeting.
·
 
 

 

· Individual exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis and must be approved by both Central (Group) Compliance and the Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) at his/her discretion.
· Prohibited Transactions

 

UBS AM views the following transactions as especially likely to create conflicts with Advisory Client interests. Covered Persons are therefore prohibited from engaging in the following transactions:

 

· Short Sales. Covered Persons are prohibited from entering into a net short position with respect to any security.

 

· Futures. Purchase or sale of futures that are not traded on an exchange, as well as options on any type of futures (exchange-traded or not) are prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to currency forwards (futures or otherwise).

 

· Securities Issued by Suppliers & Vendors. Covered Persons who have information about or are directly involved in negotiating a contract with a supplier or vendor of UBS AM may not purchase securities issued by that supplier or vendor.
· Initial Public Offerings

Covered Persons are prohibited from acquiring securities in an initial public offering (other than a new offering of a registered open-end investment company).

 

In the event that a Covered Person holds securities in a company that has announced that it will engage in an IPO, he or she must immediately notify the Compliance Department.

· Investment in Partnerships and Other Private Placements

Covered Persons are permitted to acquire interests in general partnerships and limited partnerships, and to purchase privately placed securities, provided they obtain prior written approval from Central (Group) Compliance. Once approved, any additional capital investments (other than capital calls related to the initial approved investment) will require a new approval. Covered Persons requesting permission must complete the Private Placement Request Form via AOL (see Appendix C).

· Options
· Call Options: A Covered Person may purchase a call option on an individual security or ETF only if the call option has a period to expiration of at least 30 days from the date of purchase and the Covered Person either (1) holds the option for at least 30 days prior to sale or (2) holds the option and, if exercised, the underlying security, for a total period of 30 days. (Similarly, if you choose to exercise the option, you may count the period during which you held the call option toward the 30-day holding period for the underlying security or ETF.)

 

 
 

A Covered Person may sell ("write") a call option on an individual security or ETF only if he/she has held the underlying security (in the corresponding quantity) for at least 30 days (Covered Call).

 

· Put Options: A Covered Person may purchase a put option on an individual security or ETF only if the put option has a period to expiration of at least 30 days from the date of purchase and the Covered Person holds the put option for at least 30 days. If a Covered Person purchases a put on a security he/she already owns (Put Hedge), he/she may include the time he/she held the underlying security towards the 30-day holding period for the put.

 

· A Covered Person may not sell ("write") a naked put on an individual security or ETF.

 

· Options on Broad-Based Indices: Covered Persons may purchase or sell an option on a Broad-based Securities Index ("Index Option") only if the option has a period to expiration of at least 30 days from the date of purchase or sale. A Covered Person may buy or sell an Index Option with a period to expiration of less than 30 days from the date of purchase or sale to close out an open position only if he/she has held the position being closed out for at least 30 days or another exception under Section 4.3 (Holding Period) applies.

 

Note: Covered Persons must obtain preclearance approval to exercise an option on an individual security or ETF as well as to purchase or sell such an option.

· Futures

A Covered Person may purchase and sell exchange-traded futures and currency forwards.

 

Purchases and sales of futures contracts on an individual security are subject to the lockout period (See Section 4.4 above). Purchases and sales of all futures contracts are subject to the holding period requirement (See Section 4.3 above).

 

Note: Covered Persons must obtain preclearance approval to purchase or sell futures contracts on an individual security.

· Reporting and Certification Requirements
· Reporting

Covered Persons must disclose all reportable accounts and investments within 10 calendar days after becoming a "Covered Person" and gaining access to UBS AM systems. He/she must certify that he/she has read and understands the Code, that he/she will comply with its requirements, and that he/she has disclosed or reported all personal investments and accounts required to be disclosed or reported. Covered Persons will be required to review and update their holdings, securities account transactions and confirm they have read and understand the Code of Ethics quarterly and annually thereafter. Interested Directors other than Covered Persons are also required to make this report within 10 days of becoming an Interested Director of a Fund.

 
 

 

Initial holdings information must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to your hire date. Please note that you cannot conduct personal trades until you have completed all required disclosures within AOL.

 

Covered Persons are responsible for updating their information on the AOL system at the time any reportable Covered Account is opened and immediately upon making or being notified of a change in ownership or account number. To review and update your disclosed accounts, please enter "goto/aol" in your web browser to access Affirmation Online and select "Covered Accounts'.

 

Exceptions: Covered Persons are not required to report holdings in:

 

- U.S. Registered Open-End Mutual Funds that are not advised or sub-advised by UBS AM

 

- U.S. Government Securities

 

- Money Market Instruments

 

- Accounts over which a Covered Person has no direct or indirect influence or control

 

However, Covered Persons are required to include in initial and annual holdings reports the name of any broker-dealer or bank with which the Covered Person has an account in which any securities are held for his/her direct or indirect benefit. This information must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the date the report was submitted.

 

· Copying Central Compliance on Statements and Confirms

Central (Group) Compliance receives automatic feeds of trade confirmations and account statements from Wealth Management. However, for accounts maintained away from Centralization (WMA – See Section 3), Covered Persons must arrange for Central (Group) Compliance to receive directly from the executing broker-dealer, bank, or other third-party institution duplicate copies of trade confirmations for each transaction and periodic account statements for each Covered Account. Covered Persons are not required to provide duplicate confirms and statements for Mutual Fund Only Accounts.

If You Cannot Arrange for Duplicate Confirmations or Statements . You may wish to engage in a transaction for which no confirmation can be delivered to Central (Group) Compliance (e.g., a transaction in a privately placed security or a transaction in individual stocks held in a 401(k) plan). These types of transactions require the prior written approval from Central (Group) Compliance and will involve additional reporting requirements.

· Quarterly Transactions Report for Covered Persons and Interested Directors

Within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter, Covered Persons must file a report of all securities and U.S.-registered open-end mutual fund transactions for which UBS AM serves as adviser or subadviser on a Quarterly Transactions Report unless a duplicate confirmation or similar document was sent to the Central (Group) Compliance contemporaneously with the transaction. In addition, Covered Persons are required to report any account opened during the

 
 

quarter in which securities were held during the quarter (this includes accounts that hold those securities described above in Section 5.1).

· Quarterly Transactions Report for Independent Directors

Independent Directors must file a Quarterly Transactions Report with the C&ORC only if the Independent Director knew, or in the ordinary course of fulfilling his/her official duties as a director of a Fund should have known, that during the 15 days immediately preceding or following the date of a securities transaction in the Independent Director’s Covered Accounts that:

 

· the security was purchased or sold by a Fund; or

 

· a purchase or sale of the security was considered for a Fund.

 

Independent Directors must file these reports within ten days of the end of the calendar quarter in which the trade occurred.

· Annual Certification for Covered Persons, Interested Directors and Independent Directors

Annually, Covered Persons, Interested Directors and Independent Directors must certify that they have read and understand the Code, that they have complied with its requirements during the preceding year, and that they have disclosed or reported all personal transactions/holdings required to be disclosed or reported.

· External Directorships and Positions:

Covered Persons and certain other members of staff are required to disclose and obtain approval for certain outside directorships and other external positions. This Policy requires employees and others intending to accept any external directorship or other position covered by this Policy (1-P000353) to disclose it to UBS and obtain approval prior to accepting the position.

 

A UBS Person may not accept an external directorship, participate in an outside business activity or have other external positions which might create a conflict of interest, give rise to an appearance of impropriety, carry the risk of misleading third parties with regard to UBS's involvement in the activities to which the external directorship, outside business activity or other external positions relates or violates applicable law or regulation. (an example of the form: Appendix D). In addition, employees are required to notify Central (Group) Compliance and/or local C&ORC if any changes occur regarding the Directorship, Position or Outside Business Activity that may affect the approval granted by UBS AM.

 

 
 
· Administration and Enforcement
· Review of Personal Trading Information

All information regarding a Covered Person’s personal investment transactions, including the reports required by Section 5, will be reviewed by the Central (Group) Compliance, and all violations will be reported to the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee. All such information may also be available for inspection by the Boards of Directors of the Funds, the Chief Executive Officer and Legal Counsel of UBS AM, any party to which any investigation is referred by any of the foregoing, a Covered Person's supervisor (where necessary), the Securities and Exchange Commission, any self-regulatory organization of which UBS AM is a member, and any state securities commission.

· Annual Reports to Mutual Fund Boards of Directors and UBS Asset Mangement's CEO

C&ORC will review the Code at least annually in light of legal and business developments and experience in implementing the Code. The Chief Compliance Officer will prepare an annual report to the Boards of Directors of the Funds and the CEO of UBS AM that:

 

· describes issues that arose during the previous year under the Code, including, but not limited to, information about material Code violations and sanctions imposed in response to those material violations;

 

· recommends changes in existing restrictions or procedures based on the experience implementing the Code, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations; and

 

· certifies to the Boards that procedures have been adopted that are designed to prevent Access Persons (generally defined under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Investment Company Act to include any director or office of a Fund or its investment adviser and any employee of a Fund's investment adviser who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties participates in selection of a Fund's portfolio securities or who has access to information regarding a Fund's future purchases or sales of portfolio securities) from violating the Code.
· Sanctions and Remedies

If Central (Group) Compliance determines that a Covered Person or Fund Director has violated the Code, it may, in consultation with C&ORC as well as senior management, impose sanctions and take other actions deemed appropriate, including oral reprimand, issuing a letter of education, suspending or limiting personal trading activities, imposing a fine or adjusting compensation, suspending, demoting or terminating employment, and/or informing the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or other applicable regulatory authorities if the situation warrants.

