Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2009
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7840; Securities Act File No. 33-65632
 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    þ
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT No. 52     þ
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    þ
Amendment No. 55     þ
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022
(212) 641-3800
Carin F. Muhlbaum, Esq.
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Floor,
New York, New York 10022
Copies to:
Timothy W. Diggins, Esq.
Ropes & Gray LLP
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
o    Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
o    60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o    75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
o    On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
þ    On March 1, 2010 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o    On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
o    This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
This post-effective amendment is being filed pursuant to the annual update of the registration statement of all existing series of the Trust. The Registrant has registered an indefinite amount of its shares of beneficial interest under the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In reliance upon Rule 24f-2, no filing fee is being paid at this time.
 
 


Table of Contents

(SCHRODERS LOGO)
PROSPECTUS
March 1, 2010
Equity Funds
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND (SEMNX)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND (SCIEX)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND (SIDNX)
SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND (SNAEX)
SCHRODER U.S. OPPORTUNITIES FUND* (SCUIX)
SCHRODER U.S. SMALL AND MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND (SMCIX)
Fixed Income Fund
SCHRODER TOTAL RETURN FIXED INCOME FUND (SBBIX)
Investor Shares
 
*   Closed to new investors, subject to certain exceptions described in this Prospectus.
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund seeks capital appreciation through investment principally in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Schroder International Alpha Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities markets outside the United States.
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing principally in a portfolio of equity securities of companies located outside the United States that the Fund’s investment sub-adviser considers to offer attractive valuations.
Schroder North American Equity Fund seeks capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities of companies in the United States.
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in securities of companies in the United States with market capitalizations of $3 billion or less.
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in securities of small and mid cap companies in the United States.
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund seeks a high level of total return by investing in a portfolio of fixed income obligations. The Fund intends to maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio duration of three to six years.
This Prospectus explains what you should know about the Funds before you invest. Please read it carefully. Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
       
    Page  
   
  3  
  7  
  11  
  15   
  19  
  23  
  27  
  32  
  32  
  34  
  35  
  37  
  38  
  40  
  41  
  44  
  51  
  53  
  55  
  56  
  58  
  60  
  60   
  61  
  61   
  62  
  63  
  63   
  66  

2


Table of Contents

SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    1.00 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.25 %
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed 1.25% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.25% for Investor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes

3


Table of Contents

for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of “emerging market” companies. The Fund’s sub-adviser currently considers “emerging market” companies to be issuers domiciled in or deriving a substantial portion of their revenues from countries included in the MSCI Emerging Market Index, which covers 25 countries and over 900 stocks in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, though the sub-adviser may at times determine to invest in the wider emerging markets universe. The Fund will typically seek to allocate its investments among a number of different emerging market countries (though there is no percentage limit on investments in any one emerging market country). The Fund invests in countries and companies that its sub-adviser believes offer the potential for capital growth. The sub-adviser considers factors such as a company’s potential for above average earnings growth, a security’s attractive relative valuation, and whether a company has proprietary advantages. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants and depositary receipts of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in securities issued in initial public offerings (IPOs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use structured notes, swap transactions, index futures, and other derivative instruments in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may hedge some of its foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar, although it does not normally expect to do so.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers, directly or through use of depositary receipts, may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;

4


Table of Contents

  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
             
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
           
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
Highest 6/01/2007 -        
  9/30/2007     15.60 %
 
           
 
  Lowest 6/01/2008 -   -27.54 %
 
  9/30/2008        
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
            Since Inception
    1 Year   (3/31/06)
Return Before Taxes
    [     ] %     [     ] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [     ] %     [     ] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [     ] %     [     ] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [     ] %     [     ] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :

5


Table of Contents

Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers

Allan Conway, Head of Emerging Market Equities, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Robert Davy, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006.
James Gotto, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006.
Waj Hashmi, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

6


Table of Contents

Schroder International Alpha Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities markets outside the United States.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    0.975 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.15 %
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed 1.15% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.15% for Investor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

7


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies located outside the United States. The Fund’s sub-adviser attempts to invest broadly across regions and countries, including emerging market countries, though the Fund may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its net assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund expects typically to invest in forty to sixty companies at any one time and will typically invest a substantial portion of its assets in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. The sub-adviser relies on a fundamental, research-driven, bottom-up approach to identify issuers it believes offer the potential for capital growth. The sub-adviser considers factors such as a company’s potential for above average earnings growth, a security’s attractive relative valuation, and whether a company has proprietary advantages. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options, futures contracts, and other derivative instruments in an attempt to add incremental return (sometimes referred to as “alpha”) over the Fund’s benchmark index.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
  Issuer Focus Risk: focusing on a relatively small number of issuers increases risk and volatility;
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses; and

8


Table of Contents

  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
         
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
  Highest    
  [9/01/99 — 12/31/09 ]   [21.5 ]%
 
       
 
  Lowest   [-23.72]%
 
  [9/01/08-12/31/08 ]    
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                         
    1 Year   5 Years   10 Years
Return Before Taxes
    [     ] %     [     ] %     [     ] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [     ] %     [     ] %     [     ] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [     ] %     [     ] %     [     ] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [     ] %     [     ] %     [     ] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.

9


Table of Contents

Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Virginie Maisonneuve, CFA, has managed the Fund since March 2005 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

10


Table of Contents

Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    1.00 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.15 %
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed 1.15% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.15% for Investor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

11


Table of Contents

Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies located outside of the United States that the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to offer attractive valuations. The Fund will invest in a variety of countries throughout the world including emerging market countries and may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund normally invests a substantial portion of its assets in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. The sub-adviser applies a proprietary quantitative investment analysis that seeks to capture the historically high returns from value stocks and provide a dividend yield typically above the Index but with lower risk. The sub-adviser does not consider benchmark weights when it constructs the Fund’s portfolio. The sub-adviser believes that indices weighted by market-capitalization reflect a natural bias toward expensive stocks and geographic regions, and that, by contrast, a “bottom-up” approach to portfolio construction, not constrained by reference to a specific benchmark or index, may uncover less expensive stocks offering better investment value. The sub-adviser seeks to select stocks anywhere in the world with high dividends and strong cash-flow; geographic and sector allocations are principally the result of this selection. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options, swap transactions, futures contracts, and other derivative instruments, including over-the-counter transactions, in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may, but is not required to, hedge some of its foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;

12


Table of Contents

  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund; and
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
         
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through
  Highest    
12/31/2009**]
  [3/01/07-6/30/07 ]   [8.36]%
 
       
 
  Lowest   [-23.12]%
 
  [9/01/08-12/31/08]    
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
            Since Inception
    1 Year   (8/30/06)
Return Before Taxes
    [     ] %     [     ] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [     ] %     [     ] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [     ] %     [     ] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [     ] %     [     ] %
 

13


Table of Contents

After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Justin Abercrombie, Head of Quantitative Equity Products, has managed the Fund since its inception in August 2006 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

14


Table of Contents

Schroder North American Equity Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    0.25 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None  
Other Expenses
  [x.xx] %
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None  
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx] %
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx]) %
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    0.35 %
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed 0.35% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 0.35% for Investor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]     $ [   ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

15


Table of Contents

Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies organized and principally traded in, or with their principal places of business and principally traded in, North America. The Fund’s portfolio may include large, well-known companies as well as smaller, less-closely followed companies, including micro-cap companies. The Fund’s sub-adviser uses a proprietary quantitative investment analysis to evaluate market and economic sectors, companies, and stocks on the basis of long-term historical data in order to construct a highly diversified portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser attempts to identify anticipated short-term deviations from longer-term historical trends and cycles, and may adjust the portfolio to take advantage of those deviations. The Fund’s investment portfolio, including the number of positions and the sector weightings, will change as the sub-adviser’s evaluation of economic, market and company-specific factors change. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options, futures contracts, and other derivative instruments in pursuing its principal strategy.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.

16


Table of Contents

Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of two broad-based market indexes. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
                 
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
  Highest [ ]     [ ]%
 
           
 
  Lowest [ ]     [ ]%
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                         
            Since Inception
    1 Year   5 Years   (9/17/03)
     
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
FTSE North American Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Justin Abercrombie, Head of Quantitative Equity Products, has managed the Fund since its inception in September 2003 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
John Marsland, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since May 2006.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though

17


Table of Contents

minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

18


Table of Contents

Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
     
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
     
Management Fees
  1.00%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  0.02%
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
  1.27%
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed 1.27% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.27% for Investor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

19


Table of Contents

Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund expects under current market conditions to invest primarily in equity securities of small capitalization companies, although it may also invest in micro-capitalization companies or larger companies. The Fund’s adviser currently considers small capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations of $3 billion or less (or those in the bottom 30% by market capitalization of the U.S. market) at the time of investment, and considers micro-capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations of $200 million or less at the time of investment. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies located in the United States. The adviser seeks to identify securities that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior, or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures, or new management, or other factors. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants, as well as in over-the-counter securities. The Fund may also invest in securities issued in initial public offerings (IPOs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options and other derivative instruments (though not for leverage) in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may also invest, though not normally more than 10% of its total assets, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
  Issuer Focus Risk: focusing on a relatively small number of issuers increases risk and volatility;
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and

20


Table of Contents

  Debt Securities Risk: investing in fixed income securities (bonds), may expose the Fund to “Credit Risk,” “Interest Rate Risk,” “Extension Risk,” “Valuation Risk,” “Inflation/Deflation Risk,” and “High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk, among other risks.”
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
                 
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through
  Highest        
12/31/2009**]
  [1/01/00-3/31/00]       [18.14 ] %
 
           
 
  Lowest     [-23.16] %
 
  [9/01/08-12/31/08]          
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                         
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  
     
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
Russell 2000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :

21


Table of Contents

Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Portfolio Managers
Jenny B. Jones, has managed the Fund since 2003 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : As described under “Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus, the Fund is currently not available for purchase by investors, with certain exceptions. Subject to those restrictions, the minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

22


Table of Contents

Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
     
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
     
Management Fees
  1.00%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
  1.05%
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed 1.05% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.05% for Investor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

23


Table of Contents

Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies considered by the Fund’s adviser at the time to be small or mid cap companies located in the United States. The adviser currently considers a company to be a small or mid cap company if it has a market capitalization of between $750 million and $9 billion (or is in the bottom 40% by market capitalization of the U.S. market) at the time of investment. The Fund may also invest in equity securities of micro-cap companies or larger companies if the adviser believes they offer the potential for capital appreciation. The adviser seeks to identify securities that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures or new management, or other factors. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants, as well as in over-the-counter securities. The Fund may also invest in securities issued in initial public offerings (IPOs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options and other derivative instruments (though not for leverage) in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may also invest, though not normally more than 10% of its total assets, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and

24


Table of Contents

  Debt Securities Risk: investing in fixed income securities (bonds), may expose the Fund to “Credit Risk,” “Interest Rate Risk,” “Extension Risk,” “Valuation Risk,” “Inflation/Deflation Risk,” and “High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk, among other risks.”
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
                 
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through
  Highest        
12/31/2009**]
  [3/01/07-6/30/07]       [7.80]
       
 
  Lowest     [-21.10] %
 
  [9/01/08-12/31/08]          
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
      Since Inception
    1 Year   (3/31/06)
     
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Russell 2500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :

25


Table of Contents

Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Portfolio Managers
Jenny B. Jones, Lead Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

26


Table of Contents

Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks a high level of total return.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
     
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    0.25 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    0.40 %
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed 0.40% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 0.40% for Investor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund pays transaction costs when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

27


Table of Contents

Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund’s adviser seeks to invest the Fund’s assets in a portfolio of securities that offer high total return — from current income, increases in market value, or both. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income obligations. The adviser currently considers fixed income obligations to include U.S. Government securities, debt securities of domestic or foreign (including emerging market) corporations, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, municipal bonds, obligations of international agencies or supranational entities, zero-coupon securities, convertible securities, inflation-indexed bonds, structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities, event-linked bonds, and loan participations, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities, and short-term investments, such as repurchase agreements, bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances. The Fund invests in securities that pay interest at fixed, floating or variable rates. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers located anywhere in the world, but will normally not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities that are not denominated in the U.S. dollar. The adviser currently expects that a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets will be invested in mortgage-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations) and asset-backed securities. The Fund will invest principally in securities that, at the time of purchase, are rated “investment grade” (or considered by the adviser to be of comparable quality) although the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities below “investment grade,” which are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds.” The Fund intends to maintain a dollar weighted average portfolio duration of three to six years. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s price to changes in interest rates. The adviser generally relies on detailed proprietary research, and focuses on sectors and securities it believes are undervalued relative to the market. The adviser seeks to exploit inefficiencies in the valuation of risk and reward and looks to capitalize on rapidly shifting market risks and dynamics caused by economic and technical factors. The adviser considers the liquidity of securities and the portfolio overall as an important factor in portfolio construction. The adviser may trade the Fund’s portfolio securities more frequently than many other mutual funds. The Fund may enter into derivatives transactions such as interest rate futures and options, interest rate swap agreements, forward contracts, and credit default swaps for hedging purposes or to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvest of the proceeds. The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Interest Rate Risk: fixed income, or debt, securities may decline in value due to changes in interest rates, extended duration of principal payments at below-market interest rate, or prepayment;
  Credit/High-Yield Risk: the ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal will affect the security’s value, especially for speculative securities below investment grade (“high-yield bonds” or “junk bonds”);
  Valuation Risk: certain securities may be difficult to value, and to the extent the Fund sells a security at a price lower than that used to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected;
  Inflation/Deflation Risk: the value of the Fund’s investments may decline as inflation reduces the value of money; conversely, if deflation reduces prices throughout the economy there may be an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers in whose securities the Fund invests;

28


Table of Contents

  Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: investing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities involves interest rate, credit, valuation, extension and liquidity risks and the risk that payments on the underlying assets are delayed, prepaid, subordinated or defaulted on;
  U.S. Government Securities Risk: securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and investing in such securities involves interest rate, extension and mortgage and asset-backed securities risks;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times; and
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
         
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
  Highest [9/01/08 — 12/31/08]
 
  [5.15]%
 
 
  Lowest [3/01/08 — 6/30/08]   [-1,77]%
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)

29


Table of Contents

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                         
        Since Inception
    1 Year   5 Years   (12/31/04)
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Portfolio Managers
Chris Ames, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Ed Fitzpatrick, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2006.
David Harris, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2004.
Tony Hui, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2007.
Gregg T. Moore, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2004.
Wesley A. Sparks, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2004.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the

30


Table of Contents

broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

31


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF AND ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND
    Investment Objective. To seek capital appreciation.
    Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to be “emerging market” issuers. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.) The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities of issuers located anywhere in the world. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks, and index-linked warrants. The Fund may also invest in sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar securities representing ownership of foreign securities (collectively, “Depositary Receipts”). The Fund may also invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges) (“ETFs”), including securities of emerging market issuers. An investment in a domestic closed-end fund or ETF that has a policy that it will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of emerging market issuers, and has “emerging market” or the equivalent in its name, or foreign funds with similar investment policies, will be treated as an investment in equity securities of emerging market issuers for purposes of determining if the Fund has invested at least 80% of its net assets in such securities.
    The Fund invests in equity securities of issuers domiciled or doing business in “emerging market” countries. The Fund’s sub-adviser currently considers “emerging market” issuers to be issuers domiciled in or deriving a substantial portion of their revenues from countries included in the MSCI Emerging Market Index, which covers 25 countries and over 900 stocks in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Fund’s sub-adviser may at times determine based on its own analysis that an economy not included in the Index should nonetheless be considered an emerging market country, in which case that country would constitute an emerging market country for purposes of the Fund’s investments. The Fund’s sub-adviser has determined that Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong will be considered emerging market issuers for this purpose. There is no limit on the amount of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in securities of issuers domiciled in any one emerging market country, although the Fund will typically seek to allocate its investments among a number of different emerging market countries.
    The Fund invests in issuers and countries that its sub-adviser believes offer the potential for capital growth. In identifying investments for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-adviser considers a variety of factors, including the issuer’s likelihood of above average earnings growth, the securities’ attractive relative valuation, and whether the issuer enjoys proprietary advantages. The Fund may invest in securities of companies of any size, including companies with large, medium, and small market capitalizations, including micro-cap companies. The Fund may also purchase securities issued in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). In addition, the Fund’s sub-adviser considers the risk of local political and/or economic instability associated with particular countries and regions and the liquidity of local markets. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive.
    The Fund may purchase or sell structured notes, or enter into swap transactions, for hedging or as an alternative to purchasing or selling securities. The Fund’s sub-adviser may hedge some of the Fund’s foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar, although it does not normally expect to do so. The Fund may also purchase or sell futures on indices, including country specific or overall emerging market indices. The Fund may use derivatives to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds.

32


Table of Contents

          Additional Performance Information.
    This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
    The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged market-capitalization index of companies representative of the market structure of emerging countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

33


Table of Contents

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND
    Investment Objective. Long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities markets outside the United States.
    Principal Investment Strategies. The Schroder International Alpha Fund (formerly, Schroder International Fund) invests principally in securities of companies located outside of the United States, and normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to be located outside of the United States. The Fund will invest in a variety of countries throughout the world. The Fund may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its net assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund will consider an issuer located in a country if it is organized under the laws of that country and is principally traded in that country, or is domiciled and has its principal place of business located in that country and is principally traded in that country, or if the Fund’s sub-adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in, or derives more than 50% of its revenues from, that country. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, and warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks.
    The Fund normally invests a substantial portion of its assets in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which is a market-weighted index of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East. The Fund expects typically to invest in forty to sixty companies located outside of the United States at any one time.
    The Fund invests in issuers that the Fund’s sub-adviser believes offer the potential for capital growth. In identifying candidates for investment, the Fund’s sub-adviser may consider the issuer’s likelihood of above average earnings growth, the securities’ attractive relative valuation, the quality of the securities, and whether the issuer has any proprietary advantages. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive. The Fund may invest in companies of any market-capitalization. The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options, in order to gain long or short exposure to particular securities or markets, in connection with hedging transactions, or otherwise to increase total return. By employing these techniques the Fund’s portfolio manager tries to add incremental return over the Fund’s benchmark index, which incremental return is sometimes referred to as “alpha.”
    The Fund also may do the following:
    Invest in securities of issuers domiciled or doing business in “emerging market” countries.
    Invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges) that invest primarily in foreign securities.
    Additional Performance Information.
    This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
    The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market-weighted index composed of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East, and reflects dividends net of non-recoverable withholding tax.
    The current portfolio management team primarily responsible for making investment decisions for the Fund assumed this responsibility effective March 2005. The performance results shown in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Information” section for periods prior to March 2005 were achieved by the Fund under different lead portfolio managers.
    Effective April 1, 2006, the combined advisory and administrative fees of the Fund increased to 0.975% per annum. If the Fund had paid such higher fees during the prior periods shown, the returns shown in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Information” section would have been lower. See “Management of the Funds — Management Fees.”

34


Table of Contents

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND
    Investment Objective. Long-term capital appreciation.
    Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund invests principally in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies located outside of the United States that the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to offer attractive valuations. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, and warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks.
    The Fund’s sub-adviser applies a proprietary quantitative investment analysis that seeks to develop a portfolio designed to capture the historically high returns from value stocks but with lower risk than the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index over the longer term and to provide a dividend yield typically above that Index. The sub-adviser expects that a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments will normally be in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which is a market-weighted index of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East, although the Fund may invest in any country in the world, including “emerging market” countries.
    The main elements of the sub-adviser’s portfolio construction process are the identification of attractive value stocks within a broad universe of companies around the world and careful management of portfolio risks. The portfolio construction process is bottom-up. The sub-adviser seeks to select stocks anywhere in the world with high dividends and strong cash-flow. The Fund’s geographic and sector allocations are principally the result of the sub-adviser’s selection of individual companies that it believes offer the greatest value. (The sub-adviser may adjust geographic or sector weights resulting from this process in order to avoid extreme outcomes.)
    The sub-adviser does not consider benchmark weights when it constructs the Fund’s portfolio. Individual stock weights are determined using a disciplined stock weighting process. The Fund’s sub-adviser believes that indices weighted by market-capitalization reflect a natural bias towards expensive stocks and geographic regions, and that, by contrast, a “bottom-up” approach to portfolio construction, not constrained by reference to a specific benchmark or index, has the potential to provide investment in less expensive stocks offering better investment value.
    The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its net assets in equity securities of companies located in countries outside of the United States. The Fund will invest in a variety of countries throughout the world. The Fund may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund’s sub-adviser will consider an issuer to be located in a country if it is organized under the laws of and its equity securities are principally traded in that country, or it is domiciled or has its principal place of business located in and its equity securities are principally traded in that country, or if the Fund’s sub-adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in, or derives more than 50% of its revenues from, that country. The Fund may invest in companies of any market-capitalization, including large, well known companies, as well as smaller, less closely followed companies, including micro-cap companies.
    The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies.
    The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive.
    The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options and enter into total return swaps, in order to gain long or short exposure to particular securities or markets in connection with hedging transactions or otherwise to increase total return. The Fund may from time to time enter into other transactions involving derivatives, including over-the-counter transactions, if the sub-adviser considers it appropriate.
    The Fund may also invest in closed-end investment companies, trusts, ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges), and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

35


Table of Contents

    Additional Performance Information.
    This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
    The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market-weighted index composed of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and reflects dividends reinvested net of non-recoverable withholding tax.

36


Table of Contents

SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND
    Investment Objective. The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
    Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund invests principally in equity securities of companies in the United States. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, and warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks.
    The Fund’s sub-adviser is responsible for day-to-day portfolio management. It uses a proprietary quantitative investment analysis that evaluates market and economic sectors, companies, and stocks on the basis of long-term historical data. The Fund’s sub-adviser uses that analysis to construct a highly diversified portfolio of stocks. In addition, the Fund’s sub-adviser attempts to identify anticipated short-term deviations from longer-term historical trends and cycles, and may adjust the Fund’s portfolio to take advantage of those deviations.
    The Fund’s investment portfolio, including the number of companies represented in the portfolio and the sector weightings of the portfolio, will change as the Fund’s sub-adviser’s evaluation of economic and market factors, as well as factors affecting individual companies, changes.
    The Fund will invest in a well diversified portfolio of companies of any size that its sub-adviser judges to be attractive compared to the overall market. The Fund’s portfolio may include large, well known companies, as well as smaller, less closely followed companies, including micro-cap companies. The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive.
    The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options, in order to gain long or short exposure to particular securities or markets, in connection with hedging transactions, or otherwise to increase total return. The Fund may also invest in closed-end investment companies, trusts, ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges), and REITs.
    The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies organized and principally traded in, or with their principal places of business and principally traded in, North America. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. An investment in a U.S. closed-end fund or ETF that has a policy that it will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of North American companies, and has “North America” or the equivalent in its name, or foreign funds with similar investment policies, will be treated as an investment in equity securities of North American companies for purposes of determining if the Fund has invested at least 80% of its net assets in such securities. The Fund considers North America to consist of the United States and Canada.
Additional Performance Information.
    This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
    The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of two broad-based market indexes. The FTSE North American Index is a market-capitalization value weighted composite index of over 700 U.S. and Canadian companies and reflects the reinvestment of dividends. The S&P 500 Index is a market-capitalization, value-weighted composite index of 500 large capitalization U.S. companies and reflects the reinvestment of dividends.

37


Table of Contents

SCHRODER U.S. OPPORTUNITIES FUND
    The Fund is closed to new investors. Shareholders of the Fund as of April 18, 2007 may continue to add to their Fund positions. Investors who did not own shares of the Fund prior to its closure on April 18, 2007 generally will not be allowed to buy shares of the Fund, with the following exceptions:
    participants in most employee benefit plans or employer-sponsored retirement plans, if the Fund had been established as an investment option under the plan prior to April 18, 2007; and
    a Trustee of a Trust, an employee of Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Schroders”), or a member of the immediate family of any of these persons.
    Schroders may make additional exceptions or modify this policy at any time.
    Investment Objective. To seek capital appreciation.
    Principal Investment Strategies. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund’s adviser seeks to identify securities of companies that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures or new management, or other factors.
    The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks, and REITs. Under current market conditions, the Fund expects to invest primarily in equity securities of small capitalization companies in the United States, although it may also invest in micro-capitalization companies. The Fund’s adviser currently considers small capitalization companies to be companies that have market capitalizations of $3 billion or less, measured at the time of purchase, and micro-capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations of $200 million or less, measured at the time of purchase. It is important to note that these ranges may change over time as market conditions change, although the adviser will generally consider a company to be a small capitalization company if it is in the bottom 30% by market capitalization of the U.S. market at the time of purchase. However, the Fund may invest any portion of its assets in equity securities of larger companies. The Fund may also invest in securities of companies outside the United States, although the Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies the Fund’s adviser considers to be located in the United States. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. The Fund will consider an issuer located in the United States if it is organized under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or is domiciled and has its principal place of business located in the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or if the Fund’s adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in or derives more than 50% of its revenues from the United States. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s adviser considers more attractive. The Fund may purchase securities on securities exchanges as well as over-the-counter, including securities offered in IPOs, and may invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and in ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges). The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds; the Fund’s adviser expects that such investments will not normally exceed 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
    The Fund may use options (puts and calls) for hedging purposes, or to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

38


Table of Contents

    Additional Performance Information.
    This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
    The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Russell 2000 Index is a market-capitalization weighted, broad-based index of 2000 small capitalization U.S. companies.
    The current portfolio manager primarily responsible for making investment decisions for the Fund assumed this responsibility effective January 2, 2003. The performance results shown in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Section” for periods prior to January 2, 2003 were achieved by the Fund under a different portfolio manager.
    Effective May 1, 2006, the combined advisory and administrative fees of the Fund increased to 1.00% per annum. If the Fund had paid such higher fees during the prior periods shown, the returns shown in the bar chart and in the table in the “Summary Section” would have been lower. See “Management of the Funds — Management Fees.”

39


Table of Contents

SCHRODER U.S. SMALL AND MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND
    Investment Objective. To seek capital appreciation.
    Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund invests primarily in companies in the United States (determined as described below) that the Fund’s adviser considers to be small or mid cap companies. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund’s adviser seeks to identify securities of companies that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior, or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures, new management, or other factors. These factors generally apply to all investments made by the Fund, including IPOs, although the Fund may also invest in certain IPOs that the portfolio manager believes will be in high demand. The Fund may sell a security when the Fund’s adviser believes it is fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s adviser considers more attractive.
    The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies considered by the Fund’s adviser at the time to be small or mid cap companies located in the United States. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. The Fund’s adviser currently considers a company to be a small or mid cap company if the company has a market capitalization of between $750 million and $9 billion, measured at the time of purchase. It is important to note that these ranges may change over time as market conditions change, although the adviser will generally consider a company to be a small or mid cap company if it is in the bottom 40% by market capitalization of the U.S. market at the time of purchase. The Fund may also invest in equity securities of micro-cap companies or larger companies, if the Fund’s adviser believes they offer the potential for capital appreciation. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks, and REITs. The Fund may purchase securities on securities exchanges as well as over-the-counter, including securities offered in IPOs, and may invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and in ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges). The Fund may use options for hedging purposes, or to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s SAI. The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds; the Fund’s adviser expects that such investments will not normally exceed 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
    The Fund’s adviser will consider an issuer located in the United States if it is organized under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or is domiciled or has its principal place of business located in the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or if the Fund’s adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in or derives more than 50% of its revenues from the United States.
    Additional Performance Information.
    This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
    The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Russell 2500 Index is a market-capitalization weighted, broad-based index measuring the performance of the 2500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 70% of the total market-capitalization of the Russell 300 Index.

40


Table of Contents

SCHRODER TOTAL RETURN FIXED INCOME FUND
    Investment Objective. To seek a high level of total return.
    Principal Investment Strategies. The Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund (formerly, Schroder U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund) normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income obligations. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. In making investments for the Fund, the adviser seeks to invest the Fund’s assets in a portfolio of securities that offer high total return — from current income, increases in market values of the Fund’s investments, or both. The adviser currently considers fixed income obligations to include:
    securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities;
 
    debt securities of domestic or foreign corporations;
 
    mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities;
 
    taxable and tax-exempt municipal bonds;
 
    obligations of international agencies or supranational entities;
 
    debt securities convertible into equity securities;
 
    inflation-indexed bonds;
 
    structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities, event-linked bonds, and loan participations;
 
    delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities; and
 
    short-term investments, such as repurchase agreements, bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances.
    The Fund may invest in securities of companies located in a variety of countries outside the United States, including obligations of non-U.S. governmental issuers or of private issuers located in any country outside the United States, including emerging market countries. The Fund will normally invest no more than 20% of its total assets in securities that are not denominated in the U.S. dollar.
    The Fund’s adviser currently expects that a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets will be invested in mortgage-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations) and asset-backed securities.
    The Fund will invest principally in securities of “investment grade” at the time of purchase, meaning either that a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch) has rated the securities Baa3 or BBB— (or the equivalent) or better, or the adviser has determined the securities to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets in securities rated below “investment grade” (or, if unrated, determined by the Fund’s adviser to be of comparable quality), sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” although normally the Fund will not invest in securities unless a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch) has rated the securities CC— (or the equivalent) or better, or the Fund’s adviser has determined the securities to be of comparable quality. If more than one nationally recognized statistical rating organization has rated a security, the adviser will consider the highest rating for the purposes of determining whether the security is “investment grade.”
    Fixed income securities in which the Fund invests may include securities that pay interest at fixed rates or at floating or variable rates; payments of principal or interest may be made at fixed intervals or only at maturity or upon the occurrence of stated events or contingencies. The Fund may also invest in zero-coupon securities.

41


Table of Contents

    The Fund may enter into interest rate futures and options, interest rate swap agreements and credit default swaps. (A derivative instrument will be considered to be a fixed income security if it is itself a fixed income security or, in the adviser’s judgment, it may provide an investment return comparable to the return that might be provided by a fixed income security.) The Fund may use these “derivatives” strategies for hedging purposes. The Fund may also use derivatives to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. For example, the Fund may enter into a so-called credit default swap with respect to one or more fixed income securities to take advantage of increases or decreases in the values of those securities without actually purchasing or selling the securities. The Fund may also seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it may invest by entering into forward contracts or similar arrangements to purchase those securities in the future. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s SAI.
    The Fund intends to maintain a dollar weighted average portfolio duration of three to six years. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s price to changes in interest rates. Unlike the maturity of a fixed income security, which measures only the time until final payment is due, duration takes into account the time until all payments of interest and principal on a security are expected to be made, including how these payments are affected by prepayments and by changes in interest rates.
    The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies.
    In managing the Fund, the Fund’s adviser generally relies on detailed proprietary research. The adviser focuses on the sectors and securities it believes are undervalued relative to the market.
    The Fund’s adviser will trade the Fund’s portfolio securities actively, and may experience a high portfolio turnover rate. In selecting individual securities for investment, the Fund’s adviser typically:
    uses in-depth fundamental research to identify sectors and securities for investment by the Fund and to analyze risk;
 
    exploits inefficiencies in the valuation of risk and reward;
 
    looks to capitalize on rapidly shifting market risks and dynamics caused by economic and technical factors; and
 
    considers the liquidity of securities and the portfolio overall as an important factor in portfolio construction.
    The Fund generally sells securities in order to take advantage of investments in other securities offering what the adviser believes is the potential for more attractive current income or capital gain or both.

42


Table of Contents

    Additional Performance Information.
    This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
    The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index is a widely-used measure of short-term debt returns. It is not managed.

43


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
    A Fund may not achieve its objective. The following provides more detail about certain of the Funds’ principal risks and the circumstances which could adversely affect the value of a Fund’s shares or its investment return. Unless a strategy or policy described below is specifically prohibited by a Fund’s investment restrictions as set forth in this Prospectus or under “Investment Restrictions” in the Funds’ SAI, or by applicable law, a Fund may engage in each of the practices described below, although only the Funds specifically indicated below use the applicable strategy as a principal investment strategy.
    Interest Rate Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The values of bonds and other debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally increase the values of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally reduce the value of existing debt instruments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer durations or maturities. Some investments give the issuer the option to call or redeem an investment before its maturity date. If an issuer calls or redeems an investment during a time of declining interest rates, a Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates.
 
    Credit Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal on the security will affect the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when a Fund owns securities of that issuer, or that the issuer will default on its obligations. An actual or perceived deterioration in the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will likely have an adverse effect on the value of the issuer’s securities.
      If a security has been rated by more than one nationally recognized statistical rating organization a Fund’s adviser will consider the highest rating for the purposes of determining whether the security is of “investment grade.” A Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security held by it if its rating falls below investment grade, although the Fund’s adviser will consider whether the security continues to be an appropriate investment for the Fund. A Fund considers whether a security is of “investment grade” only at the time of purchase. A Fund may invest in securities which will not be rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch), but the credit quality will be determined by the adviser.
      Credit risk is generally greater for investments issued at less than their face values and required to make interest payments only at maturity rather than at intervals during the life of the investment. Credit rating agencies base their ratings largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ investment analysis at the time of rating. The rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition, and does not reflect an assessment of an investment’s volatility or liquidity. Although investment grade investments generally have lower credit risk than investments rated below investment grade, they may share some of the risks of lower-rated investments, including the possibility that the issuers may be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal and thus default.
      Changes in the financial condition of an issuer, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can affect the credit quality or value of an issuer’s securities.
    Extension Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security’s duration, and reduce the value of the security.
    High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The lower ratings of certain securities held by a Fund reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of securities held by a Fund more volatile and could limit a Fund’s ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Fund has placed on such securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by them, a Fund at times may be unable to establish the fair value of such securities. To the extent a Fund invests in securities in the lower rating categories, the achievement of the Fund’s goals is more dependent on the Fund adviser’s investment analysis than would be the case if the Fund was investing in securities in the higher rating categories.

44


Table of Contents

    Inflation/Deflation Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Inflation risk is the risk that a Fund’s assets or income from a Fund’s investments may be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of a Fund’s portfolio could decline. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy may decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of a Fund’s portfolio.
    Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations and certain stripped mortgage-backed securities represent a participation in, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables from credit card agreements.
      Traditional debt investments typically pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the entire principal amount is due. By contrast, payments on mortgage-backed and many asset-backed investments typically include both interest and partial payment of principal. Principal may also be prepaid voluntarily, or as a result of refinancing or foreclosure. The Fund may have to invest the proceeds from prepaid investments in other investments with less attractive terms and yields. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Because the prepayment rate generally declines as interest rates rise, an increase in interest rates will likely increase the duration, and thus the volatility, of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. In addition to interest rate risk (as described above under “Interest Rate Risk”), investments in mortgage-backed securities composed of subprime mortgages may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk and liquidity risk (as described above under “Credit Risk” and below under “Valuation Risk” and “Liquidity Risk”). Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s price to changes in interest rates. Unlike the maturity of a fixed income security, which measures only the time until final payment is due, duration takes into account the time until all payments of interest and principal on a security are expected to be made, including how these payments are affected by prepayments and by changes in interest rates.
      The types of mortgages underlying securities held by the Fund may differ and may be affected differently by market factors. For example, the Fund’s investments in residential mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting residential real estate markets and mortgages generally; similarly, investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting commercial real estate markets and mortgages generally.
      The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited. Some mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments receive only the interest portion (“IOs”) or the principal portion (“POs”) of payments on the underlying assets. The yields and values of these investments are extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates and in the rate of principal payments on the underlying assets. IOs tend to decrease in value if interest rates decline and rates of repayment (including prepayment) on the underlying mortgages or assets increase; it is possible that the Fund may lose the entire amount of its investment in an IO due to a decrease in interest rates. Conversely, POs tend to decrease in value if interest rates rise and rates of repayment decrease. Moreover, the market for IOs and POs may be volatile and limited, which may make them difficult for the Fund to buy or sell.
      The Fund may gain investment exposure to mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments by entering into agreements with financial institutions to buy the investments at a fixed price at a future date. The Fund may or may not take delivery of the investments at the termination date of such an agreement, but will nonetheless be exposed to changes in value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
    Liquidity Risk. (All Funds). Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. A Fund’s investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Investments in foreign securities, derivatives, or securities with substantial market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk. Illiquid securities may be highly volatile and difficult to value.

45


Table of Contents

    Derivatives Risk. (All Funds). Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or derives from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index. A Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this section, such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk, and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser anticipated. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may be highly volatile. Use of derivatives other than for hedging purposes may be considered speculative and may have the effect of creating investment leverage, and when a Fund invests in a derivative instrument it could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that a Fund will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that would be beneficial. Many derivative transactions are entered into “over the counter” (not on an exchange or contract market); as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on the ability and willingness of a Fund’s counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. A Fund may be required to segregate certain of its assets on the books of its custodian in respect of derivatives transactions entered into by the Fund. Special tax considerations apply to a Fund’s investment in derivatives. See the SAI for more information.
    Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The Funds may invest in companies that are smaller and less well-known than larger, more widely held companies. Micro, small and mid cap companies may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger companies, but may also involve certain special risks. They are more likely than larger companies to have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or to depend on a small, inexperienced management group. Securities of smaller companies may trade less frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and their values may fluctuate more sharply than other securities. They may also trade in the over-the-counter market or on a regional exchange, or may otherwise have limited liquidity. These securities may therefore be more vulnerable to adverse developments than securities of larger companies, and the Funds may have difficulty establishing or closing out their securities positions in smaller companies at prevailing market prices. Also, there may be less publicly available information about smaller companies or less market interest in their securities as compared to larger companies, and it may take longer for the prices of the securities to reflect the full value of their issuers’ earnings potential or assets.
    Equity Securities Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The principal risks of investing in the Funds include the risk that the value of the equity securities in the portfolio will fall, or will not appreciate as anticipated by the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser, due to factors that adversely affect equities markets generally or particular companies in the portfolio. Common stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer and are subject to issuer and market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Preferred stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that typically pays dividends at a specified rate and that has priority over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Different types of investments tend to shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic conditions.
    Convertible Securities Risk. (All Funds). Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund may invest in convertible securities, which are corporate debt securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common or preferred stock, and so subject to the risks of investments in both debt securities and equity securities. Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund may invest in securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks, and so subject to the risks of investments in both debt and equity securities. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying preferred and common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities.
    Warrants Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The Funds may invest in warrants to purchase equity securities. The price, performance and liquidity of such warrants are typically linked to the underlying stock. These instruments have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock.