 

As part of any sanction, the Central (Group) Compliance and/or C&ORC may require the violator to reverse the trade(s) in question and forfeit any profit or absorb any loss from the trade. Senior management will determine the appropriate disposition of any money forfeited pursuant to this section.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· Annex
·       A. Trade Request Form

(please complete a trade request for each transaction)

 

I hereby request permission to: □ BUY □ SELL □ TRANSFER (check one)

 

The specified security in the company indicated below for my own account or other account in which I have a beneficial interest (direct or indirect) or legal title:

 

Account Number: ____________________ Broker: _______________________

 

Name of Security: ___________________ Ticker Symbol: _________________

 

Number of shares, units or contracts or face amount of bonds: ____________

 

I have read the current Code of Ethics and believe that the above transaction complies with its requirements.

 

To the best of my knowledge,

 

(i) no Advisory Client has purchased or sold the security listed above during the last five days;

(ii) the security indicated above is not currently being considered for purchase or sale by any Advisory Client; and
(iii) the requested transaction will not result in a misuse of inside information or in any conflict of interest or impropriety with regard to any Advisory Client.

 

Additionally: (Please check any or all that apply)

 

This investment is being purchased or sold in a private placement (if so, please complete the “Private Placement Request Form”).

 

The proposed purchase of the above listed security, together with my current holdings, will result in my having a beneficial interest in more than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of the company. If this item is checked, state the beneficial interest you will have in the company’s voting securities after the purchase. ___________

 

I SHALL DIRECT MY BROKER TO PROVIDE A COPY OF A CONFIRMATION OF THE REQUESTED TRANSACTION TO THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE TRANSACTION.

 

PERMISSION IS EFFECTIVE ONLY ON THE DAY YOU RECEIVE APPROVAL.

 

Employee Signature: _________________________________

 
 

Print Name: _______________________________ Date Submitted: _______________

 

 

Compliance Only

Reviewed by: ___________________________________________

□ Approved □ Denied Date:______________________

 

 

 

 

 

·       B. Request for Centralization Exemption

A Covered Person requesting an exception to maintain or establish an outside account must complete and submit this memorandum to the Compliance Department. Once reviewed by Compliance, the Covered Person will be notified of the terms (if any) of the approval or denial. Please be sure to attach any required documentation prior to submitting this form to the Compliance Department.

 

NOTE: Except for the limited exceptions noted in the UBS Asset Management Code of Ethics, all Covered Accounts must be maintained at an Authorized Broker1.

 

A Covered Account is defined as: any account in which a Covered Person has a beneficial interest, and any account in which a Covered Person has the power, directly or indirectly, to make investment decisions and/or where the Covered Person acts as custodian, trustee, executor or a similar capacity.

 

1. Name of Firm(s):

2. Title2 of Account(s):

3. Type of Account(s):

4. Account Number(s)3

5. Exceptions may only be granted in limited circumstances. Please check those that apply:

• A Covered Person is employed by another NYSE/NASD/NFA member firm.

• A previously acquired investment involves a unique securities product or service that cannot be held in an account with an Authorized Broker.

• The funds are placed directly with an independent investment advisory firm under an arrangement whereby the Covered Person is completely removed from the investment decision-making process. (Please attach a copy of the investment management agreement and other documentation granting discretionary authority)

• Other (please explain):

6. A copy of the account(s) statement is attached to this memo. • Yes • No Account Not Open Yet ( if the account exists but no statement is attached, please attach additional documentation that explains why).

7. Any other outside pertinent information that would be helpful in determining whether the request to maintain or establish an outside account should be approved.

 
 

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Employee Signature: _____________________________________________________

Print Name: _________________________________ Date Submitted: ______________________

Compliance Only

Reviewed by: ________________________________

Date:____________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       C. Private Placement Request Form

As provided in section 4.9 of the UBS Asset Management Code of Ethics, if a Covered Person wants to participate in a private placement or a limited partnership, he/she must complete this form and obtain the required approvals prior to investing. A Covered Person may not participate in any partnership or private placement until he/she receives written permission from the Compliance Department. Oral discussions do not constitute approval under any Circumstances.

 

Private Financial Investments Disclosure Form

 

Employee Name (Print): _____________________________

 

Please select your investment type:

_____Investment Fund (Complete sections 1 & 2)

_____Private Business (Complete section 1 only)

 

I. To Be Completed for all Private Investments

 

 

1. Legal Name of the Organization / Fund Manager

 

 

 
 

 

2. Describe the nature of the Organization or the strategy of the Fund

 

 

 

3. Is this a new investment request? (as opposed to a disclosure of a past investment)

 

____YES____NO

 

4. Is there a lock-up period with this investment?

 

____YES____NO

 

If yes, please give details

 

 

 

5. Nature of Participation (e.g., Stockholder, Partner, or Other)?

 

 

6. Will you be required to have an External Directorship or Position in the Organization/Fund?

 

____YES____NO

 

7. Will you participate in the management of the Organization/Fund or consulted about its investments?

 

 

 

8. Will this investment require you to open/maintain/make decisions on a brokerage account?

 

9. Provide Investment Amount.

 

 

10. Provide Number of Shares/Number of Units (if applicable)

11. What will your total percentage of ownership be in the Organization/Fund?

 

 

12. Will you receive statements and/or communications regarding the investment? If yes, how frequently?

 

 

 

13. How did you hear about this investment opportunity?

 

 

 

14. Do you have a business relationship with the Organization / Fund? (i.e., Do you service their account, advise them through your role at UBS or does a close personal relation or associate work there?)

____YES____NO

 
 

 

15. If yes, are you receiving any preferential terms that are not available to the general public?

 

 

16. Are you aware of any other connections between the Organization/Fund and UBS?

 

____YES____NO

16a. If yes, give details: ________________________________________________

 

17. Have you recommended this investment to others or are you aware of any UBS clients for whom this could be an appropriate investment?

____YES____NO

17a. If yes, give details of who: __________________________________________

 

18. Will you be pooling funds with any clients for this investment?

____YES____NO

 

19. If applicable, do any of your clients own this investment?

____YES____NO

 

 

II. Investment Fund

 

1. Type of Investment Fund __________________________________________

 

2. Full Legal Name of Fund ___________________________________________

 

 

ATTESTATION

 

 

By submitting this request I attest the accuracy and completeness of this request.

 

 

Employee Sign Here: _______________________________ Date___________

 

 

MANAGEMENT APPROVER Sign Here _______________________Date_______

Print Here __________________________________

 

MANAGEMENT APPROVER Sign Here _______________________Date_______

Print Here _________________

 
 

 

·       D. Employee Outside Activities/Employment Form

E ORGANIZATION DETAILS

 

1. Business Name :______________________________________________________

 

1a. Description of the Business: _________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________________

 

2. Address (Street) :______________________________________________________

Town/City: ___________________________________________________________

Country: _____________________________________________________________

ZIP Code:____________________________________________________________

Web Site( If Applicable): _______________________________________________

 

3. Describe your role with the organization : _________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

 

4. Are you performing this activity at UBS's request YES ____ NO____

 

5. Start Date (mm/dd/yyyy) _______________________________________

 

6. Finish Date (if known)(mm/dd/yyyy) _____________________________

 

7. Is the Activity/Business Publicly Traded¬¬¬¬¬¬____ Privately Held¬¬¬¬¬___ Non Profit¬¬¬¬___

 

8. Compensation to be received annually? _________________________________

 

9. How many business hours per month do you expect to devote to the outside activity?

 

_____________

 

10. Do you expect to acquire any material non-public information relating to a publicly traded company (i.e., a private company may provide critical services to a publicly traded company)? YES ______ NO______

 

11. Will the Activity/Business involve securities trading, investment, or advice? YES___ NO____

 

12. Does UBS Asset Management Americas have any actual or potential dealings with the Activity/Business? YES___ NO____

 

13. Are you aware of any potential or actual conflicts of interest for UBS Asset Management Americas regarding this Activity/Business? YES___ NO___

 

 
 

14. Are you aware of this entity being engaged in any illegal activity? YES___ NO____

14a. Please explain (If yes to any question from 10 to 14) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Note: Outside Activities must not be conducted on UBS Asset Management premises. UBS Asset Management stationery, equipment, and marketing materials must not be used in connection with any Outside Activity and UBS Asset Management clients must not be involved in the Outside Activity

 

 

ATTESTATION

 

 

By submitting this request I attest the accuracy and completeness of this request.

Employee Name (print) ______________________________

Employee Sign Here: _______________________________ Date___________

 

 

MANAGEMENT APPROVER Sign Here _______________________Date_______

 

Print Here __________________________________

 

MANAGEMENT APPROVER Sign Here _______________________Date_______

 

Print Here ________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

·       E. Memorandum

Date:

To:

Cc:

From:

Re:

Investment information:

This memo outlines the agreed process for advisory accounts with

_______________________________________________________________________________

has discretion over the investment management of your account(s) with them and has supplied a written summary of the current investment policy.

If you discuss specific strategies, industries or securities with them, you agree to pre-clear any related trades that result from your discussion. As long as no discussions are held between you and

________________________________relating to specific investments in your account(s) in advance of a transaction, you will not be required to pre-clear your trades. You will, however, continue to be required to submit duplicate forms and Quarterly and Annual Certifications.

In addition, if the nature of your account(s) changes from discretionary to some other type, you will immediately advise the Compliance Department.

Please acknowledge this understanding by signing below.

UBS Asset Management Employee Signature:

Signature: ___________________________________________________

Date: ___________________

Independent Investment Advisor Signature:

Signature: ____________________________________________________

Date: ______________________

Compliance Only

Signature: _____________________________ Date: ______________________

 
 

 

·       F. Consultants and Temporary Employees Reporting Requirements

Consultants and temporary employees who are employed for less than 30 days , but who have access to UBS AM's trading information are subject to the following sections of the Code:

 

Conflicts of Interest

Regardless of the period of employment, Consultants and temporary employees are subject to the same fiduciary standards as all other Covered Persons. Consequently, they must ensure that they do not put their interests ahead of Advisory Clients’ and avoid making personal decisions based on any knowledge/information they acquire as a result of their employment with UBSAM. For further information, please refer to the Introduction to this Code of Ethics and/or contact the Compliance Department.

 

Section 2 Report Covered Accounts to Compliance

Consultants and temporary employees are required to disclose the name, account number, and firm at which he/she maintains a brokerage account at the time he/she is hired.

 

Section 1 Copy the Compliance Department on Trade Confirmations

Consultants and temporary employees are only required to provide duplicate trade confirmations for each transaction executed during the period of employment.

 

Section 4 Trading Restrictions

Consultants and temporary employees are required to pre-clear all trades and all transactions are subject to the holding periods, lockout period requirements and other restrictions outlined in this section.

 

Section 5 Reporting and Certification Requirements

Consultants and temporary employees who wish to trade options are required to submit a list of all personal investments holdings (Initial Holdings Report) at the time they are hired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

·       G. Transaction Requirement Matrix

The following chart contains many of the common investment instruments, though it is not all-inclusive. Please refer to the Code of Ethics for additional information.

 

PRECLEARANCE REPORTING/HOLDING

TRANSACTION REQUIRED? REQUIRED ?

 

Mutual Funds

Mutual Funds (Open-End) not advised or No No

Subadvised by UBS AM

Mutual Funds (Closed-End) Yes Yes

Mutual Funds advised or subadvised Yes Yes

by UBS AM

Unit Investment Trusts No Yes

Variable & Fixed Annuities No No

 

Equities

UBS Stock Yes Yes

Common Stocks Yes Yes

ADRs Yes Yes

DRIPS No Yes

Stock Splits No Yes/N/A

Rights No Yes

Stock Dividend No Yes/N/A

Warrants (exercised) Yes Yes

Preferred Stock Yes Yes

IPOs Prohibited Prohibited

Naked Shorts against a client position Prohibited Prohibited

 

Options (Stock)

UBS (stock options) Yes Yes

Common Stocks Yes Yes

Exchange Traded Funds Yes Yes

 

Fixed Income

US Treasury No No

CDs No No No

Money Market No No

GNMA No No

Fannie Maes Yes Yes

Freddie Macs Yes Yes

 

Bonds

US Government No No

 
 

Corporate Yes Yes

Convertibles (converted) Yes Yes

Municipal Yes Yes

 

Private Placements Yes Yes

Limited Partnerships Yes Yes

Exchange-Traded Funds

Broad based ETFs1 No No

Industry or Sector Specific ETFs Yes Yes

All other Exchange Traded Funds Yes Yes

 

 

JENNISON ASSOCIATES LLC

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

AND

 

PERSONAL TRADING POLICY

 

As Amended

June 30, 2016

 

 

 
 

Table of Contents

 

Section I: Code of Ethics

 

1.       Standards of Professional Conduct Policy Statement 1

 

2.       Conflicts of Interest 3

A-G. How to avoid potential conflicts of interest 4

 

3.       Other business Activities 4

A.              Issues regarding the retention of suppliers 4

B.               Gift…..…………………………………………………………….……………. 4

C.               Improper payments 5

D.              Books, Records and Accounts 5

E.               Laws and regulations 5

F.                Outside activities & political affiliations 6

 

4.       Compliance With The Code & Consequences If Violation Occurs 7

 

 

Section II: Jennison Associates Personal Trading Policy

 

1.       General policy and procedures 9

2.       Personal transaction reporting requirements 10

A.              Jennison employees 10

1.                   Initial holding reports 10

2.                   Quarterly reports 11

3.                   Annual Holdings Reports 12

B.               Other persons defined by Jennison as access persons 12

3.       Pre-clearance procedures 13

4.       Personal trading policy 13

A.              Blackout Periods 14

B.               Short-term trading 15

C-K Other Rules 16

L.               Designation Persons: Requirements for transactions in securities
issued by Prudential
18
M.             Jennison employee participation in separately
managed accounts (sma)
19
N.                    Exceptions to the personal trading policy 19

5.       Monitoring/Administration 19

6.       Penalties for violations of Jennison’s personal trading policies 20

7.       Type of violation. 21

A.              Penalties for failure to secure pre-approval 21

1.       Failure to pre-clear purchase 21

2.       failure to pre-clear sales that result in long-term capital gains 21

3.       failure to pre-clear sales that result in short-term capital gains 21

 
 

4.       Additional cash penalties 22

B.               Failure to comply with reporting requirements 22
C.               Penalty for violation of short-term trading in securities 23
D.              penalty for violation of short-term trading in covered funds 23
E.               Other policy infringements dealt with on a case-by-case basis 23
F.                Disgorged profits 23
8.       Miscellaneous 23
A.              Policies and procedures revisions 23
B.               Compliance 24
9.       Exhibits
A.              Compliance and reporting of Personal transactions matrix 25
B.               Broad-based Indices and Commodities 27
C.               Other persons defined by jennison as access persons 28
D.              Covered funds 29
 
 

 

Section I

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

FOR

 

JENNISON ASSOCIATES LLC

 

 

This Code of Ethics (“Code”), as well as Section II that follows, sets forth rules, regulations and standards of professional conduct for the employees of Jennison Associates LLC (hereinafter referred to as “Jennison or the Company”). Jennison expects that all employees will adhere to this code without exception.

 

The Code incorporates aspects of ethics policies of Prudential Financial Inc. (“Prudential”), as well as additional policies specific to Jennison Associates LLC. Although not part of this Code, all Jennison employees are also subject to Prudential’s “Making the Right Choices.” This policy can also be found on Jennison’s Compliance intranet website.

 

1. STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT POLICY STATEMENT

 

It is Jennison’s policy that its employees must adhere to the highest ethical standards when discharging their investment advisory duties to our clients or in conducting general business activity on behalf of Jennison in every possible capacity, such as investment management, administrative, dealings with vendors, confidentiality of information, financial matters of every kind, etc. Jennison, operating in its capacity as a federally registered investment adviser, has a fiduciary responsibility to render professional, continuous, and unbiased investment advice to its clients. Furthermore, ERISA and the federal securities laws define an investment advisor as a fiduciary who owes their clients a duty of undivided loyalty, who shall not engage in any activity in conflict with the interests of the client. As a fiduciary, our personal and corporate ethics must be above reproach. Actions, which expose any of us or the organization to even the appearance of an impropriety, must not occur. Fiduciaries owe their clients a duty of honesty, good faith, and fair dealing when discharging their investment management responsibilities. It is a fundamental principle of this firm to ensure that the interests of our clients come before those of Jennison or any of its employees. Therefore, as an employee of Jennison, we expect you to uphold these standards of professional conduct by not taking inappropriate advantage of your position, such as using information obtained as a Jennison employee to benefit yourself or anyone else in any way. It is particularly important to adhere to these standards when engaging in personal securities transactions and maintaining the confidentiality of information concerning the identity of security holdings and the financial circumstances of our clients. Any investment advice provided must be unbiased, independent and confidential. It is extremely important to not violate the trust that Jennison and its clients have placed in its employees.

 

The prescribed guidelines and principles, as set forth in the policies that follow, are designed to reasonably assure that these high ethical standards long maintained by Jennison continue to be applied and to protect Jennison’s clients by deterring misconduct by its employees. The rules prohibit certain activities and personal financial interests as well as require disclosure of personal investments and related business activities of all supervised persons, includes directors, officers and employees, and others who provide advice to and are subject to the supervision and control of Jennison. The procedures that follow will assist in reasonably ensuring that our clients are protected from employee misconduct and that our employees do not violate federal securities laws. All employees of Jennison are expected to follow these procedures so as to ensure that these ethical standards, as set forth herein, are maintained and followed without exception. These guidelines and procedures are intended to maintain the excellent name of our firm, which is a direct reflection of the conduct of each of us in everything we do.

 

Jennison Associates is committed to high standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. In line with this commitment, and Jennison’s commitment to open communication, Jennison’s Reporting Concerns & Non-Retaliation Policy (“Policy”) found in the Employee Handbook describes the process for individuals to submit concerns regarding the quality and integrity of the firm’s accounting, auditing, and financial reporting controls and procedures as well as the firm’s legal or regulatory compliance (“Concerns”).

 

This Reporting Concerns & Non-Retaliation Policy is intended to cover for you if you raise concerns regarding:

-incorrect financial reporting

-unlawful activity including violations to securities laws;

-activities that are not in line with a Jennison policy, including but not limited to the Code of Ethics, and/or

-activities, which otherwise amount to serious improper conduct.

 

The Concern reporting procedure is intended to be used for the reporting of unethical or illegal behavior or practices, violations of laws, regulations or any internal policies. Such Concerns, including those relating to financial reporting unethical conduct may be reported directly to: the Chief Ethics Officer, the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Compliance Officer, or the Chief Risk Officer. You may also communicate a financial reporting or ethical Concern by sending an email either through the Jennison Financial Reporting Concern Mailbox located on the Risk Management webpage or the Jennison Ethics Mailbox located on the Ethics webpage. Emails sent in this manner have the option to be strictly anonymous.

 

Employment-related concerns should continue to be reported through your normal channels, by speaking directly with your manager, any other manager, or Human Resources.

 

Jennison employees should use the Code, as well as the accompanying policies and procedures that follow, as an educational guide that will be complemented by Jennison’s training protocol.

 

 
 

Each Jennison employee has the responsibility to be fully aware of and strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics and the accompanying policies that support the Code. It should be noted that because ethics is not a science, there may be gray areas that are not covered by laws or regulations. Jennison and its employees will nevertheless be held accountable to such standards. Individuals are expected to seek assistance for help in making the right decision.

 

 

If you have any questions as to your obligation as a Jennison employee under either the Code or any of the policies that follow, please contact the Compliance Department.

 

 

2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

You should avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest – that is, any personal interest inside or outside the Company, which could be placed ahead of your obligations to our clients, Jennison Associates or Prudential. Conflicts may exist even when no wrong is done. The opportunity to act improperly may be enough to create the appearance of a conflict.

 

We recognize and respect an employee’s right of privacy concerning personal affairs, but we must require a full and timely disclosure of any situation, which could result in a conflict of interest, or even the appearance of a conflict. The Company, not by the employee involved, will determine the appropriate action to be taken to address the situation.