46


Table of Contents

    Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The Funds may also purchase securities of companies in IPOs, which frequently are smaller companies. Such securities have no trading history, and information about these companies may be available for very limited periods. The prices of securities sold in IPOs also can be highly volatile. Under certain market conditions, very few companies, if any, may determine to make IPOs of their securities. At any particular time or from time to time the Funds may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to the Funds. The investment performance of the Funds during periods when they are unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Funds are able to do so.
    Foreign Investment Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund may invest in foreign securities. Schroder North American Equity Fund may invest in securities of Canadian companies and in companies located in other countries in North America. Investments in foreign securities entail certain risks. There may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability, and diplomatic developments that could affect the value of a Fund’s investments in certain foreign countries. In addition, there may be less information publicly available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S. issuer, and foreign issuers are not generally subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also generally higher than in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve certain risks (such as delay in payment or delivery of securities or in the recovery of a Fund’s assets held abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments.
      Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund may invest in Chinese companies. While companies in China may be subject to limitations on their business relationships under Chinese law, these laws may not be consistent with certain political and security concerns of the United States. As a result, Chinese companies may have material direct or indirect business relationships with governments that are considered state sponsors of terrorism by the United States government, or governments that otherwise have policies in conflict with the U.S. government. Investments in such companies may subject the Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund to the risk that these companies’ reputation and price in the market will be adversely affected.
      In addition, legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be more limited than those available to investors in the United States or in other foreign countries. The willingness and ability of foreign governmental entities to pay principal and interest on government securities depends on various economic factors, including the issuer’s balance of payments, overall debt level, and cash-flow considerations related to the availability of tax or other revenues to satisfy the issuer’s obligations. If a foreign governmental entity defaults on its obligations on the securities, a Fund may have limited recourse available to it. The laws of some foreign countries may limit a Fund’s ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries.
      Special tax considerations apply to a Fund’s investments in foreign securities. In determining whether to invest a Fund’s assets in debt securities of foreign issuers, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers the likely impact of foreign taxes on the net yield available to the Fund and its shareholders. Income and/or gains received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be reduced by withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Any such taxes paid by a Fund will reduce its income available for distribution to shareholders. In certain circumstances, a Fund may be able to pass through to shareholders credits for foreign taxes paid. Certain of these risks may also apply to some extent to investments in U.S. companies that are traded in foreign markets, or investments in U.S. companies that have significant foreign operations.
      In addition, a Fund’s investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or character of the Fund’s distributions.
    Foreign Currencies Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Since foreign securities normally are denominated and traded in foreign currencies, the value of a Fund’s assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, currency exchange control regulations, foreign withholding taxes, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies. A Fund may, but is not required

47


Table of Contents

      to, buy or sell foreign securities and options and futures contracts on foreign securities for hedging purposes in connection with its foreign investments.
 
      If a Fund purchases securities denominated in foreign currencies, a change in the value of any such currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets and the Fund’s income available for distribution. Officials in foreign countries may from time to time take actions in respect of their currencies which could significantly affect the value of a Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies or the liquidity of such investments. For example, a foreign government may unilaterally devalue its currency against other currencies, which would typically have the effect of reducing the U.S. dollar value of investments denominated in that currency. A foreign government may also limit the convertibility or repatriation of its currency or assets denominated in its currency, which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. In addition, although at times most of a Fund’s income may be received or realized in these currencies, the Fund will be required to compute and distribute its income in U.S. dollars. As a result, if the exchange rate for any such currency declines after the Fund’s income has been earned and translated into U.S. dollars but before payment to shareholders, the Fund could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to make such distributions. Similarly, if a Fund incurs an expense in U.S. dollars and the exchange rate declines before the expense is paid, the Fund would have to convert a greater amount of U.S. dollars to pay for the expense at that time than it would have had to convert at the time the Fund incurred the expense. A Fund may, but is not required to, buy or sell foreign currencies and options and futures contracts on foreign currencies for hedging purposes in connection with its foreign investments.
 
    Emerging Markets Securities Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Investing in emerging market securities poses risks different from, and/or greater than, risks of investing in domestic securities or in the securities of foreign, developed countries. These risks include: smaller market-capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales, and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or the creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by a Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. Although many of the emerging market securities in which a Fund may invest are traded on securities exchanges, they may trade in limited volume, and the exchanges may not provide all of the conveniences or protections provided by securities exchanges in more developed markets.
 
      Additional risks of emerging market securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.
 
    Geographic Focus Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). To the extent that a Fund invests a substantial amount of its assets in one country or group of countries, its performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly. Because the Schroder North American Equity Fund invests principally in equity securities of North American companies, and the Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund invest principally in equity securities of U.S. companies, their performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly.
 
    Issuer Focus Risk. (Schroder International Alpha Fund and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund). The Funds, and in particular the Schroder International Alpha Fund, may invest in a smaller number of companies than comprise the portfolios of other similar mutual funds. When a Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, changes in the value of one or more portfolio securities may have a greater effect on the Fund than if the Fund invested more broadly.

48


Table of Contents

    Depositary Receipts Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund). The Fund may invest in ADRs, as well as GDRs, EDRs or other similar securities representing ownership of foreign securities. Depositary Receipts generally evidence an ownership interest in a corresponding foreign security on deposit with a financial institution. Investments in non-U.S. issuers through Depositary Receipts and similar instruments may involve certain risks not applicable to investing in U.S. issuers, including changes in currency rates, application of local tax laws, changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs may be incurred in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored Depositary Receipts. Unsponsored Depositary Receipts are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, available information concerning the issuers may not be as current for unsponsored Depositary Receipts and the prices of unsponsored Depositary Receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer.
 
    Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund). A Fund may invest in other investment companies or pooled vehicles, including closed-end funds, trusts, and ETFs, that are advised by the Fund’s adviser, sub-adviser or its affiliates or by unaffiliated parties, to the extent permitted by applicable law. When investing in a closed-end investment company, a Fund may pay a premium above such investment company’s net asset value per share and when the shares are sold, the price received by the Fund may be at a discount to net asset value. As a shareholder in an investment company or pooled vehicle, a Fund, and indirectly that Fund’s shareholders would bear its ratable share of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory and administrative fees, and would at the same time continue to pay its own fees and expenses. Where an investment company or pooled investment vehicle offers multiple classes of shares or interests, the Fund will seek to invest in the class with the lowest expenses to a Fund, although there is no guarantee that it will do so. ETFs issue redeemable securities, but because these securities may only be redeemed in kind in significant amounts investors generally buy and sell shares in transactions on securities exchanges. Investments in other investment companies may be subject to investment limitations such as redemption fees. See “How to Sell Fund Shares — Redemption Fees” for more information.
 
    Real Estate Investment Trust Risk. (Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). An investment in a REIT may be subject to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses. In addition, an investment in a REIT is subject to additional risks, such as poor performance by the manager of the REIT, adverse changes to the tax laws or failure by the REIT to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and to the risk of general declines in stock prices. In addition, some REITs have limited diversification because they invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property. Also, the organizational documents of a REIT may contain provisions that make changes in control of the REIT difficult and time-consuming. As a shareholder in a REIT a Fund, and indirectly the Fund’s shareholders, would bear its ratable share of the REIT’s expenses and would at the same time continue to pay its own fees and expenses.
 
    Over-the-Counter Risk. (Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Securities traded in over-the- counter markets may trade in smaller volumes, and their prices may be more volatile, than securities principally traded on securities exchanges. Such securities may be less liquid than more widely traded securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup, which a Fund pays as part of the purchase price.
 
    Equity Markets Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Although stocks may outperform other asset classes over the long term, their prices tend to fluctuate more dramatically over the shorter term. These movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, or from broader influences like changes in interest rates, market conditions, investor confidence or announcements of economic, political or financial information. While potentially offering greater opportunities for capital growth than larger, more established companies, the stocks of smaller companies may be particularly volatile, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. These companies may face less certain growth prospects, or depend heavily on a limited line of products and services or the efforts of a small number of key management personnel.
 
    Management Risk. (All Funds). Because the Funds are actively managed, each Fund’s investment return depends on the ability of its adviser or sub-adviser to manage its portfolio successfully. A Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser and its investment team will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no

49


Table of Contents

      guarantee that these will produce the desired results. There is a risk that each Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may be incorrect in its analysis of economic trends, countries, industries, companies, or other matters.
 
    Frequent Trading/Portfolio Turnover Risk (All Funds). The length of time a Fund has held a particular security is not generally a consideration in investment decisions. The investment policies of a Fund may lead to frequent changes in the Fund’s investments, particularly in periods of volatile market movements, in order to take advantage of what the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser believes to be temporary disparities in normal yield relationships between securities. A change in the securities held by a Fund is known as “portfolio turnover.” Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to a Fund, including bid-asked spreads, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other securities, and may result in the realization of taxable capital gains (including short-term gains, which are generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income rates). The trading costs and tax effects associated with portfolio turnover may adversely affect a Fund’s performance. During periods when a Fund experiences high portfolio turnover rates, these effects are likely to be more pronounced. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, the Funds had the following portfolio turnover rates: Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: [  ]%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: [  ]%; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund: [  ]%; Schroder North American Equity Fund: [ ]%; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: [  ]%; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund: [  ]%; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund: [  ]%. For Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, the variation in its rate of turnover over the last two fiscal years is due to the nature of the Fund’s investments and market conditions. Consult your tax advisor regarding the effect of a Fund’s portfolio turnover rate on your investments.
 
    U.S. Government Securities Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). U.S. Government securities include a variety of securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities, and dates of issue. While securities issued or guaranteed by some agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as the Government National Mortgage Association) are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, securities issued or guaranteed by certain other agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as Federal Home Loan Banks) are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government, and securities issued or guaranteed by certain other agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are supported only by the credit of the issuer itself. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now under conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and are benefiting from a liquidity backstop of the U.S. Treasury, no assurance can be given that these initiatives will be successful. Investments in these securities are also subject to interest rate risk (as described above under “Interest Rate Risk”), prepayment risk (as described above under “Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk”), extension risk (as described above under “Extension Risk”), and the risk that the value of the securities will fluctuate in response to political, market, or economic developments.
 
    Valuation Risk (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Due to the nature of some Fund’s investments and the market environment, a portion of the Fund’s assets may be valued by Schroders at fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. A Fund’s assets may be valued using prices provided by a pricing service or, alternatively, a broker-dealer or other market intermediary (sometimes just one broker-dealer or other market intermediary) when other reliable pricing sources may not be available. To the extent the Fund relies on a pricing service to value some or all of its portfolio securities, it is possible that the pricing information provided by the service will not reflect the actual price a Fund would receive upon sale of a security. In addition, to the extent a Fund sells a security at a price lower than the price it has been using to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected. If a Fund has overvalued securities it holds, you may end up paying too much for the Fund’s shares when you buy into the Fund. If a Fund underestimates the price of its portfolio securities, you may not receive the full market value for your Fund shares when you sell.

50


Table of Contents

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES
    In addition to the principal investment strategies described in the Principal Investment Strategies section above, each Fund may at times, but is not required to, use the strategies and techniques described below, which involve certain special risks. This Prospectus does not attempt to disclose all of the various investment techniques and types of securities that the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser might use in managing the Funds. As in any mutual fund, investors must rely on the professional investment judgment and skill of the Funds’ adviser and sub-adviser.
    Short Sales. A Fund may sell a security short when the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser anticipates that the price of the security will decline. A Fund may make a profit or incur a loss depending on whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund “closes” the short position. A short position will result in a loss if the market price of the security in question increases between the date when the Fund enters into the short position and the date when the Fund closes the short position. Such a loss could theoretically be unlimited in a case where such Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position. In addition, short positions may result in a loss if a portfolio strategy of which the short position is a part is otherwise unsuccessful.
 
    Securities Loans and Repurchase Agreements. A Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers, and may enter into repurchase agreements. These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but involve some risk to a Fund if the other party should default on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral. A Fund may enter into securities loans and repurchase agreements as a non-principal investment strategy, as a way to recognize additional current income on securities that it owns.
 
    Temporary Defensive Strategies. At times, the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser may judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing a Fund’s investment strategy inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders. At such times, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may, but is not required to, take temporary “defensive” positions that are inconsistent with a Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. In implementing these defensive strategies, the Fund would invest in investment grade fixed income securities, cash or money market instruments to any extent the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers consistent with such defensive strategies. It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, a Fund would use these alternate strategies. One risk of taking such temporary defensive positions is that the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
 
    Pricing. At times market conditions might make it hard to value some investments. If a Fund has valued securities it holds too high, you may end up paying too much for the Fund’s shares when you buy into a Fund. If a Fund underestimates the price of its portfolio securities, you may not receive the full market value for your Fund shares when you sell. To the extent a Fund relies on a pricing service to value some or all of its portfolio securities, it is possible that the pricing information provided by the service will not reflect the actual price the Fund would receive upon a sale of the security.
 
    Other Investments. A Fund may also invest in other types of securities and utilize a variety of investment techniques and strategies that are not described in this Prospectus. These securities and techniques may subject the Fund to additional risks. Please see the SAI for additional information about the securities and investment techniques described in this Prospectus and about additional techniques and strategies that may be used by the Funds.
 
    Securities in Default. Securities that are in default are subject generally to the risks described above under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund — High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk,” and which offer little or no prospect for the payment of the full amount of unpaid principal and interest.
 
    Percentage Investment Limitations. Unless otherwise noted, all percentage limitations on Fund investments will apply at the time of investment, including the requirements that: Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to be “emerging market” issuers; Schroder International Alpha Fund normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s adviser considers to be located outside of the United States; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund normally invest at least 65% of its net assets in equity securities of companies located in countries outside of the United States; Schroder North American Equity Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies organized and principally traded in, or with their principal places of business and principally traded in, North America; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies the Fund’s adviser considers

51


Table of Contents

      to be located in the United States; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in companies considered by the Fund’s adviser at the time to be small or mid cap companies located in the United States; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income obligations. An investment by a Fund would not be considered to violate a percentage limitation unless an excess or deficiency were to occur or exist immediately after and as a result of an investment. References in the discussion of the Funds’ investment policies above to 80% of a Fund’s net assets refer to that percentage of the aggregate of the Fund’s net assets and the amount, if any, of borrowings by a Fund for investment purposes.
 
    Private Placements and Restricted Securities. A Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. At times, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing a Fund’s net asset value. A Fund’s sale of such investments may also be restricted under securities laws. In the event that the Trustees, or persons designated by the Trustees, determine that a security is “readily marketable” pursuant to these procedures, and a Fund is not able to sell such security at the price that such persons anticipate, the Fund’s net asset value will decrease.
 
    When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward Commitment Transactions. The Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase a security for a predetermined price or yield, with payments and delivery taking place more than seven days in the future, or after a period longer than the customary settlement period for that type of security. These transactions may increase the overall investment exposure for a Fund and involve a risk of loss if the value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date.

52


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
    Each Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of each Trust has retained Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. to serve as each Fund’s adviser and to manage the investments of each Fund. Subject to the control of the applicable Board of Trustees, Schroders also manages each Fund’s other affairs and business.
    Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (“SIMNA Ltd.”), an affiliate of Schroders, serves as sub-adviser responsible for portfolio management of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund.
    Schroders (itself and its predecessors) has been an investment manager since 1962, and serves as investment adviser to the Funds and as investment adviser to other mutual funds and a broad range of institutional investors. Schroders plc, Schroders’ ultimate parent, is a global asset management company with approximately $[  ] under management as of December 31, 2009. Schroders and its affiliates have clients that are major financial institutions including banks and insurance companies, public and private pension funds, endowments and foundations, high net worth individuals, financial intermediaries and retail investors. Schroders plc has one of the largest networks of offices of any dedicated asset management company and over 350 portfolio managers and analysts covering the world’s investment markets.
    Management Fees. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, each of the following Funds paid aggregate management fees, net of applicable expense limitations and/or fee waivers, for investment management and administration services to Schroders at the following annual rates (based on each Fund’s average daily net assets): Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: [0.21]%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: [0.607]%; Schroder North American Equity Fund: [0.25]%; and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: [1.00]%. [Each of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund did not pay fees] during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 due to expense limitations and/or fee waivers in effect during that period. As compensation for SIMNA Ltd.’s services as sub-adviser, Schroders pays to SIMNA Ltd. fifty percent of the investment advisory fees Schroders receives from each of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund. A discussion regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the investment management agreements for the Funds is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.
 
    Expense Limitations and Waivers. In order to limit the expenses of the Investor Shares of certain Funds, the Funds’ adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 for Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund to pay or reimburse the applicable Fund for expenses to the extent that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, which may include typically non-recurring expenses such as, for example, organizational expenses, litigation expenses, and shareholder meeting expenses) allocable to each Fund’s Investor Shares exceed the following annual rates (based on the average daily net assets attributable to each Fund’s Investor Shares): Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: [1.25]%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: [1.15]%; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund: [1.15]%; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: [1.70]%; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund: [1.05]%; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund: [0.40]%.
 
    Portfolio Management. The following portfolio managers at Schroders and SIMNA Ltd. have primary responsibility for making investment decisions for the respective Funds. For each of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund and Schroder North American Equity Fund, all investment decisions are made by a team of investment professionals at SIMNA Ltd. with the portfolio managers listed in the table below for that Fund having primary responsibility for making investment decisions for the Fund. Each portfolio manager’s recent professional experience is also shown. The Funds’ SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and each portfolio manager’s ownership of securities in the respective Fund.

53


Table of Contents

                 
                RECENT PROFESSIONAL
FUND   NAME   TITLE   SINCE   EXPERIENCE
Schroder Emerging
Market Equity Fund
  James Gotto   Portfolio Manager   Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Gotto is a Portfolio Manager of SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 1991.
 
               
Schroder Emerging
Market Equity Fund
  Waj Hashmi, CFA   Portfolio Manager   Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Hashmi is a Portfolio Manager of SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 2000.
 
               
Schroder Emerging
Market Equity Fund
  Robert Davy   Portfolio Manager   Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Davy is a Portfolio Manager of SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 1986.
 
               
Schroder Emerging
Market Equity Fund
  Allan Conway   Head of Emerging Markets Equities   Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Conway is Head of Emerging Markets Equities at SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 2004. Formerly, Head of Global Emerging Markets, West LB Asset Management and Chief Executive Officer of WestAM (UK) Ltd.
 
               
Schroder
International Alpha
Fund
  Virginie
Maisonneuve, CFA
  Lead Portfolio Manager   March 2005   Ms. Maisonneuve is Head of Schroders’ Global and Europe, Australasia, Far East (EAFE) Team. She has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 2004. Formerly, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Director, Clay Finlay.
 
               
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund and Schroder North American Equity Fund
  Justin Abercrombie   Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of Quantitative Equity Products (“QEP”)   Inception (August 30, 2006) (Schroder International Diversified Value Fund)

Inception (September 2003) (Schroder North American Equity Fund)
  Mr. Abercrombie is the Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of QEP, SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of Schroders since 1996. Formerly, founding member of QEP, SIMNA Ltd.
 
               
Schroder North
American Equity
Fund
  John Marsland, CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst   May 2006   Mr. Marsland is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst, SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since May 2006. Formerly, Quantitative Fund Manager, WMG Advisors LLP from January 2005 to April 2006, Head of Risk Advisory, Commerzbank Securities from 2000 to November 2004.
 
               
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  Jenny B. Jones   Lead Portfolio Manager   2003 (Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund)

Inception (March 31, 2006) (Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund)
  Ms. Jones is Head of U.S. Small and Mid Cap Equities of Schroders. She has been an employee of Schroders since 2003. Formerly, portfolio manager and Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income Fund
  Wesley A. Sparks, CFA   Portfolio Manager   Inception (December 2004)   Mr. Sparks is Head of U.S. Taxable Fixed Income of Schroders. He has been an employee of Schroders since December 2000. Formerly, portfolio manager at Aeltus Investment Management.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income Fund
  David Harris   Portfolio Manager   Inception (December 2004)   Mr. Harris is Product Manager — U.S. Fixed Income of Schroders. He has been an employee of Schroders since November 1992.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income Fund
  Chris Ames   Portfolio Manager    2008   Mr. Ames is an ABS Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income Group of Schroders, and specializes in managing asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities. Formerly, Portfolio Manager with Cheyne Capital from 2005-2007 and Head of ABS and CDO Research at BNP Paribas from 2002-2005. He has been an employee of Schroders since 2007.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income Fund
  Gregg T. Moore, CFA   Portfolio Manager   Inception (December 2004)   Mr. Moore is Fund Manager, Fixed Income of Schroders and has been an employee of Schroders since June 2001. Formerly, quantitative analyst at Aeltus Investment Management.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income Fund
  Ed Fitzpatrick   Portfolio Manager    2006   Mr. Fitzpatrick is Fund Manager, Fixed Income of Schroders. He has been an employee of Schroders since 2006. Formerly, a Vice President of Pershing LLC from 1999 to 2006.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income Fund
  Tony Hui   Portfolio Manager    2007   Mr. Hui is Fund Manager, Fixed Income of Schroders. Formerly, a Trader at UBS from 2002 to 2007. He has been an employee of Schroders since 2007.

54


Table of Contents

HOW THE FUNDS’ SHARES ARE PRICED
    Each Fund calculates the net asset value of its Investor Shares by dividing the total value of its assets attributable to its Investor Shares, less its liabilities attributable to those shares, by the number of Investor Shares outstanding. Each Fund values its Investor Shares as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) each day the Exchange is open. The Trusts expect that days, other than weekend days, when the Exchange will not be open are New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
    Securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at prices which, in the opinion of Schroders, most nearly represent the market values of such securities. Securities for which market values are not readily available, or for which the Funds’ adviser believes the market value is unreliable (including, for example, certain foreign securities, thinly-traded securities, IPOs, or when there is a particular event that may affect the value of a security), are valued by Schroders at their fair values pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees. Certain securities, such as various types of options (as described further below), are valued at fair value on the basis of valuations furnished by broker-dealers or other market intermediaries. It is possible that fair value prices will be used by a Fund to a significant extent. The value determined for an investment using the Funds’ fair value guidelines may differ from recent market prices for the investment. Reliable market quotations are not considered to be readily available for many bonds (excluding U.S. Treasury securities), certain preferred stocks, tax-exempt securities and certain foreign securities. Such securities are valued at fair value, generally on the basis of valuations furnished by pricing services, which determine valuations for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders. Below investment grade debt instruments (“high yield debt”) and emerging market debt instruments will generally be valued at prices furnished by pricing services based on the mean of bid and asked prices supplied by brokers or dealers, although, if the bid-asked spread exceeds five points, that security will typically be valued at the bid price. Short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless Schroders believes another valuation is more appropriate.
    Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported sale prices on any day or, in the absence of a reported sale price, at mid-market prices. Options and futures contracts traded on a securities exchange or board of trade generally are valued at the last reported sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the closing mid-market price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Options and futures not traded on a securities exchange or board of trade for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are generally valued at the most recently reported mid-market price. Credit default and interest rate swaps are valued at the estimate of the mid-market price, together with other supporting information. Options on indices or ETF shares are valued at the closing mid-market price. If such prices are not available, unlisted securities and derivatives are valued by Schroders at their fair values based on quotations from dealers, and if such quotations are not available, based on factors in the markets where such securities and derivatives trade, such as security and bond prices, interest rates, and currency exchange rates.
    Certain Funds may invest in foreign securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when the price of the Fund’s shares is not calculated. The price of the Fund’s shares will reflect any such changes when the price of the Fund’s shares is next calculated, which is the next day the Exchange is open. The Funds may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim.
    Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund’s investments may be priced based on fair values provided by a third-party fair valuation vendor, based on certain factors and methodologies applied by such vendor, in the event that there is movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specific threshold established by the Schroders’ Fair Value Committee pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees. The net asset value of a Fund’s Investor Shares may differ from that of its Advisor Shares due to differences in the expenses of Investor Shares and Advisor Shares.

55


Table of Contents

HOW TO BUY SHARES
    Each Trust, through its distributor, Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. (“SFA”), sells Investor Shares of its Funds at their net asset value without any sales charges or loads, so that the full amount of your purchase payment is invested in the applicable Fund.
    You may purchase Investor Shares of each Fund by completing the Account Application that accompanies this Prospectus, and sending payment by check or wire as described below. Acceptance of your order will be delayed pending receipt of additional documentation, such as copies of corporate resolutions and instruments of authority from corporations, administrators, executors, personal representatives, directors, or custodians.
    Each Fund sells its Investor Shares at their net asset value next determined after the applicable Fund, its transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”), or an authorized broker or financial institution (as described below) receives your request in good order (meaning that the request meets the requirements set out below and in the Account Application, and otherwise meets the requirements implemented from time to time by the applicable Fund’s transfer agent or the Fund). In order for you to receive a Fund’s next determined net asset value, the Fund, BFDS or the authorized broker or financial institution must receive your order before the close of trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time), and the broker or financial institution must subsequently communicate the order properly to the Fund. Each Trust reserves the right to reject any order to purchase Investor Shares of any of its Funds. Each Trust generally expects to inform any persons that their purchase has been rejected within 24 hours.
    The minimum investments for initial and additional purchases of Investor Shares of a Fund are as follows:
                 
    Initial Investment   Additional Investments
 
  $ 250,000     $ 1,000  
    The applicable Trust may, in its sole discretion, waive these minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts for share purchases by: an employee of Schroders, any of its affiliates or a financial intermediary authorized to sell shares of a Fund, or such employee’s spouse or life partner, or children or step-children age 21 or younger; investment advisory clients of Schroders; and current or former Trustees. For share purchases made through certain fund networks or other financial intermediaries, the investment minimums associated with the policies and programs of the fund network or financial intermediary will apply.
    Investor Shares of the Funds are intended for purchase by investors making a minimum initial investment of $250,000 and purchasing shares directly from the Fund. Advisor Shares of the Funds are offered through another prospectus and are intended for investors making a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and purchasing shares through a financial intermediary.
    The Funds do not issue share certificates.
    Each Trust may suspend the offering of Investor Shares of its Funds for any period of time. Each Trust may change any investment minimum from time to time.
    Purchases by check. You may purchase Investor Shares of a Fund by mailing a check (in U.S. dollars) payable to the Fund. If you wish to purchase Investor Shares of two or more Funds, make your check payable to Schroder Mutual Funds and include written instructions as to how the amount of your check should be allocated among the Funds whose shares you are purchasing. Schroder Mutual Funds will not accept third-party checks or starter checks. You should direct your check and your completed Account Application as follows:
     
REGULAR MAIL
  OVERNIGHT OR EXPRESS MAIL
Schroder Mutual Funds
  Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8507
  Attn: Schroder Mutual Funds
Boston, MA 02266
  30 Dan Road
 
  Canton, MA 02021
    For initial purchases, a completed Account Application must accompany your check.
    Purchases by bank wire. If you make your initial investment by wire, a completed Account Application must precede your order. Upon receipt of the Application, BFDS will assign you an account number. BFDS will process wire orders received prior to the close of trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the Exchange is open for trading at the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. BFDS will process wire orders received after that time at the net asset value next determined thereafter.

56


Table of Contents

    Please call BFDS at (800) 464-3108 to give notice that you will send funds by wire, and obtain a wire reference number. (From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a Schroder Mutual Funds representative.) Please be sure to obtain a wire reference number. Instruct your bank to wire funds with the assigned reference number as follows:
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
ABA No.: 011000028
Attn: Schroder Mutual Funds
DDA No.: 9904-650-0
FBO: Account Registration
A/C: Mutual Fund Account Number
         Name of Fund
    BFDS will not process your purchase until it receives the wired funds.
    Automatic purchases. You can make regular investments of $100 or more per month or quarter in Investor Shares of a Fund through automatic deductions from your bank account. Please complete the appropriate section of the Account Application if you would like to utilize this option. For more information, please call (800) 464-3108 ((617) 483-5000 from outside the United States).
    Brokers and other financial institutions. You may also buy and exchange Investor Shares of the Funds through an authorized broker or other financial institution that has an agreement with Schroders or SFA. The purchase and exchange policies and fees charged by such brokers and other institutions may be different than those of the Funds. For instance, banks, brokers, retirement plans and financial advisers may charge transaction fees and may set different investment minimums or limitations on buying or exchanging Investor Shares. Please consult a representative of your financial institution for further information.
    Certain brokers or other financial institutions may accept purchase orders for Investor Shares on behalf of the Funds. Such brokers or financial institutions may designate other intermediaries to accept purchase orders on behalf of the Funds. For purposes of pricing, a Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase order when an authorized broker or financial institution or, if applicable, a broker or financial institution’s authorized designee, receives the order, provided that the broker or financial institution subsequently communicates the order properly to the Fund. Orders received in good order prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading will receive the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value.
    Brokers or other agents may charge investors a fee for effecting transactions in shares of a Fund, in addition to any fees the Fund charges.
    Purchases in kind. Investors may purchase Investor Shares of a Fund for cash or in exchange for securities, subject to the determination by Schroders in its discretion that the securities are acceptable. (For purposes of determining whether securities will be acceptable, Schroders will consider, among other things, whether they are liquid securities of a type consistent with the investment objective and policies of the Fund and have a readily ascertainable value.) If a Fund receives securities from an investor in exchange for Investor Shares of the Fund, the Fund will under some circumstances have the same tax basis in the securities as the investor had prior to the exchange (and the Fund’s gain for tax purposes would be calculated with regard to the investor’s tax basis), and in such cases the Fund’s holding period in those securities would include the investor’s holding period. Any gain on the sale of securities received in exchange for Investor Shares of the Fund would be subject to distribution as capital gain to all of the Fund’s shareholders. (In some circumstances, receipt of securities from an investor in exchange for Investor Shares of the Fund may be a taxable transaction to the investor, in which case the Fund’s tax basis in the securities would reflect the fair market value of the securities on the date of the exchange, and its holding period in the securities would begin on that date.) The Funds value securities accepted by Schroders in the same manner as are the Funds’ portfolio securities as of the time of the next determination of a Fund’s net asset value. Although the Funds seek to determine the fair value of securities contributed to a Fund, any valuation that does not reflect fair value may dilute the interests of the purchasing shareholder or the other shareholders of the Funds. All rights reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Funds and must be delivered to the Funds upon receipt by the investor. Investors may realize a taxable gain or loss upon the exchange. Investors interested in purchases through exchange should telephone BFDS at (800) 464-3108 ((617) 483-5000 from outside the United States), their Schroders client representative, or other financial intermediary.

57


Table of Contents

    Certain payments by Schroders or its affiliates. SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates may, at their own expense and out of their own assets, provide compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of Fund shares or shareholder servicing. In some instances, they may make this compensation available only to certain intermediaries who have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares of a Fund. See “Payments to Financial Intermediaries.” If you purchase or sell shares through an intermediary, the intermediary may charge a separate fee for its services. Consult your intermediary for information. In addition, employees of Schroders who are registered representatives of SFA may be more favorably compensated in respect of sales of some Funds than others; the identity of those Funds may change from time to time in Schroders’ discretion. Those employees would have a financial incentive to promote the sales of those Funds for which they are more highly compensated.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
    When you may redeem. You may sell your Investor Shares back to a Fund on any day the Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds, or by calling BFDS at (800) 464-3108 ((617) 483-5000 from outside the United States). Redemption requests received in good order by Schroder Mutual Funds, BFDS, or an authorized broker or financial institution (as described below) prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading (and subsequently communicated properly to the Fund by the broker or financial institution) will be priced at the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value. A redemption request is in good order if it includes the exact name in which the shares are registered, the investor’s account number, and the number of shares or the dollar amount of shares to be redeemed, and, for written requests, if it is signed in accordance with the account registration, although in certain circumstances you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares. A bank, broker-dealer, or certain other financial institutions must guarantee the signature(s) of all account holders for any redemption request in excess of $50,000. The Stamp 2000 Medallion Guarantee is the only acceptable form of guarantee. An investor can obtain this signature guarantee from a commercial bank, savings bank, credit union, or broker-dealer that participates in one of the Medallion signature guarantee programs. You may redeem your shares by telephone only if you elected the telephone redemption privilege option on your Account Application or otherwise in writing. Telephone redemption proceeds will be sent only to you at an address on record with a Fund for at least 30 days. Unless otherwise agreed, you may only exercise the telephone redemption privilege to redeem shares worth not more than $50,000. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.
    Each Fund will meet redemption requests as promptly as possible and in any event within seven days after the request for redemption is received in good order. Each Fund generally sends payment for shares on the business day after a request is received, although it may not always do so. In case of emergencies, each Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for more than seven days, as permitted by law. If you paid for your Investor Shares by check, each Fund will not send you your redemption proceeds until the check you used to pay for the shares has cleared, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.
    Brokers and other financial institutions. You may also redeem and exchange Investor Shares of the Funds through an authorized broker or other financial institution that has an agreement with Schroders or SFA. The redemption and exchange policies and fees charged by such brokers and other institutions may be different than those of the Funds. For instance, banks, brokers, retirement plans and financial advisers may charge transaction fees and may set different investment minimums or limitations on exchanging or redeeming Investor Shares. Please consult a representative of your financial institution for further information.
    Certain brokers or other financial institutions may accept redemption orders for Investor Shares on behalf of the Funds. Such brokers or financial institutions may designate other intermediaries to accept redemption orders on behalf of the Funds. For purposes of pricing, a Fund will be deemed to have received a redemption order when an authorized broker or financial institution or, if applicable, a broker or financial institution’s authorized designee, receives the order, provided that the broker or financial institution subsequently communicates the order properly to the Fund. Orders received in good order prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading will receive the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value.
    Brokers or other agents may charge investors a fee for effecting transactions in shares of a Fund, in addition to any fees a Fund charges.
    Involuntary redemptions. If, because of your redemptions, your account balance for any of the Funds falls below a minimum amount set by the Trustees (presently $2,000), a Trust may choose to redeem your Investor Shares in the Funds and pay you for them. You will receive at least 30 days’ written notice before the Trust redeems your Investor Shares, and you may purchase additional Investor Shares at any time to avoid a redemption. Each Trust may also redeem Investor Shares if you own shares of the Funds above a maximum amount set by the Trustees. There is currently no maximum, but the Trustees may establish one at any time, which could apply to both present and future shareholders.

58


Table of Contents

    Suspension. Each Trust may suspend the right of redemption of a Fund or postpone payment by a Fund during any period when: (1) trading on the Exchange is restricted, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), or the Exchange is closed; (2) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (3) an emergency (as defined by rules of the SEC) exists, making disposal of portfolio investments or determination of a Fund’s net asset value not reasonably practicable.
    Redemptions in kind. The Trusts may redeem Investor Shares in kind, but do not expect to do so under normal circumstances. If a Trust redeems your Investor Shares in kind, you should expect to incur brokerage expenses and other transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities you receive from the Fund. In addition, the price of those securities may change between the time when you receive the securities and the time when you are able to dispose of them. Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) has agreed to redeem Investor Shares of Schroder International Alpha Fund and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets attributable to Investor Shares during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. In consideration of the best interests of the remaining shareholders, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) may pay any redemption proceeds exceeding this amount for any of these Funds in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities held by the applicable Fund in lieu of cash. Schroder Global Series Trust and Schroder Series Trust may pay redemption proceeds in any amount with respect to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, or Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities held by the applicable Fund in lieu of cash.
    General. In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption requests by telephone, BFDS will follow reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. BFDS and the Trusts generally will not be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent purchase or redemption requests, but the applicable party or parties may be liable if they do not follow these procedures. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.
    Redemption fee. Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund each imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed (including in connection with an exchange) two months or less from their date of purchase. The fee is not a sales charge (load); it is paid directly to the Fund. The purpose of the redemption fee is principally to discourage market timing, and also to help defray costs incurred by a Fund in connection with short-term trading by investors in its shares.
    To the extent that the redemption fee applies, the price you will receive when you redeem your shares of a Fund is the net asset value next determined after receipt of your redemption request in good order, minus the redemption fee. The Funds permit exceptions to the redemption fee policy for the following transactions:
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by discretionary asset allocation or wrap programs (“wrap programs”) that are initiated by the sponsor of the program as part of a periodic rebalancing, provided that such rebalancing occurs no more frequently than quarterly, or, if more frequent, was the result of an extraordinary change in the management or operation of the wrap program leading to a revised investment model that is applied across all applicable accounts in the wrap program;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by a wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, the following transactions in participant-directed retirement plans:
    where the shares being redeemed were purchased with new contributions to the plan ( e.g. , payroll contributions, employer contributions, and loan repayments);
 
    redemptions made in connection with taking out a loan from the plan;
 
    redemptions in connection with death, disability, hardship withdrawals, or Qualified Domestic Relations Orders;
 
    redemptions made as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    redemptions made by a defined contribution plan in connection with a termination or restructuring of the plan;

59


Table of Contents

    redemptions made in connection with a participant’s termination of employment; and
 
    redemptions made as part of a periodic rebalancing under an asset allocation model.
    involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder’s failure to maintain a minimum investment in a Fund;
 
    redemptions of shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid by a Fund;
 
    redemptions and exchanges effected by other mutual funds ( e.g. , funds of funds) that are sponsored by Schroders or its affiliates;
 
    to the extent a Fund is used as a qualified default investment alternative under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for certain 401(k) plans; and
 
    otherwise as the officers of Schroders or the applicable Trust may determine is appropriate after consideration of the purpose of the transaction and the potential impact to the Funds.
    The application of the redemption fee and exceptions may vary among intermediaries, and certain intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you purchase or sell fund shares through an intermediary, you should contact your intermediary for more information on whether the redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.
    For purposes of computing the redemption fee, redemptions by a shareholder to which the fee applies will be deemed to have been made on a first-purchased, first-redeemed basis.
EXCHANGES
    You can exchange your Investor Shares of a Fund for Investor Shares of other funds in the Schroder family of funds offered in this Prospectus at any time at their respective net asset values. An exchange of shares of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund may be subject to a redemption fee of 2.00% as described above under “Redemption Fee” (such that the exchange would be made at net asset value minus any redemption fee). The Trusts would treat the exchange as a sale of your Investor Shares, and any gain on the exchange will generally be subject to tax. For a listing of the Schroder funds available for exchange and to exchange Investor Shares, please call (800) 464-3108. (From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a representative of the Schroder Mutual Funds.) In order to exchange shares by telephone, you must complete the appropriate section of the Account Application. The Trusts and Schroders reserve the right to change or suspend the exchange privilege at any time. Schroders would notify shareholders of any such change or suspension.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
    Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund declares dividends from net investment income daily and distributes these dividends monthly. Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund each declare dividends from net investment income and distribute these dividends annually. All Funds distribute any net realized capital gain at least annually. All Funds make distributions from net capital gain after applying any available capital loss carryovers.
    Shares begin to earn dividends on the first business day following the day of purchase. Shares earn dividends through the date of redemption.