 

To reinforce our commitment to the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest, the following rules have been adopted, that prohibit you from engaging in certain activities without the pre-approval from the Ethics Advisory Group:

 

A) YOU MAY NOT , without first having secured prior approval, serve as a director, officer, employee, partner or trustee – nor hold any other position of substantial interest – in any outside business enterprise. You do not need prior approval, however, if the following three conditions are met: one, the enterprise is a family firm owned principally by other members of your family; two, the family business is not doing business with Jennison or Prudential and is not a securities or investment related business; and three, the services required will not interfere with your duties or your independence of judgment. Significant involvement by employees in outside business activity is generally unacceptable. In addition to securing prior approval for outside business activities, you will be required to disclose all relationships with outside enterprises annually.

 

Jennison’s policy on participation in outside business activities deals only with positions in business enterprises. It does not affect Jennison’s practice of permitting employees to be associated with governmental, educational, charitable, religious or other civic organizations. These activities may be entered into without prior consent, but must still be disclosed on an annual basis.

 

 
 

NOTE: Jennison employees that are Registered Representatives of Prudential Investment Management Services, LLC (“PIMS”) must also comply with the policies and procedures set forth in the PIMS Compliance Manual. All registered representatives of PIMS must secure prior approval before engaging in any outside business activities as outlined in Jennison’s Written Supervisory Procedure on Outside Business Activities which is available via Jennison’s Compliance intranet website.

 

B) YOU MAY NOT , act on behalf of Jennison in connection with any transaction in which you have a personal interest.

 

C) YOU MAY NOT , without prior approval, have a substantial interest in any outside business which, to your knowledge, is involved currently in a business transaction with Jennison or Prudential, or is engaged in businesses similar to any business engaged in by Jennison. A substantial interest includes any investment in the outside business involving an amount greater than 10 percent of your gross assets, or involving a direct or indirect ownership interest greater than 2 percent of the outstanding equity interests. You do not need approval to invest in open-ended registered investment companies such as investments in mutual funds and similar enterprises that are publicly owned.

 

D) YOU MAY NOT , without prior approval, engage in any transaction involving the purchase of products and/or services from Jennison, except on the same terms and conditions as they are offered to the public. Plans offering services to employees approved by the Board of Directors are exempt from this rule.

 

E) YOU MAY NOT , without prior approval, borrow an amount greater than 10% of your gross assets, on an unsecured basis from any bank, financial institution, or other business that, to your knowledge, currently does business with Jennison or with which Jennison has an outstanding investment relationship.

 

F) YOU MAY NOT , favor one client account over another client account or otherwise disadvantage any client in any dealings whatsoever to benefit either yourself, Jennison or another third-party client account.

 

G) YOU MAY NOT , as result of your status as a Jennison employee, take advantage of any opportunity that your learn about or otherwise personally benefit from information you have obtained as an employee that would not have been available to you if you were not a Jennison employee.

 

3. OTHER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

 

A) ISSUES REGARDING THE RETENTION OF SUPPLIERS : The choice of our suppliers must be based on quality, reliability, price, service, and technical advantages.

 

B) GIFTS : Jennison employees and their immediate families should not solicit, accept, retain or provide any gifts or entertainment which might influence
 
 

decisions you or the recipient must make in business transactions involving Jennison or which others might reasonably believe could influence those decisions. Even a nominal gift should not be accepted if, to a reasonable observer, it might appear that the gift would influence your business decisions.

 

Modest gifts and favors, which would not be regarded by others as improper, may be accepted or given on an occasional basis. Examples of such gifts are those received as normal business entertainment ( i.e. , meals or golf games); non-cash gifts of nominal value (such as received at Holiday time); gifts received because of kinship, marriage or social relationships entirely beyond and apart from an organization in which membership or an official position is held as approved by the Company. Entertainment, which satisfies these requirements and conforms to generally accepted business practices, also is permissible. Please reference Jennison Associates’ Gifts and Entertainment Policy and Procedures located on Compliance web page of Jennison Online for a more detailed explanation of Jennison’s policy towards gifts and entertainment.

 

C) IMPROPER PAYMENTS – KICKBACKS : In the conduct of the Company’s business, no bribes, kickbacks, or similar remuneration or consideration of any kind are to be given or offered to any individual or organization or to any intermediaries such as agents, attorneys or other consultants.

 

D) BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS : The integrity of the accounting records of the Company is essential. All receipts and expenditures, including personal expense statements must be supported by documents that accurately and properly describe such expenses. Staff members responsible for approving expenditures or for keeping books, records and accounts for the Company are required to approve and record all expenditures and other entries based upon proper supporting documents so that the accounting records of the Company are maintained in reasonable detail, reflecting accurately and fairly all transactions of the Company including the disposition of its assets and liabilities. The falsification of any book, record or account of the Company, the submission of any false personal expense statement, claim for reimbursement of a non-business personal expense, or false claim for an employee benefit plan payment are prohibited. Disciplinary action will be taken against employees who violate these rules, which may result in dismissal.

 

E) LAWS AND REGULATIONS : The activities of the Company must always be in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It is the Company’s policy to be in strict compliance with all laws and regulations applied to our business. We recognize, however, that some laws and regulations may be ambiguous and difficult to interpret. Good faith efforts to follow the spirit and intent of all laws are expected. To ensure compliance, the Company intends to educate its employees on laws related to Jennison’s activities, which may include periodically issuing bulletins, manuals and memoranda. Staff members are expected to read all such materials and be familiar with their content. For example, it would constitute a violation of the law if Jennison or any of its employees either engaged in or schemed to engage in: i) any manipulative act with a client; or ii) any manipulative practice including a security, such as touting a security to anyone or the press and executing an order in the opposite direction of such recommendation.

 

This policy is not intended to discourage or prohibit appropriate communications between employees of Jennison and other market participants and trading counterparties. Please consult with the Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer if you have questions about the appropriateness of any communications.

 

Other scenarios and the policies that address other potential violations of the law and conflicts of interest are addressed more fully in Jennison’s compliance program and the policies adopted to complement the program which resides on the Jennison Online intranet.

 

F) OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES & POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS : Jennison Associates does not contribute financial or other support to political parties or candidates for public office except where lawfully permitted and approved in advance in accordance with procedures adopted by Jennison’s Board of Directors. Employees are permitted to make contributions directly to political candidates, parties or causes to the extent permitted by law, provided such contributions do not impede Jennison’s business activities. These contributions are subject to applicable campaign finance law restrictions, state and local “pay to play” laws and SEC regulations. As such Jennison requires that all federal, state and local political contributions made by employees and their immediate family members living in the same household be pre-cleared through Jennison Compliance Department. For additional rules and procedures regarding political contributions, please reference the Jennison Associates’ Political Contributions “Pay to Play” Policy located on Jennison’s Intranet site. . Further, employees may not make use of company resources and facilities in furtherance of such activities , e.g., mail room service, facsimile, photocopying, phone equipment and conference rooms.

 

Legislation generally prohibits the Company or anyone acting on its behalf from making expenditure or contribution of cash or anything else of monetary value which directly or indirectly is in connection with an election to political office; as, for example, granting loans at preferential rates or providing non-financial support to a political candidate or party by donating office facilities.

 

Employees are free to seek and hold an elective or appointive public office, provided you do not do so as a representative of the Company and provided that you notify Compliance prior to engaging in the activity. However, you must conduct campaign activities and perform the duties of the office in a manner that does not interfere with your responsibilities to the firm.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

4. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE & CONSEQUENCES IF VIOLATION OCCURS

 

Each year all employees are required to complete a form certifying that they have read this policy, understand their responsibilities, and are in compliance with the requirements set forth in this statement.

 

This process should remind us of the Company’s concern with ethical issues and its desire to avoid conflicts of interest or their appearance. It should also prompt us to examine our personal circumstances in light of the Company’s philosophy and policies regarding ethics.

 

Jennison employees are required to complete an attestation verifying that they have complied with all Compliance Program policies and filed disclosures of personal holdings and corporate affiliations.

 

Please note that both the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and ERISA both prohibit investment advisers (and its employees) from doing indirectly that which they cannot do directly. Accordingly, any Jennison employee who seeks to circumvent the requirements of this Code of Ethics and any of the policies that follow, or otherwise devise a scheme where such activity would result in a violation of these policies indirectly will be deemed to be a violation of the applicable policy and will be subject to the full impact of any disciplinary action taken by Jennison as if such policies were violated directly.

 

It should be further noted that, and consistent with all other Jennison policies and procedures, failure to uphold the standards and principles as set forth herein, or to comply with any other aspect of these policies and procedures will be addressed by Legal and Compliance. Jennison reserves the right to administer whatever disciplinary action it deems necessary based on the facts, circumstances and severity of the violation or conflict. Disciplinary action can include termination of employment.

 
 

Section II

 

 

JENNISON ASSOCIATES PERSONAL TRADING POLICY

 

 

1. GENERAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

The management of Jennison Associates is fully aware of and in no way wishes to deter the security investments of its individual employees. The securities markets, whether equity, fixed income, international or domestic; offer individuals alternative methods of enhancing their personal investments.

 

Due to the nature of our business and our fiduciary responsibility to our client funds, we must protect the firm and its employees from the possibilities of both conflicts of interest and illegal insider trading in regard to their personal security transactions. It is the duty of Jennison and its employees to place the interests of clients first and to avoid all actual or potential conflicts of interest. It is important to consider all sections to this combined policy to fully understand how best to avoid potential conflicts of interests and how best to serve our clients so that the interests of Jennison and its employees do not conflict with those of its clients when discharging its fiduciary duty to provide fair, equitable and unbiased investment advice to such clients.

 

Jennison employees are prohibited from short- term trading or market timing mutual funds and variable annuities managed by Jennison other than those that permit such trading, as well as Prudential affiliated funds and variable annuities, and must comply with any trading restrictions established by Jennison to prevent market timing of these funds.

 

We have adopted the following policies and procedures on employee personal trading to reasonably ensure against actual or potential conflicts of interest that could lead to violations of federal securities law, such as short- term trading or market timing of affiliated mutual funds, as described in the preceding sections of this policy. To prevent the rapid trading of certain mutual funds and variable annuities, Jennison employees may not engage in a sale transaction within 60 days of the last purchase with respect to the mutual funds and variable annuities listed on the attached Exhibit D (“Covered Funds”). Jennison employees are also required to arrange for the reporting of Covered Funds transactions under this policy identified in Exhibit D. This policy does not apply to money market mutual funds. These policies and procedures are in addition to those set forth in the Code of Ethics. However, the standards of professional conduct as described in such policies must be considered when a Jennison employee purchases and sells securities on behalf of either their own or any other account for which the employee is considered to be the beneficial owner, other than those accounts over which the Jennison employee does not exercise investment discretion – as more fully described in this personal trading policy.

 

 
 

All Jennison employees are required to comply with such policies and procedures in order to avoid the penalties set forth herein.

 

 

2. PERSONAL TRANSACTION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

Jennison employees are required to provide Jennison with reports concerning their securities holdings and transactions, as described below. Jennison also has regulatory obligations that require the retention of records that include Jennison’s policies and procedures, including Code of Ethics, names of Jennison’s access personnel including those employees no longer employed by Jennison, their holdings and transaction reports, acknowledgements, pre-approvals, violations and the disposition thereof, exceptions to any policy, every transaction in securities in which any of its personnel has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, except transactions effected in any account over which neither the investment adviser nor any advisory representative of the investment adviser has any direct or indirect influence or control and transactions in securities which are direct obligations of the United States, high-quality short-term instruments and unaffiliated mutual funds and variable annuities. For purposes of this policy, mutual funds and annuities that are exempt from this recordkeeping requirement are money market funds and funds that are either not managed by Jennison or affiliated with Prudential. This requirement applies to all securities accounts in which an employee has a beneficial interest, including the following:

 

§ Personal accounts of an employee,
§ Accounts in which your spouse has a beneficial interest,
§ Accounts in which your minor children or any dependent family member has a beneficial interest,
§ Joint or tenant-in-common accounts in which the employee is a participant,
§ Accounts of any individual to whose financial support the employee materially contributes, [1]
§ Accounts for which the employee acts as trustee, executor or custodian, and
§ Accounts over which the employee exercises control or has any investment discretion.

 

These accounts are referred to as “Covered Accounts” within this policy.

 

However, the above requirements do not apply if the investment decisions for the above mentioned account(s) are made by an independent investment manager in a fully discretionary account (“Discretionary Account”). In order to take advantage of this exemption, a fully executed copy of such discretionary account agreement(s) must be provided to Compliance for review and approval. Jennison recognizes that some of its employees may, due to their living arrangements, be uncertain as to their obligations under this Personal Trading Policy. If an employee has any question or doubt as to whether an account is subject to this policy, he or she must consult with the Compliance or Legal Departments as to their status and obligations with respect to the account in question. Please refer to Jennison’s Record Management Policy located on the Jennison Online compliance website for a complete list of records and retention periods.

 
 

 

In addition, Jennison, as a sub-adviser to investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ( e.g. , mutual funds), is required by Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act to review and keep records of personal investment activities of “access persons” of these funds, unless the access person does not have direct or indirect influence or control of the accounts. An “access person” is defined as any director, officer, general partner or Advisory Person of a Fund or Fund’s Investment Adviser. “Advisory Person” is defined as any employee of the Fund or investment adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of investments by a Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to the purchases or sales. Jennison’s “access persons” and “advisory persons” include Jennison’s employees and any other persons that Jennison may designate.

 

A) Jennison Employees

 

All Jennison employees are Access Persons and are subject to the following reporting requirements. Access Persons are required to report all transactions, as set forth on Exhibit A, including activity in Prudential affiliated and Jennison managed mutual funds, as well as affiliated variable annuities or Covered Funds. A list of these funds and variable annuities is attached hereto as Exhibit D. This requirement applies to all accounts in which Jennison employees have a direct or indirect beneficial interest, as previously described. All Access Persons are required to provide the Compliance Department with the following:

 

1) Initial Holdings Reports :

 

Within 10 days of commencement of becoming an access person, an initial holdings report detailing all personal investments (including private placements, and index futures contracts and options thereon, but excluding automatic investment plans approved by Compliance, all direct obligation government, such as US Treasury securities, mutual funds and variable annuities that are not Covered Funds and short-term high quality debt instruments) must be submitted to Compliance. The report should contain the following information, and must be current, not more than 45 days prior to becoming an “access person”:

 

a. The title, number of shares and principal amount of each investment in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;

 

b. The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person; and

 

c. The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

2) Quarterly Reports:

 

a. Transaction Reporting :

 

Within 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, with respect to any transaction, including activity in Covered Funds, during the quarter in investments in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:

 

i) The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each investment involved;

 

ii) The nature of the transaction ( i.e. , purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

 

iii) The price of the investment at which the transaction was effected;

 

iv) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and

 

v) The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.

 

b. Personal Securities Account Reporting :

 

Within 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, with respect to any account established by the Access Person (including Discretionary Accounts) in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:

 

i) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person established the account;

 

ii) The date the account was established; and

 

iii) The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.

 

To facilitate compliance with this reporting requirement, Jennison Associates requires that a duplicate copy of all trade confirmations and brokerage statements be supplied directly to Jennison Associates’ Compliance Department and to Prudential’s Corporate Compliance Department, other than transactions in a Discretionary Account. Access Persons are required to notify the Compliance Department of any Covered Fund including accounts of all household members, held directly with the fund. The Compliance Department must also be notified prior to

 
 

the creation of any new personal investment accounts so that we may request that duplicate statements and confirmations of all trading activity (including mutual funds) be sent to the Compliance Department. Although Discretionary Accounts are exempt from the reporting requirements described above, this notification provision is applicable only to the opening of any new Discretionary Account(s).

 

3) Annual Holdings Reports :

 

Annually, the following information (which information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted):

 

a. The title, number of shares and principal amount of each investment, including investments set forth Covered Funds, in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;

 

b. The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account (includes any Discretionary Account(s)) in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person; and

 

c. The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.

 

4) A copy of all discretionary investment advisory contracts or agreements between the officer, director or employee and his investment advisors.

 

Please note that Access Persons may hold and trade Covered Funds listed through Authorized Broker/Dealers, Prudential Mutual Fund Services, the Prudential Employee Savings Plan (“PESP”), and the Jennison Savings Plan. As indicated above, purchases and sales within a 60 day period are prohibited with respect to Covered Funds, other than money market funds. It should also be noted that transacting in the same Covered Funds in opposite directions on the same day and at the same NAV will not be considered market timing for purposes of this policy, as such activity would not result in a gain to the employee.

 

In addition, Access Persons may maintain accounts with respect to certain Covered Funds directly with the fund company, provided that duplicate confirms and statements are provided to the Compliance Department.

 

 

B) Other Persons Defined by Jennison as Access Persons

 

Other Persons Defined by Jennison as Access Persons, pursuant to Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, include individuals who in connection with his or her regular functions or duties may obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of investments by Jennison on behalf of its clients. These individuals or groups of individuals are identified on Exhibit C and will be required to comply with such policies and procedures that Jennison deems necessary to reasonably ensure that the interests of our clients are not in any way compromised. These policies and procedures are specified on Exhibit C.

 
 


PRE-CLEARANCE PROCEDURES

 

All employees of Jennison Associates may need to obtain pre-approval from Jennison’s Compliance Department prior to effecting transactions in any securities ( except for those securities described in Exhibit A) in “Covered Accounts” (as defined in Section II, paragraph 2). Employees are not required to obtain pre-approval for exchange traded funds (ETFs) that replicate the performance of the broad based indices or commodities listed on Exhibit B. This includes those ETFs that correspond to the daily performance or inverse performance of the broad based indices or commodities listed on Exhibit B. Determination as to whether or not a particular transaction requires pre-approval should be made by consulting the “Compliance and Reporting of Personal Transactions Matrix” found on Exhibit A.

 

The Compliance Department will make its decision of whether to pre-approve the proposed trade on the basis of the personal trading restrictions set forth below. Notification of approval or denial to trade is promptly provided except in the case of private placement requests which require further review. Please note that the approval granted will be valid only for that day in which the approval has been obtained; provided, however, that approved orders for securities traded in certain foreign markets may be executed within 2 business days from the date pre-clearance is granted. In other words, if a trade was not effected on the day for which approval was originally sought, a new pre-clearance request must be re-entered on each subsequent day in which trading may occur. Or, if the security for which approval has been granted is traded on foreign markets, approval is valid for an additional day ( i.e. , the day for which approval was granted and the day following the day for which approval was granted).

 

Only transactions where the investment decisions for the account are made by an independent investment manager in a fully Discretionary Account (including managed accounts) will be exempt from the pre-clearance procedures, except for those transactions that are directed by an employee in a Jennison managed account. Copies of the agreement of such discretionary accounts must be submitted to the Compliance Department for review and records retention.

 

Notice of your intended securities activities must be submitted for approval prior to effecting any transaction for which prior approval is required. Key information, but not limited to, the ticker, the nature of the transaction (purchase or sale) and the estimated value of the trade, must be entered on your pre-clearance request. If proper procedures are not complied with, action will be taken against the employee. The violators may be asked to reverse the transaction and/or transfer the security or profits gained over to the accounts of Jennison Associates. In addition, penalties for personal trading violations shall be determined in accordance with the penalties schedule set forth in Section 5, “Penalties for Violating Jennison Associates’ Personal Trading Policies.” Each situation and its relevance will be given due weight.

 

4. PERSONAL TRADING POLICY

 

The following rules, regulations and restrictions apply to the personal security transactions of all employees. These rules will govern whether clearance for a proposed transaction will be granted. These rules also apply to the sale of securities once the purchase of a security has been pre-approved and completed.