60


Table of Contents

    You can choose from four distribution options:
    Reinvest all distributions in additional Investor Shares of your Fund;
 
    Receive distributions from net investment income in cash while reinvesting capital gains distributions in additional Investor Shares of your Fund;
 
    For each Fund except Schroder North American Equity Fund, receive distributions from net investment income in additional Investor Shares of your Fund while receiving capital gain distributions in cash; or
 
    Receive all distributions in cash.
    You can change your distribution option by notifying BFDS in writing. If you do not select an option when you open your account, all distributions by a Fund will be reinvested in Investor Shares of that Fund. You will receive a statement confirming reinvestment of distributions in additional Fund shares promptly following the period in which the reinvestment occurs.
    If correspondence to a shareholder’s address of record is returned, then, unless BFDS determines the shareholder’s new address, BFDS will reinvest dividends and other distributions returned to it in the applicable Fund(s), and if the correspondence included checks, the checks will be canceled and re-deposited to the shareholder’s account at then-current net asset value.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
    Excessive trading can hurt Fund performance, operations, and shareholders. The Board of Trustees of each of the Funds has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Each Fund discourages, and does not accommodate, frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares to the extent Schroders believes that such trading is harmful to a Fund’s shareholders, although a Fund will not necessarily prevent all frequent trading in its shares. Each Fund reserves the right, in its discretion, to reject any purchase, in whole or in part (including, without limitation, purchases by persons whose trading activity Schroders believes could be harmful to the Fund). Each Trust or Schroders may also limit the amount or number of exchanges or reject any purchase by exchange if the Trust or Schroders believes that the investor in question is engaged in “market timing activities” or similar activities that may be harmful to a Fund or its shareholders, although the Trusts and Schroders have not established any maximum amount or number of such exchanges that may occur in any period. Each Trust generally expects to inform any persons that their purchase has been rejected within 24 hours. In addition, the Boards of Trustees of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund have established a 2.00% redemption fee for shares of these Funds held for two months or less from their date of purchase. See “How to Sell Shares — Redemption Fee” for further information. The ability of Schroders to monitor trades that are placed through omnibus or other nominee accounts is limited in those instances in which the broker, retirement plan administrator, or fee-based program sponsor does not provide complete information to Schroders regarding underlying beneficial owners of Fund shares. Each Trust or its distributor may enter into written agreements with financial intermediaries who hold omnibus accounts that require the intermediaries to provide certain information to the Trust regarding shareholders who hold shares through such accounts and to restrict or prohibit trading in Fund shares by shareholders identified by the Trust as having engaged in trades that violate the Trusts’ “market timing” policies. Each Trust or Schroders may take any steps they consider appropriate in respect of frequent trading in omnibus accounts, including seeking additional information from the holder of the omnibus account or potentially closing the omnibus account (although there can be no assurance that the Trust or Schroders would do so). Please see the applicable SAI for additional information on frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares. There can be no assurance that the Funds or Schroders will identify all harmful purchase or redemption activity, or market timing or similar activities, affecting the Funds, or that the Funds or Schroders will be successful in limiting or eliminating such activities.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
    SFA, the Funds’ distributor, Schroders, or any of their affiliates, may, from time to time, make payments to financial intermediaries for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency, or other shareholder services or distribution, out of their own resources and without additional cost to a Fund or its shareholders. Financial intermediaries are firms that, for compensation, sell shares of mutual funds, including the Funds, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. These financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisers, banks (including bank trust departments), retirement plan and qualified tuition program administrators, third-party administrators, and insurance companies.

61


Table of Contents

    In some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its clients’ shares of the Funds in nominee or street name. Financial intermediaries may provide shareholder services, which may include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual and semiannual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.
    The compensation paid by SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates to an intermediary is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the intermediary’s clients hold investments in the Funds. The amount of continuing compensation paid by SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates to different financial intermediaries for distribution and/or shareholder services varies. In most cases, the compensation is paid at an annual rate ranging up to 0.45% (0.00% to 0.45%) of the value of the financial intermediary’s clients’ investments in the Funds. In addition, SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates may also pay financial intermediaries one-time charges for setting up access for the Funds on particular platforms, as well as transaction fees, or per position fees.
    SFA or its affiliates, at their own expense and out of their own assets, also may provide other compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for employees, seminars for the public, advertising or sales campaigns, or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, the compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Intermediaries that are registered broker-dealers may not use sales of Fund shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
    If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial adviser and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. A financial intermediary could also have an incentive to recommend a particular Fund or share class. Please speak with your financial intermediary to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial intermediary and his or her firm by SFA and its affiliates, and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase.
TAXES
    Taxes on dividends and distributions. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are taxed as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that a Fund has held for more than one year and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for one year or less and gains on the sale of bonds characterized as a market discount sale will be taxable as ordinary income. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, distributions of investment income designated by a Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level. Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund does not expect a significant portion of its distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
    Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before a shareholder’s investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid). Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.
    Distributions by a Fund to retirement plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under federal income tax laws will not be taxable. Special tax rules apply to investments through such plans. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the suitability of a Fund as an investment through such a plan and the tax treatment of distributions (including distributions of amounts attributable to an investment in a Fund) from such a plan.
    A Fund’s investment in certain debt obligations and derivative contracts may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such obligations or contracts. Thus, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including at times when it may not be advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.

62


Table of Contents

    In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person”), are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). However, effective for taxable years of the Funds beginning before January 1, 2010, the Funds generally will not be required to withhold any amounts with respect to distributions of (i) U.S.-source interest income that, in general, would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, and (ii) net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly designated by the Funds.
    Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced — in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets — for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.
    Taxes when you sell, redeem or exchange your shares. Any gain resulting from a redemption, sale or exchange (including an exchange for shares of another fund) of your shares in a Fund will also generally be subject to federal income tax at either short-term or long-term capital gain rates depending on how long you have owned your shares.
    Foreign taxes. A Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes. In that case, the Fund’s return on those securities would be decreased. Shareholders of Schroders Funds that invest more than 50% of their assets in foreign securities may be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. Shareholders of other Schroders funds generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. In addition, investments in foreign securities may increase or accelerate a Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of a Fund’s distributions.
    Derivatives. A Fund’s use of derivatives may affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders and, therefore, may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.
    Consult your tax advisor about other possible tax consequences. This is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in the Funds. You should consult your tax advisor for more information on your own tax situation, including possible other federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Funds.
DISCLOSURES OF FUND PORTFOLIO INFORMATION
    Please see the Funds’ SAI for a description of the Funds’ policies and procedures regarding the persons to whom the Funds or Schroders may disclose a Fund’s portfolio securities positions, and under which circumstances.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    The financial highlights below are intended to help you understand the financial performance of each of the Funds for the past five years or, if more recent, since their inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns represent the total return for an investment in Investor Shares of a Fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
    For all periods through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, the financial highlights have been audited by [  ], independent registered public accountant to the Funds. The audited financial statements for the Funds and the related independent registered public accountant’s report are contained in the Funds’ combined Annual Report and are incorporated by reference into the Funds’ SAI. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained without charge by writing the Funds at P.O. Box 8507, Boston, Massachusetts 02266, or by calling (800) 464-3108. The Funds’ Annual Report is also available on the following website: www.schroderfunds.com.

63


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share Outstanding
Through the Period Ended October 31
                                                 
    Net Asset                           Dividends    
    Value,           Net Realized   Total From   From Net   Distributions
    Beginning   Net Investment   and Unrealized   Investment   Investment   From Net
    of Period   Income (Loss)   Gains (Losses)   Operations   Income   Realized Gain
Emerging Market Equity Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    17.91       0.11       (8.94 )†     (8.83 )     (0.14 )     (1.95 )
2007
    10.55       0.04       7.37       7.41       (0.05 )      
2006(b)
    10.00       0.04       0.51       0.55              
International Alpha Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    13.44       0.14 (1)     (6.61 )†     (6.47 )     (0.24 )      
2007
    10.64       0.11 (1)     2.78     2.89       (0.09 )      
2006
    8.35       0.12       2.34       2.46       (0.17 )      
2005
    7.08       0.14       1.22       1.36       (0.09 )      
International Diversified Value Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    13.65       0.37 (1)     (6.34 )†     (5.97 )     (0.59 )     (1.48 )
2007
    10.54       0.48       2.80       3.28       (0.11 )     (0.06 )
2006(c)
    10.00       0.04       0.50       0.54              
North American Equity Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    13.52       0.22       (4.37 )     (4.15 )     (0.28 )     (1.51 )
2007
    12.63       0.31       1.49       1.80       (0.28 )     (0.63 )
2006
    11.15       0.23       1.53       1.76       (0.10 )     (0.18 )
2005(d)
    11.00       0.06       0.63       0.69       (0.05 )     (0.49 )
2005(e)
    10.88       0.22       0.62       0.84       (0.20 )     (0.52 )
U.S. Opportunities Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    25.40       (0.06 )(1)     (7.22 )†     (7.28 )     (0.03 )     (2.30 )
2007
    23.06       0.02 (1)     4.30     4.32             (1.98 )
2006
    19.66       (g)     4.15     4.15             (0.75 )
2005
    19.58       (g)     2.11     2.11             (2.03 )
U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    12.56       (0.04 )(1)     (3.81 )†     (3.85 )           (0.75 )
2007
    10.25       (0.03 )(1)     2.35     2.32       (0.01 )      
2006(b)
    10.00       (g)     0.25       0.25              
Total Return Fixed Income Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    9.79       0.41       (0.22 )     0.19       (0.40 )     (0.01 )
2007
    9.81       0.50       (0.03 )     0.47       (0.49 )      
2006
    9.85       0.48       (0.01 )     0.47       (0.49 )     (0.02 )
2005(f)
    10.00       0.30       (0.15 )     0.15       (0.30 )      

64


Table of Contents

                                                                 
                                Ratio of   Ratio of   Ratio of Net        
                                Expenses to   Expenses to   Investment        
                                Average Net   Average Net   Income (Loss) to        
                                Assets   Assets   Average Net        
                                (Including Waivers   (Excluding   Assets (Including        
        Net Asset           Net Assets,   and Reimbursements,   Waivers,   Waivers,        
        Value, End   Total   End of Period   Excluding   Reimbursements   Reimbursements   Portfolio    
Total Distributions   of Period   Return(a)   (000)   Offsets)   and Offsets)   and Offsets)   Turnover Rate    
                                                                 
$       $           %   $         %     %     %     %  
 
  (2.09 )     6.99       (55.18 )     16,312       1.72       2.51       0.53       123    
 
  (0.05 )     17.91       70.50       27,774       1.75       2.68       0.37       107    
 
        10.55       5.50       12,767       1.87 *     4.88       0.88       49    
 
                                                                 
$       $         %   $         %       %       %       %    
 
  (0.24 )     6.73       (48.95 )     15,876       1.25       1.61       1.26       88    
 
  (0.09 )     13.44       27.38       28,483       1.25       1.54       0.92       112    
 
  (0.17 )     10.64       29.86       22,962       1.25       2.45       1.68       76    
 
  (0.09 )     8.35       19.45       6,545       1.25       3.88       1.85       126    
 
                                                                 
$       $         %   $         %     %     %     %    
 
  (2.07 )     5.61       (50.61 )     7,274       1.25       3.65       3.92       50    
 
  (0.17 )     13.65       31.56       12,479       1.25       3.85       2.97       58    
 
        10.54       5.40       9,484       1.25       8.61       2.30       7    
 
                                                                 
$       $         %   $         %     %     %     %  
 
  (1.79 )     7.58       (34.81 )     486,931       0.35       0.35       1.94       131    
 
  (0.91 )     13.52       15.08       809,998       0.33       0.33       1.82       38    
 
  (0.28 )     12.63       16.04       1,261,983       0.33       0.33       1.66       51    
 
  (0.54 )     11.15       6.35       1,303,276       0.35       0.35       1.39       30    
 
  (0.72 )     11.00       7.59       883,146       0.33       0.33       1.79       89    
 
                                                                 
$       $         %   $         %     %     %     %  
 
  (2.33 )     15.79       (31.08 )     178,772       1.25       1.25       (0.29 )     74    
 
  (1.98 )     25.40       20.02       302,351       1.25       1.25       0.10       77    
 
  (0.75 )     23.06       21.67       231,009       1.21       1.21       (0.11 )     101    
 
  (2.03 )     19.66       11.26       140,467       1.13       1.13       (0.29 )     107    
 
                                                                 
$       $           %   $           %       %       %       %  
 
  (0.75 )     7.96       (32.31 )     11,999       1.37       2.74       (0.38 )     92    
 
  (0.01 )     12.56       22.60       10,197       1.40       3.13       (0.23 )     93    
 
        10.25       2.50       6,952       1.55 **     6.14       (0.05 )     46    
 
                                                                 
$       $         %   $         %     %     %     %  
 
  (0.41 )     9.57       1.93       72,310       0.40       0.70       4.03       555    
 
  (0.49 )     9.79       4.90       71,259       0.40       0.96       4.97       464    
 
  (0.51 )     9.81       4.90       21,795       0.40       2.05       4.86       295    
 
  (0.30 )     9.85       1.51       9,138       0.40       3.05       3.61       571    
 
 
*   Had custody offsets been included the ratio would have been 1.75%.
 
**   Had custody offsets been included the ratio would have been 1.40%.
 
  Includes redemption fees. Amount less than $0.01 per share.
 
(1)   Per share net investment income (loss) calculated using average shares.
 
(a)   Total returns would have been lower had certain Fund expenses not been waived or reimbursed during the periods shown. Total return calculations for a period of less than one year are not annualized.
 
(b)   Commenced operations on March 31, 2006. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(c)   Commenced operations on August 30, 2006. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(d)   For the six months ended October 31, 2005. The North American Equity Fund’s fiscal year end changed from April 30 to October 31. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.

65


Table of Contents

(e)   For the year or period ended April 30.
 
(f)   Commenced operations on December 31, 2004. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(g)   Amount was less than $0.01 per share.
USA PATRIOT ACT
    To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means to you: When you open an account directly with a Fund, you will be asked your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow you to be identified. You may also be asked for other identifying documentation. If a Trust is unable to verify the information shortly after your account is opened, your account may be closed and your shares redeemed at their net asset values at the time of the redemption.

66


Table of Contents

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND, SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND, SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND,
AND SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND
Schroder Investment Management North America Limited
31 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QA
ADMINISTRATOR
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND, SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL
DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND, SCHRODER U.S. SMALL AND MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND,
AND SCHRODER TOTAL RETURN FIXED INCOME FUND
SEI Investments Global Funds Services
1 Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
ADMINISTRATOR
SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND
Schroder Fund Advisors, Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
SUB-ADMINISTRATOR
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND, SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND,
AND SCHRODER U.S. OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SEI Investments Global Funds Services
1 Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
CUSTODIAN
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
270 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
DISTRIBUTOR
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
Two Heritage Drive
North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171
COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray LLP
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
[  ]
[  ]

67


Table of Contents

SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
Schroder International Alpha Fund
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
SCHRODER GLOBAL SERIES TRUST
Schroder North American Equity Fund
The Funds have a Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders which contain additional information about the Funds. In the Funds’ annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during their last fiscal year. The SAI and the financial statements included in the Funds’ most recent annual reports to shareholders are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which means they are part of this Prospectus for legal purposes. You may get free copies of these materials, request other information about the Funds, or make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) 464-3108. From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a representative of the Schroder Mutual Funds. The Funds’ SAI and annual report are also available on the following website: www.schroderfunds.com .
You may review and copy information about each Fund, including its SAI, at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may call the Commission at 1-800-551-8090 for information about the operation of the public reference room. You may also access reports and other information about each Fund on the Commission’s Internet site at www.sec.gov . You may get copies of this information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may need to refer to the Trusts’ file number under the Investment Company Act, which are: Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware): 811-1911; Schroder Series Trust: 811-7840; and Schroder Global Series Trust: 811-21364.
SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
SCHRODER GLOBAL SERIES TRUST
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(800) 464-3108
File No. 811-1911 — Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)
File No. 811-7840 — Schroder Series Trust
File No. 811-21364 — Schroder Global Series Trust
PRO-INVESTOR
[  ]

68


Table of Contents

(LOGO)
PROSPECTUS
March 1, 2010
Equity Funds
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND (SEMVX)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND (SCVEX)
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND (SIDVX)
SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND (SNAVX)
SCHRODER U.S. OPPORTUNITIES FUND* (SCUVX)
SCHRODER U.S. SMALL AND MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND (SMDVX)
Fixed Income Fund
SCHRODER TOTAL RETURN FIXED INCOME FUND (SBBVX)
Advisor Shares
 
*   Closed to new investors, subject to certain exceptions described in this Prospectus.
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund seeks capital appreciation through investment principally in equity securities of companies in emerging market countries in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Schroder International Alpha Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities markets outside the United States.
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing principally in a portfolio of equity securities of companies located outside the United States that the Fund’s investment sub-adviser considers to offer attractive valuations.
Schroder North American Equity Fund seeks capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities of companies in the United States.
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in securities of companies in the United States with market capitalizations of $3 billion or less.
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in securities of small and mid cap companies in the United States.
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund seeks a high level of total return by investing in a portfolio of fixed income obligations. The Fund intends to maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio duration of three to six years.
This Prospectus explains what you should know about the Funds before you invest. Please read it carefully. Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page
    3  
    3  
    7  
    11  
    16  
    20  
    24  
    28  
    33  
    33  
    34  
    35  
    37  
    38  
    40  
    41  
    43  
    49  
    51  
    53  
    54  
    56  
    59  
    59  
    59  
    60  
    60  
    61  
    62  
    62  
    64  

2


Table of Contents

SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    1.00 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %
Other Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx] %
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx] )%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.50 %
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed 1.50% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.50% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes

3


Table of Contents

for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of “emerging market” companies. The Fund’s sub-adviser currently considers “emerging market” companies to be issuers domiciled in or deriving a substantial portion of their revenues from countries included in the MSCI Emerging Market Index, which covers 25 countries and over 900 stocks in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, though the sub-adviser may at times determine to invest in the wider emerging markets universe. The Fund will typically seek to allocate its investments among a number of different emerging market countries (though there is no percentage limit on investments in any one emerging market country). The Fund invests in countries and companies that its sub-adviser believes offer the potential for capital growth. The sub-adviser considers factors such as a company’s potential for above average earnings growth, a security’s attractive relative valuation, and whether a company has proprietary advantages. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants and depositary receipts of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in securities issued in initial public offerings (IPOs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use structured notes, swap transactions, index futures, and other derivative instruments in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may hedge some of its foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar, although it does not normally expect to do so.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
 
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers, directly or through use of depositary receipts, may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
 
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
 
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
 
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
 
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;

4


Table of Contents

  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
 
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and
 
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.

Calendar Year Total Returns



[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
     
 
Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
(for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
Highest 6/01/2007 -
         
9/30/2007
    15.48 %
 
     
Lowest 6/01/2008 -
       
9/30/2008
    -27.60 %


Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
            Since Inception  
    1 Year     (3/31/06)  
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index
    [__] %     [__] %
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
               

5


Table of Contents

After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Allan Conway, Head of Emerging Market Equities, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Robert Davy, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006.
James Gotto, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006.
Waj Hashmi, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

6


Table of Contents

Schroder International Alpha Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities markets outside the United States.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
                 
Management Fees
    0.975 %        
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %        
Other Expenses
  [x.xx ]%        
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None        
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx] %        
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx] )%        
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.40 %        
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed 1.40% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.40% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $[  ]   $[  ]   $[  ]   $[  ]
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes

7


Table of Contents

for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies located outside the United States. The Fund’s sub-adviser attempts to invest broadly across regions and countries, including emerging market countries, though the Fund may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its net assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund expects typically to invest in forty to sixty companies at any one time and will typically invest a substantial portion of its assets in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. The sub-adviser relies on a fundamental, research-driven, bottom-up approach to identify issuers it believes offer the potential for capital growth. The sub-adviser considers factors such as a company’s potential for above average earnings growth, a security’s attractive relative valuation, and whether a company has proprietary advantages. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options, futures contracts, and other derivative instruments in an attempt to add incremental return (sometimes referred to as “alpha”) over the Fund’s benchmark index.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
 
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
 
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
 
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
 
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
 
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
 
  Issuer Focus Risk: focusing on a relatively small number of issuers increases risk and volatility;
 
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses; and

8


Table of Contents

  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.

Calendar Year Total Returns



[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
     
 
Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
(for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
Highest
         
[9/01/99 - 12/31/09 ]
    [21.5 ] %
 
     
Lowest
       
[9/01/08-12/31/08 ]
    [-23.72] %


Calendar Year End (through 12/31)

9


Table of Contents

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                         
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  
     
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Virginie Maisonneuve, CFA, has managed the Fund since March 2005 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

10


Table of Contents

Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    1.00 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %
Other Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx ])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.40 %
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed 1.40% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.40% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]     $ [  ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

11


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies located outside of the United States that the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to offer attractive valuations. The Fund will invest in a variety of countries throughout the world including emerging market countries and may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund normally invests a substantial portion of its assets in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. The sub-adviser applies a proprietary quantitative investment analysis that seeks to capture the historically high returns from value stocks and provide a dividend yield typically above the Index but with lower risk. The sub-adviser does not consider benchmark weights when it constructs the Fund’s portfolio. The sub-adviser believes that indices weighted by market-capitalization reflect a natural bias toward expensive stocks and geographic regions, and that, by contrast, a “bottom-up” approach to portfolio construction, not constrained by reference to a specific benchmark or index, may uncover less expensive stocks offering better investment value. The sub-adviser seeks to select stocks anywhere in the world with high dividends and strong cash-flow; geographic and sector allocations are principally the result of this selection. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options, swap transactions, futures contracts, and other derivative instruments, including over-the-counter transactions, in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may, but is not required to, hedge some of its foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
 
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
 
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
 
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
 
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;

12


Table of Contents

  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
 
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
 
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund; and
 
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.

Calendar Year Total Returns



[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
     
 
Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
(for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
Highest
         
[3/01/07-6/30/07 ]
    [8.36] %
 
     
Lowest
       
[9/01/08-12/31/08]
    [-23.12] %


13


Table of Contents

Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
         
        Since Inception
    1 Year   (8/30/06)
     
Return Before Taxes
  [__]%   [__]%
Return After Taxes on Distributions
  [__]%   [__]%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
  [__]%   [__]%
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
  [__]%   [__]%
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Justin Abercrombie, Head of Quantitative Equity Products, has managed the Fund since its inception
in August 2006 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account.

14


Table of Contents

Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

15


Table of Contents

Schroder North American Equity Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
     
 
Management Fees
  0.25%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  0.25%
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None  
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
  0.60%
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed 0.60% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 0.60% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
 
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $[  ]   $[  ]   $[  ]   $[  ]
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

16


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies organized and principally traded in, or with their principal places of business and principally traded in, North America. The Fund’s portfolio may include large, well-known companies as well as smaller, less-closely followed companies, including micro-cap companies. The Fund’s sub-adviser uses a proprietary quantitative investment analysis to evaluate market and economic sectors, companies, and stocks on the basis of long-term historical data in order to construct a highly diversified portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser attempts to identify anticipated short-term deviations from longer-term historical trends and cycles, and may adjust the portfolio to take advantage of those deviations. The Fund’s investment portfolio, including the number of positions and the sector weightings, will change as the sub-adviser’s evaluation of economic, market and company-specific factors change. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants of companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options, futures contracts, and other derivative instruments in pursuing its principal strategy.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
 
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
 
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
 
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
 
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
 
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
 
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and
 
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses.

17


Table of Contents

Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of two broad-based market indexes. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.

Calendar Year Total Returns




[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
 
Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
(for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
         
Highest [ ]
    [ ] %
 
       
 
     
Lowest [ ]
    [  ] %


Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
             
            Since Inception
    1 Year   5 Years   (9/17/03)
     
Return Before Taxes
  [__]%   [__]%   [__]%
Return After Taxes on Distributions
  [__]%   [__]%   [__]%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
  [__]%   [__]%   [__]%
 
FTSE North American Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
  [__]%   [__]%   [__]%
 
S&P 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
  [__]%   [__]%   [__]%
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.

18


Table of Contents

Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Justin Abercrombie, Head of Quantitative Equity Products, has managed the Fund since its inception in September 2003 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
John Marsland, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since May 2006.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

19


Table of Contents

Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    1.00 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %
Other Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
    0.02 %
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx ])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.52 %
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed 1.52% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.52% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

20


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund expects under current market conditions to invest primarily in equity securities of small capitalization companies, although it may also invest in micro-capitalization companies or larger companies. The Fund’s adviser currently considers small capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations of $3 billion or less (or those in the bottom 30% by market capitalization of the U.S. market) at the time of investment, and considers micro-capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations of $200 million or less at the time of investment. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies located in the United States. The adviser seeks to identify securities that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures, or new management, or other factors. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants, as well as in over-the-counter securities. The Fund may also invest in securities issued in initial public offerings (IPOs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options and other derivative instruments (though not for leverage) in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may also invest, though not normally more than 10% of its total assets, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
 
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
 
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
 
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
 
  Issuer Focus Risk: focusing on a relatively small number of issuers increases risk and volatility;
 
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
 
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
 
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;

21


Table of Contents

  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and
 
  Debt Securities Risk: investing in fixed income securities (bonds), may expose the Fund to “Credit Risk,” “Interest Rate Risk,” “Extension Risk,” “Valuation Risk,” “Inflation/Deflation Risk,” and “High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk, among other risks.”
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.

Calendar Year Total Returns



[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
     
 
Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
(for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
Highest
         
[1/01/00-3/31/00 ]
    [18.14] %
 
     
Lowest
       
[9/01/08-12/31/08]
    [-23.16] %


Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                         
    1 Year   5 Years   10 Years
     
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %

22


Table of Contents

                         
    1 Year   5 Years   10 Years
     
Russell 2000 Index
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
                       
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Portfolio Managers
Jenny B. Jones, has managed the Fund since 2003 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

23


Table of Contents

Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    1.00 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %
Other Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx ])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    1.30 %
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed 1.30% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 1.30% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

24


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies considered by the Fund’s adviser at the time to be small or mid cap companies located in the United States. The adviser currently considers a company to be a small or mid cap company if it has a market capitalization of between $750 million and $9 billion (or is in the bottom 40% by market capitalization of the U.S. market) at the time of investment. The Fund may also invest in equity securities of micro-cap companies or larger companies if the adviser believes they offer the potential for capital appreciation. The adviser seeks to identify securities that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures or new management, or other factors. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants, as well as in over-the-counter securities. The Fund may also invest in securities issued in initial public offerings (IPOs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed-end funds or exchange-traded funds, and may use options and other derivative instruments (though not for leverage) in pursuing its principal strategy. The Fund may also invest, though not normally more than 10% of its total assets, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
 
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
 
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
 
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
 
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
 
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;
 
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;

25


Table of Contents

  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested; and
 
  Debt Securities Risk: investing in fixed income securities (bonds), may expose the Fund to “Credit Risk,” “Interest Rate Risk,” “Extension Risk,” “Valuation Risk,” “Inflation/Deflation Risk,” and “High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk, among other risks.”
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.

Calendar Year Total Returns



[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
     
 
Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
(for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
Highest
         
[3/01/07-6/30/07 ]
    [7.80 ]%
 
     
Lowest
       
[9/01/08 - 12/31/08]
    [-21.10 ]%


Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
    1 Year   Since Inception
      (3/31/06)
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %

26


Table of Contents

                 
      Since Inception
    1 Year   (3/31/06)
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Russell 2500 Index
    [__] %     [__] %
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
               
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Portfolio Managers
Jenny B. Jones, Lead Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2006 and is the Lead Portfolio Manager.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

27


Table of Contents

Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks a high level of total return.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    0.25 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %
Other Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  None
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx ]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx ])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    0.65 %
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   In order to limit the expenses, the Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed 0.65% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be 0.65% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund pays transaction costs when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

28


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund’s adviser seeks to invest the Fund’s assets in a portfolio of securities that offer high total return — from current income, increases in market value, or both. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income obligations. The adviser currently considers fixed income obligations to include U.S. Government securities, debt securities of domestic or foreign (including emerging market) corporations, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, municipal bonds, obligations of international agencies or supranational entities, zero-coupon securities, convertible securities, inflation-indexed bonds, structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities, event-linked bonds, and loan participations, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities, and short-term investments, such as repurchase agreements, bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances. The Fund invests in securities that pay interest at fixed, floating or variable rates. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers located anywhere in the world, but will normally not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities that are not denominated in the U.S. dollar. The adviser currently expects that a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets will be invested in mortgage-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations) and asset-backed securities. The Fund will invest principally in securities that, at the time of purchase, are rated “investment grade” (or considered by the adviser to be of comparable quality) although the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities below “investment grade,” which are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds.” The Fund intends to maintain a dollar weighted average portfolio duration of three to six years. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s price to changes in interest rates. The adviser generally relies on detailed proprietary research, and focuses on sectors and securities it believes are undervalued relative to the market. The adviser seeks to exploit inefficiencies in the valuation of risk and reward and looks to capitalize on rapidly shifting market risks and dynamics caused by economic and technical factors. The adviser considers the liquidity of securities and the portfolio overall as an important factor in portfolio construction. The adviser may trade the Fund’s portfolio securities more frequently than many other mutual funds. The Fund may enter into derivatives transactions such as interest rate futures and options, interest rate swap agreements, forward contracts, and credit default swaps for hedging purposes or to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvest of the proceeds. The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Interest Rate Risk: fixed income, or debt, securities may decline in value due to changes in interest rates, extended duration of principal payments at below-market interest rate, or prepayment;
  Credit/High-Yield Risk: the ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal will affect the security’s value, especially for speculative securities below investment grade (“high-yield bonds” or “junk bonds”);
  Valuation Risk: certain securities may be difficult to value, and to the extent the Fund sells a security at a price lower than that used to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected;

29


Table of Contents

  Inflation/Deflation Risk: the value of the Fund’s investments may decline as inflation reduces the value of money; conversely, if deflation reduces prices throughout the economy there may be an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers in whose securities the Fund invests;
  Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: investing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities involves interest rate, credit, valuation, extension and liquidity risks and the risk that payments on the underlying assets are delayed, prepaid, subordinated or defaulted on;
  U.S. Government Securities Risk: securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and investing in such securities involves interest rate, extension and mortgage and asset-backed securities risks;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times; and
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities.
Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Funds” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.

Calendar Year Total Returns



[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
     
 
Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
(for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
         
Highest [9/01/08 - 12/31/08]
    [5.15] %
 
 
     
Lowest 3/01/08 - 6/30/08
    [-1.77] %


30


Table of Contents

Calendar Year End (through 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                         
        Since Inception
    1 Year   5 Years   (12/31/04)
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
 
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %     [__] %
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Portfolio Managers
Chris Ames, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Ed Fitzpatrick, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2006.
David Harris, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2004.
Tony Hui, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2007.
Gregg T. Moore, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2004.
Wesley A. Sparks, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2004.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual

31


Table of Contents

Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

32


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF AND ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND
Investment Objective. To seek capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to be “emerging market” issuers. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.) The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities of issuers located anywhere in the world. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks, and index-linked warrants. The Fund may also invest in sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar securities representing ownership of foreign securities (collectively, “Depositary Receipts”). The Fund may also invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges) (“ETFs”), including securities of emerging market issuers. An investment in a domestic closed-end fund or ETF that has a policy that it will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of emerging market issuers, and has “emerging market” or the equivalent in its name, or foreign funds with similar investment policies, will be treated as an investment in equity securities of emerging market issuers for purposes of determining if the Fund has invested at least 80% of its net assets in such securities.
The Fund invests in equity securities of issuers domiciled or doing business in “emerging market” countries. The Fund’s sub-adviser currently considers “emerging market” issuers to be issuers domiciled in or deriving a substantial portion of their revenues from countries included at the time of investment in the MSCI Emerging Market Index, which covers 25 countries and over 900 stocks in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Fund’s sub-adviser may at times determine based on its own analysis that an economy not included in the Index should nonetheless be considered an emerging market country, in which case that country would constitute an emerging market country for purposes of the Fund’s investments. The Fund’s sub-adviser has determined that Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong will be considered emerging market issuers for this purpose. There is no limit on the amount of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in securities of issuers domiciled in any one emerging market country, although the Fund will typically seek to allocate its investments among a number of different emerging market countries.
The Fund invests in issuers and countries that its sub-adviser believes offer the potential for capital growth. In identifying investments for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-adviser considers a variety of factors, including the issuer’s likelihood of above average earnings growth, the securities’ attractive relative valuation, and whether the issuer enjoys proprietary advantages. The Fund may invest in securities of companies of any size, including companies with large, medium, and small market capitalizations, including micro-cap companies. The Fund may also purchase securities issued in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). In addition, the Fund’s sub-adviser considers the risk of local political and/or economic instability associated with particular countries and regions and the liquidity of local markets. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive.
The Fund may purchase or sell structured notes, or enter into swap transactions, for hedging or as an alternative to purchasing or selling securities. The Fund’s sub-adviser may hedge some of the Fund’s foreign currency exposure back into the U.S. dollar, although it does not normally expect to do so. The Fund may also purchase or sell futures on indices, including country specific or overall emerging market indices. The Fund may use derivatives to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds.
Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged market-capitalization index of companies representative of the market structure of emerging countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

33


Table of Contents

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND
Investment Objective. Long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities markets outside the United States.
Principal Investment Strategies. The Schroder International Alpha Fund (formerly, Schroder International Fund) invests principally in securities of companies located outside of the United States, and normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to be located outside of the United States. The Fund will invest in a variety of countries throughout the world. The Fund may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its net assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund will consider an issuer located in a country if it is organized under the laws of that country and is principally traded in that country, or is domiciled and has its principal place of business located in that country and is principally traded in that country, or if the Fund’s sub-adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in, or derives more than 50% of its revenues from, that country. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, and warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks.
The Fund normally invests a substantial portion of its assets in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which is a market-weighted index of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East. The Fund expects typically to invest in forty to sixty companies located outside of the United States at any one time.
The Fund invests in issuers that the Fund’s sub-adviser believes offer the potential for capital growth. In identifying candidates for investment, the Fund’s sub-adviser may consider the issuer’s likelihood of above average earnings growth, the securities’ attractive relative valuation, the quality of the securities, and whether the issuer has any proprietary advantages. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive. The Fund may invest in companies of any market-capitalization. The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options, in order to gain long or short exposure to particular securities or markets, in connection with hedging transactions, or otherwise to increase total return. By employing these techniques the Fund’s portfolio manager tries to add incremental return over the Fund’s benchmark index, which incremental return is sometimes referred to as “alpha.”
The Fund also may do the following:
    Invest in securities of issuers domiciled or doing business in “emerging market” countries.
    Invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges) that invest primarily in foreign securities.
Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market-weighted index composed of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East, and reflects dividends net of non-recoverable withholding tax.
The current portfolio management team primarily responsible for making investment decisions for the Fund assumed this responsibility effective March 2005. The performance results shown in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Information” section for periods prior to March 2005 were achieved by the Fund under different lead portfolio managers.
Advisor Shares of the Fund were offered commencing May 15, 2006. The performance information provided in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Information” section for periods prior to May 15, 2006 reflects the performance of the Investor Shares of the Fund, offered through a separate prospectus, adjusted to reflect the 12b-1 fees that would have been paid by Advisor Shares.
Effective April 1, 2006, the combined advisory and administrative fees of the Fund increased to 0.975% per annum. If the Fund had paid such higher fees during the prior periods shown, the returns shown in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Information” section would have been lower. See “Management of the Funds — Management Fees”

34


Table of Contents

SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND
Investment Objective. Long-term capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund invests principally in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies located outside of the United States that the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to offer attractive valuations. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, and warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks.
The Fund’s sub-adviser applies a proprietary quantitative investment analysis that seeks to develop a portfolio designed to capture the historically high returns from value stocks but with lower risk than the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index over the longer term and to provide a dividend yield typically above that Index. The sub-adviser expects that a substantial portion of the Fund’s investments will normally be in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which is a market-weighted index of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East, although the Fund may invest in any country in the world, including “emerging market” countries.
The main elements of the sub-adviser’s portfolio construction process are the identification of attractive value stocks within a broad universe of companies around the world and careful management of portfolio risks. The portfolio construction process is bottom-up. The sub-adviser seeks to select stocks anywhere in the world with high dividends and strong cash-flow. The Fund’s geographic and sector allocations are principally the result of the sub-adviser’s selection of individual companies that it believes offer the greatest value. (The sub-adviser may adjust geographic or sector weights resulting from this process in order to avoid extreme outcomes.)
The sub-adviser does not consider benchmark weights when it constructs the Fund’s portfolio. Individual stock weights are determined using a disciplined stock weighting process. The Fund’s sub-adviser believes that indices weighted by market-capitalization reflect a natural bias towards expensive stocks and geographic regions, and that, by contrast, a “bottom-up” approach to portfolio construction, not constrained by reference to a specific benchmark or index, has the potential to provide investment in less expensive stocks offering better investment value.
The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its net assets in equity securities of companies located in countries outside of the United States. The Fund will invest in a variety of countries throughout the world. The Fund may, from time to time, invest more than 25% of its assets in any one country or group of countries. The Fund’s sub-adviser will consider an issuer to be located in a country if it is organized under the laws of and its equity securities are principally traded in that country, or it is domiciled or has its principal place of business located in and its equity securities are principally traded in that country, or if the Fund’s sub-adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in, or derives more than 50% of its revenues from, that country. The Fund may invest in companies of any market-capitalization, including large, well known companies, as well as smaller, less closely followed companies, including micro-cap companies.
The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies.
The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive.
The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options and enter into total return swaps, in order to gain long or short exposure to particular securities or markets in connection with hedging transactions or otherwise to increase total return. The Fund may from time to time enter into other transactions involving derivatives, including over-the-counter transactions, if the sub-adviser considers it appropriate.
The Fund may also invest in closed-end investment companies, trusts, ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges), and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

35


Table of Contents

Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index is a market-weighted index composed of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and reflects dividends reinvested net of non-recoverable withholding tax.