 

 
 

No director, officer or employee of the Company may effect for “Covered Accounts” as defined in Section II paragraph 2, any transaction in a security, or recommend any such transaction in a security, of which, to his/her knowledge, the Company has either effected or is contemplating effecting the same for any of its clients, if such transaction would in any way conflict with, or be detrimental to, the interests of such client, or if such transaction was effected with prior knowledge of material, non-public information, or any other potential conflict of interest as described in the sections preceding this personal trading policy.

 

Except in particular cases in which Jennison’s Compliance Department has determined in advance that proposed transactions would not conflict with the foregoing policy, the following rules shall govern all transactions (and recommendations) by all Jennison employees for their Covered Accounts. The provisions of the following paragraphs do not necessarily imply that Jennison’s Compliance Department will conclude that the transactions or recommendations to which they relate are in violation of the foregoing policy, but rather are designed to indicate the transactions for which prior approval should be obtained to ensure that no actual, potential or perceived conflict occurs.

 

A) Blackout Periods

 

1) Company personnel may not purchase any security recommended, or proposed to be recommended to any client for purchase, nor any security purchased or proposed to be purchased for any client may be purchased by any corporate personnel if such purchase will interfere in any way with the orderly purchase of such security by any client.

 

2) Company personnel may not sell any security recommended, or proposed to be recommended to any client for sale, nor any security sold, or proposed to be sold, for any client may be sold by any corporate personnel if such sale will interfere in any way with the orderly sale of such security by any client.

 

3) Company personnel may not sell any security after such security has been recommended to any client for purchase or after being purchased for any client Company personnel may not purchase a security after being recommended to any client for sale or after being sold for any client, if the sale or purchase is effected with a view to making a profit on the anticipated market action of the security resulting from such recommendation, purchase or sale.

 

4) In order to prevent even the appearance of a violation of this rule or a conflict of interest with a client account, you should refrain from trading in the seven (7) calendar days before and after Jennison trades in that security. This restriction does not apply to certain Jennison trading activity. Examples include:

 

 

 
 

(1) trading activity that occurs in Jennison Managed Account (“JMA”) when either implementing a pre-existing model for new accounts or in situations where JMA trading activity is generated due to cash flow instructions from the managed account sponsor.

(2) program trades, whereby the portfolio manager will instruct the trading desk to take a “slice” of the portfolio. Program trades are a tool used by the portfolio manager to spend or raise cash and at the same time generally maintain the current portfolio’s security weightings.

(3) trades that are determined quantitatively.

Securities in a program trade and those that are determined quantitatively will be exempt from the 7 day blackout period, subject to the following conditions:

· Employee trades require pre-clearance.
· Employee attests to not having knowledge of trading in that particular security.
· Security must have a market capitalization equal to or greater than $1 billion.
· For trades in securities with a market capitalization of at least $1 billion but less than $5 billion, an employee’s investment will be capped at $10,000 over a rolling seven (7) calendar day period.
· For trades in security with a market capitalization greater than $5 billion, an employee’s investment will be capped at $50,000 over a rolling seven (7) calendar day period.

 

If an employee trades during a blackout period, reversal of the trade and disgorgement may be required. For example, if a non-investment professional employee’s trade is pre-approved and executed and subsequently, within seven days of the transaction, the Firm trades on behalf of Jennison’s clients, the Jennison Compliance Department will review the personal trade in light of firm trading activity and make a recommendation as to whether additional action should be taken.

 

In those circumstances where an investment professional (portfolio manager, research analyst and trader) personally trades within seven days of firm trading, the Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Legal Officer and Senior Management will determine on a case-by-case basis the appropriate action. Regardless of the actual impact to clients, the perceived conflict of interest and appearance may determine that the employee be required to reverse the trade and disgorge to the firm any difference due to an incremental price advantage over the client’s transaction.

 

B) SHORT-TERM TRADING

 

All employees of Jennison Associates are prohibited from profiting in Covered Accounts from the purchase and sale, or the sale and purchase of the same or equivalent securities within 60 calendar days. All employees are prohibited from executing a purchase and sale of the Covered Funds that appear on Exhibit D during any 60-day period [2] . Any profits realized from the purchase and sale or the sale and purchase of the same (or equivalent) securities within the 60 day restriction period, shall be disgorged to the firm. Any profits realized from the purchase and sale of the Covered Funds shall be disgorged to the firm, or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Compliance Council.

 

In addition, the last in, first out (“LIFO”) method will be used in determining if any exceptions have occurred in the same or equivalent securities or any Covered Fund Certain limited exceptions to this holding period are available and must be approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or her designee prior to execution. Exceptions to this policy include, but are not limited to, hardships and extended disability. Automatic investment and withdrawal programs and automatic rebalancing are permitted transactions under the policy.

 

The prohibition on short-term trading shall not apply to trading of ETFs that replicate the performance of a broad based index, index options and index futures contracts and options on index futures contracts on broad based indices. However, trades related to non-broad based index transactions remains subject to the pre-clearance procedures and other applicable procedures. A list of broad-based indices and commodities exempt from pre-clearance is provided on Exhibit B.

 

C) Jennison employees may not purchase any security if the purchase would deprive any of Jennison’s clients of an investment opportunity, after taking into account (in determining whether such purchase would constitute an investment opportunity) the client’s investments and investment objectives and whether the opportunity is being offered to corporate personnel by virtue of his or her position at Jennison.

 

D) Jennison employees may not purchase new issues of either common stock, fixed income securities or convertible securities in Covered Accounts except in accordance with item E below. This prohibition does not apply to new issues of shares of open-end investment companies. All Jennison employees shall also obtain approval of the Compliance Department and Chief Investment Officer before initiating any purchase of securities on a ‘private placement’ basis. Such approval will take into account, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for Jennison’s clients and whether the opportunity is being offered to the employee by virtue of his or her position at Jennison.

 

E) Subject to the pre-clearance and reporting procedures, Jennison employees may purchase securities on the date of issuance, provided that such securities are acquired in the secondary market. Upon requesting approval of such transactions, employees must acknowledge that he or she is aware that such request for approval may not be submitted until after the security has been issued to the public and is trading at prevailing market prices in the secondary market.

 

F) Subject to the pre-clearance and reporting procedures, Jennison employees may effect purchases upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all

 
 

holders of a class of its securities, to the extent that such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired. In the event that approval to exercise such rights is denied, subject to pre-clearance and reporting procedures, corporate personnel may obtain permission to sell such rights on the last day that such rights may be traded.

 

G) Transactions in index futures contracts and index options effected on a broad-based index or commodity listed on Exhibit B do not require pre-clearance but are subject to the reporting requirements. This includes those index future contracts and index options that correspond to the daily performance or inverse performance of the broad based indices or commodities listed on Exhibit B.

 

H) * No employee of Jennison Associates may short sell or purchase put options or write call options on securities that represent a long position in any portfolios managed by Jennison on behalf of its clients. Conversely, no employee may sell put options, or purchase either the underlying security or call options that represent a short position which was derived from a fundamental, bottom up research decision in a Jennison client portfolio. Employees may take long positions and the economically equivalent transactions where the short sales in client accounts are in quantitatively managed strategies, subject to the following conditions:

 

· Employee trades require pre-clearance.
· Employee attests to not having knowledge of trading in that particular security.
· Security must have a market capitalization equal to or greater than $1 billion.
· For trades in securities with a market capitalization of at least $1 billion but less than $5 billion, an employee’s investment will be capped at $10,000 over a rolling seven (7) calendar day period.
· For trades in securities with a market capitalization greater than $5 billion, an employee’s investment will be capped at $50,000 over a rolling seven (7) calendar day period.

 

* These restrictions do not apply if the underlying security of the option does not require pre-approval under this policy.

 

Any profits realized from such transactions shall be disgorged to the Firm. All options and short sales are subject to the pre-clearance rules.

 

All employees are prohibited from selling short including “short sales against the box” and from participating in any options or futures transactions on any securities issued by Prudential, except in connection with bona fide hedging strategies (e.g., covered call options and protected put options). However, employees are prohibited from buying or selling options to hedge their financial interest in employee stock options granted to them by Prudential.

 

I) No employee of Jennison Associates may participate in investment clubs.

 

 
 

J) While participation in employee stock purchase plans and employee stock option plans need not be pre-approved, copies of the terms of the plans should be provided to the Compliance Department as soon as possible. Jennison employees must obtain pre-approval for any discretionary disposition of securities or discretionary exercise of options acquired pursuant to participation in an employee stock purchase or employee stock option plan, except for the exercise of Prudential options and/or the purchase or sale of Prudential common stock (this exception does not apply to Designated Employees). All such transactions, however, must be reported. Nondiscretionary dispositions of securities or exercise are not subject to pre-approval. Additionally, Jennison employees should report holdings of such securities and options on an annual basis.

 

K) Subject to pre-clearance, long-term investing through direct stock purchase plans is permitted. The terms of the plan, the initial investment, and any notice of intent to purchase through automatic debit must be provided to and approved by the Jennison Compliance Department. Any changes to the original terms of approval, e.g., increasing, decreasing in the plan, as well as any sales or discretionary purchase of securities in the plan must be submitted for pre-clearance. Termination of participation in such a plan must be reported to Compliance. Provided that the automatic monthly purchases have been approved by the Jennison Compliance Department, each automatic monthly purchase need not be submitted for pre-approval. “Profits realized” for purposes of applying the ban on short-term trading will be determined by matching the proposed discretionary purchase or sale transaction against the most recent discretionary purchase or sale, as applicable, not the most recent automatic purchase or sale (if applicable). Additionally, holdings should be disclosed annually.

 

L) Designated Persons: Requirements for Transactions in Securities Issued by Prudential

 

A Designated Person is an employee who, during the normal course of his or her job has routine access to material, nonpublic information about Prudential, including information about one or more business units or corporate level information that may be material about Prudential. Employees that have been classified as Designated Persons have been informed of their status.