36


Table of Contents

SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND
Investment Objective. The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund invests principally in equity securities of companies in the United States. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, and warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks.
The Fund’s sub-adviser is responsible for day-to-day portfolio management. It uses a proprietary quantitative investment analysis that evaluates market and economic sectors, companies, and stocks on the basis of long-term historical data. The Fund’s sub-adviser uses that analysis to construct a highly diversified portfolio of stocks. In addition, the Fund’s sub-adviser attempts to identify anticipated short-term deviations from longer-term historical trends and cycles, and may adjust the Fund’s portfolio to take advantage of those deviations.
The Fund’s investment portfolio, including the number of companies represented in the portfolio and the sector weightings of the portfolio, will change as the Fund’s sub-adviser’s evaluation of economic and market factors, as well as factors affecting individual companies, changes.
The Fund will invest in a well diversified portfolio of companies of any size that its sub-adviser judges to be attractive compared to the overall market. The Fund’s portfolio may include large, well known companies, as well as smaller, less closely followed companies, including micro-cap companies. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s sub-adviser considers more attractive.
The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and options, in order to gain long or short exposure to particular securities or markets, in connection with hedging transactions, or otherwise to increase total return. The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies. The Fund may also invest in closed-end investment companies, trusts, ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges), and REITs.
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies organized and principally traded in, or with their principal places of business and principally traded in, North America. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. An investment in a U.S. closed-end fund or ETF that has a policy that it will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of North American companies, and has “North America” or the equivalent in its name, or foreign funds with similar investment policies, will be treated as an investment in equity securities of North American companies for purposes of determining if the Fund has invested at least 80% of its net assets in such securities. The Fund considers North America to consist of the United States and Canada.
Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of two broad-based market indexes. The FTSE North American Index is a market-capitalization value weighted composite index of over 700 U.S. and Canadian companies and reflects the reinvestment of dividends. The S&P 500 Index is a market-capitalization, value-weighted composite index of 500 large capitalization U.S. companies and reflects the reinvestment of dividends.
Advisor Shares of the Fund were offered commencing March 31, 2006. The performance information provided in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Information” section for periods prior to March 31, 2006 reflects the performance of the Investor Shares of the Fund, offered through a separate prospectus, adjusted to reflect the 12b-1 fees that would have been paid by Advisor Shares.

37


Table of Contents

SCHRODER U.S. OPPORTUNITIES FUND
The Fund is closed to new investors. Shareholders of the Fund as of April 18, 2007 may continue to add to their Fund positions. Investors who did not own shares of the Fund prior to its closure on April 18, 2007 generally will not be allowed to buy shares of the Fund, with the following exceptions:
    participants in most employee benefit plans or employer-sponsored retirement plans, if the Fund had been established as an investment option under the plan prior to April 18, 2007; and
    a Trustee of a Trust, an employee of Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Schroders”), or a member of the immediate family of any of these persons.
Schroders may make additional exceptions or modify this policy at any time.
Investment Objective. To seek capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund’s adviser seeks to identify securities of companies that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures or new management, or other factors.
The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks, and REITs. Under current market conditions, the Fund expects to invest primarily in equity securities of small capitalization companies in the United States, although it may also invest in micro-capitalization companies. The Fund’s adviser currently considers small capitalization companies to be companies that have market capitalizations of $3 billion or less, measured at the time of purchase, and micro-capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations of $200 million or less, measured at the time of purchase. It is important to note that these ranges may change over time as market conditions change, although the adviser will generally consider a company to be a small capitalization company if it is in the bottom 30% by market capitalization of the U.S. market at the time of purchase. However, the Fund may invest any portion of its assets in equity securities of larger companies. The Fund may also invest in securities of companies outside the United States, although the Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies the Fund’s adviser considers to be located in the United States. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. The Fund will consider an issuer located in the United States if it is organized under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or is domiciled and has its principal place of business located in the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or if the Fund’s adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in or derives more than 50% of its revenues from the United States. The Fund generally sells securities when the Fund’s adviser believes they are fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s adviser considers more attractive. The Fund may purchase securities on securities exchanges as well as over-the-counter, including securities offered in IPOs, and may invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and in ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges). The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds; the Fund’s adviser expects that such investments will not normally exceed 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
The Fund may use options (puts and calls) for hedging purposes, or to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Russell 2000 Index is a market-capitalization weighted, broad-based index of 2000 small capitalization U.S. companies.

38


Table of Contents

The current portfolio manager primarily responsible for making investment decisions for the Fund assumed this responsibility effective January 2, 2003. The performance results shown in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Section” for periods prior to January 2, 2003 were achieved by the Fund under a different portfolio manager.
Advisor Shares of the Fund were offered commencing May 15, 2006. The performance information provided in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Section” for periods prior to May 15, 2006 reflects the performance of the Investor Shares of the Fund, offered through a separate prospectus, adjusted to reflect the 12b-1 fees that would have been paid by Advisor Shares.
Effective May 1, 2006, the combined advisory and administrative fees of the Fund increased to 1.00% per annum. If the Fund had paid such higher fees during the prior periods shown, the returns shown in the bar chart and in the table in the “Summary Section” would have been lower. See “Management of the Funds — Management Fees.”

39


Table of Contents

SCHRODER U.S. SMALL AND MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Investment Objective. To seek capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund invests primarily in companies in the United States (determined as described below) that the Fund’s adviser considers to be small or mid cap companies. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund’s adviser seeks to identify securities of companies that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior, or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures, new management, or other factors. These factors generally apply to all investments made by the Fund, including IPOs, although the Fund may also invest in certain IPOs that the portfolio manager believes will be in high demand. The Fund may sell a security when the Fund’s adviser believes it is fully priced or to take advantage of other investments the Fund’s adviser considers more attractive.
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies considered by the Fund’s adviser at the time to be small or mid cap companies located in the United States. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. The Fund’s adviser currently considers a company to be a small or mid cap company if the company has a market capitalization of between $750 million and $9 billion, measured at the time of purchase. It is important to note that these ranges may change over time as market conditions change, although the adviser will generally consider a company to be a small or mid cap company if it is in the bottom 40% by market capitalization of the U.S. market at the time of purchase. The Fund may also invest in equity securities of micro-cap companies or larger companies, if the Fund’s adviser believes they offer the potential for capital appreciation. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common and preferred stocks, warrants to purchase common and preferred stocks, and REITs. The Fund may purchase securities on securities exchanges as well as over-the-counter, including securities offered in IPOs, and may invest in securities of closed-end investment companies and in ETFs (open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges). The Fund may use options for hedging purposes, or to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s SAI. The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in fixed income securities, including but not limited to corporate bonds and convertible bonds; the Fund’s adviser expects that such investments will not normally exceed 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
The Fund’s adviser will consider an issuer located in the United States if it is organized under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or is domiciled or has its principal place of business located in the United States and is principally traded in the United States, or if the Fund’s adviser determines that the issuer has more than 50% of its assets in or derives more than 50% of its revenues from the United States.
Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Russell 2500 Index is a market-capitalization weighted, broad-based index measuring the performance of the 2500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 70% of the total market-capitalization of the Russell 300 Index.

40


Table of Contents

SCHRODER TOTAL RETURN FIXED INCOME FUND
Investment Objective. To seek a high level of total return.
Principal Investment Strategies. The Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund (formerly, Schroder U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund) normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income obligations. (This policy is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees, without a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders). The Fund may use derivatives for purposes of complying with this policy. In making investments for the Fund, the adviser seeks to invest the Fund’s assets in a portfolio of securities that offer high total return — from current income, increases in market values of the Fund’s investments, or both. The adviser currently considers fixed income obligations to include:
    securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities;
 
    debt securities of domestic or foreign corporations;
 
    mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities;
 
    taxable and tax-exempt municipal bonds;
 
    obligations of international agencies or supranational entities;
 
    debt securities convertible into equity securities;
 
    inflation-indexed bonds;
 
    structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities, event-linked bonds, and loan participations;
 
    delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities; and
 
    short-term investments, such as repurchase agreements, bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances.
The Fund may invest in securities of companies located in a variety of countries outside the United States, including obligations of non-U.S. governmental issuers or of private issuers located in any country outside the United States, including emerging market countries. The Fund will normally invest no more than 20% of its total assets in securities that are not denominated in the U.S. dollar.
The Fund’s adviser currently expects that a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets will be invested in mortgage-backed securities (including collateralized mortgage obligations) and asset-backed securities.
The Fund will invest principally in securities of “investment grade” at the time of purchase, meaning either that a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch) has rated the securities Baa3 or BBB— (or the equivalent) or better, or the adviser has determined the securities to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets in securities rated below “investment grade” (or, if unrated, determined by the Fund’s adviser to be of comparable quality), sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” although normally the Fund will not invest in securities unless a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch) has rated the securities CC— (or the equivalent) or better, or the Fund’s adviser has determined the securities to be of comparable quality. If more than one nationally recognized statistical rating organization has rated a security, the adviser will consider the highest rating for the purposes of determining whether the security is “investment grade.”
Fixed income securities in which the Fund invests may include securities that pay interest at fixed rates or at floating or variable rates; payments of principal or interest may be made at fixed intervals or only at maturity or upon the occurrence of stated events or contingencies. The Fund may also invest in zero-coupon securities.
The Fund may enter into interest rate futures and options, interest rate swap agreements and credit default swaps. (A derivative instrument will be considered to be a fixed income security if it is itself a fixed income security or, in the adviser’s judgment, it may provide an investment return comparable to the return that might be provided by a fixed income security.) The Fund may use

41


Table of Contents

these “derivatives” strategies for hedging purposes. The Fund may also use derivatives to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. For example, the Fund may enter into a so-called credit default swap with respect to one or more fixed income securities to take advantage of increases or decreases in the values of those securities without actually purchasing or selling the securities. The Fund may also seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it may invest by entering into forward contracts or similar arrangements to purchase those securities in the future. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s SAI.
The Fund intends to maintain a dollar weighted average portfolio duration of three to six years. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s price to changes in interest rates. Unlike the maturity of a fixed income security, which measures only the time until final payment is due, duration takes into account the time until all payments of interest and principal on a security are expected to be made, including how these payments are affected by prepayments and by changes in interest rates.
The Fund may, but is not required to, enter into foreign currency exchange transactions, for hedging purposes or to adjust the exposure of the Fund to changes in the values of various foreign currencies.
In managing the Fund, the Fund’s adviser generally relies on detailed proprietary research. The adviser focuses on the sectors and securities it believes are undervalued relative to the market.
The Fund’s adviser will trade the Fund’s portfolio securities actively, and may experience a high portfolio turnover rate. In selecting individual securities for investment, the Fund’s adviser typically:
    uses in-depth fundamental research to identify sectors and securities for investment by the Fund and to analyze risk;
 
    exploits inefficiencies in the valuation of risk and reward;
 
    looks to capitalize on rapidly shifting market risks and dynamics caused by economic and technical factors; and
 
    considers the liquidity of securities and the portfolio overall as an important factor in portfolio construction.
The Fund generally sells securities in order to take advantage of investments in other securities offering what the adviser believes is the potential for more attractive current income or capital gain or both.
Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index. The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index is a widely-used measure of short-term debt returns. It is not managed.

42


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
A Fund may not achieve its objective. The following provides more detail about certain of the Funds’ principal risks and the circumstances which could adversely affect the value of a Fund’s shares or its investment return. Unless a strategy or policy described below is specifically prohibited by a Fund’s investment restrictions as set forth in this Prospectus or under “Investment Restrictions” in the Funds’ SAI, or by applicable law, a Fund may engage in each of the practices described below, although only the Funds specifically indicated below use the applicable strategy as a principal investment strategy.
    Interest Rate Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The values of bonds and other debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally increase the values of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally reduce the value of existing debt instruments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer durations or maturities. Some investments give the issuer the option to call or redeem an investment before its maturity date. If an issuer calls or redeems an investment during a time of declining interest rates, a Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates.
 
    Credit Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal on the security will affect the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when a Fund owns securities of that issuer, or that the issuer will default on its obligations. An actual or perceived deterioration in the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will likely have an adverse effect on the value of the issuer’s securities.
 
      If a security has been rated by more than one nationally recognized statistical rating organization a Fund’s adviser will consider the highest rating for the purposes of determining whether the security is of “investment grade.” A Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security held by it if its rating falls below investment grade, although the Fund’s adviser will consider whether the security continues to be an appropriate investment for the Fund. A Fund considers whether a security is of “investment grade” only at the time of purchase. A Fund may invest in securities which will not be rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, or Fitch), but the credit quality will be determined by the adviser.
 
      Credit risk is generally greater for investments issued at less than their face values and required to make interest payments only at maturity rather than at intervals during the life of the investment. Credit rating agencies base their ratings largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ investment analysis at the time of rating. The rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition, and does not reflect an assessment of an investment’s volatility or liquidity. Although investment grade investments generally have lower credit risk than investments rated below investment grade, they may share some of the risks of lower-rated investments, including the possibility that the issuers may be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal and thus default.
 
      Changes in the financial condition of an issuer, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can affect the credit quality or value of an issuer’s securities.
 
    Extension Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security’s duration, and reduce the value of the security.
 
    High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The lower ratings of certain securities held by a Fund reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of securities held by a Fund more volatile and could limit a Fund’s ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Fund has placed on such securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by them, a Fund at times may be unable to establish the fair value of such securities. To the extent a Fund invests in securities in the lower rating categories, the achievement of the Fund’s goals is more dependent on the Fund adviser’s investment analysis than would be the case if the Fund was investing in securities in the higher rating categories.
 
    Inflation/Deflation Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Inflation risk is the risk that a Fund’s assets or income from a Fund’s investments may be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of a Fund’s portfolio could decline. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy may decline over

43


Table of Contents

      time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of a Fund’s portfolio.
 
    Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations and certain stripped mortgage-backed securities represent a participation in, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables from credit card agreements.
 
      Traditional debt investments typically pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the entire principal amount is due. By contrast, payments on mortgage-backed and many asset-backed investments typically include both interest and partial payment of principal. Principal may also be prepaid voluntarily, or as a result of refinancing or foreclosure. The Fund may have to invest the proceeds from prepaid investments in other investments with less attractive terms and yields. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Because the prepayment rate generally declines as interest rates rise, an increase in interest rates will likely increase the duration, and thus the volatility, of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. In addition to interest rate risk (as described above under “Interest Rate Risk”), investments in mortgage-backed securities composed of subprime mortgages may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk and liquidity risk (as described above under “Credit Risk” and below under “Valuation Risk” and “Liquidity Risk”). Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s price to changes in interest rates. Unlike the maturity of a fixed income security, which measures only the time until final payment is due, duration takes into account the time until all payments of interest and principal on a security are expected to be made, including how these payments are affected by prepayments and by changes in interest rates.
 
      The types of mortgages underlying securities held by the Fund may differ and may be affected differently by market factors. For example, the Fund’s investments in residential mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting residential real estate markets and mortgages generally; similarly, investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting commercial real estate markets and mortgages generally.
 
      The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited. Some mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments receive only the interest portion (“IOs”) or the principal portion (“POs”) of payments on the underlying assets. The yields and values of these investments are extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates and in the rate of principal payments on the underlying assets. IOs tend to decrease in value if interest rates decline and rates of repayment (including prepayment) on the underlying mortgages or assets increase; it is possible that the Fund may lose the entire amount of its investment in an IO due to a decrease in interest rates. Conversely, POs tend to decrease in value if interest rates rise and rates of repayment decrease. Moreover, the market for IOs and POs may be volatile and limited, which may make them difficult for the Fund to buy or sell.
 
      The Fund may gain investment exposure to mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments by entering into agreements with financial institutions to buy the investments at a fixed price at a future date. The Fund may or may not take delivery of the investments at the termination date of such an agreement, but will nonetheless be exposed to changes in value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
 
    Liquidity Risk. (All Funds). Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. A Fund’s investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Investments in foreign securities, derivatives, or securities with substantial market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk. Illiquid securities may be highly volatile and difficult to value.
 
    Derivatives Risk. (All Funds). Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or derives from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index. A Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this section, such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk, and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser anticipated. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may be highly volatile. Use of derivatives other than for hedging purposes may be considered speculative and may have the effect of creating investment leverage, and when a Fund invests in a derivative instrument it could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that a Fund will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that would be beneficial. Many derivative transactions are entered into “over the counter” (not on an exchange or contract market); as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on the ability and willingness of a Fund’s counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. A Fund may be required to segregate certain of its assets on the books of its custodian in respect of derivatives transactions entered into by the Fund. Special tax considerations apply to a Fund’s investment in derivatives. See the SAI for more information.

44


Table of Contents

    Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The Funds may invest in companies that are smaller and less well-known than larger, more widely held companies. Micro, small and mid cap companies may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger companies, but may also involve certain special risks. They are more likely than larger companies to have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or to depend on a small, inexperienced management group. Securities of smaller companies may trade less frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and their values may fluctuate more sharply than other securities. They may also trade in the over-the-counter market or on a regional exchange, or may otherwise have limited liquidity. These securities may therefore be more vulnerable to adverse developments than securities of larger companies, and the Funds may have difficulty establishing or closing out their securities positions in smaller companies at prevailing market prices. Also, there may be less publicly available information about smaller companies or less market interest in their securities as compared to larger companies, and it may take longer for the prices of the securities to reflect the full value of their issuers’ earnings potential or assets.
 
    Equity Securities Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The principal risks of investing in the Funds include the risk that the value of the equity securities in the portfolio will fall, or will not appreciate as anticipated by the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser, due to factors that adversely affect equities markets generally or particular companies in the portfolio. Common stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer and are subject to issuer and market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Preferred stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that typically pays dividends at a specified rate and that has priority over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Different types of investments tend to shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic conditions.
 
    Convertible Securities Risk. (All Funds). Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund may invest in convertible securities, which are corporate debt securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common or preferred stock, and so subject to the risks of investments in both debt securities and equity securities. Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund may invest in securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks, and so subject to the risks of investments in both debt and equity securities. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying preferred and common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities.

45


Table of Contents

    Warrants Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The Funds may invest in warrants to purchase equity securities. The price, performance and liquidity of such warrants are typically linked to the underlying stock. These instruments have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock.
 
    Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). The Funds may also purchase securities of companies in IPOs, which frequently are smaller companies. Such securities have no trading history, and information about these companies may be available for very limited periods. The prices of securities sold in IPOs also can be highly volatile. Under certain market conditions, very few companies, if any, may determine to make IPOs of their securities. At any particular time or from time to time the Funds may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to the Funds. The investment performance of the Funds during periods when they are unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Funds are able to do so.
 
    Foreign Investment Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund may invest in foreign securities. Schroder North American Equity Fund may invest in securities of Canadian companies and in companies located in other countries in North America. Investments in foreign securities entail certain risks. There may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability, and diplomatic developments that could affect the value of a Fund’s investments in certain foreign countries. In addition, there may be less information publicly available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S. issuer, and foreign issuers are not generally subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also generally higher than in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve certain risks (such as delay in payment or delivery of securities or in the recovery of a Fund’s assets held abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments.
 
      Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund may invest in Chinese companies. While companies in China may be subject to limitations on their business relationships under Chinese law, these laws may not be consistent with certain political and security concerns of the United States. As a result, Chinese companies may have material direct or indirect business relationships with governments that are considered state sponsors of terrorism by the United States government, or governments that otherwise have policies in conflict with the U.S. government. Investments in such companies may subject the Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund to the risk that these companies’ reputation and price in the market will be adversely affected.
 
      In addition, legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be more limited than those available to investors in the United States or in other foreign countries. The willingness and ability of foreign governmental entities to pay principal and interest on government securities depends on various economic factors, including the issuer’s balance of payments, overall debt level, and cash-flow considerations related to the availability of tax or other revenues to satisfy the issuer’s obligations. If a foreign governmental entity defaults on its obligations on the securities, a Fund may have limited recourse available to it. The laws of some foreign countries may limit a Fund’s ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries.
 
      Special tax considerations apply to a Fund’s investments in foreign securities. In determining whether to invest a Fund’s assets in debt securities of foreign issuers, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers the likely impact of foreign taxes on the net yield available to the Fund and its shareholders. Income and/or gains received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be reduced by withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Any such taxes paid by a Fund will reduce its income available for distribution to shareholders. In certain circumstances, a Fund may be able to pass through to shareholders credits for foreign taxes paid. Certain of these risks may also apply to some extent to investments in U.S. companies that are traded in foreign markets, or investments in U.S. companies that have significant foreign operations.
 
      In addition, a Fund’s investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or character of the Fund’s distributions.

46


Table of Contents

    Foreign Currencies Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Since foreign securities normally are denominated and traded in foreign currencies, the value of a Fund’s assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, currency exchange control regulations, foreign withholding taxes, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies. A Fund may, but is not required to, buy or sell foreign securities and options and futures contracts on foreign securities for hedging purposes in connection with its foreign investments.
 
      If a Fund purchases securities denominated in foreign currencies, a change in the value of any such currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets and the Fund’s income available for distribution. Officials in foreign countries may from time to time take actions in respect of their currencies which could significantly affect the value of a Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies or the liquidity of such investments. For example, a foreign government may unilaterally devalue its currency against other currencies, which would typically have the effect of reducing the U.S. dollar value of investments denominated in that currency. A foreign government may also limit the convertibility or repatriation of its currency or assets denominated in its currency, which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. In addition, although at times most of a Fund’s income may be received or realized in these currencies, the Fund will be required to compute and distribute its income in U.S. dollars. As a result, if the exchange rate for any such currency declines after the Fund’s income has been earned and translated into U.S. dollars but before payment to shareholders, the Fund could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to make such distributions. Similarly, if a Fund incurs an expense in U.S. dollars and the exchange rate declines before the expense is paid, the Fund would have to convert a greater amount of U.S. dollars to pay for the expense at that time than it would have had to convert at the time the Fund incurred the expense. A Fund may, but is not required to, buy or sell foreign currencies and options and futures contracts on foreign currencies for hedging purposes in connection with its foreign investments.
 
    Emerging Markets Securities Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). Investing in emerging market securities poses risks different from, and/or greater than, risks of investing in domestic securities or in the securities of foreign, developed countries. These risks include: smaller market-capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales, and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or the creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by a Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. Although many of the emerging market securities in which a Fund may invest are traded on securities exchanges, they may trade in limited volume, and the exchanges may not provide all of the conveniences or protections provided by securities exchanges in more developed markets.
 
      Additional risks of emerging market securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.
 
    Geographic Focus Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). To the extent that a Fund invests a substantial amount of its assets in one country or group of countries, its performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly. Because the Schroder North American Equity Fund invests principally in equity securities of North American companies, and the Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund invest principally in equity securities of U.S. companies, their performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly.

47


Table of Contents

    Issuer Focus Risk. (Schroder International Alpha Fund and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund). The Funds, and in particular the Schroder International Alpha Fund, may invest in a smaller number of companies than comprise the portfolios of other similar mutual funds. When a Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, changes in the value of one or more portfolio securities may have a greater effect on the Fund than if the Fund invested more broadly.
 
    Depositary Receipts Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund). The Fund may invest in ADRs, as well as GDRs, EDRs or other similar securities representing ownership of foreign securities. Depositary Receipts generally evidence an ownership interest in a corresponding foreign security on deposit with a financial institution. Investments in non-U.S. issuers through Depositary Receipts and similar instruments may involve certain risks not applicable to investing in U.S. issuers, including changes in currency rates, application of local tax laws, changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs may be incurred in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored Depositary Receipts. Unsponsored Depositary Receipts are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, available information concerning the issuers may not be as current for unsponsored Depositary Receipts and the prices of unsponsored Depositary Receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer.
 
    Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund). A Fund may invest in other investment companies or pooled vehicles, including closed-end funds, trusts, and ETFs, that are advised by the Fund’s adviser, sub-adviser or its affiliates or by unaffiliated parties, to the extent permitted by applicable law. When investing in a closed-end investment company, a Fund may pay a premium above such investment company’s net asset value per share and when the shares are sold, the price received by the Fund may be at a discount to net asset value. As a shareholder in an investment company or pooled vehicle, a Fund, and indirectly that Fund’s shareholders, would bear its ratable share of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory and administrative fees, and would at the same time continue to pay its own fees and expenses. Where an investment company or pooled investment vehicle offers multiple classes of shares or interests, the Fund will seek to invest in the class with the lowest expenses to a Fund, although there is no guarantee that it will do so. ETFs issue redeemable securities, but because these securities may only be redeemed in kind in significant amounts investors generally buy and sell shares in transactions on securities exchanges. Investments in other investment companies may be subject to investment limitations such as redemption fees. See “How to Sell Fund Shares — Redemption Fees” for more information.
 
    Real Estate Investment Trust Risk. (Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). An investment in a REIT may be subject to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses. In addition, an investment in a REIT is subject to additional risks, such as poor performance by the manager of the REIT, adverse changes to the tax laws or failure by the REIT to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and to the risk of general declines in stock prices. In addition, some REITs have limited diversification because they invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property. Also, the organizational documents of a REIT may contain provisions that make changes in control of the REIT difficult and time-consuming. As a shareholder in a REIT a Fund, and indirectly the Fund’s shareholders, would bear its ratable share of the REIT’s expenses and would at the same time continue to pay its own fees and expenses.
 
    Over-the-Counter Risk. (Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Securities traded in over-the- counter markets may trade in smaller volumes, and their prices may be more volatile, than securities principally traded on securities exchanges. Such securities may be less liquid than more widely traded securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup, which a Fund pays as part of the purchase price.
 
    Equity Markets Risk. (Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Although stocks may outperform other asset classes over the long term, their prices tend to fluctuate more dramatically over the shorter term. These movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, or from broader influences like changes in interest rates, market conditions, investor confidence or announcements of economic, political or financial information. While potentially offering greater opportunities for capital growth than larger, more established companies, the stocks of smaller companies may be particularly volatile, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. These companies may face less certain growth prospects, or depend heavily on a limited line of products and services or the efforts of a small number of key management personnel.

48


Table of Contents

    Management Risk. (All Funds). Because the Funds are actively managed, each Fund’s investment return depends on the ability of its adviser or sub-adviser to manage its portfolio successfully. A Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser and its investment team will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results. There is a risk that each Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may be incorrect in its analysis of economic trends, countries, industries, companies, or other matters.
 
    Frequent Trading/Portfolio Turnover Risk (All Funds). The length of time a Fund has held a particular security is not generally a consideration in investment decisions. The investment policies of a Fund may lead to frequent changes in the Fund’s investments, particularly in periods of volatile market movements, in order to take advantage of what the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser believes to be temporary disparities in normal yield relationships between securities. A change in the securities held by a Fund is known as “portfolio turnover.” Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to a Fund, including bid-asked spreads, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other securities, and may result in the realization of taxable capital gains (including short-term gains, which are generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income rates). The trading costs and tax effects associated with portfolio turnover may adversely affect a Fund’s performance. During periods when a Fund experiences high portfolio turnover rates, these effects are likely to be more pronounced. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, the Funds had the following portfolio turnover rates: Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: [  ]%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: [  ]%; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund: [  ]%; Schroder North American Equity Fund: [ ]%; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: [  ]%; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund: [  ]%; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund: [  ]%. For Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, the variation in its rate of turnover over the last two fiscal years is due to the nature of the Fund’s investments and market conditions. Consult your tax advisor regarding the effect of a Fund’s portfolio turnover rate on your investments.
 
    U.S. Government Securities Risk. (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund). U.S. Government securities include a variety of securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities, and dates of issue. While securities issued or guaranteed by some agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as the Government National Mortgage Association) are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, securities issued or guaranteed by certain other agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as Federal Home Loan Banks) are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government, and securities issued or guaranteed by certain other agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are supported only by the credit of the issuer itself. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now under conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and are benefiting from a liquidity backstop of the U.S. Treasury, no assurance can be given that these initiatives will be successful. Investments in these securities are also subject to interest rate risk (as described above under “Interest Rate Risk”), prepayment risk (as described above under “Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk”), extension risk (as described above under “Extension Risk”), and the risk that the value of the securities will fluctuate in response to political, market, or economic developments.
 
    Valuation Risk (Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund). Due to the nature of some Fund’s investments and the market environment, a portion of the Fund’s assets may be valued by Schroders at fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. A Fund’s assets may be valued using prices provided by a pricing service or, alternatively, a broker-dealer or other market intermediary (sometimes just one broker-dealer or other market intermediary) when other reliable pricing sources may not be available. To the extent the Fund relies on a pricing service to value some or all of its portfolio securities, it is possible that the pricing information provided by the service will not reflect the actual price a Fund would receive upon sale of a security. In addition, to the extent a Fund sells a security at a price lower than the price it has been using to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected. If a Fund has overvalued securities it holds, you may end up paying too much for the Fund’s shares when you buy into the Fund. If a Fund underestimates the price of its portfolio securities, you may not receive the full market value for your Fund shares when you sell.
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES
In addition to the principal investment strategies described in the Principal Investment Strategies section above, each Fund may at times, but is not required to, use the strategies and techniques described below, which involve certain special risks. This Prospectus does not attempt to disclose all of the various investment techniques and types of securities that the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser might use in managing the Funds. As in any mutual fund, investors must rely on the professional investment judgment and skill of the Funds’ adviser and sub-adviser.
    Short Sales. A Fund may sell a security short when the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser anticipates that the price of the security will decline. A Fund may make a profit or incur a loss depending on whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund “closes” the short position. A short position will result in a loss if the market price of the security in question increases between the date when the Fund enters into the short position and the date when the Fund closes the short position. Such a loss could theoretically be unlimited in a case where such Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position. In addition, short positions may result in a loss if a portfolio strategy of which the short position is a part is otherwise unsuccessful.

49


Table of Contents

    Securities Loans and Repurchase Agreements. A Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers, and may enter into repurchase agreements. These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but involve some risk to a Fund if the other party should default on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral. A Fund may enter into securities loans and repurchase agreements as a non-principal investment strategy, as a way to recognize additional current income on securities that it owns.
 
    Temporary Defensive Strategies. At times, the Funds’ adviser or sub-adviser may judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing a Fund’s investment strategy inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders. At such times, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may, but is not required to, take temporary “defensive” positions that are inconsistent with a Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. In implementing these defensive strategies, the Fund would invest in investment grade fixed income securities, cash or money market instruments to any extent the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers consistent with such defensive strategies. It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, a Fund would use these alternate strategies. One risk of taking such temporary defensive positions is that the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
 
    Pricing. At times market conditions might make it hard to value some investments. If a Fund has valued securities it holds too high, you may end up paying too much for the Fund’s shares when you buy into a Fund. If a Fund underestimates the price of its portfolio securities, you may not receive the full market value for your Fund shares when you sell. To the extent a Fund relies on a pricing service to value some or all of its portfolio securities, it is possible that the pricing information provided by the service will not reflect the actual price the Fund would receive upon a sale of the security.
 
    Other Investments. A Fund may also invest in other types of securities and utilize a variety of investment techniques and strategies that are not described in this Prospectus. These securities and techniques may subject the Fund to additional risks. Please see the SAI for additional information about the securities and investment techniques described in this Prospectus and about additional techniques and strategies that may be used by the Funds.
 
    Securities in Default. Securities that are in default are subject generally to the risks described above under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund — High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk,” and which offer little or no prospect for the payment of the full amount of unpaid principal and interest.
 
    Percentage Investment Limitations. Unless otherwise noted, all percentage limitations on Fund investments will apply at the time of investment, including the requirements that: Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s sub-adviser considers to be “emerging market” issuers; Schroder International Alpha Fund normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies the Fund’s adviser considers to be located outside of the United States; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund normally invest at least 65% of its net assets in equity securities of companies located in countries outside of the United States; Schroder North American Equity Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies organized and principally traded in, or with their principal places of business and principally traded in, North America; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in securities of companies the Fund’s adviser considers to be located in the United States; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in companies considered by the Fund’s adviser at the time to be small or mid cap companies located in the United States; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in fixed income obligations. An investment by a Fund would not be considered to violate a percentage limitation unless an excess or deficiency were to occur or exist immediately after and as a result of an investment. References in the discussion of the Funds’ investment policies above to 80% of a Fund’s net assets refer to that percentage of the aggregate of the Fund’s net assets and the amount, if any, of borrowings by a Fund for investment purposes.
 
    Private Placements and Restricted Securities. A Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. At times, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing a Fund’s net asset value. A Fund’s sale of such investments may also be restricted under securities laws. In the event that the Trustees, or persons designated by the Trustees, determine that a security is “readily marketable” pursuant to these procedures, and a Fund is not able to sell such security at the price that such persons anticipate, the Fund’s net asset value will decrease.

50


Table of Contents

    When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward Commitment Transactions. The Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase a security for a predetermined price or yield, with payments and delivery taking place more than seven days in the future, or after a period longer than the customary settlement period for that type of security. These transactions may increase the overall investment exposure for a Fund and involve a risk of loss if the value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
Each Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of each Trust has retained Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. to serve as each Fund’s adviser and to manage the investments of each Fund. Subject to the control of the applicable Board of Trustees, Schroders also manages each Fund’s other affairs and business.
Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (“SIMNA Ltd.”), an affiliate of Schroders, serves as sub-adviser responsible for portfolio management of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund.
Schroders (itself and its predecessors) has been an investment manager since 1962, and serves as investment adviser to the Funds and as investment adviser to other mutual funds and a broad range of institutional investors. Schroders plc, Schroders’ ultimate parent, is a global asset management company with approximately $[  ] under management as of December 31, 2009. Schroders and its affiliates have clients that are major financial institutions including banks and insurance companies, public and private pension funds, endowments and foundations, high net worth individuals, financial intermediaries and retail investors. Schroders plc has one of the largest networks of offices of any dedicated asset management company and over 350 portfolio managers and analysts covering the world’s investment markets.
    Management Fees. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, each of the following Funds paid aggregate management fees, net of applicable expense limitations and/or fee waivers, for investment management and administration services to Schroders at the following annual rates (based on each Fund’s average daily net assets): Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: [0.25]%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: [0.607]%; Schroder North American Equity Fund: [0.25]%; and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: [1.00]%. [Each of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund did not pay fees] during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 due to expense limitations and/or fee waivers in effect during that period. As compensation for SIMNA Ltd.’s services as sub-adviser, Schroders pays to SIMNA Ltd. fifty percent of the investment advisory fees Schroders receives from each of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund. A discussion regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the investment management agreements for the Funds is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.
 
    Expense Limitations and Waivers. In order to limit the expenses of the Advisor Shares of certain Funds, the Funds’ adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 for Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund to pay or reimburse the applicable Fund for expenses to the extent that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, which may include typically non-recurring expenses such as, for example, organizational expenses, litigation expenses, and shareholder meeting expenses) allocable to each Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed the following annual rates (based on the average daily net assets attributable to each Fund’s Advisor Shares): Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: [1.50]%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: [1.40]%; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund: [1.40]%; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: [1.95]%; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund: [1.30]%; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund: [0.65]%.
 
    Portfolio Management. The following portfolio managers at Schroders and SIMNA Ltd. have primary responsibility for making investment decisions for the respective Funds. For each of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund and Schroder North American Equity Fund, all investment decisions are made by a team of investment professionals at SIMNA Ltd. with the portfolio managers listed in the table below for that Fund having primary responsibility for making investment decisions for the Fund. Each portfolio manager’s recent professional experience is also shown. The Funds’ SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and each portfolio manager’s ownership of securities in the respective Fund.

51


Table of Contents

                 
FUND   NAME   TITLE   SINCE   RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Schroder
Emerging Market
Equity Fund
  James Gotto   Portfolio
Manager
  Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Gotto is a Portfolio Manager of SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 1991.
 
               
Schroder Emerging
Market Equity Fund
  Waj Hashmi, CFA   Portfolio
Manager
  Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Hashmi is a Portfolio Manager of SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 2000.
 
               
Schroder Emerging
Market Equity Fund
  Robert Davy   Portfolio
Manager
  Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Davy is a Portfolio Manager of SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 1986.
 
               
Schroder Emerging
Market Equity Fund
  Allan Conway   Head of Emerging Markets Equities   Inception (March 31, 2006)   Mr. Conway is Head of Emerging Markets Equities at SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 2004. Formerly, Head of Global Emerging Markets, West LB Asset Management and Chief Executive Officer of WestAM (UK) Ltd.
 
               
Schroder
International Alpha
Fund
  Virginie
Maisonneuve, CFA
  Lead Portfolio
Manager
  March 2005   Ms. Maisonneuve is Head of Schroders’ Global and Europe, Australasia, Far East(EAFE) Team. She has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since 2004. Formerly, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Director, Clay Finlay.
 
               
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund and Schroder North American Equity Fund
  Justin Abercrombie   Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of Quantitative Equity Products (“QEP”)   Inception (August 30, 2006) (Schroder International Diversified Value Fund) Inception (September 2003) (Schroder North American Equity Fund)   Mr. Abercrombie is the Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of QEP, SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of Schroders since 1996. Formerly, founding member of QEP, SIMNA Ltd.
 
               
Schroder North
American Equity
Fund
  John Marsland, CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst   May 2006   Mr. Marsland is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst, SIMNA Ltd. He has been an employee of SIMNA Ltd. since May 2006. Formerly, Quantitative Fund Manager, WMG Advisors LLP from January 2005 to April 2006, Head of Risk Advisory, Commerzbank Securities from 2000 to November 2004.
 
               
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  Jenny B. Jones   Lead Portfolio
Manager
   2003 (Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund)
Inception (March 31, 2006) (Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund)
  Ms. Jones is Head of U.S. Small and Mid Cap Equities of Schroders. She has been an employee of Schroders since 2003. Formerly, portfolio manager and Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.

52


Table of Contents

                 
FUND   NAME   TITLE   SINCE   RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income
Fund
  Wesley A. Sparks, CFA   Portfolio
Manager
  Inception (December 2004)   Mr. Sparks is Head of U.S. Taxable Fixed Income of Schroders. He has been an employee of Schroders since December 2000. Formerly, portfolio manager at Aeltus Investment Management.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income
Fund
  David Harris   Portfolio
Manager
  Inception (December 2004)   Mr. Harris is Product Manager — U.S. Fixed Income of Schroders. He has been an employee of Schroders since November 1992.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income
Fund
  Chris Ames   Portfolio
Manager
   2008   Mr. Ames is an ABS Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income Group of Schroders, and specializes in managing asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities. Formerly, Portfolio Manager with Cheyne Capital from 2005-2007 and Head of ABS and CDO Research at BNP Paribas from 2002-2005. He has been an employee of Schroders since 2007.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income
Fund
  Gregg T. Moore, CFA   Portfolio
Manager
  Inception (December 2004)   Mr. Moore is Fund Manager, Fixed Income of Schroders and has been an employee of Schroders since June 2001. Formerly, quantitative analyst at Aeltus Investment Management.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income
Fund
  Ed Fitzpatrick   Portfolio
Manager
   2006   Mr. Fitzpatrick is Fund Manager, Fixed Income of Schroders. He has been an employee of Schroders since 2006. Formerly, a Vice President of Pershing LLC from 1999 to 2006.
 
               
Schroder Total
Return Fixed Income
Fund
  Tony Hui   Portfolio
Manager
   2007   Mr. Hui is Fund Manager, Fixed Income of Schroders. Formerly, a Trader at UBS from 2002 to 2007. He has been an employee of Schroders since 2007.
HOW THE FUNDS’ SHARES ARE PRICED
    Each Fund calculates the net asset value of its Advisor Shares by dividing the total value of its assets attributable to its Advisor Shares, less its liabilities attributable to those shares, by the number of Advisor Shares outstanding. Each Fund values its Advisor Shares as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) each day the Exchange is open. The Trusts expect that days, other than weekend days, when the Exchange will not be open are New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
    Securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at prices which, in the opinion of Schroders, most nearly represent the market values of such securities. Securities for which market values are not readily available, or for which the Funds’ adviser believes the market value is unreliable (including, for example, certain foreign securities, thinly-traded securities, IPOs, or when there is a particular event that may affect the value of a security), are valued by Schroders at their fair values pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees. Certain securities, such as various types of options (as described further below), are valued at fair value on the basis of valuations furnished by broker-dealers or other market intermediaries. It is possible that fair value prices will be used by a Fund to a significant extent. The value determined for an investment using the Funds’ fair value guidelines may differ from recent market prices for the investment. Reliable market quotations are not considered to be readily available for many bonds (excluding U.S. Treasury securities), certain preferred stocks, tax-exempt securities and certain foreign securities. Such securities are valued at fair value, generally on the basis of valuations furnished by pricing services, which determine valuations for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders. Below investment grade debt instruments (“high yield debt”) and emerging market debt instruments will generally be valued at prices furnished by pricing services based on the mean of bid and asked prices supplied by brokers or dealers, although, if the bid-asked spread exceeds five points, that security will typically be valued at the bid price. Short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless Schroders believes another valuation is more appropriate.
    Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported sale prices on any day or, in the absence of a reported sale price, at mid-market prices. Options and futures contracts traded on a securities exchange or board of trade generally are valued at the last reported sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the closing mid-

53


Table of Contents

    market price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Options and futures not traded on a securities exchange or board of trade for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are generally valued at the most recently reported mid-market price. Credit default and interest rate swaps are valued at the estimate of the mid-market price, together with other supporting information. Options on indices or ETF shares are valued at the closing mid-market price. If such prices are not available, unlisted securities and derivatives are valued by Schroders at their fair values based on quotations from dealers, and if such quotations are not available, based on factors in the markets where such securities and derivatives trade, such as security and bond prices, interest rates, and currency exchange rates.
    Certain Funds may invest in foreign securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when the price of the Fund’s shares is not calculated. The price of the Fund’s shares will reflect any such changes when the price of the Fund’s shares is next calculated, which is the next day the Exchange is open. The Funds may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim.
    Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund’s investments may be priced based on fair values provided by a third-party fair valuation vendor, based on certain factors and methodologies applied by such vendor, in the event that there is movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specific threshold established by the Schroders’ Fair Value Committee pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees. The net asset value of a Fund’s Investor Shares may differ from that of its Advisor Shares due to differences in the expenses of Investor Shares and Advisor Shares.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
    You may purchase Advisor Shares of each Fund directly from the applicable Trust (through Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. (“SFA”), the distributor of the Trusts’ shares) or through the Funds’ transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”), or through a service organization such as a bank, trust company, broker-dealer, or other financial organization (a “Service Organization”) having an arrangement with SFA. If you do not have a Service Organization, SFA can provide you with a list of available firms. Your Service Organization is responsible for forwarding all of the necessary documentation to the applicable Trust, and may charge you separately for its services.
    The purchase, redemption and exchange policies and fees charged by such Service Organizations may be different than those of the Funds. For instance, banks, brokers, retirement plans and financial advisers may charge transaction fees in addition to any fees charged by the Fund, and may set different minimums or limitations on buying, exchanging, or redeeming Advisor Shares. Please consult a representative of your Service Organization for further information.
    If the Advisor Shares you purchase will be held in your own name (rather than the name of your Service Organization), your payment for the shares must be accompanied by a completed Account Application and payment by check or wire as described below. Account Applications for Advisor Shares may be obtained from BFDS, at the address provided below under “Purchases by Check,” from your Service Organization, or by calling the Schroder Mutual Funds at (800) 464-3108 (from outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a Schroder Mutual Funds representative). Acceptance of your order will be delayed pending receipt of additional documentation, such as copies of corporate resolutions and instruments of authority, from corporations, administrators, executors, personal representatives, directors, or custodians.
    Each Fund sells its Advisor Shares at their net asset value next determined after the applicable Fund, its transfer agent, BFDS, or another authorized broker or financial institution (as described below) receives your request in good order (meaning that the request meets the requirements set out below and in the Account Application, and otherwise meets the requirements implemented from time to time by the Funds’ transfer agent or the Fund). In order for you to receive a Fund’s next determined net asset value, the Fund, BFDS, the Service Organization, or the authorized broker or financial institution must receive your order before the close of trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time), and the broker or financial institution must subsequently communicate the order properly to the Fund. Each Trust reserves the right to reject any order to purchase Advisor Shares of any of its Funds. Each Trust generally expects to inform any persons that their purchase has been rejected within 24 hours.
    Certain brokers or other financial institutions may accept purchase orders for Advisor Shares on behalf of the Funds. Such brokers or financial institutions may designate other intermediaries to accept purchase orders on behalf of the Funds. For purposes of pricing, a Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase order when an authorized broker or financial institution or, if applicable, a broker or financial institution’s authorized designee, receives the order, provided that the broker or financial institution subsequently communicates the order properly to the Fund. Orders received in good order prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading will receive the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value.

54


Table of Contents

    The minimum investments for initial and additional purchases of Advisor Shares of a Fund are as follows:
     
Initial Investment   Additional Investments
$2,500   $1,000
    The applicable Trust may, in its sole discretion, waive these minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts for share purchases by: an employee of Schroders, any of its affiliates or a financial intermediary authorized to sell shares of a Fund, or such employee’s spouse or life partner, or children or step-children age 21 or younger; investment advisory clients of Schroders; and current or former Trustees. For share purchases made through certain fund networks or other financial intermediaries, the investment minimums associated with the policies and programs of the fund network or financial intermediary will apply.
    Advisor Shares of the Funds are intended for purchase by investors making a minimum initial investment of $2,500 through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account and purchasing through an investment intermediary. Investor Shares of the Funds, which have lower expenses, are offered through another prospectus and are intended for investors making a minimum initial investment of $250,000 and purchasing directly from the Fund. If you are making an investment of at least $250,000, you may want to discuss with your investment intermediary whether Investor Shares, rather than Advisor Shares, are appropriate for you.
    The Funds do not issue share certificates.
    Each Trust may suspend the offering of Advisor Shares of its Funds for any period of time. Each Trust may change any investment minimum from time to time.
    Purchases by check. You may purchase Advisor Shares of a Fund by mailing a check (in U.S. dollars) payable to the Fund. If you wish to purchase Advisor Shares of two or more Funds, make your check payable to Schroder Mutual Funds and include written instructions as to how the amount of your check should be allocated among the Funds whose shares you are purchasing. Schroder Mutual Funds will not accept third-party checks or starter checks. You should direct your check and your completed Account Application as follows:
     
REGULAR MAIL
  OVERNIGHT OR EXPRESS MAIL
Schroder Mutual Funds
  Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8507
  Attn: Schroder Mutual Funds
Boston, MA 02266
  30 Dan Road
 
  Canton, MA 02021
    For initial purchases, a completed Account Application must accompany your check.
    Purchases by bank wire. If you make your initial investment by wire, a completed Account Application must precede your order. Upon receipt of the Application, BFDS will assign you an account number. BFDS will process wire orders received prior to the close of trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the Exchange is open for trading at the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. BFDS will process wire orders received after that time at the net asset value next determined thereafter.
    Once you have an account number, you may purchase Advisor Shares through your Service Organization or directly from the Fund by calling BFDS at (800) 464-3108 to give notice that you will send funds by wire, and obtain a wire reference number. (From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a Schroder Mutual Funds representative.) Please be sure to obtain a wire reference number. Instruct your bank to wire funds with the assigned reference number as follows:
    State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
ABA No.: 011000028
Attn: Schroder Mutual Funds
DDA No.: 9904-650-0
FBO: Account Registration
A/C: Mutual Fund Account Number
     Name of Fund
    BFDS will not process your purchase until it receives the wired funds.

55


Table of Contents

    Automatic Purchases. If you purchase Advisor Shares directly from the Trust and the shares are held in your own name, you can make regular investments of $100 or more per month or quarter in Advisor Shares of a Fund through automatic deductions from your bank account. Please complete the appropriate section of the Account Application if you would like to utilize this option. For more information, please call (800) 464-3108 ((617) 483-5000 from outside the United States). If you purchase Advisor Shares through a Service Organization, your firm may also provide automatic purchase options. Please contact your Service Organization for details.
    Purchases in kind. Investors may purchase Advisor Shares of a Fund for cash or in exchange for securities, subject to the determination by Schroders in its discretion that the securities are acceptable. (For purposes of determining whether securities will be acceptable, Schroders will consider, among other things, whether they are liquid securities of a type consistent with the investment objective and policies of the Fund and have a readily ascertainable value.) If a Fund receives securities from an investor in exchange for Advisor Shares of the Fund, the Fund will under some circumstances have the same tax basis in the securities as the investor had prior to the exchange (and the Fund’s gain for tax purposes would be calculated with regard to the investor’s tax basis), and in such cases the Fund’s holding period in those securities would include the investor’s holding period. Any gain on the sale of securities received in exchange for Advisor Shares of the Fund would be subject to distribution as capital gain to all of the Fund’s shareholders. (In some circumstances, receipt of securities from an investor in exchange for Advisor Shares of the Fund may be a taxable transaction to the investor, in which case the Fund’s tax basis in the securities would reflect the fair market value of the securities on the date of the exchange, and its holding period in the securities would begin on that date.) The Funds value securities accepted by Schroders in the same manner as are the Funds’ portfolio securities as of the time of the next determination of a Fund’s net asset value. Although the Funds seek to determine the fair value of securities contributed to a Fund, any valuation that does not reflect fair value may dilute the interests of the purchasing shareholder or the other shareholders of the Funds. All rights reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Funds and must be delivered to the Funds upon receipt by the investor. Investors may realize a taxable gain or loss upon the exchange. Investors interested in purchases through exchange should telephone BFDS at (800) 464-3108 ((617) 483-5000 from outside the United States), their Schroders client representative, or other financial intermediary.
    Certain payments by Schroders or its affiliates. SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates may, at their own expense and out of their own assets, provide compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of Fund shares or shareholder servicing. In some instances, they may make this compensation available only to certain intermediaries who have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares of a Fund. See “Payments to Financial Intermediaries.” If you purchase or sell shares through an intermediary, the intermediary may charge a separate fee for its services. Consult your intermediary for information. In addition, employees of Schroders who are registered representatives of SFA may be more favorably compensated in respect of sales of some Funds than others; the identity of those Funds may change from time to time in Schroders’ discretion. Those employees would have a financial incentive to promote the sales of those Funds for which they are more highly compensated.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
    When you may redeem. You may sell your Advisor Shares back to a Fund on any day the Exchange is open either through your Service Organization or directly to the Fund. If your shares are held in the name of a Service Organization, you may only sell the shares through that Service Organization. The Service Organization may charge you a fee for its services. If you choose to sell your shares directly to the Fund, you may do so by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds, or by calling BFDS at (800) 464-3108 ((617) 483-5000 from outside the United States). Redemption requests received in good order by Schroder Mutual Funds, BFDS, your Service Organization or another authorized broker or financial institution (as described below) prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading (and subsequently communicated properly to the Fund by the brokers or financial institution) will be priced at the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value. A redemption request is in good order if it includes the exact name in which the shares are registered, the investor’s account number, and the number of shares or the dollar amount of shares to be redeemed, and, for written requests, if it is signed in accordance with the account registration, although in certain circumstances you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares. A bank, broker-dealer, or certain other financial institutions must guarantee the signature(s) of all account holders for any redemption request in excess of $50,000. The Stamp 2000 Medallion Guarantee is the only acceptable form of guarantee. An investor can obtain this signature guarantee from a commercial bank, savings bank, credit union, or broker-dealer that participates in one of the Medallion signature guarantee programs. You may redeem your shares by telephone only if you elected the telephone redemption privilege option on your Account Application or otherwise in writing. Telephone redemption proceeds will be sent only to you at an address on record with the Fund for at least 30 days. Unless otherwise agreed, you may only exercise the telephone redemption privilege to redeem shares worth not more than $50,000. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.

56


Table of Contents

    If you redeem shares through your Service Organization, your Service Organization is responsible for ensuring that BFDS receives your redemption request in proper form. If your Service Organization receives Federal Reserve wires, you may instruct that your redemption proceeds be forwarded by wire to your account with your Service Organization; you may also instruct that your redemption proceeds be forwarded to you by a wire transfer. Please indicate your Service Organization’s or your own complete wiring instructions. Your Service Organization may charge you separately for this service.
    Certain brokers or other financial institutions may accept redemption orders for Advisor Shares on behalf of the Funds. Such brokers or financial institutions may designate other intermediaries to accept redemption orders on behalf of the Funds. For purposes of pricing, a Fund will be deemed to have received a redemption order when an authorized broker or financial institution or, if applicable, a broker or financial institution’s authorized designee, receives the order, provided that the broker or financial institution subsequently communicates the order properly to the fund. Orders received in good order prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading will receive the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value.
    Each Fund will meet redemption requests as promptly as possible and in any event within seven days after the request for redemption is received in good order. Each Fund generally sends payment for shares on the business day after a request is received, although it may not always do so. In case of emergencies, each Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for more than seven days, as permitted by law. If you paid for your Advisor Shares by check, the Fund will not send you your redemption proceeds until the check you used to pay for the shares has cleared, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.
    Brokers or other agents may charge investors a fee for effecting transactions in shares of a Fund, in addition to any fees a Fund charges.
    Involuntary redemptions. If, because of your redemptions, your account balance for any of the Funds falls below a minimum amount set by the Trustees (presently $2,000), a Trust may choose to redeem your Advisor Shares in the Funds and pay you for them. You will receive at least 30 days’ written notice before the Trust redeems your Advisor Shares, and you may purchase additional Advisor Shares at any time to avoid a redemption. Each Trust may also redeem Advisor Shares if you own shares of the Funds above a maximum amount set by the Trustees. There is currently no maximum, but the Trustees may establish one at any time, which could apply to both present and future shareholders.
    Suspension. Each Trust may suspend the right of redemption of a Fund or postpone payment by a Fund during any period when: (1) trading on the Exchange is restricted, as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), or the Exchange is closed; (2) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (3) an emergency (as defined by rules of the SEC) exists, making disposal of portfolio investments or determination of a Fund’s net asset value not reasonably practicable.
    Redemptions in kind. The Trusts may redeem Advisor Shares in kind, but do not expect to do so under normal circumstances. If a Trust redeems your Advisor Shares in kind, you should expect to incur brokerage expenses and other transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities you receive from the Fund. In addition, the price of those securities may change between the time when you receive the securities and the time when you are able to dispose of them. Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) has agreed to redeem Advisor Shares of Schroder International Alpha Fund and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets attributable to Advisor Shares during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. In consideration of the best interests of the remaining shareholders, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) may pay any redemption proceeds exceeding this amount for any of these Funds in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities held by the applicable Fund in lieu of cash. Schroder Global Series Trust and Schroder Series Trust may pay redemption proceeds in any amount with respect to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, or Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities held by the applicable Fund in lieu of cash.
    General. In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption requests by telephone, BFDS will follow reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. BFDS and the Trusts generally will not be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent purchase or redemption requests, but the applicable party or parties may be liable if they do not follow these procedures. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.

57


Table of Contents

    Redemption fee. Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund each imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed (including in connection with an exchange) two months or less from their date of purchase. The fee is not a sales charge (load); it is paid directly to the Fund. The purpose of the redemption fee is principally to discourage market timing, and also to help defray costs incurred by a Fund in connection with short-term trading by investors in its shares.
    To the extent that the redemption fee applies, the price you will receive when you redeem your shares of a Fund is the net asset value next determined after receipt of your redemption request in good order, minus the redemption fee. The Funds permit exceptions to the redemption fee policy for the following transactions:
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by discretionary asset allocation or wrap programs (“wrap programs”) that are initiated by the sponsor of the program as part of a periodic rebalancing, provided that such rebalancing occurs no more frequently than quarterly, or, if more frequent, was the result of an extraordinary change in the management or operation of the wrap program leading to a revised investment model that is applied across all applicable accounts in the wrap program;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by a wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, the following transactions in participant-directed retirement plans:
    where the shares being redeemed were purchased with new contributions to the plan (e.g., payroll contributions, employer contributions, and loan repayments);
 
    redemptions made in connection with taking out a loan from the plan;
 
    redemptions in connection with death, disability, hardship withdrawals, or Qualified Domestic Relations Orders;
 
    redemptions made as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    redemptions made by a defined contribution plan in connection with a termination or restructuring of the plan;
 
    redemptions made in connection with a participant’s termination of employment; and
 
    redemptions made as part of a periodic rebalancing under an asset allocation model.
    involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder’s failure to maintain a minimum investment in a Fund;
 
    redemptions of shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid by a Fund;
 
    redemptions and exchanges effected by other mutual funds (e.g., funds of funds) that are sponsored by Schroders or its affiliates;
 
    to the extent a Fund is used as a qualified default investment alternative under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for certain 401(k) plans; and
 
    otherwise as the officers of Schroders or the applicable Trust may determine is appropriate after consideration of the purpose of the transaction and the potential impact to the Funds.
    The application of the redemption fee and exceptions may vary among intermediaries, and certain intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you purchase or sell fund shares through an intermediary, you should contact your intermediary for more information on whether the redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.

58


Table of Contents

    For purposes of computing the redemption fee, redemptions by a shareholder to which the fee applies will be deemed to have been made on a first-purchased, first-redeemed basis.
EXCHANGES
    You can exchange your Advisor Shares of a Fund for Advisor Shares of other funds in the Schroder family of funds offered in this Prospectus at any time at their respective net asset values. An exchange of shares of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund may be subject to a redemption fee of 2.00% as described above under “Redemption Fee” (such that the exchange would be made at net asset value minus any redemption fee). The Trusts would treat the exchange as a sale of your Advisor Shares, and any gain on the exchange will generally be subject to tax. For a listing of the Schroder funds available for exchange and to exchange Advisor Shares, please call (800) 464-3108. (From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a representative of the Schroder Mutual Funds.) In order to exchange shares by telephone, you must complete the appropriate section of the Account Application. The Trusts and Schroders reserve the right to change or suspend the exchange privilege at any time. Schroders would notify shareholders of any such change or suspension.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ADVISOR SHARES; DISTRIBUTION PLANS
    Each Trust sells Advisor Shares of the Fund at their net asset value without any sales charges or loads, so that the full amount of your purchase payment is invested in the applicable Fund. You also receive the full value of your Advisor Shares when you sell them back to the Fund, without any deferred sales charge.
    Distribution plans. Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that allows the Fund to pay distribution and other fees with respect to its Advisor Shares. Under the Distribution Plan, a Fund may make payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% (0.35% for Schroder North American Equity Fund) of the average daily net assets attributable to its Advisor Shares to compensate the distributor for distribution services and certain shareholder services with respect to the Fund’s Advisor Shares.
    Because the fees are paid out of a Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of an investment in Advisor Shares of a Fund and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
    Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund declares dividends from net investment income daily and distributes these dividends monthly. Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund each declare dividends from net investment income and distribute these dividends annually. All Funds distribute any net realized capital gain at least annually. All Funds make distributions from net capital gain after applying any available capital loss carryovers.
    Shares begin to earn dividends on the first business day following the day of purchase. Shares earn dividends through the date of redemption.
    You can choose from four distribution options:
    Reinvest all distributions in additional Advisor Shares of your Fund;
 
    Receive distributions from net investment income in cash while reinvesting capital gains distributions in additional Advisor Shares of your Fund;
 
    For each Fund except Schroder North American Equity Fund, receive distributions from net investment income in additional Advisor Shares of your Fund while receiving capital gain distributions in cash; or
 
    Receive all distributions in cash.

59


Table of Contents

    You can change your distribution option by notifying BFDS in writing. If you do not select an option when you open your account, all distributions by a Fund will be reinvested in Advisor Shares of that Fund. You will receive a statement confirming reinvestment of distributions in additional Fund shares promptly following the period in which the reinvestment occurs.
    If correspondence to a shareholder’s address of record is returned, then, unless BFDS determines the shareholder’s new address, BFDS will reinvest dividends and other distributions returned to it in the applicable Fund(s), and if the correspondence included checks, the checks will be canceled and re-deposited to the shareholder’s account at then-current net asset value.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
    Excessive trading can hurt Fund performance, operations, and shareholders. The Board of Trustees of each of the Funds has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Each Fund discourages, and does not accommodate, frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares to the extent Schroders believes that such trading is harmful to a Fund’s shareholders, although a Fund will not necessarily prevent all frequent trading in its shares. Each Fund reserves the right, in its discretion, to reject any purchase, in whole or in part (including, without limitation, purchases by persons whose trading activity Schroders believes could be harmful to the Fund). Each Trust or Schroders may also limit the amount or number of exchanges or reject any purchase by exchange if the Trust or Schroders believes that the investor in question is engaged in “market timing activities” or similar activities that may be harmful to a Fund or its shareholders, although the Trusts and Schroders have not established any maximum amount or number of such exchanges that may occur in any period. Each Trust generally expects to inform any persons that their purchase has been rejected within 24 hours. In addition, the Boards of Trustees of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund have established a 2.00% redemption fee for shares of these Funds held for two months or less from their date of purchase. See “How to Sell Shares – Redemption Fee” for further information. The ability of Schroders to monitor trades that are placed through omnibus or other nominee accounts is limited in those instances in which the broker, retirement plan administrator, or fee-based program sponsor does not provide complete information to Schroders regarding underlying beneficial owners of Fund shares. Each Trust or its distributor may enter into written agreements with financial intermediaries who hold omnibus accounts that require the intermediaries to provide certain information to the Trust regarding shareholders who hold shares through such accounts and to restrict or prohibit trading in Fund shares by shareholders identified by the Trust as having engaged in trades that violate the Trusts’ “market timing” policies. Each Trust or Schroders may take any steps they consider appropriate in respect of frequent trading in omnibus accounts, including seeking additional information from the holder of the omnibus account or potentially closing the omnibus account (although there can be no assurance that the Trust or Schroders would do so). Please see the applicable SAI for additional information on frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares. There can be no assurance that the Funds or Schroders will identify all harmful purchase or redemption activity, or market timing or similar activities, affecting the Funds, or that the Funds or Schroders will be successful in limiting or eliminating such activities.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
    SFA, the Funds’ distributor, Schroders, or any of their affiliates, may, from time to time, make payments to financial intermediaries for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency, or other shareholder services or distribution, out of their own resources and without additional cost to a Fund or its shareholders. For Advisor Shares, these payments may be in addition to payments made with 12b-1 fees or sales loads. Financial intermediaries are firms that, for compensation, sell shares of mutual funds, including the Funds, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. These financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisers, banks (including bank trust departments), retirement plan and qualified tuition program administrators, third-party administrators, and insurance companies.
    In some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its clients’ shares of the Funds in nominee or street name. Financial intermediaries may provide shareholder services, which may include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual and semiannual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.

60


Table of Contents

    The compensation paid by SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates to an intermediary is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the intermediary’s clients hold investments in the Funds. The amount of continuing compensation paid by SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates to different financial intermediaries for distribution and/or shareholder services varies. In most cases, the compensation is paid at an annual rate ranging up to 0.45% (0.00% to 0.45%) of the value of the financial intermediary’s clients’ investments in the Funds. In addition, SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates may also pay financial intermediaries one-time charges for setting up access for the Funds on particular platforms, as well as transaction fees, or per position fees.
    SFA or its affiliates, at their own expense and out of their own assets, also may provide other compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for employees, seminars for the public, advertising or sales campaigns, or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, the compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Intermediaries that are registered broker-dealers may not use sales of Fund shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
    If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial adviser and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. A financial intermediary could also have an incentive to recommend a particular Fund or share class. Please speak with your financial intermediary to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial intermediary and his or her firm by SFA and its affiliates, and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase.
TAXES
    Taxes on dividends and distributions. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are taxed as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that a Fund has held for more than one year and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for one year or less and gains on the sale of bonds characterized as a market discount sale will be taxable as ordinary income. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, distributions of investment income designated by a Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level. Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund does not expect a significant portion of its distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
    Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before a shareholder’s investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid). Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.
    Distributions by a Fund to retirement plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under federal income tax laws will not be taxable. Special tax rules apply to investments through such plans. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the suitability of a Fund as an investment through such a plan and the tax treatment of distributions (including distributions of amounts attributable to an investment in a Fund) from such a plan.
    A Fund’s investment in certain debt obligations and derivative contracts may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such obligations or contracts. Thus, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including at times when it may not be advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.
    In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person”), are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). However, effective for taxable years of the Funds beginning before January 1, 2010, the Funds generally will not be required to withhold any amounts with respect to distributions of (i) U.S.-source interest income that, in general, would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, and (ii) net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly designated by the Funds.

61


Table of Contents

    Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced – in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets – for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.
    Taxes when you sell, redeem or exchange your shares. Any gain resulting from a redemption, sale or exchange (including an exchange for shares of another fund) of your shares in a Fund will also generally be subject to federal income tax at either short-term or long-term capital gain rates depending on how long you have owned your shares.
    Foreign taxes. A Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes. In that case, the Fund’s return on those securities would be decreased. Shareholders of Schroders Funds that invest more than 50% of their assets in foreign securities may be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. Shareholders of other Schroders funds generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. In addition, investments in foreign securities may increase or accelerate a Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of a Fund’s distributions.
    Derivatives. A Fund’s use of derivatives may affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders and, therefore, may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.
    Consult your tax advisor about other possible tax consequences. This is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in the Funds. You should consult your tax advisor for more information on your own tax situation, including possible other federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Funds.
DISCLOSURES OF FUND PORTFOLIO INFORMATION
    Please see the Funds’ SAI for a description of the Funds’ policies and procedures regarding the persons to whom the Funds or Schroders may disclose a Fund’s portfolio securities positions, and under which circumstances.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    The financial highlights below are intended to help you understand the financial performance of each of the Funds for the past five years or, if more recent, since their inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns represent the total return for an investment in Advisor Shares of a Fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
    For all periods through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, the financial highlights have been audited by [  ], independent registered public accountant to the Funds. The audited financial statements for the Funds and the related independent registered public accountant’s report are contained in the Funds’ combined Annual Report and are incorporated by reference into the Funds’ SAI. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained without charge by writing the Funds at P.O. Box 8507, Boston, Massachusetts 02266, or by calling (800) 464-3108. The Funds’ Annual Report is also available on the following website: www.schroderfunds.com.

62


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share Outstanding
Through the Period Ended October 31
                                                 
    Net Asset                           Dividends    
    Value,           Net Realized   Total From   From Net   Distributions
    Beginning   Net Investment   and Unrealized   Investment   Investment   From Net
    of Period   Income (Loss)   Gains (Losses)   Operations   Income   Realized Gain
Emerging Market Equity Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    17.86       0.08       (8.91 )†     (8.83 )     (0.11 )     (1.95 )
2007
    10.53       0.02       7.34       7.36       (0.03 )      
2006(b)
    10.00       0.04       0.49       0.53              
International Alpha Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    13.40       0.11 (1)     (6.59 )†     (6.48 )     (0.21 )      
2007
    10.64       0.07 (1)     2.77     2.84       (0.08 )      
2006(c)
    10.23       (f)     0.41     0.41              
International Diversified Value Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    13.62       0.34 (1)     (6.33 )†     (5.99 )     (0.56 )     (1.48 )
2007
    10.53       0.43       2.83     3.26       (0.11 )     (0.06 )
2006(d)
    10.00       0.04       0.49       0.53              
North American Equity Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    13.48       0.22       (4.40 )     (4.18 )     (0.24 )     (1.51 )
2007
    12.61       0.19       1.56       1.75       (0.25 )     (0.63 )
2006(b)
    11.84       0.22       0.55       0.77              
U.S. Opportunities Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    25.32       (0.11 )(1)     (7.20 )     (7.31 )           (2.30 )
2007
    23.04       (0.04 )(1)     4.30 ††     4.26             (1.98 )
2006(c)
    22.21       (f)     0.83       0.83              
U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    12.53       (0.06 )(1)     (3.81 )†     (3.87 )           (0.75 )
2007
    10.23       (0.05 )(1)     2.35     2.30              
2006(b)
    10.00       (f)     0.23       0.23              
Total Return Fixed Income Fund
                                               
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008
    9.79       0.39       (0.22 )     0.17       (0.38 )     (0.01 )
2007
    9.82       0.47       (0.04 )     0.43       (0.46 )      
2006
    9.85       0.44             0.44       (0.45 )     (0.02 )
2005(e)
    10.00       0.28       (0.15 )     0.13       (0.28 )      
                                                                 
                                    Ratio of   Ratio of   Ratio of Net    
                                    Expenses to   Expenses to   Investment    
                                    Average Net   Average Net   Income (Loss) to    
                                    Assets   Assets   Average Net    
                                    (Including Waivers,   (Excluding   Assets (Including    
            Net Asset           Net Assets,   Reimbursements   Waivers,   Waivers,    
            Value, End   Total   End of Period   and Excluding   Reimbursements   Reimbursements   Portfolio
    Total Distributions   of Period   Return(a)   (000)   Offsets)   and Offsets)   and Offsets)   Turnover Rate
 
  $       $         %   $         %     %     %     %
 
    (2.06 )     6.97       (55.25 )     1,061       1.98       2.73       0.20       123  
 
    (0.03 )     17.86       70.09       2,594       2.00       2.95       0.08       107  
 
          10.53       5.30       1,053       2.12 *     5.10       0.71       49  
 
  $       $         %   $         %     %     %     %
 
    (0.21 )     6.71       (49.04 )     15,430       1.50       1.86       1.04       88  
 
    (0.08 )     13.40       26.92       28,308       1.50       1.77       0.60       112  
 
          10.64       4.01       21,481       1.50       2.43       (0.03 )     76  
 
  $       $         %   $         %     %     %     %
 
    (2.04 )     5.59       (50.78 )     771       1.50       3.89       3.58       50  
 
    (0.17 )     13.62       31.31       1,660       1.50       4.12       2.76       58  
 
          10.53       5.30       1,053       1.50       8.86       2.05       7  

63


Table of Contents

                                                                 
                                    Ratio of   Ratio of   Ratio of Net    
                                    Expenses to   Expenses to   Investment    
                                    Average Net   Average Net   Income (Loss) to    
                                    Assets   Assets   Average Net    
                                    (Including Waivers,   (Excluding   Assets (Including    
            Net Asset           Net Assets,   Reimbursements   Waivers,   Waivers,    
            Value, End   Total   End of Period   and Excluding   Reimbursements   Reimbursements   Portfolio
    Total Distributions   of Period   Return(a)   (000)   Offsets)   and Offsets)   and Offsets)   Turnover Rate
 
  $       $         %   $         %     %     %     %
 
    (1.75 )     7.55       (35.08 )     102       0.70       0.70       1.57       131  
 
    (0.88 )     13.48       14.66       133       0.68       0.68       1.41       38  
 
          12.61       6.50       107       0.68       0.68       1.17       51  
 
  $       $         %   $         %     %     %     %
 
    (2.30 )     15.71       (31.28 )     3,337       1.50       1.50       (0.54 )     74  
 
    (1.98 )     25.32       19.76       5,910       1.50       1.50       (0.17 )     77  
 
          23.04       3.74       667       1.68       1.68       (0.31 )     101  
 
  $       $         %   $         %     %     %     %
 
    (0.75 )     7.91       (32.56 )     230       1.64       3.01       (0.55 )     92  
 
          12.53       22.48       1,420       1.65       3.37       (0.45 )     93  
 
          10.23       2.30       512       1.79 **     6.89       (0.33 )     46  
 
  $       $         %   $         %     %     %     %
 
    (0.39 )     9.57       1.67       996       0.65       0.95       3.77       555  
 
    (0.46 )     9.79       4.53       852       0.65       1.48       4.73       464  
 
    (0.47 )     9.82       4.56       1,060       0.65       2.37       4.59       295  
 
    (0.28 )     9.85       1.30       1,013       0.65       3.30       3.35       571  
 
*   Had custody offsets been included the ratio would have been 2.00%.
 
**   Had custody offsets been included the ratio would have been 1.64%.
 
  Includes redemption fees. Amount less than $0.01 per share.
 
††   Includes redemption fees of $0.01 per share.
 
(1)   Per share net investment income (loss) calculated using average shares.
 
(a)   Total returns would have been lower had certain Fund expenses not been waived or reimbursed during the periods shown. Total return calculations for a period of less than one year are not annualized.
 
(b)   Commenced operations on March 31, 2006. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(c)   Commenced operations on May 15, 2006. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(d)   Commenced operations on August 30, 2006. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(e)   Commenced operations on December 31, 2004. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(f)   Amount was less than $0.01 per share.
USA PATRIOT ACT
    To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means to you: When you open an account directly with a Fund, you will be asked your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow you to be identified. You may also be asked for other identifying documentation. If a Trust is unable to verify the information shortly after your account is opened, your account may be closed and your shares redeemed at their net asset values at the time of the redemption.

64


Table of Contents

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND, SCHRODER
INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND, SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND, AND
SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND
Schroder Investment Management North America Limited
31 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QA
ADMINISTRATOR
SCHRODER EMERGING MARKET EQUITY FUND, SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL
DIVERSIFIED VALUE FUND, SCHRODER U.S. SMALL AND MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND,
AND SCHRODER TOTAL RETURN FIXED INCOME FUND
SEI Investments Global Funds Services
1 Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
ADMINISTRATOR
SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND
Schroder Fund Advisors, Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
SUB-ADMINISTRATOR
SCHRODER INTERNATIONAL ALPHA FUND, SCHRODER NORTH AMERICAN EQUITY FUND, AND
SCHRODER U.S. OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SEI Investments Global Funds Services
1 Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
CUSTODIAN
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
270 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
DISTRIBUTOR
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
Two Heritage Drive
North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171
COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray LLP
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
[  ]
[  ]

65


Table of Contents

SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
Schroder International Alpha Fund
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
SCHRODER GLOBAL SERIES TRUST
Schroder North American Equity Fund
The Funds have a Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders which contain additional information about the Funds. In the Funds’ annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during their last fiscal year. The SAI and the financial statements included in the Funds’ most recent annual reports to shareholders are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which means they are part of this Prospectus for legal purposes. You may get free copies of these materials, request other information about the Funds, or make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) 464-3108. From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a representative of the Schroder Mutual Funds. The Funds’ SAI and annual report are also available on the following website: www.schroderfunds.com .
You may review and copy information about each Fund, including its SAI, at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may call the Commission at 1-800-551-8090 for information about the operation of the public reference room. You may also access reports and other information about each Fund on the Commission’s Internet site at www.sec.gov . You may get copies of this information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may need to refer to the Trusts’ file number under the Investment Company Act, which are: Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware): 811-1911; Schroder Series Trust: 811-7840; and Schroder Global Series Trust: 811-21364.
SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
SCHRODER GLOBAL SERIES TRUST
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(800) 464-3108
File No. 811-1911 – Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)
File No. 811-7840 – Schroder Series Trust
File No. 811-21364 – Schroder Global Series Trust
PRO-ADVISOR
[     ]

66


Table of Contents

[** To be updated by amendment.**]
SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS (DELAWARE)
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
SCHRODER GLOBAL SERIES TRUST
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Schroder International Alpha Fund
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Schroder North American Equity Fund
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
(the “Funds”)
FORM N-1A
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 1, 2010
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and is only authorized for distribution when accompanied or preceded by a prospectus for the Funds, as amended or supplemented from time to time. This SAI relates to the Funds’ Investor Shares and Advisor Shares. Investor Shares and Advisor Shares are offered through separate Prospectuses, each dated March 1, 2010, as amended or supplemented from time to time (each, a “Prospectus,” and together, the “Prospectuses”). This SAI contains information that may be useful to investors but which is not included in the Prospectuses. Investors may obtain free copies of the Prospectuses by calling the Funds at (800) 464-3108. From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a Schroder Mutual Funds representative.
Certain disclosure has been incorporated by reference into this SAI from the Trusts’ most recent annual report. For a free copy of the annual report, please call (800) 464-3108.