 

Designated Persons are permitted to exercise their Prudential options and trade in Prudential common stock (symbol: “PRU”) only during certain "open trading windows". Trading windows will be closed for periods surrounding the preparation and release of Prudential financial results. Approximately 24 hours after Prudential releases its quarterly earnings to the public, the trading window generally opens and will remain open until approximately three weeks before the end of the quarter. Designated Persons will be notified by the Compliance Department announcing the opening and closing of each trading window.

 

Designated Persons are required to obtain pre-clearance approval from Prudential in order to trade in Prudential common stock, exercise their Prudential options or engage in any transactions under the Prudential Stock Purchase Plan (PSPP) during the

 
 

“open trading window” period. To request pre-clearance approval, Designated Persons are required to complete a pre-clearance form for Prudential. These forms can be obtained from the Compliance Department. The Compliance Department will notify the Designated Person if their request has been approved or denied. All other pre-clearance rules and restrictions apply.

 

M) Jennison Employee Participation in SEPARATELY Managed ACCOUNTS (SMA)

 

All eligible employees must adhere to the following conditions in order to open an account in a SMA program; commonly referred to wrap programs:

 

q    All employees may open a SMA in any managed account program, including those that offer Jennison-managed strategies.

 

q    All transactions in any SMA account for which a Jennison employee has discretion (e.g. tax selling) will be subject to the pre-clearance and applicable blackout period requirement of this policy.

 

 

N) Exceptions to the Personal Trading Policy

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions , exceptions to certain provisions ( e.g ., blackout period, pre-clearance procedures, and short-term trading) of the Personal Trading Policy may be granted on a case-by-case basis by Jennison when no abuse is involved and the facts of the situation strongly support an exception to the rule.

 

Investments in the following instruments are not bound to the rules and restrictions as set forth above and may be made without the approval of the Jennison Compliance Department: direct government obligations (Bills, Bonds and Notes), money markets, commercial paper, repurchase orders, reverse repurchase orders, bankers acceptance, bank certificates of deposit, municipal bonds, ETFs on a broad based index or commodity noted in Exhibit B, currency or investment product where the underlying asset is a currency unit, and other high quality short-term debt instrument [3] . Although not subject to pre-clearance, Covered Funds listed on Exhibit D, are subject to reporting and a ban on short term trading, i.e . buying and selling within 60 days.

 

5. MONITORING/ADMINISTRATION

 

The Jennison Associates’ Compliance Department will maintain and enforce this policy and the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), or her designee(s), will be directly responsible for reasonably assuring for monitoring compliance with the policy. If such authority is delegated to another compliance professional, a means of reporting

 
 

deficiencies to the CCO, with respect to any one of the policies as set forth in this combined document, must be established to ensure the CCO is aware of all violations.

 

Requests for exceptions to the policy will be provided to the Jennison CCO or her designee and from time to time shared with the Prudential Personal Securities Trading Department and Jennison’s Compliance Council. While Jennison has primary responsibility to administer its own Personal Trading Policy, Prudential will assist Jennison by monitoring activity in Prudential mutual funds and variable annuities, as well as Jennison funds in Jennison Savings and Pension Plans, and identifying violations to the ban on short term trading, as described in this policy.

 

As part of monitoring compliance with these policies, Compliance will employ various monitoring techniques, that may consist of but not limited to, reviewing personal securities transactions to determine whether the security was pre-cleared, compare personal securities requests against a firm-wide (includes affiliates of Prudential) or Jennison specific restricted list(s), receiving exception reporting to monitor Jennison 7 day black out period, as described above.

 

In addition, as indicated above, short term or market timing trading in any Covered Fund identified in Exhibit D, represents a significant conflict of interest for Jennison and Prudential. Market timing any of these investment vehicles may suggest the use of inside information – namely, knowledge of portfolio holdings or contemplated transactions – acquired or developed by an employee for personal gain. The use of such information constitutes a violation of the law that can lead to severe disciplinary action against Jennison and its senior officers. Therefore, trading activity in certain Covered Funds will be subject to a heightened level of scrutiny. Jennison employees who engage in short term trading of such funds can be subject to severe disciplinary action, leading up to and including possible termination.

 

 

6. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF JENNISON ASSOCIATES’ PERSONAL TRADING POLICIES

 

Violations of Jennison’s Personal Trading Policy and Procedures, while in most cases may be inadvertent, must not occur. It is important that every employee abide by the policies established by the Board of Directors. Penalties will be assessed in accordance with the schedules set forth below. These, however, are minimum penalties. The firm reserves the right to take any other appropriate action, including BUT NOT LIMITED TO SUSPENSION OR termination OF EMPLOYMENT.

 

All violations and penalties imposed will be reported to Jennison’s Compliance Council.

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

7. Type of Violation

 

A) Penalties for Failure to Secure Pre-Approval

 

The minimum penalties for failure to pre-clear personal securities transactions include possible reversal of the trade, possible disgorgement of profits, possible suspension, and possible reduction in discretionary bonus as well as the imposition of additional cash penalties to the extent permissible by applicable state law .

 

1) Failure to Pre-clear Purchase

 

Depending on the circumstances of the violation, the individual may be asked to reverse the trade ( i.e. , the securities must be sold). Any profits realized from the subsequent sale must be turned over to the firm. Please note: The sale or reversal of such trade must be submitted for pre-approval .

 

2) Failure to Pre-clear Sales that result in long-term capital gains

 

Depending on the circumstances of the violation, the firm may require that profits realized from the sale of securities that are defined as “long-term capital gains” by Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”) section 1222 and the rules there under, as amended, to be turned over to the firm, subject to the following maximum amounts:

 

JALLC Position Disgorgement Penalty*
Senior Vice Presidents, Managing Directors and above Realized long-term capital gain, up to $10,000.00
Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents and Principals Realized long-term capital gain, up to $5,000.00
All other JALLC Personnel 25% of the realized long-term gain, irrespective of taxes, up to $3,000.00

 

* Penalties will be in the form of fines to the extent permissible by law, suspension, or the reduction of discretionary bonus.

 

3) Failure to Pre-clear Sales that result in short-term capital gains

 

Depending on the nature of the violation, the firm may require that all profits realized from sales that result in profits that are defined as “short-term capital gains” by IRC section 1222 and the rules there under, as amended, be disgorged irrespective of taxes. Please note, however, any profits that result from violating the ban on short-term trading are addressed in section 6.C), “Penalty for Violation of Short-Term Trading.”

 

 

 

 

4) Additional Cash Penalties

 

  VP’s, Managing Directors and Above* Other JALLC Personnel including Principals*
First Offense None None
Second Offense $1,000 $200
Third Offense $2,000 $300
Fourth Offense $3,000 $400
Fifth Offense $4,000 & Automatic Notification of the Board of Directors $500 & Automatic Notification of the Board of Directors

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Jennison reserves the right to notify the Board of Directors for any violation.

 

Penalties shall be assessed over a rolling three year period. For example, if over a three year period (year 1 through year 3), a person had four violations, two in year 1, and one in each of the following years, the last violation in year 3 would be considered a fourth offense. However, if in the subsequent year (year 4), the person only had one violation of the policy, this violation would be penalized at the third offense level because over the subsequent three year period (from year 2 through year 4), there were only three violations. Thus, if a person had no violations over a three year period, a subsequent offense would be considered a first offense, notwithstanding the fact that the person may have violated the policy prior to the three year period.

 

* Penalties will be in the form of fines to the extent permissible by law, suspension, or the reduction of discretionary bonus.

 

 

B) Failure to Comply with RePORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

Such violations occur if Jennison does not receive a broker confirmation within ten (10) business days following the end of the quarter in which a transaction occurs or if Jennison does not routinely receive brokerage statements. Evidence of written notices to brokers of Jennison’s requirement and assistance in resolving problems will be taken into consideration in determining the appropriateness of penalties.

 

  VP’s, Managing Directors and Above * Other JALLC Personnel including Principals*
First Offense None None
Second Offense $200 $50
 
 

 

Third Offense $500 $100
Fourth Offense $600 $200
Fifth Offense $700 & Automatic Notification of the Board $300 & Automatic Notification of the Board

 

* Penalties will be in the form of fines to the extent permissible by law, suspension, or the reduction of discretionary bonus.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Jennison reserves the right to notify the Board of Directors for any violation.

 

C) Penalty for Violation of Short-Term Trading in securities

 

Any profits realized from the purchase and sale or the sale and purchase of the same (or equivalent) securities shall be disgorged to the firm. The last in, first out (“LIFO”) method will be used in determining if any exceptions have occurred in the same or equivalent securities. Profits realized on such transactions must be disgorged.

 

D) Penalty for Violations of Short-Term Trading in covered funds

 

Access Persons are required to hold Covered Funds for a period of at least 60 calendar days. Any profits realized from the purchase and sale of any Covered Fund that appears on Exhibit D within 60 calendar days, shall be disgorged to the firm, or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Compliance Council. The purchase and related sale will be determined on a last in, first out (“LIFO”) basis.

E) Other policy infringements will be dealt with on a CASE-BY-CASE basis

 

Penalties will be commensurate with the severity of the violation.

 

Serious violations would include:

 

q Failure to abide by the determination of the Jennison Compliance Department.

Failure to submit pre-approval for securities in which Jennison actively trades.

F) Disgorged Profits

 

Profits disgorged to the firm shall be donated to a charitable organization selected by the firm in the name of the firm. Such funds may be donated to such organization at such time as the firm determines.

 

 

8. MISCELLANEOUS

 

 
 

A) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REVISIONS

 

These policies and procedures (Code of Ethics, and Personal Trading Policy and Procedures) may be changed, amended or revised as frequently as necessary in order to accommodate any changes in operations or by operation of law. Any such change, amendment or revision may be made only by Jennison Compliance in consultation with the business groups or areas impacted by these procedures and consistent with applicable law. Such changes will be promptly distributed to all impacted personnel and entities.