 


Table of Contents

     
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Advisor Shares
  SEMVX
Investor Shares
  SEMNX
     
Schroder International Alpha Fund
Advisor Shares
  SCVEX
Investor Shares
  SCIEX
     
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Advisor Shares
  SIDVX
Investor Shares
  SIDNX
     
Schroder North American Equity Fund
Advisor Shares
  SNAVX
Investor Shares
  SNAEX
     
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
Advisor Shares
  SCUVX
Investor Shares
  SCUIX
     
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Advisor Shares
  SMDVX
Investor Shares
  SMCIX
     
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
Advisor Shares
  SBBVX
Investor Shares
  SBBIX

 


 

Table of Contents
         
    1  
    1  
    2  
    2  
    25  
    27  
    32  
    34  
    40  
    40  
    45  
    49  
    51  
    52  
    53  
    55  
    56  
    56  
    63  
    63  
    64  
    64  
    64  
    64  
    64  
    64  
    64  
    65  
    A-1  
    B-1  
    C-1  

 


Table of Contents

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TRUST HISTORIES
     This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) describes seven mutual funds (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) offered by Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), Schroder Series Trust or Schroder Global Series Trust (each, a “Trust” and collectively, the “Trusts”).
     Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) was organized as a Maryland corporation on July 30, 1969, reorganized on February 29, 1988 as Schroder Capital Funds, Inc., and reorganized as a Delaware business trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on January 9, 1996. Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) is governed by a Trust Instrument (the “Trust Instrument”) and under Delaware law. Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) currently comprises two publicly offered series, Schroder International Alpha Fund and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund.
     Schroder Series Trust is a Massachusetts business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on May 6, 1993. The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended (the “Schroder Series Trust Declaration of Trust”), which is governed by Massachusetts law, is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Schroder Series Trust currently comprises five series, of which four series, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, are described in this SAI.
     Schroder Global Series Trust is a Massachusetts business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on May 27, 2003. The Trust’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended (the “Schroder Global Series Trust Declaration of Trust” and, collectively with the Schroder Series Trust Declaration of Trust, the “Declarations of Trust”), which is governed by Massachusetts law, is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Schroder North American Equity Fund is the only series of shares currently comprising the Trust.
     Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Schroders”) serves as investment manager to the Funds. Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (“SIMNA Ltd.”) serves as investment sub-adviser to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund.
FUND CLASSIFICATION
     Each Fund is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act” or “1940 Act”). Each Fund is a “diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act, which means that with respect to 75% of a Fund’s total assets (i) that Fund may not invest in securities of any issuer if, immediately after such investment, more than 5% of the total assets of that Fund (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of that issuer (this limitation does not apply to investments in U.S. Government securities or securities of other investment companies) or (ii) that Fund may not invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, it would hold more than 10% (taken at the time of such investment) of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer (this limitation does not apply to investments in U.S. Government securities or securities of other investment companies). No diversified fund is subject to this limitation with respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets. To the extent a Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of a particular issuer, it will be subject to an increased risk of loss if the market value of the issuer’s securities declines.

-1-


Table of Contents

     These policies may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant Fund.
CAPITALIZATION AND SHARE CLASSES
     Each Trust has an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest that may, without shareholder approval, be divided into an unlimited number of series of such shares, which, in turn, may be divided into an unlimited number of classes of such shares. The shares of each of the Funds described in this SAI are currently divided into two classes, Investor Shares and Advisor Shares. Each class of shares is offered through a separate Prospectus. Unlike Investor Shares, Advisor Shares are currently subject to distribution fees, so that the performance of a Fund’s Investor Shares will normally be more favorable than that of a Fund’s Advisor Shares over the same time period. Generally, expenses and liabilities particular to a class of a Fund, such as distribution fees applicable only to Advisor Shares, are allocated only to that class. Expenses and liabilities not related to a particular class are allocated in relation to the respective net asset value of each class, or on such other basis as the Trustees may in their discretion consider fair and equitable to each class. A Fund may suspend the sale of shares at any time.
     Shares of each Fund entitle their holders to one vote per share, with fractional shares voting proportionally; however, a separate vote will be taken by each Fund of each of the Trusts or class of shares on matters affecting a particular Fund or class, as determined by the Trustees. For example, a change in a fundamental investment policy for a Fund would be voted upon only by shareholders of that Fund and a change to a distribution plan relating to a particular class and requiring shareholder approval would be voted upon only by shareholders of that class. Shares have noncumulative voting rights. Although the Trusts are not required to hold annual meetings of their shareholders, shareholders have the right to call a meeting to elect or remove Trustees or to take other actions as provided in each Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Trust Instrument, as applicable. Shares have no preemptive or subscription rights, and are transferable. Shares are entitled to dividends as declared by each Trust as approved by the Trustees of that Trust, and if a Fund were liquidated, each class of shares of that Fund would receive the net assets of that Fund attributable to the class of shares. Because Investor and Advisor Shares are subject to different expenses, a Fund’s dividends and other distributions will normally differ between the two classes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FUNDS’ PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
     The following discussion provides additional information concerning the Funds’ principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Funds described in the Prospectuses. Because the following is a combined description of investment strategies and risks for the Funds, certain strategies or risks described below may not apply to your Fund. Unless a strategy or policy described below is specifically prohibited by a Fund’s investment restrictions as set forth in the Prospectuses or under “Investment Restrictions” in this SAI, or by applicable law, a Fund may engage in each of the practices described below.
      Equity Securities. A Fund may primarily invest in equity securities. Equity securities are securities that represent an ownership interest (or the right to acquire such an interest) in a company and include common and preferred stocks. Common stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. Preferred stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has priority over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take priority over holders of preferred stock, whose claims take priority over the claims of those who own common stock.
     While offering greater potential for long-term growth, equity securities generally are more volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment, particularly debt securities. Therefore, the value of an investment in a Fund may at times decrease instead of increase.
     A Fund’s investments may include securities traded “over-the-counter” as well as those traded on a securities exchange. Some securities, particularly over-the-counter securities, may be more difficult to sell under some market conditions.

-2-


Table of Contents

      Smaller Company Equity Securities. A Fund may invest in equity securities of companies with small market capitalizations. Such investments may involve greater risk than is usually associated with larger, more established companies. These companies often have sales and earnings growth rates that exceed those of companies with larger market capitalization. Such growth rates may in turn be reflected in more rapid share price appreciation. However, companies with small market capitalizations often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent upon a relatively small management group. These securities may have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic movements in price than securities of companies with larger market capitalizations or market averages in general. Therefore, to the extent a Fund invests in securities with small market capitalizations, the net asset value of the Fund may fluctuate more widely than market averages.
      Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends at a specified rate and a fixed share of proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Preferred stock, unlike common stock, generally has a stated dividend rate payable from the corporation’s earnings. Preferred stock dividends may be “cumulative” or “non-cumulative.” “Cumulative” dividend provisions require all or a portion of prior unpaid dividends to be paid to preferred stockholders before dividends can be paid on the issuer’s common stock. Preferred stock may be “participating” stock, which means that it may be entitled to a dividend that exceeds the stated dividend in certain cases.
     If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline.
     A company’s preferred stock generally pays a dividend only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. In addition, the rights of preferred stock on distribution of a company’s assets in the event of a liquidation are generally subordinate to the rights of holders of the company’s bonds or other creditors. As a result, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred stocks of small companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies.
      Certain Derivative Instruments. Derivative instruments are financial instruments whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, such as a security, index or currency. As described below, to the extent permitted under “Investment Restrictions” below and in the Prospectuses, a Fund may engage in a variety of transactions involving the use of derivative instruments, including options and futures contracts on securities and securities indices, options on futures contracts, forward transactions and swap transactions. A Fund may engage in derivative transactions involving foreign currencies. See “Foreign Currency Transactions.” Use of derivatives other than for hedging purposes may be considered speculative, and when a Fund invests in a derivative instrument it could lose more than the principal amount invested. A Fund’s use of derivatives may cause the Fund to recognize higher amounts of short-term capital gains, generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates. Investments in derivatives may be applied toward meeting a requirement to invest in a particular kind of investment if the derivatives have economic characteristics similar to that investment.
     The counterparties to the Funds’ derivatives transactions may not be considered the issuers of securities for certain purposes of the 1940 Act and the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Funds’ adviser will monitor the Funds’ credit risk exposure to derivative counterparties to prevent excess concentration to any one counterparty.
     A Fund may use these “derivatives” strategies for hedging purposes or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to increase its current return. A Fund may also use derivatives to gain exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. For example, a Fund may seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it may invest by entering into forward contracts or similar arrangements to purchase those securities in the future. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in the Prospectuses and in this SAI.

-3-


Table of Contents

      Options. A Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on its portfolio securities to protect against changes in market prices and for other purposes.
      Call options. A Fund may write call options on its portfolio securities for various purposes, including without limitation to realize a greater current return through the receipt of premiums than it would realize on its securities alone. Such transactions may also be used as a limited form of hedging against a decline in the price of securities owned by a Fund.
     A call option gives the holder the right to purchase, and obligates the writer to sell, a security at the exercise price at any time before the expiration date. A Fund may write covered call options or uncovered call options. A call option is “covered” if the writer, at all times while obligated as a writer, either owns the underlying securities (or comparable securities satisfying the cover requirements of the securities exchanges), or has the right to acquire such securities through immediate conversion of securities. When a Fund has written an uncovered call option, the Fund will not necessarily hold securities offsetting the risk to the Fund. As a result, if the call option were exercised, the Fund might be required to purchase the security that is the subject of the call at the market price at the time of exercise. The Fund’s exposure on such an option is theoretically unlimited.
     In return for the premium received when it writes a call option, a Fund gives up some or all of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the securities covering the call option during the life of the option. The Fund retains the risk of loss should the price of such securities decline. If the option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain equal to the premium, which may be offset by a decline in price of the underlying security. If the option is exercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the Fund’s cost for the underlying security and the proceeds of the sale (exercise price minus commissions) plus the amount of the premium.
     A Fund may terminate a call option that it has written before it expires by entering into a closing purchase transaction. A Fund may enter into closing purchase transactions in order to realize a profit on a previously written call option or, in the case of a covered call option, to free itself to sell the underlying security or to write another call on the security or protect a security from being called in an unexpected market rise.
     Any profits from a closing purchase transaction in the case of a covered call option may be offset by a decline in the value of the underlying security. Conversely, because increases in the market price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from a closing purchase transaction relating to a covered call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security owned by a Fund.
      Covered put options. A Fund may write covered put options in order to enhance its current return. Such options transactions may also be used as a limited form of hedging against an increase in the price of securities that the Fund plans to purchase. A put option gives the holder the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, a security at the exercise price at any time before the expiration date. A put option is “covered” if the writer segregates cash and high-grade short-term debt obligations or other permissible collateral equal to the price to be paid if the option is exercised.
     In addition to the receipt of premiums and the potential gains from terminating such options in closing purchase transactions, a Fund also receives interest on the cash and debt securities maintained to cover the exercise price of the option. By writing a put option, a Fund assumes the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security for an exercise price higher than its then current market value, resulting in a potential capital loss unless the security later appreciates in value.
     A Fund may terminate a put option that it has written before it expires by a closing purchase transaction. Any loss from this transaction may be partially or entirely offset by the premium received on the terminated option.

-4-


Table of Contents

      Purchasing put and call options. A Fund may also purchase put options to protect portfolio holdings against a decline in market value. This protection lasts for the life of the put option because the Fund, as a holder of the option, may sell the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any decline in its market price. In order for a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs that the Fund must pay. These costs will reduce any profit the Fund might have realized had it sold the underlying security instead of buying the put option.
     A Fund may purchase call options to hedge against an increase in the price of securities that the Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection is provided during the life of the call option since the Fund, as holder of the call option, are able to buy the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any increase in the underlying security’s market price. In order for a call option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. These costs will reduce any profit the Fund might have realized had it bought the underlying security at the time it purchased the call option.
     A Fund may also purchase put and call options to enhance its current return. A Fund may also buy and sell combinations of put and call options on the same underlying security to earn additional income.
      Options on foreign securities. A Fund may purchase and sell options on foreign securities if in Schroders’ opinion the investment characteristics of such options, including the risks of investing in such options, are consistent with a Fund’s investment objectives. It is expected that risks related to such options will not differ materially from risks related to options on U.S. securities. However, position limits and other rules of foreign exchanges may differ from those in the U.S. In addition, options markets in some countries, many of which are relatively new, may be less liquid than comparable markets in the U.S.
      Risks involved in the sale of options. Options transactions involve certain risks, including the risks that Schroders will not forecast interest rate or market movements correctly, that a Fund may be unable at times to close out such positions, or that hedging transactions may not accomplish their purpose because of imperfect market correlations. The successful use of these strategies depends on the ability of Schroders to forecast market and interest rate movements correctly.
     An exchange-listed option may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although a Fund will enter into an option position only if Schroders believes that a liquid secondary market exists, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time. If no secondary market were to exist, it would be impossible to enter into a closing transaction to close out an option position. As a result, a Fund may be forced to continue to hold, or to purchase at a fixed price, a security on which it has sold an option at a time when Schroders believes it is inadvisable to do so.
     Higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow or other unforeseen events might cause The Options Clearing Corporation or an exchange to institute special trading procedures or restrictions that might restrict a Fund’s use of options. The exchanges have established limitations on the maximum number of calls and puts of each class that may be held or written by an investor or group of investors acting in concert. It is possible that the Funds and other clients of Schroders may be considered such a group. These position limits may restrict the Funds’ ability to purchase or sell options on particular securities.
     As described below, each Fund generally expects that its options transactions will be conducted on recognized exchanges. In certain instances, however, a Fund may purchase and sell options in the over-the-counter markets. Options that are not traded on national securities exchanges may be closed out only with the other party to the option transaction. For that reason, it may be more difficult to close out over-the-counter options than exchange-traded options. Options in the over-the-counter market may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would be unable to meet their obligations to a Fund. Furthermore, over-the-counter options are not subject to the protection afforded purchasers of exchange-traded options by The Options Clearing Corporation. A Fund will, however, engage in over-the-counter options transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded options

-5-


Table of Contents

transactions are unavailable and when, in the opinion of Schroders, the pricing mechanism and liquidity of the over-the-counter markets are satisfactory and the participants are responsible parties likely to meet their contractual obligations. A Fund will treat over-the-counter options (and, in the case of options sold by the Fund, the underlying securities held by the Fund) as illiquid investments as required by applicable law.
     Government regulations, particularly the requirements for qualification as a “regulated investment company” (a “RIC”) under the Code, may also restrict a Trust’s use of options.
      Futures Contracts. To the extent permitted under “Investment Restrictions” below and in the Prospectuses and by applicable law, a Fund may buy and sell futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and related instruments in order to hedge against the effects of adverse market changes or to increase current return. Depending upon the change in the value of the underlying security or index when that Fund enters into or terminates a futures contract, that Fund may realize a gain or loss.
     The Funds are operated by a person who has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (the “CEA”) and, therefore, such person is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA.
      Futures on Securities and Related Options. A futures contract on a security is a binding contractual commitment that, if held to maturity, will result in an obligation to make or accept delivery, during a particular month, of securities having a standardized face value and rate of return. By purchasing futures on securities — assuming a “long” position — the Fund will legally obligate itself to accept the future delivery of the underlying security and pay the agreed price. By selling futures on securities — assuming a “short” position — it will legally obligate itself to make the future delivery of the security against payment of the agreed price. Open futures positions on securities will be valued at the most recent settlement price, unless that price does not, in the judgment of the Funds’ Valuation Committee, reflect the fair value of the contract, in which case the positions will be fair valued by the Trustees or the Valuation Committee.
     Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity, but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a profit or a loss. While futures positions taken by a Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, a Fund may instead make or take delivery of the underlying securities whenever it appears in Schroders’ judgment economically advantageous for the Fund to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for such closing transactions and guarantees that a Fund’s sale and purchase obligations under closed-out positions will be performed at the termination of the contract.
     Hedging by use of futures on securities seeks to establish more certainty with respect to the effective rate of return on portfolio securities. A Fund may, for example, take a “short” position in the futures market by selling contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the Fund (or securities having characteristics similar to those held by the Fund) in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates that would adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities may substantially be offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position.
     On other occasions, a Fund may take a “long” position by purchasing futures on securities. This would be done, for example, when a Fund expects to purchase particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the rate of return available in the securities markets at that time to be less favorable than rates currently available in the futures markets. If the anticipated rise in the price of the securities should occur (with its concomitant reduction in yield), the increased cost to the Fund of purchasing the securities may be offset, at least to some extent, by the rise in the value of the futures position taken in anticipation of the subsequent securities purchase.
     A Fund may also use futures to adjust the duration of its fixed income portfolio and otherwise to manage (increase or decrease) its exposure to interest rate risk.

-6-


Table of Contents

     Successful use by a Fund of futures contracts on securities is subject to Schroders’ ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the security’s price and factors affecting markets for securities. For example, if a Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the market prices of securities held by it and the prices of such securities increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities that it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily maintenance margin requirements. A Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
     A Fund may purchase and write put and call options on certain futures contracts, as they become available. Such options are similar to options on securities except that options on futures contracts give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. As with options on securities, the holder or writer of an option may terminate his position by selling or purchasing an option of the same series. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. A Fund will be required to deposit initial margin and maintenance margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it pursuant to brokers’ requirements, and, in addition, net option premiums received will be included as initial margin deposits. See “Margin Payments” below. Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of call or put options on futures contracts involves less potential risk to a Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions costs. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of call or put options on a futures contract would result in a loss to a Fund when the purchase or sale of the futures contracts would not, such as when there is no movement in the prices of securities. The writing of a put or call option on a futures contract involves risks similar to those risks relating to the purchase or sale of futures contracts.
      Index Futures Contracts and Options. A Fund may invest in debt index futures contracts and stock index futures contracts, and in related options. A debt index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of a specified debt index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. A unit is the current value of the index. A stock index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of a stock index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. A unit is the current value of the stock index.
     Depending on the change in the value of the index between the time when a Fund enters into and terminates an index futures transaction, a Fund may realize a gain or loss. The following example illustrates generally the manner in which index futures contracts operate. The Standard & Poor’s 100 Stock Index is composed of 100 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P 100 Index assigns relative weightings to the common stocks included in the Index, and the Index fluctuates with changes in the market values of those common stocks. In the case of the S&P 100 Index, contracts are to buy or sell 100 units. Thus, if the value of the S&P 100 Index were $180, one contract would be worth $18,000 (100 units x $180). The stock index futures contract specifies that no delivery of the actual stocks making up the index will take place. Instead, settlement in cash must occur upon the termination of the contract, with the settlement being the difference between the contract price and the actual level of the stock index at the expiration of the contract. For example, if a Fund enters into a futures contract to buy 100 units of the S&P 100 Index at a specified future date at a contract price of $180 and the S&P 100 Index is at $184 on that future date, the Fund will gain $400 (100 units x gain of $4). If a Fund enters into a futures contract to sell 100 units of the stock index at a specified future date at a contract price of $180 and the S&P 100 Index is at $182 on that future date, the Fund will lose $200 (100 units x loss of $2).
     A Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with respect to any securities indices. Positions in index futures may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market for such futures.
     In order to hedge a Fund’s investments successfully using futures contracts and related options, a Fund must invest in futures contracts with respect to indices or sub-indices the movements of which will, in Schroders’ judgment, have a significant correlation with movements in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio securities.
     Options on index futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that options on index futures contracts give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in an index futures contract

-7-


Table of Contents

(a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the holder would assume the underlying futures position and would receive a variation margin payment of cash or securities approximating the increase in the value of the holder’s option position. If an option is exercised on the last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will be made entirely in cash based on the difference between the exercise price of the option and the closing level of the index on which the futures contract is based on the expiration date. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.
     As an alternative to purchasing and selling call and put options on index futures contracts, a Fund may purchase and sell call and put options on the underlying indices themselves to the extent that such options are traded on national securities exchanges. Index options are similar to options on individual securities in that the purchaser of an index option acquires the right to buy (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put), and the writer undertakes the obligation to sell or buy (as the case may be), units of an index at a stated exercise price during the term of the option. Instead of giving the right to take or make actual delivery of securities, the holder of an index option has the right to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount.” This amount is equal to the amount by which the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the date of the exercise, multiplied by a fixed “index multiplier.”
     A Fund may purchase or sell options on stock indices in order to close out its outstanding positions in options on stock indices that it has purchased. A Fund may also allow such options to expire unexercised.
     Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of call or put options on an index involves less potential risk to a Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions costs. The writing of a put or call option on an index involves risks similar to those risks relating to the purchase or sale of index futures contracts.
     A Fund may also purchase warrants, issued by banks and other financial institutions, whose values are based on the values from time to time of one or more securities indices. See “Warrants to Purchase Securities” below.
      Margin Payments. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is required to deposit with its custodian or with a futures commission merchant an amount of cash, U.S. Treasury bills, or other permissible collateral equal to a small percentage of the amount of the futures contract. This amount is known as “initial margin.” The nature of initial margin is different from that of margin in security transactions in that it does not involve borrowing money to finance transactions. Rather, initial margin is similar to a performance bond or good faith deposit that is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming the Fund satisfies its contractual obligations.
     Subsequent payments to and from the broker occur on a daily basis in a process known as “marking to market.” These payments are called “variation margin” and are made as the value of the underlying futures contract fluctuates. For example, when a Fund sells a futures contract and the price of the underlying security rises above the delivery price, the Fund’s position declines in value. The Fund then pays the broker a variation margin payment equal to the difference between the delivery price of the futures contract and the market price of the securities underlying the futures contract. Conversely, if the price of the underlying security falls below the delivery price of the contract, the Fund’s futures position increases in value. The broker then must make a variation margin payment equal to the difference between the delivery price of the futures contract and the market price of the securities underlying the futures contract.
     When a Fund terminates a position in a futures contract, a final determination of variation margin is made, additional cash is paid by or to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain. Such closing transactions involve additional commission costs.
      Special Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts and Related Options

-8-


Table of Contents

      Liquidity Risks. Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market for such futures. Although the Funds intend to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. If there is not a liquid secondary market at a particular time, it may not be possible to close a futures position at such time and, in the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. However, in the event financial futures are used to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not generally be sold until the financial futures can be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the price of the portfolio securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the financial futures.
     In addition to the risks that apply to all options transactions, there are several special risks relating to options on futures contracts. The ability to establish and close out positions in such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that such a market will develop. Although a Fund generally will purchase only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time. In the event no such market exists for particular options, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in such options with the result that the Fund would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit.
      Hedging Risks. There are several risks in connection with the use by a Fund of futures contracts and related options as a hedging device. One risk arises because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contracts and options and movements in the underlying securities or index or in the prices of a Fund’s securities that are the subject of a hedge. Schroders will, however, attempt to reduce this risk by purchasing and selling, to the extent possible, futures contracts and related options on securities and indices the movements of which will, in its judgment, correlate closely with movements in the prices of the underlying securities or index and the Fund’s portfolio securities sought to be hedged.
     Successful use of futures contracts and options by a Fund for hedging purposes is also subject to Schroders’ ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the market. It is possible that, where a Fund has purchased puts on futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the securities or index on which the puts are purchased may increase in value and the value of securities held in the portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the puts and also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. In addition, the prices of futures, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the underlying securities or index due to certain market distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit requirements. Such requirements may cause investors to close futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which could distort the normal relationship between the underlying security or index and futures markets. Second, the margin requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general, and as a result the futures markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased participation by speculators in the futures markets may also cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by Schroders may still not result in a successful hedging transaction over a very short time period.
      Lack of Availability. Because the markets for certain options and futures contracts and other derivative instruments in which a Fund may invest (including markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new and still developing and may be subject to regulatory restraints, a Fund’s ability to engage in transactions using such instruments may be limited. Suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there is no assurance that a Fund will engage in such transactions at any time or from time to time. A Fund’s ability to engage in hedging transactions may also be limited by certain regulatory and tax considerations.
      Other Risks. A Fund will incur brokerage fees in connection with its futures and options transactions. In addition, while futures contracts and options on futures may be purchased and sold to reduce certain risks, those transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while a Fund may benefit from the use of futures and related options, unanticipated changes in interest rates or stock price movements may result in a poorer overall performance for a Fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. Moreover, in the event of an

-9-


Table of Contents

imperfect correlation between the futures position and the portfolio position that is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. A Fund may be required to segregate certain of its assets on the books of its custodian in respect of derivative transactions entered into by the Fund. As open-end investment companies, registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Trusts are subject to federal securities laws, including the Investment Company Act, related rules and various SEC and SEC Staff positions. In accordance with these positions, with respect to certain kinds of derivatives, each Trust must “set aside” (referred to sometimes as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC- or Staff-approved measures while the derivatives contracts are open. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to “cash-settle,” a Trust must cover its open positions by setting aside liquid assets equal to the contracts’ full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to “cash-settle,” however, a Trust is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to a Trust’s daily marked-to-market (net) obligation ( i.e. , a Trust’s daily net liability, if any) rather than the notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligation under cash-settled forward or futures a Trust will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if a Trust were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts. The use of leverage involves certain risks. Each Trust reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its Staff.
      Foreign Securities. A Fund may invest in securities principally traded in foreign markets. A Fund may also invest in Eurodollar certificates of deposit and other certificates of deposit issued by United States branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of United States banks.
     Investments in foreign securities may involve risks and considerations different from or in addition to investments in domestic securities. There may be less information publicly available about a foreign company than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies are not generally subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also generally higher than in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve certain risks (such as delay in payment or delivery of securities or in the recovery of a Fund’s assets held abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments. Also, because foreign securities are normally denominated and traded in foreign currencies, the values of a Fund’s assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and a Fund may incur costs in connection with conversion between currencies.
     In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, adoption of foreign governmental restrictions affecting the payment of principal and interest, imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, political or financial instability, and adverse political, diplomatic or economic developments, which could affect the values of investments in those countries. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with respect to investments in the United States or other countries and it may be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign issuer. Also, the laws of some foreign countries may limit a Fund’s ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries. Special tax considerations apply to foreign securities.
     Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be reduced by withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of a Fund’s assets to be invested in various countries is not known, and tax laws and their interpretations may change from time to time and may change without advance notice. Any such taxes paid by a Fund will reduce its net income available for distribution to shareholders.
      Emerging Markets Securities. A Fund may invest in securities of companies determined by Schroders to be “emerging market” issuers. The risks of investing in foreign securities are particularly high when securities of issuers based in developing or emerging market countries are involved. Investing in emerging market countries

-10-


Table of Contents

involves certain risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, and imposes risks greater than, or in addition to, risks of investing in foreign, developed countries. These risks include: greater risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations; greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability (including the risk of war); more substantial government involvement in the economy; less government supervision and regulation of the securities markets and participants in those markets; controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on a Fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; unavailability of currency hedging techniques in certain emerging market countries; the fact that companies in emerging market countries may be smaller, less seasoned and newly organized companies; the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; the risk that it may be more difficult to obtain and/or enforce a judgment in a court outside the United States; and greater price volatility, substantially less liquidity, and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets. Also, any change in the leadership or politics of emerging market countries, or the countries that exercise a significant influence over those countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.
     In addition, a number of emerging market countries restrict, to various degrees, foreign investment in securities. Furthermore, high rates of inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
      Foreign Currency Transactions. A Fund may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates and to increase current return. A Fund may engage in both “transaction hedging” and “position hedging.”
     When it engages in transaction hedging, a Fund enters into foreign currency transactions with respect to specific receivables or payables of that Fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities. A Fund will engage in transaction hedging when it desires to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of a security it has agreed to purchase or sell, or the U.S. dollar equivalent of a dividend or interest payment in a foreign currency. By transaction hedging, a Fund will attempt to protect against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the applicable 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.
     A Fund may purchase or sell a foreign currency on a spot (or cash) basis at the prevailing spot rate in connection with transaction hedging. A Fund may also enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward contracts”) and purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts.
     For transaction hedging purposes, a Fund may also purchase exchange-listed and over-the-counter call and put options on foreign currency futures contracts and on foreign currencies. A put option on a futures contract gives a Fund the right to assume a short position in the futures contract until expiration of the option. A put option on currency gives a Fund the right to sell a currency at an exercise price until the expiration of the option. A call option on a futures contract gives a Fund the right to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A call option on currency gives a Fund the right to purchase a currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the option. A Fund will engage in over-the-counter transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded transactions are unavailable and when, in Schroders’ opinion, the pricing mechanism and liquidity are satisfactory and the participants are responsible parties likely to meet their contractual obligations.
     When it engages in position hedging, a Fund enters into foreign currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the foreign currencies in which securities held by a Fund are denominated or are quoted in their principal trading markets or an increase in the value of currency for securities which a Fund expects to purchase. In connection with position hedging, a Fund may purchase put or call options on foreign currency and foreign currency futures contracts and buy or sell forward contracts and foreign currency futures contracts. A Fund may also purchase or sell foreign currency on a spot basis.

-11-


Table of Contents

     The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the values of those securities between the dates the currency exchange transactions are entered into and the dates they mature.
     It is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of a Fund’s portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security or securities and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or securities of a Fund if the market value of such security or securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.
     To offset some of the costs to a Fund of hedging against fluctuations in currency exchange rates, a Fund may write covered call options on those currencies.
     Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities that a Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange that one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, although these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend to limit any potential gain that might result from the increase in the value of such currency. Also, suitable foreign currency hedging transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that a Fund will utilize hedging transactions at any time or from time to time.
     A Fund may also seek to increase its current return by purchasing and selling foreign currency on a spot basis, and by purchasing and selling options on foreign currencies and on foreign currency futures contracts, and by purchasing and selling foreign currency forward contracts.
      Currency Forward and Futures Contracts. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract as agreed by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. In the case of a cancelable forward contract, the holder has the unilateral right to cancel the contract at maturity by paying a specified fee. The contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. A foreign currency futures contract is a standardized contract for the future delivery of a specified amount of a foreign currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency futures contracts traded in the United States are designed by and traded on exchanges regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), such as the New York Mercantile Exchange.
     Forward foreign currency exchange contracts differ from foreign currency futures contracts in certain respects. For example, the maturity date of a forward contract may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, rather than a predetermined date in a given month. Forward contracts may be in any amounts agreed upon by the parties rather than predetermined amounts. Also, forward foreign exchange contracts are traded directly between currency traders so that no intermediary is required. A forward contract generally requires no margin or other deposit.
     At the maturity of a forward or futures contract, the Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified in the contract, or at or prior to maturity enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract. Closing transactions with respect to futures contracts are effected on a commodities exchange; a clearing corporation associated with the exchange assumes responsibility for closing out such contracts.

-12-


Table of Contents

     Positions in foreign currency futures contracts and related options may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market in such contracts or options. Although the Fund will normally purchase or sell foreign currency futures contracts and related options only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a secondary market on an exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular contract or option or at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures or related option position and, in the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin on its futures positions.
      Foreign Currency Options. Options on foreign currencies operate similarly to options on securities, and are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market, although options on foreign currencies have been listed on several exchanges. Such options will be purchased or written only when Schroders believes that a liquid secondary market exists for such options. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence exchange rates and investments generally.
     The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the foreign currency and the U.S. dollar, and may have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
     There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies and there is no regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Available quotation information is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the U.S. options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the U.S. options markets.
      Foreign Currency Conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for currency conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the “spread”) between prices at which they buy and sell various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should a Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
      Convertible Securities. A Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for, at a specific price or formula within a particular period of time, a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid or accrued on preferred stock until the security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities provide for streams of income with yields that are generally higher than those of common stocks.
     The market value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” and its “conversion value.” A security’s “investment value” represents the value of the security without its conversion feature ( i.e. , a nonconvertible fixed income security). The investment value may be determined by reference to its credit quality and the current value of its yield to maturity or probable call date. At any given time, investment value is dependent upon such factors as the general level of interest rates, the yield of similar nonconvertible securities, the financial strength of the issuer and the seniority of the security in the issuer’s capital structure. A security’s “conversion value” is determined by multiplying the number of shares the holder is entitled to receive upon conversion or exchange by the current price of the underlying security.

-13-


Table of Contents

     If the conversion value of a convertible security is significantly below its investment value, the convertible security will trade like nonconvertible debt or preferred stock and its market value will not be influenced greatly by fluctuations in the market price of the underlying security. Conversely, if the conversion value of a convertible security is near or above its investment value, the market value of the convertible security will be more heavily influenced by fluctuations in the market price of the underlying security.
     A Fund’s investments in convertible securities may at times include securities that have a mandatory conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into common stock or other equity securities at a specified date and a specified conversion ratio, or that are convertible at the option of the issuer. Because conversion of the security is not at the option of the holder, the Fund may be required to convert the security into the underlying common stock even at times when the value of the underlying common stock or other equity security has declined substantially.
     A Fund’s investments in convertible securities, particularly securities that are convertible into securities of an issuer other than the issuer of the convertible security, may be illiquid. A Fund may not be able to dispose of such securities in a timely fashion or for a fair price, which could result in losses to that Fund.
      Warrants to Purchase Securities. A Fund may invest in warrants to purchase securities. Bonds issued with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
     A Fund may also invest in equity-linked warrants. A Fund purchases the equity-linked warrants from a broker, who in turn is expected to purchase shares in the local market and issue a call warrant hedged on the underlying holding. If the Fund exercises its call and closes its position, the shares are expected to be sold and the warrant redeemed with the proceeds. Each warrant represents one share of the underlying stock. Therefore, the price, performance and liquidity of the warrant are all directly linked to the underlying stock, less transaction costs. Equity-linked warrants are valued at the closing price of the underlying security, then adjusted for stock dividends declared by the underlying security. In addition to the market risk related to the underlying holdings, a Fund bears additional counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker. Moreover, there is currently no active trading market for equity-linked warrants.
     In addition to warrants on securities, a Fund may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified securities indices (“index-linked warrants”). Index-linked warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the index-linked warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to any payments from the issuer at any time when, in the case of a call warrant, the exercise price is greater than the value of the underlying index, or, in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than the value of the underlying index. If a Fund were not to exercise an index-linked warrant prior to its expiration, then the Fund would lose the amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant.
     A Fund using index-linked warrants would normally do so in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices. The risks of a Fund’s use of index-linked warrants are generally similar to those relating to its use of index options. Unlike most index options, however, index-linked warrants are issued in limited amounts and are not obligations of a regulated clearing agency, but are backed only by the credit of the bank or other institution that issues the warrant. Also, index-linked warrants generally have longer terms than index options. Index-linked warrants are not

-14-


Table of Contents

likely to be as liquid as certain index options backed by a recognized clearing agency. In addition, the terms of index-linked warrants may limit a Fund’s ability to exercise the warrants at such time, or in such quantities, as the Fund would otherwise wish to do.
      Real Estate Investment Trusts. A Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). Equity REITs invest directly in real property while mortgage REITs invest in mortgages on real property. REITs may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, and variations in rental income. Generally, increases in interest rates will decrease the value of high yielding securities and increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could decrease the value of a REIT’s investments. In addition, 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 credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skill, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.
      Investments in Pooled Vehicles. A Fund may invest in shares of both open- and closed-end investment companies (including single country funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), and trusts. A Fund also may invest in other private investment funds, vehicles, or structures. Investing in another pooled vehicle exposes the Fund to all the risks of that pooled vehicle, and, in general, subjects it to a pro rata portion of the other pooled vehicle’s fees and expenses. ETFs are hybrid investment companies that are registered as open-end investment companies or unit investment trusts (“UITs”) but possess some of the characteristics of closed-end funds. ETFs typically hold a portfolio of securities that is intended to track the price and dividend performance of a particular index. Common examples of ETFs include S&P Depositary Receipts (“SPDRs”) and iShares, which may be purchased from the UIT or investment company issuing the securities or purchased in the secondary market (SPDRs are listed on the American Stock Exchange and iShares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The market price for ETF shares may be higher or lower than the ETF’s net asset value. The sale and redemption prices of ETF shares purchased from the issuer are based on the issuer’s net asset value.
      Depositary Receipts. A Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar securities representing ownership of foreign securities (collectively, “Depositary Receipts”) if issues of these Depositary Receipts are available that are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. Depositary Receipts generally evidence an ownership interest in a corresponding foreign security on deposit with a financial institution. Transactions in Depositary Receipts usually do not settle in the same currency in which the underlying securities are denominated or traded. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs may be traded in any public or private securities markets and may represent securities held by institutions located anywhere in the world.
     Investments in non-U.S. issuers through Depositary Receipts and similar instruments may involve certain risks not applicable to investing in U.S. issuers, including changes in currency rates, application of local tax laws, changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs may be incurred in connection with conversions between various currencies. A Fund may enter into forward currency contracts and purchase currencies on a spot basis to reduce currency risk; however, currency hedging involves costs and may not be effective in all cases.
      Swap Agreements. A Fund may enter into swap agreements and other types of over-the-counter transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. Depending on their structures, swap agreements may increase or decrease a Fund’s exposure to long-or short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. The value of a Fund’s swap positions would increase or decrease depending on the changes in value of the underlying rates, currency values, or other indices or measures.

-15-


Table of Contents

     A Fund may also enter into “credit default” swap transactions. In a credit default swap, one party pays what is, in effect, an insurance premium through a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in an event of default (or similar events) by a third party on its obligations. Therefore, in a credit default swap, a Fund may pay a premium and, in return, have the right to put certain bonds or loans to the counterparty upon default by the issuer of such bonds or loans (or similar events) and to receive in return the par value of such bonds or loans (or another agreed upon amount). A Fund would generally enter into this type of transaction to limit or reduce risk with respect to bonds or loans that it owns in its portfolios or otherwise in connection with transactions intended to reduce one or more risks in the Fund’s portfolio, or otherwise to increase the Fund’s investment return. In addition, a Fund could also receive the premium referenced above, and be obligated to pay a counterparty the par value of certain bonds or loans upon a default (or similar event) by the issuer. A Fund would generally enter into this type of transaction as a substitute for investment in the securities of the issuer, or otherwise to increase the Fund’s investment return.
     A Fund’s ability to realize a profit from such transactions will depend on the ability of the financial institutions with which they enter into the transactions to meet their obligations to the Fund. Under certain circumstances, suitable transactions may not be available to a Fund, or a Fund may be unable to close out its position under such transactions at the same time, or at the same price, as if it had purchased comparable publicly traded securities. A Fund’s ability to engage in certain swap transactions may be limited by tax considerations.
      Hybrid Instruments. These instruments are generally considered derivatives and include indexed or structured securities, and combine the elements of futures contracts or options with those of debt, preferred equity or a depositary instrument. A hybrid instrument may be a debt security, preferred stock, warrant, convertible security, certificate of depositor other evidence of indebtedness on which a portion of or all interest payments, and/or the principal or stated amount payable at maturity, redemption or retirement, is determined by reference to prices, changes in prices, or differences between prices, of securities, currencies, intangibles, goods, articles or commodities (collectively, “underlying assets”), or by another objective index, economic factor or other measure, including interest rates, currency exchange rates, or commodities or securities indices (collectively, “benchmarks”). Hybrid instruments may take a number of forms, including, but not limited to, debt instruments with interest or principal payments or redemption terms determined by reference to the value of an index at a future time, preferred stock with dividend rates determined by reference to the value of a currency, or convertible securities with the conversion terms related to a particular commodity.
     The risks of investing in hybrid instruments reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt instrument that has a fixed principal amount, is denominated in U.S. dollars or bears interest either at a fixed rate or a floating rate determined by reference to a common, nationally published benchmark. The risks of a particular hybrid instrument will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the benchmark(s) or the prices of the underlying assets to which the instrument is linked. Such risks generally depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid instrument, which may not be foreseen by the purchaser, such as economic and political events, the supply and demand of the underlying assets and interest rate movements. Hybrid instruments may be highly volatile and their use by a Fund may not be successful.
     Hybrid instruments may bear interest or pay preferred dividends at below market (or even relatively nominal) rates. Alternatively, hybrid instruments may bear interest at above market rates but bear an increased risk of principal loss (or gain). The latter scenario may result if “leverage” is used to structure the hybrid instrument. Leverage risk occurs when the hybrid instrument is structured so that a given change in a benchmark or underlying asset is multiplied to produce a greater value change in the hybrid instrument, thereby magnifying the risk of loss as well as the potential for gain.
     Hybrid instruments can be an efficient means of creating exposure to a particular market, or segment of a market, with the objective of enhancing total return. For example, a Fund may wish to take advantage of expected declines in interest rates in several European countries, but avoid the transaction costs associated with buying and

-16-


Table of Contents

currency-hedging the foreign bond positions. One solution would be to purchase a U.S. dollar-denominated hybrid instrument whose redemption price is linked to the average three year interest rate in a designated group of countries. The redemption price formula would provide for payoffs of less than par if rates were above the specified level. Furthermore, a Fund could limit the downside risk of the security by establishing a minimum redemption price so that the principal paid at maturity could not be below a predetermined minimum level if interest rates were to rise significantly. The purpose of this arrangement, known as a structured security with an embedded put option, would be to give a Fund the desired European bond exposure while avoiding currency risk, limiting downside market risk, and lowering transaction costs. Of course, there is no guarantee that the strategy will be successful and a Fund could lose money if, for example, interest rates do not move as anticipated or credit problems develop with the issuer of the hybrid instrument.
     Hybrid instruments are potentially more volatile and carry greater market risks than traditional debt instruments. Depending on the structure of the particular hybrid instrument, changes in a benchmark may be magnified by the terms of the hybrid instrument and have an even more dramatic and substantial effect upon the value of the hybrid instrument. Also, the prices of the hybrid instrument and the benchmark or underlying asset may not move in the same direction or at the same time.
     Hybrid instruments may also carry liquidity risk since the instruments are often “customized” to meet the portfolio needs of a particular investor, and therefore, the number of investors that are willing and able to buy such instruments in the secondary market may be smaller than that for more traditional debt securities. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of such an investment could be zero. In addition, because the purchase and sale of hybrid investments would likely take place in an over-the-counter market without the guarantee of a central clearing organization, or in a transaction between a Fund and the issuer of the hybrid instrument, the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the issuer of the hybrid instrument would be an additional risk factor the Fund would have to consider and monitor. Hybrid instruments also may not be subject to regulation by the CFTC, which generally regulates the trading of commodity futures by U.S. persons, the SEC, which regulates the offer and sale of securities by and to U.S. persons, or any other governmental regulatory authority.
      Structured Investments. A structured investment is a security having a return tied to an underlying index or other security or asset class. Structured investments generally are individually negotiated agreements and may be traded over-the-counter. Structured investments are organized and operated to restructure the investment characteristics of the underlying security. This restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, or specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans) and the issuance by that entity or one or more classes of securities (“structured securities”) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because structured securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Investments in structured securities are generally of a class of structured securities that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured securities. Structured securities are typically sold in private placement transactions, and there currently is no active trading market for structured securities. Investments in government and government-related and restructured debt instruments are subject to special risks, including the inability or unwillingness to repay principal and interest, requests to reschedule or restructure outstanding debt and requests to extend additional loan amounts.
      Private Placements and Restricted Securities. A Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements. While such private placements may often offer attractive opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so purchased are often “restricted securities,” i.e. , securities that cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or that are “not readily marketable” because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Because there may be

-17-


Table of Contents

relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when Schroders believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. At times, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing a Fund’s net asset value.
     The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a market value for illiquid investments. Disposing of illiquid investments may involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult or impossible for a Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. A Fund may have to bear the extra expense of registering such securities for resale and the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration. Also, market quotations are less readily available. The judgment of Schroders may at times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of publicly traded securities.
     Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. A Fund may be deemed to be an “underwriter” for purposes of the 1933 Act when selling restricted securities to the public, and in such event a Fund may be liable to purchasers of such securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading. The Staff of SEC currently takes the view that any delegation by the Trustees of the authority to determine that a restricted security is readily marketable (as described in the investment restrictions of the Funds) must be pursuant to written procedures established by the Trustees and the Trustees have delegated such authority to Schroders. If no qualified institutional buyers are interested in purchasing the securities, then a Fund may not be able to sell such securities. In the event that the Trustees, or persons designated by the Trustees, determine that a security is “readily marketable” pursuant to these procedures, and a Fund is not able to sell such security at the price that such persons anticipate, then the Fund’s net asset value will decrease.
      Inverse Floaters. Inverse floaters have variable interest rates that typically move in the opposite direction from movements in prevailing short-term interest rate levels—rising when prevailing short-term interest rate fall, and vice versa. The prices of inverse floaters can be highly volatile and some inverse floaters may be “leveraged,” resulting in increased risk and potential volatility. A Fund may use inverse floaters for hedging or investment purposes. Use of inverse floaters other than for hedging purposes may be considered speculative.
      Over-the-Counter Securities. The Fund’s investments may include securities traded “over-the-counter” as well as those traded on a securities exchange. Some securities, particularly over-the-counter securities, may be more difficult to sell under some market conditions. As described below under “Determination of Net Asset Value,” unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported sale prices on any day or, in the absence of a reported sale price, at mid-market prices. Market quotations may not be readily available for all over-the-counter securities. If the Fund is not able to sell such securities at a price at which the Fund has valued the securities for purposes of calculating its net asset value, the Fund’s net asset value will decrease. The Fund may invest in over-the-counter securities as a non-principal investment strategy when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes that such securities offer potential for long-term capital growth.
      When-Issued Securities. A Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis. Debt securities are often issued on this basis. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time a commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by a Fund and no interest accrues to that Fund. To the extent that assets of a Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of securities, that Fund would earn no income. While a Fund may sell its right to acquire when-issued securities prior to the settlement date, the Fund may intend actually to acquire such securities unless a sale prior to settlement appears desirable for investment reasons. At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the amount due and the value of the security in determining the Fund’s net asset value. The market value of the when-issued securities may be more or less than the purchase price payable at the settlement date. Each Fund will establish a

-18-


Table of Contents

segregated account in which it will maintain cash and U.S. Government securities or other liquid securities at least equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities. Such segregated securities either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.
      Zero-Coupon Securities. Zero-coupon securities in which a Fund may invest are debt obligations that are generally issued at a discount and payable in full at maturity, and that do not provide for current payments of interest prior to maturity. Zero-coupon securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest. As a result, the net asset value of shares of a Fund investing in zero-coupon securities may fluctuate over a greater range than shares of other Funds of the Trusts and other mutual funds investing in securities making current distributions of interest and having similar maturities. A Fund investing in zero-coupon bonds is required to distribute the income these securities as the income accrues, even though the Fund is not receiving the income in cash on a current basis. Thus, a Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions.
     Zero-coupon securities may include U.S. Treasury bills issued directly by the U.S. Treasury or other short-term debt obligations, and longer-term bonds or notes and their unmatured interest coupons that have been separated by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. A number of securities firms and banks have stripped the interest coupons from the underlying principal (the “corpus”) of U.S. Treasury securities and resold them in custodial receipt programs with a number of different names, including Treasury Income Growth Receipts (“TIGRS”) and Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries (“CATS”). CATS and TIGRS are not considered U.S. Government securities. The underlying U.S. Treasury bonds and notes themselves are held in book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities ( i.e. , unregistered securities that are owned ostensibly by the bearer or holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the owners thereof.
     In addition, the U.S. Treasury has facilitated transfers of ownership of zero-coupon securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of particular interest coupons and corpus payments on U.S. Treasury securities through the Federal Reserve book-entry record-keeping system. The Federal Reserve program as established by the U.S. Treasury Department is known as “STRIPS” or “Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities.” Under the STRIPS program, a Fund will be able to have its beneficial ownership of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon securities recorded directly in the book-entry record-keeping system in lieu of having to hold certificates or other evidences of ownership of the underlying U.S. Treasury securities.
     When debt obligations have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons by the holder, the stripped coupons are sold separately. The principal or corpus is sold at a deep discount because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed payment on the security and does not receive any rights to periodic cash interest payments. Once stripped or separated, the corpus and coupons may be sold separately. Typically, the coupons are sold separately or grouped with other coupons with like maturity dates and sold in such bundled form. Purchasers of stripped obligations acquire, in effect, discount obligations that are economically identical to the zero-coupon securities issued directly by the obligor.
      Fixed Income Securities. In periods of declining interest rates, the yield (income from portfolio investments) of a Fund may tend to be higher than prevailing market rates, and in periods of rising interest rates, the yield of a Fund may tend to be lower. In addition, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net new money to a Fund will likely be invested in portfolio instruments producing lower yields than the balance of the Fund’s portfolio, thereby reducing the yield of the Fund. In periods of rising interest rates, the opposite can be true. The net asset value of a Fund can generally be expected to change as general levels of interest rates fluctuate. The values of fixed income securities in a Fund’s portfolio generally vary inversely with changes in interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities with longer effective maturities are more sensitive to interest rate changes than those with shorter effective maturities. A Fund may purchase fixed income securities issued by companies of any market capitalization, including small and micro cap companies. Such investments may involve greater risk than is usually associated with larger, more established companies.

-19-


Table of Contents

      Lower-Rated Securities. A Fund may invest up in lower-rated fixed-income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). A Fund may invest in securities that are in default, and which offer little or no prospect for the payment of the full amount of unpaid principal and interest, although normally a Fund will not invest in securities unless a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Rating Service (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. (“Fitch”)) has rated the securities CC- (or the equivalent) or better, or the Fund’s adviser has determined the securities to be of comparable quality. The lower ratings of certain securities held by a Fund reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of securities held by a Fund more volatile and could limit the Fund’s ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Fund had placed on such securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by it, a Fund at times may be unable to establish the fair value of such securities.
     Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition, which may be better or worse than the rating would indicate. In addition, the rating assigned to a security by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s (or by any other nationally recognized securities rating agency) does not reflect an assessment of the volatility of the security’s market value or the liquidity of an investment in the security.
     Like those of other fixed-income securities, the values of lower-rated securities fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of a Fund’s assets. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of a Fund’s assets will generally decline. The values of lower-rated securities may often be affected to a greater extent by changes in general economic conditions and business conditions affecting the issuers of such securities and their industries. Negative publicity or investor perceptions may also adversely affect the values of lower-rated securities. Changes by nationally recognized securities rating agencies in their ratings of any fixed-income security and changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of portfolio securities generally will not affect income derived from these securities, but will affect a Fund’s net asset value. A Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security when its rating is reduced below its rating at the time of purchase. However, Schroders will monitor the investment to determine whether its retention will assist in meeting a Fund’s investment objective.
     Issuers of lower-rated securities are often highly leveraged, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. Such issuers may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them and may be unable to repay outstanding obligations at maturity by refinancing. The risk of loss due to default in payment of interest or repayment of principal by such issuers is significantly greater because such securities frequently are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness.
     At times, a portion of a Fund’s assets may be invested in an issue of which the Fund, by itself or together with other funds and accounts managed by Schroders or its affiliates, holds all or a major portion. Although Schroders generally considers such securities to be liquid because of the availability of an institutional market for such securities, it is possible that, under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities when Schroders believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if they were more widely held. Under these circumstances, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, a Fund may be required to participate in various legal proceedings or take possession of and manage assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities. This could increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value. In the case of tax-exempt funds, any income derived from a Fund’s ownership or operation of such assets would not be tax-exempt. The ability of a holder of a tax-exempt security to enforce the terms of that security in a bankruptcy

-20-


Table of Contents

proceeding may be more limited than would be the case with respect to securities of private issuers. In addition, a Fund’s intention to qualify as a RIC under the Code may limit the extent to which the Fund may exercise its rights by taking possession of such assets.
     Certain securities held by a Fund may permit the issuer at its option to “call,” or redeem, its securities. If an issuer were to redeem securities held by a Fund during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds in securities providing the same investment return as the securities redeemed.
     A Fund may invest in so-called “zero-coupon” bonds and “payment-in-kind” bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount for their principal amount in lieu of paying interest periodically. Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer, at its option, to make current interest payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. Because zero-coupon bonds and payment-in-kind bonds do not pay current interest in cash, their value is subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently. Both zero-coupon bonds and payment-in-kind bonds allow an issuer to avoid the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments. Accordingly, such bonds may involve greater credit risks than bonds paying interest currently in cash. A Fund is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts at least annually to shareholders even though such bonds do not pay current interest in cash. Thus, it may be necessary at times for a Fund to liquidate investments in order to satisfy its dividend requirements.
     To the extent a Fund invests in securities in the lower rating categories, the achievement of the Fund’s goals is more dependent on Schroders’ investment analysis than would be the case if the Fund were investing in securities in the higher rating categories. This also may be true with respect to tax-exempt securities, as the amount of information about the financial condition of an issuer of tax-exempt securities may not be as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.
      Mortgage Related and Asset-Backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and certain stripped mortgage-backed securities represent a participation in, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables from credit card agreements. The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited.
     Mortgage-backed securities have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to the underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities include both interest and a partial repayment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, repayments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will result in early payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. In that event a Fund may be unable to invest the proceeds from the early payment of the mortgage-related securities in an investment that provides as high a yield as the mortgage-related securities. Consequently, early payment associated with mortgage-related securities may cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility than that experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments usually decreases, thereby tending to increase the life of mortgage-related securities. If the life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, a Fund may not be able to realize the rate of return its adviser expected.
     The types of mortgages underlying securities held by the Funds may differ and may be affected differently by market factors. For example, a Fund’s investments in residential mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting residential real estate markets and mortgages generally; similarly, investments in

-21-


Table of Contents

commercial mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting commercial real estate markets and mortgages generally.
     Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of a Fund.
     Prepayments may cause losses on securities purchased at a premium. At times, some mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value.
     If the Fund purchases mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities that are ‘subordinated’ to other interests in the same mortgage pool, the Fund as a holder of those securities may only receive payments after the pool’s obligations to other investors have been satisfied. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may limit substantially the pool’s ability to make payments of principal or interest to the Fund as a holder of such subordinated securities, reducing the values of those securities or in some cases rendering them worthless. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include so-called ‘subprime’ mortgages. An unexpectedly high or low rate of prepayments on a pool’s underlying mortgages may have a similar effect on subordinated securities. A mortgage pool may issue securities subject to various levels of subordination; the risk of non-payment affects securities at each level, although the risk is greater in the case of more highly subordinated securities.
     CMOs and CMO residuals may be issued by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality or by a private issuer. Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately issued CMOs and CMO residuals may be guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities, these CMOs and CMO residuals represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or any other person or entity.
     Prepayments could cause early retirement of CMOs. CMOs are designed to reduce the risk of prepayment for investors by issuing multiple classes of securities, each having different maturities, interest rates and payment schedules, and with the principal and interest on the underlying mortgages allocated among the several classes in various ways. Payment of interest or principal on some classes or series of CMOs may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages. CMOs of different classes or series are generally retired in sequence as the underlying mortgage loans in the mortgage pool are repaid. If enough mortgages are repaid ahead of schedule, the classes or series of a CMO with the earliest maturities generally will be retired prior to their maturities. Thus, the early retirement of particular classes or series of a CMO would have the same effect as the prepayment of mortgages underlying other mortgage-backed securities. Conversely, slower than anticipated prepayments can extend the effective maturities of CMOs, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing their volatility.
     In the case of CMO residuals, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a

-22-


Table of Contents

CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to prepayments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an IO class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. See below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances the Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in a CMO residual.
     CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market has developed fairly recently and CMO residuals currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not, have been registered under the 1933 Act. CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed illiquid.
     Prepayments could result in losses on stripped mortgage-backed securities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different portions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on an interest only or “IO” class of stripped mortgage-backed securities is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets. A rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a measurable adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity to the extent it invests in IOs. If the assets underlying the IO experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup fully, or at all, its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, principal only securities or “POs” tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated.
     The secondary market for mortgage-backed securities, particularly stripped mortgage-backed securities, or those comprised of subprime mortgages (mortgages rated below A, or its equivalent, by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch) may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other mortgage-backed securities, potentially limiting a Fund’s ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.
      Loan Participations and Other Floating Rate Loans. A Fund may invest in “loan participations.” By purchasing a loan participation, a Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a particular borrower. Many such loans are secured, and most impose restrictive covenants that must be met by the borrower. These loans are typically made by a syndicate of banks, represented by an agent bank that has negotiated and structured the loan and that is responsible generally for collecting interest, principal, and other amounts from the borrower on its own behalf and on behalf of the other lending institutions in the syndicate, and for enforcing its and their other rights against the borrower. Each of the lending institutions, including the agent bank, lends to the borrower a portion of the total amount of the loan, and retains the corresponding interest in the loan.
     A Fund’s ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loan participations held by it will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by a Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan participation would adversely affect the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets, which would be reflected in a reduction in the Fund’s net asset value. Banks and other lending institutions generally perform a credit analysis of the borrower before originating a loan or participating in a lending syndicate. In selecting the loan participations in which a Fund will invest, however, Schroders will not rely solely on that credit analysis, but will perform its own investment analysis of the borrowers. Schroders’ analysis may include consideration of the borrower’s financial strength and managerial experience, debt coverage, additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. Schroders will be unable to access non-public information to which other investors in syndicated loans may have access. Because loan participations in which the a

-23-


Table of Contents

Fund may invest are not generally rated by independent credit rating agencies, a decision by a Fund to invest in a particular loan participation will depend almost exclusively on Schroders’, and the original lending institution’s, credit analysis of the borrower. Investments in loan participations may be of any quality, including “distressed” loans, and will be subject to a Fund’s credit quality policy.
     Loan participations may be structured in different forms, including novations, assignments and participating interests. In a novation, a Fund assumes all of the rights of a lending institution in a loan, including the right to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts directly from the borrower and to enforce its rights as a lender directly against the borrower. A Fund assumes the position of a co-lender with other syndicate members. As an alternative, a Fund may purchase an assignment of a portion of a lender’s interest in a loan. In this case, the Fund may be required generally to rely upon the assigning bank to demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower, but would otherwise be entitled to all of such bank’s rights in the loan. A Fund may also purchase a participating interest in a portion of the rights of a lending institution in a loan. In such case, it will be entitled to receive payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, but will not generally be entitled to enforce its rights directly against the agent bank or the borrower, and must rely for that purpose on the lending institution. A Fund may also acquire a loan participation directly by acting as a member of the original lending syndicate.
     A Fund will in many cases be required to rely upon the lending institution from which it purchases the loan participation to collect and pass on to the Fund such payments and to enforce the Fund’s rights under the loan. As a result, an insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the lending institution may delay or prevent the Fund from receiving principal, interest and other amounts with respect to the underlying loan. When the Fund is required to rely upon a lending institution to pay to the Fund principal, interest and other amounts received by it, Schroders will also evaluate the creditworthiness of the lending institution.
     The borrower of a loan in which a Fund holds a participation interest may, either at its own election or pursuant to terms of the loan documentation, prepay amounts of the loan from time to time. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to reinvest the proceeds of any loan prepayment at the same interest rate or on the same terms as those of the original loan participation.
     Corporate loans in which a Fund may purchase a loan participation are made generally to finance internal growth, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, leveraged buy-outs and other corporate activities. Under current market conditions, most of the corporate loan participations purchased by a Fund will represent interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged corporate acquisitions, known as “leveraged buy-out” transactions. The highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in such transactions may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. In addition, loan participations generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to sell such participations in secondary markets. As a result, a Fund may be unable to sell loan participations at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or may be able to sell them only at a price that is less than their fair market value.
     Certain of the loan participations acquired by a Fund may involve revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the Fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan participation. To the extent that the Fund is committed to make additional loans under such a participation, it will at all times hold and maintain in a segregated account liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments. Certain of the loan participations acquired by the Fund may also involve loans made in foreign currencies. A Fund’s investment in such participations would involve the risks of currency fluctuations described above with respect to investments in the foreign securities.
     Notwithstanding its intention generally not to receive material, non-public information with respect to its management of investments in floating rate loans, Schroders may from time to time come into possession of material, non-public information about the issuers of loans that may be held in the a Fund’s portfolio. Possession of such information may in some instances occur despite Schroders’ efforts to avoid such possession, but in other instances Schroders may choose to receive such information (for example, in connection with participation in a creditors’

-24-


Table of Contents

committee with respect to a financially distressed issuer). As, and to the extent, required by applicable law, Schroders’ ability to trade in these loans for the account of a Fund could potentially be limited by its possession of such information. Such limitations on Schroders’ ability to trade could have an adverse effect on a Fund by, for example, preventing the Fund from selling a loan that is experiencing a material decline in value. In some instances, these trading restrictions could continue in effect for a substantial period of time.
     In some instances, other accounts managed by Schroders may hold other securities issued by borrowers whose floating rate loans may be held in a Fund’s portfolio. These other securities may include, for example, debt securities that are subordinate to the floating rate loans held in a Fund’s portfolio, convertible debt or common or preferred equity securities. In certain circumstances, such as if the credit quality of the issuer deteriorates, the interests of holders of these other securities may conflict with the interests of the holders of the issuer’s floating rate loans. In such cases, Schroders may owe conflicting fiduciary duties to the Fund and other client accounts. Schroders will endeavor to carry out its obligations to all of its clients to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that in some cases certain clients may achieve a lower economic return, as a result of these conflicting client interests, than if Schroders’ client accounts collectively held only a single category of the issuer’s securities.
      Forward Commitments. A Fund may enter into contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time (“forward commitments”) if the Fund holds, and maintains until the settlement date in a segregated account, cash or liquid securities in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price, or if the Fund enters into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities it owns. Forward commitments may be considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Fund’s other assets. Where such purchases are made through dealers, the Fund relies on the dealer to consummate the sale. The dealer’s failure to do so may result in the loss to the Fund of an advantageous yield or price.
     Although a Fund will generally enter into forward commitments with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant to options contracts it has entered into, a Fund may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if Schroders deems it appropriate to do so. A Fund may realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments.
      Floating Rate and Variable Rate Demand Notes. Floating rate and variable rate demand notes and bonds may have a stated maturity in excess of one year, but may have features that permit a holder to demand payment of principal plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days notice. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. The issuer has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal of the obligation plus accrued interest upon a specific number of days notice to the holders. The interest rate of a floating rate instrument may be based on a known lending rate, such as a bank’s prime rate, and is reset whenever such rate is adjusted. The interest rate on a variable rate demand note is reset at specified intervals at a market rate.
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS, INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISKS
     In addition to the principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Funds described in the Prospectuses and this SAI, the Funds may employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks, which are described below.
      Short Sales. To the extent permitted under “Investment Restrictions” below and in the Prospectuses, a Fund may seek to hedge investments or realize additional gains through short sales.
     Short sales are transactions in which a Fund sells a security it does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, a Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at or prior to the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to repay the lender any dividends or interest that accrue

-25-


Table of Contents

during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The net proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker (or by the Fund’s custodian in a special custody account), to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. A Fund also will incur transaction costs in effecting short sales.
     A Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. A Fund may realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of the premium, dividends, interest or expenses the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. A Fund’s loss on a short sale could theoretically be unlimited in a case where the Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position. There can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to close out a short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. In addition, short positions may result in a loss if a portfolio strategy of which the short position is a part is otherwise unsuccessful.
     At any time that a Fund has sold a security short, it will maintain liquid securities, in a segregated account with its custodian, in an amount that, when combined with the amount of collateral deposited with the broker in connection with the short sale, equals the value at the time of securities sold short.
      Loans of Fund Portfolio Securities. A Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided: (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities, cash, or cash equivalents adjusted daily to have market value at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned; (2) the Fund may at any time call the loan and regain the securities loaned; (3) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (4) the aggregate market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the Fund. While a Fund may loan portfolio securities with an aggregate market value of up to one third of the Fund’s total assets at any time, entering into securities loans is not a principal strategy of any Fund and the risks arising from lending portfolio securities are not principal risks of investing in the Funds. In addition, it is anticipated that a Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or that it will be paid a premium for the loan. Before a Fund enters into a loan, Schroders considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist of possible delay in recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, a Fund retains the right to call the loans at any time on reasonable notice, and it will do so in order that the securities may be voted by the Fund if the holders of such securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters materially affecting the investment. A Fund will not lend portfolio securities to borrowers affiliated with that Fund.
      Repurchase Agreements. A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements without limit. A repurchase agreement is a contract under which a Fund acquires a security for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to the obligation of the seller to repurchase and the Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund’s cost plus interest). It is each of the Trust’s present intention to enter into repurchase agreements only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System and securities dealers meeting certain criteria as to creditworthiness and financial condition, and only with respect to obligations of the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or other investment grade short-term debt obligations. Repurchase agreements may also be viewed as loans made by a Fund that are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. Schroders will monitor such transactions to ensure that the value of the underlying securities will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including the interest factor. If the seller defaults, a Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement including interest. In addition, if the seller should be involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, a Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying collateral to the seller’s estate.

-26-


Table of Contents

     To the extent that a Fund has invested a substantial portion of its assets in repurchase agreements, the Fund’s investment return on such assets, and potentially the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives, will depend on the counterparties’ willingness and ability to perform their obligations under the repurchase agreements.
      Temporary Defensive Strategies. As described in the Prospectuses, Schroders may at times judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing a Fund’s basic investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders and may temporarily use alternate investment strategies primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the value of a Fund’s assets. In implementing these “defensive” strategies, the Fund would invest in investment grade debt securities, cash, or money market instruments to any extent Schroders considers consistent with such defensive strategies. It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, a Fund will use these alternate strategies, and a Fund is not required to use alternate strategies in any case. One risk of taking such temporary defensive positions is that a Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
      Service Providers. The Funds may be subject to credit risk with respect to the custodian. In the event of the custodian’s bankruptcy, even if the Funds’ custodian does have sufficient assets to meet all claims, there could be a delay before a Fund receives assets to satisfy their claims. In addition, in the event of the bankruptcy of the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent or custodian there are likely to be operational and other delays and additional costs and expenses associated with changes in service provider arrangements.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
     As fundamental investment restrictions, which may only be changed with approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund, each of these Funds may not:
1. Issue any class of securities which is senior to the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest, except to the extent the Fund is permitted to borrow money or otherwise to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.
Note: The Investment Company Act currently prohibits an open-end investment company from issuing any senior securities, except to the extent it is permitted to borrow money (see Note following restriction 2, below).
2. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted by applicable law from time to time, and for purposes of each of the Funds except Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, purchase securities when outstanding borrowings of money exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.
Note: The Investment Company Act currently permits an open-end investment company to borrow money from a bank so long as the ratio which the value of the total assets of the investment company (including the amount of any such borrowing), less the amount of all liabilities and indebtedness (other than such borrowing) of the investment company, bears to the amount of such borrowing is at least 300%. An open-end investment company may also borrow money from other lenders in accordance with applicable law and positions of the SEC and its staff.
3. Act as underwriter of securities of other issuers except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.
4. With respect to each of these Funds, as to 75% of its total assets, purchase any security (other than Government securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and securities of other investment companies), if as a result more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.

-27-


Table of Contents

Note: Government securities are defined in the 1940 Act as any security issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the United States, or by a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an instrumentality of the Government of the United States pursuant to authority granted by the Congress of the United States, or any certificate of deposit for any of the foregoing.
5. With respect to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, purchase any security (other than Government securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) if as a result 25% or more of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in a single industry.
6. Make loans, except by purchase of debt obligations or other financial instruments, by entering into repurchase agreements, or through the lending of its portfolio securities.
7(a). With respect to Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase or sell financial futures contracts, options on financial futures contracts, and futures contracts, forward contracts, and options with respect to foreign currencies, and may enter into swap transactions or other financial transactions, and except in connection with otherwise permissible options, futures, and commodity activities.
7(b). With respect to each of the other Funds, purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase or sell financial futures contracts, options on financial futures contracts, and futures contracts, forward contracts, and options with respect to foreign currencies, and may enter into swap transactions or other financial transactions, and except in connection with otherwise permissible options, futures, and commodity activities as described elsewhere in the Prospectuses or this SAI from time to time.
8. Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate, including real estate mortgage loans, although the Fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate and securities of companies, including limited partnership interests, that invest or deal in real estate and it may purchase interests in real estate investment trusts. (For purposes of this restriction, investments by the Fund in mortgage-backed securities and other securities representing interests in mortgage pools shall not constitute the purchase or sale of real estate or interests in real estate or real estate mortgage loans).
Schroder International Alpha Fund
Schroder North American Equity Fund
     As fundamental investment policies, which may only be changed with approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, each of these Funds may not:
1. As to 75% of its total assets, invest in securities of any issuer if, immediately after such investment, more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of such issuer; provided that this limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or to securities of other investment companies.
2. As to 75% of its total assets, invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, it would hold more than 10% (taken at the time of such investment) of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer; provided that this limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or to securities of other investment companies.
3. Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in any one industry.
4. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Note: The Investment Company Act currently permits an open-end investment company to borrow money from a bank (including by entering into reverse repurchase agreements) so long as the ratio that the value of the total assets of the investment company (including the amount of any such borrowing), less the amount of all liabilities and

-28-


Table of Contents

indebtedness (other than such borrowing) of the investment company, bears to the amount of such borrowing is at least 300%.
5. Purchase or sell real estate (provided that the Fund may invest in securities issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein).
6. Make loans to other persons (provided that for purposes of this restriction, entering into repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities, acquiring corporate debt securities and investing in U.S. Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan).
7. Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that it may purchase or sell financial futures contracts and options and other financial instruments.
8. Underwrite securities issued by other persons (except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of its portfolio investments, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under U.S. securities laws).
9. Issue any class of securities that is senior to the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest, except to the extent the Fund is permitted to borrow money or otherwise to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.
Note: The Investment Company Act currently prohibits an open-end investment company from issuing any senior securities, except to the extent it is permitted to borrow money (see restriction 4, above). A class of securities may be senior to the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest if it provides a preference upon liquidation, preferential dividends, or similar rights.
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
     As fundamental investment policies, which may only be changed with approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, this Fund may not:
1. Borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow from banks or by entering into reverse repurchase agreements, provided that such borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (computed immediately after the borrowing).
2. Underwrite securities of other companies (except insofar as the Fund might be deemed to be an underwriter in the resale of any securities held in its portfolio).
3. Invest in commodities or commodity contracts (other than covered call options, put and call options, stock index futures, and options on stock index futures and broadly-based stock indices, all of which are referred to as Hedging Instruments, which it may use as permitted by any of its other fundamental policies, whether or not any such Hedging Instrument is considered to be a commodity or a commodity contract).
4. Purchase or write puts or calls except as permitted by any of its other fundamental policies.
5. Lend money except in connection with the acquisition of that portion of publicly-distributed debt securities that the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions permit it to purchase; the Fund may also make loans of portfolio securities and enter into repurchase agreements.
6. Invest in real estate or in interests in real estate, but may purchase readily marketable securities of companies holding real estate or interests therein.
7. Issue any class of securities that is senior to the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest, except to the extent the Fund is permitted to borrow money or otherwise to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

-29-


Table of Contents

Note: The Investment Company Act currently prohibits an open-end investment company from issuing any senior securities, except to the extent it is permitted to borrow money (see restriction 1, above). A class of securities may be senior to the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest if it provides a preference upon liquidation, preferential dividends, or similar rights.
8. Purchase any security (other than Government securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) if as a result 25% or more of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in a single industry.

-30-


Table of Contents

Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
Schroder North American Equity Fund
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
Non-Fundamental Policies:
1. It is contrary to the current policy of each of the Funds, which policy may be changed without shareholder approval, to invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities that are not readily marketable, including securities restricted as to resale (other than securities restricted as to resale but determined by the Trustees, or persons designated by the Trustees to make such determinations, to be readily marketable).
2. With respect to each of the Funds except Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, as a matter of non-fundamental policy, each of these Funds may not purchase securities when outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.
3. Each of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund may, as a matter of non-fundamental policy, engage in short sales of securities as described in this SAI from time to time, although each Fund does not normally invest substantially in short sales.
4. Each Fund may, as a non-fundamental policy, pledge up to one-third of its assets in connection with permissible borrowings by the Fund.
5. As a non-fundamental policy, the Funds will not invest in other companies for the purpose of exercising control of those companies.
     All percentage limitations on investments (except the limitation with respect to securities that are not readily marketable set forth above) will apply at the time of investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment; except that, if a Fund ceases to maintain the 300% asset coverage ratio described above in the respective sections regarding fundamental investment restrictions of the Funds (see the Note following restriction 4 for Schroder North American Equity Fund and the Note following restriction 2 for all other Funds, except the U.S. Opportunities Fund), it will take steps to restore that asset coverage ratio within three days thereafter (excluding Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as may be prescribed by applicable regulations.
     Except for the investment restrictions listed above as fundamental or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectuses, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectuses are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees without notice to the shareholders.
     The 1940 Act provides that a “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of a Fund means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy.

-31-


Table of Contents

Schroder International Alpha Fund
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
Non-Fundamental Policies:
1. It is contrary to the current policy of Schroder International Alpha Fund to invest in restricted securities. This policy does not include restricted securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional purchasers pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, that are determined to be liquid by Schroders pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Such guidelines take into account trading activity for such securities and the availability of reliable pricing information, among other factors. If there is a lack of trading interest in particular Rule 144A securities, these securities may be illiquid.
2. It is contrary to the current policy of Schroder International Alpha Fund to invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities that are not readily marketable, including securities restricted as to resale determined by the Fund’s investment adviser to be illiquid. Certain securities that are restricted as to resale may nonetheless be resold by the Fund in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Such securities may be determined by the Fund’s investment adviser to be liquid for purposes of compliance with the limitation on the Fund’s investment in illiquid securities.
3. It is contrary to the current policy of Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund to invest more than 15% of its assets in securities determined by Schroders to be illiquid. Certain securities that are restricted as to resale may nonetheless be resold by the Fund in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Such securities may be determined by Schroders to be liquid for purposes of compliance with the limitation on the Fund’s investment in illiquid securities.
4. It is contrary to the current policy of each Fund to purchase securities when outstanding borrowings of money exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.
5. It is contrary to the current policy of each Fund to invest in other companies for the purpose of exercising control of those companies.
6. Each Fund may, as a non-fundamental policy, pledge up to one-third of its assets in connection with permissible borrowings by the Fund.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
     Through filings made with the SEC on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q, each Fund makes its full portfolio holdings publicly available to shareholders on a quarterly basis. Each Fund normally makes such filings on or shortly before the sixtieth day following the end of a fiscal quarter. Each Fund delivers its complete portfolio schedules for the second and fourth fiscal quarters, required to be filed on Form N-CSR, to shareholders in the Funds’ semi-annual and annual reports. The Funds do not deliver their complete portfolio schedules for the first and third fiscal quarters, required to be filed on Form N-Q, to shareholders, but these schedules are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov and on the Schroders website at www.schroderfunds.com.
     In addition to filings made with the SEC, each Fund intends to make its full portfolio holdings as of the end of each calendar quarter available on the Fund’s website at www.schroderfunds.com , on the last business day of the following month. Schroders may exclude from disclosure on the Funds’ website all or any portion of a Fund’s portfolio holdings, or modify the timing of such disclosure, as it deems necessary to protect the interests of the Funds.
     To the extent that a Fund’s portfolio holdings have previously been disclosed publicly either through a filing made with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q, or by being posted to the Funds’ website, such holdings may also be disclosed to any third party that requests them.