 

B) COMPLIANCE

 

The Jennison Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for the administration of this Policy. Jennison Compliance continuously monitors for compliance with these policies and procedures, as set forth herein, through its daily pre-clearance process and other means of monitoring, as described above in section 5, Monitoring/Administration. This data that is reviewed and our other means of monitoring ensure that employees are in compliance with the requirements of these policies and procedures. All material obtained during this review, including any analysis performed, reconciliations, violations (and the disposition thereof), exceptions granted is signed by compliance and retained in accordance with section 2, Personal Transaction Reporting Requirements, above.

 

In addition, this Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy will be reviewed annually for adequacy and effectiveness. Any required revisions will be made consistent with section A above.

 

 
 

EXHIBIT A

 

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING OF PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS MATRIX

 

Investment Category/Method Sub-Category Required Pre-Approval (Y/N)

Reportable

(Y/N)

If reportable, minimum reporting frequency
BONDS Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds N N N/A
  Commercial Paper N N N/A
  Other High Quality Short-Term Debt Instrument [4] N N N/A
  Agency N Y Quarterly
  Tax Free Auction Rate Securities N Y Quarterly
  Non tax free Auction Rate Securities Y Y Quarterly
  Corporates Y Y Quarterly
  MBS Y Y Quarterly
  ABS Y Y Quarterly
  CMO’s Y Y Quarterly
  Municipals N Y Quarterly
  Convertibles Y Y Quarterly
  Public Offering Y Y Quarterly
         
STOCKS Common Y Y Quarterly
  Preferred Y Y Quarterly
  Rights Y Y Quarterly
  Warrants Y Y Quarterly
  Initial, Secondary and Follow On Public Offerings Y Y Quarterly
  Automatic Dividend Reinvestments N N N/A
  Optional Dividend Reinvestments Y Y Quarterly
 

Direct Stock Purchase Plans with automatic

investments

Y Y Quarterly
  Employee Stock Purchase/Option Plan Y* Y *
         
OPEN-END MUTUAL FUNDS AND ANNUITIES Affiliated Investments – see Exhibit D. N Y Quarterly
  Non-Affiliated Funds, not managed by Jennison. N N N/A
         

CLOSED END FUNDS,

UN UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS

and ETF

All Affiliated & Non-Affiliated Funds N Y Quarterly
  Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) [5] Y Y Quarterly
  Holders Y Y Quarterly
         
DERIVATIVES Any exchange traded, NASDAQ, or OTC option or futures contract, including, but not limited to:      
  Financial Futures ** Y Quarterly
  Commodity Futures N Y Quarterly
  Options on Futures ** Y Quarterly
  Options on Securities ** Y Quarterly
 
 

 

  Non-Broad Based Index Options Y Y Quarterly
DERIVATIVES (cont.) Non Broad Based Index Futures Contracts and Options on Non-Broad Based Index Futures Contracts Y Y Quarterly
  Broad Based Index Options 4 N Y Quarterly
  Broad Based Index Futures Contracts and Options on Broad Based Index Futures Contracts 4 N Y Quarterly
  Structured Notes Y Y Quarterly
 

 

 

     
CURRENCY    Foreign Currency N N N/A
  Any exchange traded currency trusts N Y N/A
  Currency Options

 

N

 

Y

N/A
  Currency Futures N Y N/A
  Currency Forwards N Y N/A
  Currency ETFs N Y N/A
         
LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS, PRIVATE PLACEMENTS, & PRIVATE INVESTMENTS   Y Y Quarterly
         
VOLUNTARY TENDER OFFERS   Y Y Quarterly
         
MANAGED ACCOUNT PROGARMS         Employee Directed Portfolio Transactions Y Y Quarterly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

** Pre-approval of a personal derivative securities transaction is required if the underlying security requires pre-approval.

 
 

EXHIBIT B

BROAD-BASED INDICES AND COMMODITIES

Exempt from Preclearance and Short-Term Trading Prohibitions

Last update January 31, 2016

1. BROAD-BASED INDICES
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index
CBOE Mini-NDX (1 tenth value of NDX Index)
CBOE Dow Jones Industrial Volatility Index
CBOE Volatility Index
CBOE Nasdaq Volatility Index
CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index
CRSP US Large Cap Value Index
EUROSTOXX 50
FTSE All-World ex US Index
iBoxx $ Liquid Investment Grade Index
iShares Europe Index
iShares Lehman TIPS
MSCI All-World Country Index (ACWI)
MSCI U.S. Broad Based Market Index
MSCI EAFE
MSCI Emerging Markets
NASDAQ- 100
Russell 3000 Growth
Russell 3000 Value
Russell 3000
Russell 1000
Russell 1000 Growth
Russell 1000 Value
Russell Midcap Growth
Russell Midcap
Russell Midcap Value
Russell 2000
Russell 2000 Value
Russell 2000 Growth
S&P 500 Index
S&P Small Cap 600
S&P Midcap 400
Treasury Indices – any index comprised of Treasury securities
Municipal Bond Indices – any index comprised of municipal bonds

 

2. COMMODITIES
Gold Bullion [6]
 
 

EXHIBIT C

 

Other Persons Defined by Jennison as Access Persons

 

The following groups of persons have been defined by Jennison as Access Persons because these are individuals who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of investments by Jennison on behalf of its clients. These individuals or groups of individuals are identified on this Exhibit C and will be required to comply with such policies and procedures that Jennison deems necessary as specified on this Exhibit.

 

1. Jennison Directors and Officers who are Prudential Employees

 

Jennison recognizes that a Jennison director or officer who is employed by Prudential (“Prudential Director or Officer”) may be subject to the Prudential Personal Securities Trading Policy (“Prudential’s Policy”), a copy of which and any amendments thereto shall have been made available to Jennison’s Compliance Department. A Prudential Director or Officer does not need to obtain pre-clearance from Jennison’s Compliance Department; provided that the Prudential Director or Officer does not otherwise have access to current Jennison trading activity.

 

For purposes of the recordkeeping requirements of this Policy, Prudential Directors and Officers are required to comply with Prudential’s Policy. Prudential will provide an annual representation to the Jennison Compliance Department, with respect to employees subject to the Prudential Policy, that the employee has complied with the recordkeeping and other procedures of Prudential’s Policy during the most recent calendar year. If there have been any violations of Prudential’s Policy by such employee, Prudential will submit a detailed report of such violations and what remedial action, if any was taken. If an employee is not subject to the Prudential Policy, Prudential will provide a certification that the employee is not subject to the Prudential Policy.

 

2. Outside Consultants and Independent Contractors

 

Outside Consultants and Independent Contractors who work on-site at Jennison and who in connection with his or her regular functions or duties obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of investments in portfolios managed by Jennison will be subject to such policies and procedures as determined by Jennison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

JENNISON AND PRUDENTIAL MANAGED MUTUAL FUNDS and VARIABLE ANNUITIES (Also known as Covered Funds)

 

A. Jennison Third Party Managed Funds

 

MUTUAL FUNDS

Edward Jones – Bridge Builder – Large Cap Growth Fund

Harbor Funds – Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund

John Hancock Funds II – Capital Appreciation Fund

John Hancock Funds II – Natural Resources Fund

Northern Funds - Multi-Manager Large Cap Fund

SEI Institutional Investments Trust - Long Duration Fund

SEI Institutional Investments Trust – Core Fixed Income Fund

SEI Institutional Managed Trust – Core Fixed Income Fund

SEI Institutional Managed Trust – U.S. Fixed Income Fund

HC Capital Trust – The Growth Equity Portfolio

HC Capital Trust – The Institutional Growth Equity Portfolio

Transamerica Funds – Transamerica Jennison Growth

Transamerica Partners Portfolios – Transamerica Partners Large Growth Portfolio

Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund

Vanguard World Fund – Vanguard US Growth Fund

Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund

 

FUND OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN VARIABLE ANNUITY & INSURANCE PRODUCTS

Transamerica Series Trust – Transamerica Jennison Growth VP

John Hancock Trust – Capital Appreciation Trust

Metropolitan Series Fund, Inc. – Jennison Growth Portfolio

Ohio National Fund, Inc. – Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II – Variable Portfolio - Jennison Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

B. Prudential Proprietary Mutual Funds and Annuities

 

MUTUAL FUNDS

All funds in the Advanced Series Trust Fund Family

All funds in the Prudential Jennison Fund Family

All funds in The Prudential Series Fund Family

Prudential’s Gibraltar Fund, Inc.

 

VARIABLE ANNUITIES

The Prudential Variable Contract Account - 2

The Prudential Variable Contract Account - 10

 

This Exhibit D may change from time to time and may not always be up-to-date. If you are not sure whether or not you either hold or anticipate purchasing a mutual fund that is either managed by Jennison and Prudential, or is a variable annuity, please contact Compliance.

 

 
 

Last update June 30, 2016


[1] For example, this would include individuals with whom you share living expenses, bank accounts, rent or mortgage payments, ownership of a home, or any other material financial support.

[2] For the Jennison Associates Savings Plan, transactions due to automatic payroll deductions, company match, hardship withdrawals, loans and automatic rebalancing transactions are exempt from the 60 day requirement.

[3] “High Quality Short-Term Debt Instrument” means any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and which is rated in one of the highest two rating categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agency ( e.g. Moody’s and S&P).

[4] “High Quality Short-Term Debt Instrument” means any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and which is rated in one of the highest two rating categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agency (Moody’s and S&P).

 

* Pre-approval of the sales of securities or exercising of options acquired through employee stock purchase or employee stock option plans are required, except for the exercise of Prudential options (this exception does not apply to certain Designated Employees). Holdings are required to be reported annually; transactions subject to pre-approval are required to be reported quarterly. Pre-approval is not required to participate in such plans, unless you are a Designated Employee.

 

4 These securities which are effected on a broad based index or commodity as indicated on Exhibit B do not require pre-clearance.

[6] ETFs that track the price of Gold Bullion, including but not limited to GLD, (SPDR Gold Shares) are exempt from the Policy because Jennison does not trade Gold Bullion as a commodity; or ETFs that track the price of Gold Bullion on behalf of firm clients.