-32-


Table of Contents

      Policies and Procedures. The Schroder Funds have adopted policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings. These procedures apply both to arrangements, expected to be in place over a period of time, to make available information about the securities in a Fund’s portfolio and with respect to disclosure on a one-time, irregular basis. These procedures provide that neither Schroders nor SIMNA Ltd., as applicable, nor the Funds receive any compensation in return for the disclosure of information about a Fund’s portfolio securities or for any ongoing arrangements to make available information about a Fund’s portfolio securities. Portfolio holdings may be disclosed to certain third parties in advance of their public disclosure. In each instance of such advance disclosure, a determination will have been made by Schroders or SIMNA Ltd., as applicable, that such disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose of the relevant Fund and that the recipients, except as described below, are subject to an independent duty not to disclose (whether contractually or as a matter of law) or trade on the nonpublic information. The Funds currently disclose nonpublic portfolio holdings information only to recipients who have agreed in writing with Schroders, or SIMNA Ltd., as applicable, to keep such information confidential. In some cases these recipients are subject to a contractual obligation to keep portfolio holdings information confidential including a duty not to trade on the non-public information, and in other cases they are subject to a duty of confidentiality under the federal securities laws to keep information disclosed to them by the relevant Fund confidential. Recipients of nonpublic portfolio holdings information are also subject to legal requirements prohibiting them from trading on material nonpublic information. The Funds have no ongoing arrangements to make available nonpublic portfolio holdings information, except pursuant to the procedures described below. The following list describes the circumstances in which the Funds disclose their portfolio holdings to select third parties:
      Portfolio Managers. Portfolio managers shall have full daily access to portfolio holdings for the Funds for which they have direct management responsibility. Under Schroders’ code of ethics, portfolio managers are prohibited from disclosing nonpublic information to third parties, other than in accordance with the Funds’ portfolio holdings policies and procedures. Portfolio managers may release and discuss specific portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers, on an as-needed basis, for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability or demand, and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the purpose of assisting portfolio managers in the trading of such securities.
      Schroders. Schroders personnel, including personnel of its affiliates that perform services for or related to the Funds, may have full daily access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings. Employees of SIMNA Ltd., Schroder Investment Management Limited and SFA with access to portfolio holdings information are provided with training on each of the Trust’s policies and procedures regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings information. Training is provided by the Schroders compliance department in the applicable jurisdiction, after consultation with Schroders plc’s global compliance department located in London. Each Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer reports to the Trustees regarding compliance by such affiliates.
      External Servicing Agents . The Funds’ primary service providers, including distributors, administrators, transfer agents, custodians, and their respective personnel, may receive or have access to nonpublic portfolio holdings information on a daily basis. In addition, third parties that provide services to the Funds, and their affiliates, such as trade execution measurement systems providers, independent pricing services, proxy voting service providers, the Funds’ insurers, computer systems service providers, lenders, counsel, accountants/auditors, and rating and ranking organizations (such as Morningstar, Lipper, Thomson and Bloomberg) may also receive or have access to full portfolio holdings information more frequently than publicly available. Such parties, either by agreement or by virtue of their duties, are required to maintain confidentiality with respect to such nonpublic portfolio holdings.
      Other Third Parties. Any additions to the list of persons eligible to receive portfolio holdings information requires approval by the President and Chief Compliance Officer of the relevant Fund. Such disclosure may only be made where the President and Chief Compliance Officer of the relevant Fund have determined that: (i) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for the disclosure; (ii) the disclosure is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders; and (iii) the recipients are subject to a confidentiality agreement, including a duty not to trade on the non-public information, or the Funds’ President and Chief Compliance Officer have determined that the policies of the recipient are adequate to protect the information that is disclosed and the entity is subject to a duty of confidentiality

-33-


Table of Contents

under the federal securities laws. In making such determinations, the President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund shall review, among other considerations: (i) the type of fund involved; (ii) the purpose for receiving the holdings information; (iii) the intended use of the information; (iv) the frequency of the information to be provided; (v) the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information will be disclosed; (vi) the proposed recipient’s relationship to the Funds; (vii) the ability of Schroders to monitor that such information will be used by the proposed recipient in accordance with the stated purpose for the disclosure; and (viii) whether any potential conflicts exist regarding such disclosure between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment adviser, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of the Fund. Such disclosures shall be reported to the Board of Trustees.
     In general, the Schroder Funds’ policies and procedures provide that disclosure by Schroders of information about the holdings of client accounts other than the Funds’ accounts is governed by the policies relating to protection of client information pursuant to Regulation S-P. Details about the holdings of any portfolio other than the Funds, however, may provide holdings information that is substantially identical to holdings of the Funds that have not yet been publicly released. The President and Chief Compliance Officer may approve disclosure by Schroders or SIMNA Ltd. of non-Fund portfolios other than to clients holding the portfolios and their consultants, provided they make certain determinations set forth in the Schroder Funds’ policies and procedures.
     Nothing in the Schroder Funds’ policies and procedures prohibits any investment group from providing to a research service provider a coverage list that identifies securities that the investment group follows for research purposes provided that: (i) the list of securities does not consist exclusively of the current portfolio holdings of any Fund; and (ii) no information about actual holdings by any account is included.
     The Board of Trustees of each Trust reviews and reapproves the policies and procedures related to portfolio disclosure, including the list of approved recipients, as often as deemed appropriate, but not less than annually, and may make any changes it deems appropriate.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUSTS
     The Trustees of each of the Trusts are responsible for the general oversight of each of the Trust’s business. Subject to such policies as the Trustees may determine, Schroders furnishes a continuing investment program for the Funds and makes investment decisions on their behalf, except that SIMNA Ltd., an affiliate of Schroders, serves as sub-adviser responsible for portfolio management for Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund. Subject to the control of the Trustees, Schroders also manages the Funds’ other affairs and business.
     The names, addresses and ages of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the past five years, are set forth in the following tables. Unless otherwise indicated, each Trustee and executive officer shall hold the indicated positions until his or her resignation or removal.
Disinterested Trustees
     The following table sets forth certain information concerning Trustees of the Trusts who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Trusts (each, a “Disinterested Trustee”).

-34-


Table of Contents

                     
                Number of    
        Term of Office and   Principal   Portfolios in Fund   Other Directorships
Name, Age and Address of   Position(s) Held   Length of Time   Occupation(s)   Complex Overseen by   Outside of Schroders
Disinterested Trustee   with Trusts   Served   During Past 5 Years   Trustee   Fund Complex
William L. Means, 73*
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Trustee   Indefinite since 1997 (Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Series Trust) and since 2006 (Schroder Global Series Trust)   Retired.   [8]   None
 
                   
James D. Vaughn, 64*
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, New York 10022
  Trustee   Indefinite since 2003 (Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Global Series Trust)   Retired. Formerly, Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP-Denver (accounting).   [8]   AMG National Trust Bank
 
*   Also serves as a member of the Audit Committees for each Trust on which he serves. Mr. Vaughn is the Chairman of the Audit Committees.
Interested Trustee
     The following table sets forth certain information concerning a Trustee who is an “interested person” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Trusts (an “Interested Trustee”).
                     
                Number of   Other Directorships
        Term of Office and   Principal   Portfolios in Fund   Outside of
Name, Age and Address of   Position(s)   Length of Time   Occupation(s)   Complex Overseen by   Schroders Fund
Interested Trustee   Held with Trusts   Served   During Past 5 Years   Trustee   Complex
Catherine A. Mazza, 50*
875 Third Avenue, 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Trustee and Chairman   Indefinite since 2006 (Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Series Trust) and since 2003 (Schroder Global Series Trust)   Institutional Relationship Director, Schroders; Director, SFA. Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Series Trust.   [8]   None

-35-


Table of Contents

 
*   Ms. Mazza is an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Trust. She is an “interested person” due to her status as an officer and employee of Schroders and its affiliates.
Officers
     The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Trusts’ officers. The officers of the Trusts are employees of the Trusts’ adviser and certain of its affiliates.
             
Name, Age and Address   Position(s) Held with   Term of Office   Principal Occupation(s)
of Officer   Trusts   and Length of Time Served   During Past 5 Years
Catherine A. Mazza, 50
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Trustee and Chairman   Indefinite since 2006 (Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Series Trust) and since 2003 (Schroder Global Series Trust)   Institutional Relationship Director, Schroders; Director, SFA. Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware).
 
           
Mark A. Hemenetz, 53
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  President and Principal Executive Officer   Indefinite since May 2004   Chief Operating Officer — Americas, Schroder; Chairman and Director, SFA. Formerly, Executive Vice President and Director of Investment Management, Bank of New York.
 
           
Alan M. Mandel, 52
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer   Indefinite
since 1998
  Head of Fund Administration, Schroders; Director, SFA.
 
           
Carin F. Muhlbaum, 47
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Vice President   Indefinite
Vice President since 1998
  General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Schroders; Senior Vice President, Director, Secretary and General Counsel, SFA.
 
           
William Sauer, 46
875 Third Avenue, 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Vice President   Indefinite
Vice President since 2008
  Head of Investor Services, Schroders. Formerly, Vice President, The Bank of New York.
 
           
Stephen M. DeTore, 58
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Chief Compliance Officer   Indefinite
since 2005
  Chief Compliance Officer, Schroders; Senior Vice President and Director, SFA. Formerly, Deputy General Counsel, Gabelli Asset Management, Inc.; Associate General Counsel, Gabelli Asset Management, Inc.; Assistant Director, Office of Examination Support, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
           
Abby L. Ingber, 47
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Chief Legal Officer and Secretary/Clerk   Indefinite
Chief Legal Officer since 2006
Secretary/Clerk since 2007
  Deputy General Counsel, Schroders. Formerly, Senior Counsel, TIAA-CREF.
 
           
Angel Lanier, 48
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Assistant Secretary   Indefinite
since 2005
  Legal Assistant, Schroders; Assistant Secretary, SFA. Formerly, Associate, Schroders.
Certain Affiliations
     The following table lists the positions held by the Trusts’ officers and any Interested Trustees with affiliated persons or principal underwriters of the Trusts:

-36-


Table of Contents

     
    Positions Held with
    Affiliated Persons or
    Principal Underwriters
Name   of the Trusts
Catherine A. Mazza
  Trustee and Chairman of Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust; Institutional Relationship Director, Schroders; Director, SFA.
 
   
Mark A. Hemenetz
  President and Principal Executive Officer of Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust; Chief Operating Officer - Americas, Schroders; Director and Chairman, SFA.
 
   
Alan M. Mandel
  Head of Fund Administration, Schroders; Director, SFA; Treasurer & Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Carin F. Muhlbaum
  General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Schroders; Senior Vice President, Director, Secretary and General Counsel, SFA; Vice President, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
William Sauer
  Head of Investor Services, Schroders; Vice President, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Stephen M. DeTore
  Chief Compliance Officer, Schroders; Senior Vice President and Director, SFA; Chief Compliance Officer, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Abby L. Ingber
  Deputy General Counsel, Schroders; Chief Legal Officer and Secretary/Clerk, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Angel Lanier
  Legal Assistant, Schroders; Assistant Secretary, SFA; Assistant Clerk/Secretary, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
Committees of the Board of Trustees
      Audit Committee . Each Board of Trustees has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee composed of all of the Disinterested Trustees of the Trust (currently, Messrs. Means and Vaughn). Each Audit Committee provides oversight with respect to the internal and external accounting and auditing procedures of the Funds and, among other things, considers the selection of the independent registered public accounting firms for the Funds and the scope of the audit, approves all audit and permitted non-audit services proposed to be performed by those accountants on behalf of the Funds, and considers other services provided by those accountants to the Funds and Schroders and their affiliates and the possible effect of those services on the independence of those accountants. Each Audit Committee met [ ] times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.
      Nominating Committee . All of the Disinterested Trustees (currently, Messrs. Means and Vaughn) of each Trust serve as a Nominating Committee responsible for reviewing and recommending qualified candidates to each Board in the event that a position is vacated or created. Each Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders if the Committee is considering other nominees at the time of the nomination and the nominee meets the Committee’s criteria. Nominee recommendations may be submitted to the Secretary of the relevant

-37-


Table of Contents

Trust at that Trust’s principal business address. The Nominating Committee met [   ] times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.
Securities Ownership
     For each Trustee, the following table discloses the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee in each Fund, on an aggregate basis, in any registered investment companies overseen by the Trustee within the Schroder family of investment companies, as of December 31, 2009.
             
            Aggregate Dollar Range
            of Equity Securities
            in All Registered
            Investment Companies
            Overseen by Trustee in
        Dollar Range of Equity   Family of Investment
Name of Trustee   Fund   Securities in the Fund   Companies*
 
     
Ranges:
None
$1-$10,000
$10,001-$50,000
$50,001-$100,000
Over $100,000
 
Ranges:
None
$1-$10,000
$10,001-$50,000
$50,001-$100,000
Over $100,000
Disinterested Trustees
           
William L. Means
          [     ]
 
  Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder International Alpha Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder International Diversified Value Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder North American Equity Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund   [     ]    
James D. Vaughn
          [     ]
 
  Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder International Alpha Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder International Diversified Value Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder North American Equity Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund   [     ]    
Interested Trustees
           

-38-


Table of Contents

             
            Aggregate Dollar Range
            of Equity Securities
            in All Registered
            Investment Companies
            Overseen by Trustee in
        Dollar Range of Equity   Family of Investment
Name of Trustee   Fund   Securities in the Fund   Companies*
Catherine A. Mazza
          [     ]
 
  Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder International Alpha Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder International Diversified Value Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder North American Equity Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund   [     ]    
 
  Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund   [     ]    
 
*   For these purposes, the Trusts are considered part of the same “Family of Investment Companies.”
     For Disinterested Trustees and their immediate family members, the following table provides information regarding each class of securities owned beneficially in an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trusts, 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 the Trusts, as of December 31, 2009:
                     
    Name of Owners and                
    Relationships to                
Name of Trustee   Trustee   Company   Title of Class   Value of Securities   Percent of Class
William L. Means
  [     ]   [     ]   [     ]   [     ]   [     ]
James D. Vaughn
  [     ]   [     ]   [     ]   [     ]   [     ]
Trustees’ Compensation
     Effective January 1, 2007, Trustees who are not employees of Schroders or its affiliates receive an annual retainer of $25,000 for their services as Trustees of all open-end investment companies distributed by SFA, and $2,500 per meeting attended in person or $1,000 per meeting attended by telephone. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual retainer from the Trusts of $5,000, and each member of an Audit Committee receives a fee of $1,000 from the Trusts for each Audit Committee meeting attended in person or by telephone. Payment of the Trustee fees is allocated 50% to each Trust and the remaining 50% to the Trusts based on their respective amount of assets. If a meeting relates only to a single Fund or group of Funds, payments of such meeting fees are allocated only among those Funds to which the meeting relates.
     The following table sets forth approximate information regarding compensation received by Trustees from the “Fund Complex” for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. (Interested Trustees who are employees of Schroders or its affiliates and officers of the Trusts receive no compensation from the Trusts and are compensated in their capacities as employees of Schroders and its affiliates).

-39-


Table of Contents

                                 
    Aggregate            
    Compensation   Aggregate   Aggregate   Total Compensation
    from Schroder   Compensation   Compensation   from Trust and Fund
    Capital Funds   from Schroder   from Schroder   Complex Paid to
Name of Trustee   (Delaware)   Series Trust   Global Series Trust   Trustees*
Peter S. Knight**
  $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]  
William L. Means
  $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]  
James D. Vaughn
  $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]  
 
*   The Total Compensation shown in this column for each Trustee includes compensation for services as a Trustee of the Trusts. The Trusts are considered part of the same “Fund Complex” for these purposes.
 
**   Mr. Knight resigned from the Board of Trustees effective December 31, 2009.
     The Declarations of Trust or Trust Instrument, as applicable, provides that the relevant Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust, except if it is determined in the manner specified in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Trust Instrument, applicable, that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust or that such indemnification would relieve any officer or Trustee of any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties. Each Trust’s bylaws provide that the conduct of a Trustee shall be evaluated solely by reference to a hypothetical reasonable person, without regard to any special expertise, knowledge, or other qualifications of the Trustee, or any determination that the Trustee is an “audit committee financial expert.” Each Trust’s bylaws provide that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation or formal or informal investigations in which they may become involved because of their service as Trustees, except to the extent prohibited by the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Trust Instrument, as applicable. The Trusts, at their expense, provide liability insurance for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.
SCHRODERS AND ITS AFFILIATES
     Schroders serves as the investment adviser for the Funds. Schroders is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroder U.S. Holdings Inc., which currently engages through its subsidiary firms in the asset management business. Affiliates of Schroder U.S. Holdings Inc. (or their predecessors) have been investment managers since 1927. Schroder U.S. Holdings Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroder International Holdings, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroders plc, a publicly-owned holding company organized under the laws of England. Schroders plc, through certain affiliates currently engages in the asset management business, and as of December 31, 2009, had under management assets of approximately $[ ]. Schroders’ address is 875 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
     SIMNA Ltd., an affiliate of Schroders, has served as sub-adviser to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund since each of their inceptions.
     SFA, each Trust’s principal underwriter and administrator of Schroder North American Equity Fund, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroders.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
     The portfolio managers primarily responsible for making investment decisions are: for Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, James Gotto, Waj Hashmi, Robert Davy and Allan Conway; for Schroder International Alpha

-40-


Table of Contents

Fund, Virginie Maisonneuve; for Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Justin Abercrombie; for Schroder North American Equity Fund, Justin Abercrombie and John Marsland; for each of Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, Jenny Jones; and for Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Wesley A. Sparks, David Harris, Chris Ames, Gregg T. Moore, Ed Fitzpatrick, and Tony Hui.
      Other Accounts Managed. The following tables show information regarding other accounts managed by the portfolio managers of each Fund, as of October 31, 2009:
                 
                Total Assets in
            Number of Accounts   Accounts where
            where Advisory Fee   Advisory Fee is
        Total Assets   is Based on Account   Based on Account
    Number of Accounts   in Accounts   Performance   Performance
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund        
James Gotto
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Waj Hashmi, CFA        
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Robert Davy        
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Allan Conway        
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [     ]   $[ ]
 
               
Schroder International Alpha Fund        
Virginie Maisonneuve, CFA
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]

-41-


Table of Contents

                 
                Total Assets in
            Number of Accounts   Accounts where
            where Advisory Fee   Advisory Fee is
        Total Assets   is Based on Account   Based on Account
    Number of Accounts   in Accounts   Performance   Performance
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund        
Justin Abercrombie
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Schroder North American Equity Fund        
Justin Abercrombie
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
John Marsland, CFA
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund        
Jenny Jones
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund        
Jenny Jones
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund        
Wesley A. Sparks, CFA
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]

-42-


Table of Contents

                 
                Total Assets in
            Number of Accounts   Accounts where
            where Advisory Fee   Advisory Fee is
        Total Assets   is Based on Account   Based on Account
    Number of Accounts   in Accounts   Performance   Performance
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
David Harris
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Chris Ames
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Gregg T. Moore, CFA
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Ed Fitzpatrick
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
 
               
Tony Hui
               
Registered Investment Companies
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
  [     ]   $[     ]   [None]   [None]
      Material Conflicts of Interest. Whenever a portfolio manager of a Fund manages other accounts, potential conflicts of interest exist, including potential conflicts between the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategy of the other accounts. For example, in certain instances, a portfolio manager may take conflicting positions in a particular security for different accounts, by selling a security for one account and continuing to hold it for another

-43-


Table of Contents

account. In addition, the fact that other accounts require the portfolio manager to devote less than all of his or her time to a Fund may be seen itself to constitute a conflict with the interest of the Fund.
     Each portfolio manager may also execute transactions for another fund or account at the direction of such fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by a Fund. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than such Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund. Finally, if the portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of that opportunity across all eligible funds and accounts. Schroders’ policies, however, require that portfolio managers allocate investment opportunities among accounts managed by them in an equitable manner over time. Orders are normally allocated on a pro rata basis, except that in certain circumstances, such as the small size of an issue, orders will be allocated among clients in a manner believed by Schroders to be fair and equitable over time. See “Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices” for more information about this process.
     The structure of a portfolio manager’s compensation may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A portfolio manager’s base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management, which indirectly links compensation to sales. Also, potential conflicts of interest may arise since the structure of Schroders’ compensation may vary from account to account.
     Schroders has adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these, and other, types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises.
      Compensation. Schroders’ methodology for measuring and rewarding the contribution made by portfolio managers combines quantitative measures with qualitative measures. The Funds’ portfolio managers are compensated for their services to the Funds and to other accounts they manage in a combination of base salary and annual discretionary bonus, as well as the standard retirement, health and welfare benefits available to all Schroders employees. Base salary of Schroders employees is determined by reference to the level of responsibility inherent in the role and the experience of the incumbent, is benchmarked annually against market data to ensure competitive salaries, and is paid in cash. The portfolio managers’ base salary is fixed and is subject to an annual review and will increase if market movements make this necessary or if there has been an increase in responsibilities.
     Each portfolio manager’s bonus is based in part on performance. Discretionary bonuses for portfolio managers may be comprised of an agreed contractual floor, a revenue component and/or a discretionary component. Any discretionary bonus is determined by a number of factors. At a macro level the total amount available to spend is a function of the compensation to revenue ratio achieved by Schroders globally. Schroders then assesses the performance of the division and of a management team to determine the share of the aggregate bonus pool that is spent in each area. This focus on “team” maintains consistency and minimizes internal competition that may be detrimental to the interests of Schroders’ clients. For each team, Schroders assesses the performance of their funds relative to competitors and to relevant benchmarks, which may be internally-and/or externally-based, over one and/or three year periods, the level of funds under management and the level of performance fees generated. Performance is evaluated for each quarter, year and since inception of the relevant Fund. The portfolio managers’ compensation for other accounts they manage may be based upon such accounts’ performance.
     For those employees receiving significant bonuses, a part may deferred in the form of Schroders plc stock. These employees may also receive part of the deferred award in the form of notional cash investments in a range of Schroders funds. These deferrals vest over a period of three years and are designed to ensure that the interests of the employees are aligned with those of the shareholders of Schroders.
     For the purposes of determining the portfolio managers’ bonuses, the relevant external benchmarks for performance comparison include: MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net Div) for Messrs. Gotto, Hashmi, Davy and Conway as portfolio managers of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund; a blend of international benchmarks for Ms. Maisonneuve as portfolio managers of Schroder International Alpha Fund; Morgan Stanley International EAFE

-44-


Table of Contents

Index for Mr. Abercrombie as portfolio manager of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund; FTSE North American Index and S&P 500 Index for Messrs. Abercrombie and Marsland as portfolio managers of Schroder North American Equity Fund; Russell 2000 Index and Russell 2500 Index for Ms. Jones as portfolio manager of Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, respectively; Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index for Messrs. Harris, Sparks, Moore, Fitzpatrick, Hui and Ames as portfolio managers of Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, respectively.
      Ownership of Securities.
     As of October 31, 2009, none of the portfolio managers beneficially owned securities of the Fund or Funds that they manage, except as follows: [for Schroders Total Return Fixed Income Fund — Mr. Sparks beneficially owned between $100,001 — $500,000 of securities, Mr. Fitzpatrick beneficially owned between $10,001 — $50,000 of securities, and Mr. Harris beneficially owned between $50,001 — $100,000 of securities; and for each of Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroders U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund — Ms. Jones beneficially owned between $10,001-$50,000 of securities].
     Certain portfolio managers are not residents of the United States. It is not necessarily advantageous in light of tax and other considerations for non-U.S. residents to invest in U.S.-registered mutual funds.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS/INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
      Management Contract/Investment Advisory Agreement. Under a Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, between each Trust, on behalf of its Funds, and Schroders, Schroders, at its expense, provides each Fund with investment advisory services and advises and assists the officers of each Trust in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of its Trustees regarding the conduct of business of the Trust and the Fund, and in addition, in regards to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, Schroders, at its expense, provides each such Fund with management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund, including preparation of shareholder reports and communications, regulatory compliance, such as reports to and filings with the SEC and state securities commissions, and general supervision of the operation of the Fund, including coordination of the services performed by the Fund’s administrator or sub-administrator, transfer agent, custodian, independent auditors, legal counsel and others.
     Under the Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, Schroders is required to continuously furnish each Fund with an investment program consistent with the investment objective and policies of the Fund, and to determine, for the Fund, what securities shall be purchased, what securities shall be held or sold, and what portion of the Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Trust Instrument, as applicable, and by-laws, and of the Investment Company Act, and to the Fund’s investment objective, policies, and restrictions, and subject further to such policies and instructions as the Trustees may from time to time establish.
     As compensation for services provided to the Fund pursuant to the Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, Schroders is entitled to receive from each Trust a fee, computed and paid quarterly, at the following annual rate (based on each Fund’s average daily net assets): Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund — [1.00%]; Schroder International Alpha Fund — [0.975%]; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund — [1.00%]; Schroder North American Equity Fund — [0.25%]; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund —[1.00%]; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund — [1.00%]; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund — [0.25%].
     In order to limit the expenses of the Investor Shares and Advisor Shares of certain Funds, the Funds’ adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2010 for Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder

-45-


Table of Contents

International Diversified Value Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund to pay or reimburse the applicable Fund for expenses to the extent that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, which may include typically non-recurring expenses such as, for example, organizational expenses, litigation expenses, and shareholder meeting expenses) allocable to each Fund’s Investor Shares exceed the following annual rates (based on the average daily net assets attributable to each Fund’s Investor Shares): Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: 1.25%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: 1.15%; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund: 1.15%; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: 1.70%; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund: 1.05%; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund: 0.40%; and to the extent that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, which may include typically non-recurring expenses such as, for example, organizational expenses, litigation expenses, and shareholder meeting expenses) allocable to each Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed the following annual rates (based on the average daily net assets attributable to each Fund’s Advisor Shares): Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund: 1.50%; Schroder International Alpha Fund: 1.40%; Schroder International Diversified Value Fund: 1.40%; Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund: 1.95%; Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund: 1.30%; and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund: 0.65%. The fee waiver and/or expense limitations for the Funds may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
     Schroders makes available to each Trust, without additional expense to the Trust, the services of such of its directors, officers, and employees as may duly be elected Trustees or officers of the Trust, subject to their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law. Schroders pays the compensation and expenses of officers and executive employees of the Trusts. Schroders also provides investment advisory research and statistical facilities and all clerical services relating to such research, statistical, and investment work. Schroders pays the Trusts’ office rent.
     Under the Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, each Trust is responsible for all its other expenses, which may include clerical salaries not related to investment activities; fees and expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; brokers’ commissions; payment for portfolio pricing services to a pricing agent, if any; legal expenses; auditing expenses; accounting expenses; payments under any distribution plan; shareholder servicing payments; taxes and governmental fees; fees and expenses of the transfer agent and investor servicing agent of the Trust; the cost of preparing share certificates or any other expenses, including clerical expenses, incurred in connection with the issue, sale, underwriting, redemption, or repurchase of shares; the expenses of and fees for registering or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with Schroders; the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders; public and investor relations expenses; and fees and disbursements of custodians of each Fund’s assets. Each Trust is also responsible for its expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings, and claims and the legal obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto.
     The Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, provides that Schroders shall not be subject to any liability to a Trust or to any shareholder for any act or omission in connection with rendering services to that Trust in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties.
     The Management Contract may be terminated as to a Fund without penalty by vote of the Trustees, by the shareholders of that Fund, or by Schroders, on 60 days’ written notice. The Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, also terminates without payment of any penalty in the event of its assignment. In addition, the Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, may be amended only by a vote of the shareholders of the relevant Fund and by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of Schroders. The Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, provides that it will continue in effect from year to year (after an initial two-year period) only so long as such continuance is approved at least annually by vote of either the Trustees or the shareholders of the relevant Fund, and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of Schroders. In each of the foregoing cases, the vote of the shareholders is the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined above in “Investment Restrictions”).

-46-


Table of Contents

      Recent Management/Investment Advisory Fees . The following table sets forth the management/investment advisory fees paid by each Fund during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009, October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007. The fees listed in this table reflect reductions pursuant to expense limitations and/or fee waivers in effect during such periods.
                         
    Investment Advisory   Investment Advisory   Investment Advisory
    Fees Paid for   Fees Paid for   Fees Paid for
    Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended
Fund   10/31/09   10/31/08   10/31/07
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 57,535     $ 12,861  
Schroder International Alpha Fund*
  $ [     ]     $ 291,138     $ 388,807  
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 0     $ 0  
Schroder North American Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 1,678,892     $ 2,464,110  
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund**
  $ [     ]     $ 2,521,188     $ 2,853,566  
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 0     $ 0  
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 0     $ 0  
 
*   Effective April 1, 2006, Schroder International Alpha Fund pays a combined advisory and administrative fee to Schroders.
 
**   Effective May 1, 2006, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund pays a combined advisory and administrative fee to Schroders.
      Waived Fees . For the periods shown above, a portion of the advisory fees payable to Schroders was waived in the following amounts pursuant to expense limitations and/or fee waivers observed by Schroders for the Funds during such periods.
                         
    Fees Waived During   Fees Waived During   Fees Waived During
    Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended
Fund   10/31/09   10/31/08   10/31/07
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 209,513     $ 179,672  
Schroder International Alpha Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 176,726     $ 157,424  
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 287,112     $ 326,015  
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 179,182     $ 178,032  
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 224,083     $ 225,662  
Subadvisory Agreements.
     The Board of Trustees of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) has approved an arrangement whereby Schroders would retain SIMNA Ltd. to serve as sub-adviser to Schroder International Alpha Fund. In connection therewith, the Board of Trustees of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) approved an Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Schroders, SIMNA Ltd. and the Trust on behalf of Schroder International Alpha Fund (a “Subadvisory Agreement”). This Agreement went into effect on April 1, 1994.
     The Board of Trustees of Schroder Series Trust has approved separate arrangements whereby Schroders would retain SIMNA Ltd. to serve as sub-adviser to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund and Schroder International Diversified Value Fund. In connection therewith, the Board of Trustees of Schroder Series Trust approved an Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Schroders, SIMNA Ltd. and the Trust on behalf of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, and an Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Schroders, SIMNA Ltd. and the Trust on behalf of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund (each, a “Subadvisory Agreement”). The agreement with Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund went into effect on March 31, 2006, and the agreement with Schroder International Diversified Value Fund went into effect on August 29, 2006.
     The Board of Trustees of Schroder Global Series Trust has approved an arrangement whereby Schroders would retain SIMNA Ltd. to serve as sub-adviser to Schroder North American Equity Fund. In connection therewith, the Board of Trustees of Schroder Global Series Trust re-approved an Investment Subadvisory Agreement between

-47-


Table of Contents

Schroders, SIMNA Ltd. and the Trust on behalf of Schroder North American Equity Fund (a “Subadvisory Agreement”) on June 13, 2006.
     Under the Subadvisory Agreements, subject to the oversight of the Trustees and the direction and control of Schroders, SIMNA Ltd. is required to provide on behalf of the relevant Fund the portfolio management services required of Schroders under the relevant Fund’s Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable. Accordingly, SIMNA Ltd. will be required to regularly provide each such Fund with investment research, advice, and supervision and furnish continuously investment programs consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund, and determine, what securities shall be purchased, what securities shall be held or sold, and what portion of the Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Trust Instrument, as applicable, and By-laws, and of the Investment Company Act, and to the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and restrictions, and subject further to such policies and instructions as the Trustees may from time to time establish.
     For the services to be rendered by SIMNA Ltd., Schroders (and not the Trusts or the Funds) will pay to SIMNA Ltd. a monthly fee in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of all fees actually paid by the relevant Fund to Schroders for such month under the Management Contract, or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, provided that SIMNA Ltd.’s fee for any period will be reduced such that SIMNA Ltd. will bear fifty percent (50%) of any voluntary fee waiver observed or expense reimbursement borne by Schroders with respect to the Fund for such period. Prior to March 1, 2006, Schroders paid to SIMNA Ltd. a monthly fee in an amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of all fees actually paid by Schroder International Alpha Fund and Schroder North American Equity Fund to Schroders for such month under each Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement, provided that SIMNA Ltd.’s fee for any period was reduced such that SIMNA Ltd. bore twenty-five percent (25%) of any voluntary fee waiver observed or expense reimbursement borne by Schroders with respect to the relevant Fund for such period.
     Each Subadvisory Agreement provides that SIMNA Ltd. shall not be subject to any liability to the relevant Trust or Schroders for any mistake of judgment or in any event whatsoever in connection with rendering service to the Trust in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties.
     The Subadvisory Agreement relating to the relevant Fund may be terminated with respect to the Fund without penalty (i) by vote of the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined above) of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to SIMNA Ltd., (ii) by Schroders on 60 days’ written notice to SIMNA Ltd. or (iii) by SIMNA Ltd. on 60 days’ written notice to Schroders and the Trust. Each Subadvisory Agreement will also terminate without payment of any penalty in the event of its assignment. Each Subadvisory Agreement may be amended only by written agreement of all parties thereto and otherwise in accordance with the Investment Company Act.
      Recent Subadvisory Fees . For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009, October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement on behalf of Schroder North American Equity Fund, Schroders paid a fee of $[ ], $772,290, and $1,232,051 respectively to SIMNA Ltd. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009, October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, pursuant to a Subadvisory Agreement on behalf of Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroders paid $[ ], $26,465 and $47,326 respectively to SIMNA Ltd. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008, pursuant to a Subadvisory Agreement on behalf of Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroders paid a fee of $[ ] and $133,923 respectively to SIMNA Ltd. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, pursuant to a Subadvisory Agreement on behalf of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroders paid a fee of $[ ] to SIMNA Ltd. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, Schroders did not pay a subadvisory fee for the Schroder International Diversified Value Fund under its Subadvisory Agreement. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Schroders did not pay a subadvisory fee for the following Funds under the respective Subadvisory Agreement: Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, and Schroder International Diversified Value Fund.

-48-


Table of Contents

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)
     Prior to April 1, 2006 the Trust, on behalf of Schroder International Alpha Fund, and prior to May 1, 2006 the Trust, on behalf of Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund, was a party to an administration agreement with SFA, which is described below.
     Under the previous administration agreement, SFA provided management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Funds, including: (1) preparation of shareholder reports and communications; (2) regulatory compliance, such as reports to and filings with the SEC and state securities commissions; and (3) general supervision of the operation of the Funds, including coordination of the services performed by its investment adviser, transfer agent, custodian, independent auditors, legal counsel and others. SFA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroders and is a registered broker-dealer organized to act as administrator and distributor of mutual funds.
     For providing administrative services, SFA was entitled to receive a monthly fee at the following annual rates (based upon each Fund’s average daily net assets): 0.225% with respect to Schroder International Alpha Fund; and 0.25% with respect to Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund. The administration agreement was terminable with respect to the Funds without penalty, at any time, by the Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to SFA or by SFA upon 60 days’ written notice to the Trust.
     On March 23, 2006 and April 20, 2006, respectively, shareholders of Schroder International Alpha Fund and Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund approved amendments to the Funds’ investment advisory agreement with Schroders, which amendments increased the advisory fees paid by the Funds and combined into a single agreement the Funds’ investment advisory and administrative agreements. Effective April 1, 2006, Schroder International Alpha Fund pays a combined advisory and administrative fee to Schroders at the annual rate (based on the average daily net assets of the Fund) of 0.975%, and Schroders, not SFA, acts as administrator to the Fund. Effective May 1, 2006, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund pays a combined advisory and administrative fee to Schroders at the annual rate (based on the average daily net assets of the Fund) of 1.00%, and Schroders, not SFA, acts as administrator to the Fund.
     Effective November 5, 2001, the Trust entered into a sub-administration and accounting agreement with SEI Investments Global Funds Services (“SEI”). Under that agreement, as amended, the Trust and Schroder Series Trust pay fees to SEI based on the combined average daily net assets of all the funds that are series of the Trust and Schroder Series Trust, according to the following annual rates: 0.095% on the first $1 billion of such assets, 0.085% on the next $1 billion of such assets, 0.07% on the next $1 billion of such assets, 0.06% on the next $2 billion and 0.05% on assets in excess of $5 billion. Each Fund pays its pro rata portion of such expenses. The sub-administration and accounting agreement is terminable by either party in the case of a material breach.
      Recent Administrative Fees . During the three most recent fiscal years, the Funds paid the following fees to SFA and SEI pursuant to the administration agreements in place during such periods. The fees listed in the following table reflect reductions pursuant to fee waivers and/or expense limitations in effect during such periods.
                         
    Administration Fees   Administration Fees   Administration Fees
    Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal
Fund   Year Ended 10/31/09   Year Ended 10/31/08   Year Ended 10/31/07
 
                       
Schroder International Alpha Fund
  Schroder Fund   Schroder Fund   Schroder Fund
 
  Advisors Inc.   Advisors Inc.   Advisors Inc.
 
  $ [     ]     $ 0     $ 0  
 
                       
 
  SEI   SEI   SEI
 
  $ [     ]     $ 48,487     $ 61,288  

-49-


Table of Contents

                         
    Administration Fees   Administration Fees   Administration Fees
    Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal
Fund   Year Ended 10/31/09   Year Ended 10/31/08   Year Ended 10/31/07
 
                       
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
  Schroder Fund   Schroder Fund   Schroder Fund
 
  Advisors Inc.   Advisors Inc.   Advisors Inc.
 
  $ [     ]     $ 0     $ 0  
 
                       
 
  SEI   SEI   SEI
 
  $ [     ]     $ 254,264     $ 311,562  
Schroder Series Trust
     The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into an administration and accounting agreement with SEI, under which SEI provides administrative services necessary for the operation of each Fund, including recordkeeping, preparation of shareholder communications, assistance with regulatory compliance (such as reports to and filings with the SEC and state securities commissions), preparation and filing of tax returns, preparation of the Trust’s periodic financial reports, and certain other fund accounting services. Under that agreement, as amended, the Trust, together with Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), pays fees to SEI based on the combined average daily net assets of all the funds of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and the Trust, according to the following annual rates: 0.095% on the first $1 billion of such assets, 0.085% on the next $1 billion of such assets, 0.07% on the next $1 billion of such assets, 0.06% on the next $2 billion and 0.05% on assets in excess of $5 billion. Each Fund pays its pro rata portion of such expenses. The administration and accounting agreement is terminable by either party at the end of a three-year initial term or thereafter, at any time, by either party upon six (6) months’ written notice to the other party. The administration and accounting agreement is terminable by either party in the case of a material breach.
      Recent Administrative Fees. For the last three fiscal years the Funds paid the following administration and accounting fees to SEI. The fees listed in the following table reflect reductions pursuant to fee waivers and/or expense limitations in effect during such periods.
                         
    Administration Fees   Administration Fees   Administration Fees
    Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal
Fund   Year Ended 10/31/09   Year Ended 10/31/08   Year Ended 10/31/07
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 26,911     $ 20,915  
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 12,047     $ 13,666  
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 13,181     $ 11,206  
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 74,788     $ 42,821  
Schroder Global Series Trust
     On behalf of the Fund, the Trust has entered into an administration agreement with SFA, under which SFA provides management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund, including: (1) preparation of shareholder reports and communications; (2) regulatory compliance, such as reports to and filings with the SEC and state securities commissions; and (3) general supervision of the operation of the Fund, including coordination of the services performed by its investment adviser, transfer agent, custodian, independent accountants, legal counsel and others. SFA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroders and is a registered broker-dealer organized to act as administrator and distributor of mutual funds. The administration agreement is terminable with respect to the Fund without penalty, at any time, by the Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to SFA or by SFA upon 60 days’ written notice to the Trust. For its services, SFA receives no compensation. Effective January 28, 2005, SEI serves as sub-administrator to the Fund. The Fund pays SEI a fee, computed and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.013% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $1 billion and 0.005% of the Fund’s average daily net assets over $1 billion.

-50-


Table of Contents

      Recent Administration Fees. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009, October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 the Fund paid sub-administration and accounting fees of $[     ], $87,305, and $124,242, respectively.
DISTRIBUTOR; DISTRIBUTION PLAN
     Pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with each Trust, SFA (the “Distributor”), 875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, serves as the distributor for each Trust’s continually offered shares. The Distributor pays all of its own expenses in performing its obligations under the Distribution Agreement. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of shares of any Fund. Please see “Schroders and its Affiliates” for ownership information regarding the Distributor.
      Distribution plan for Advisor Shares. Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act that allows the Fund to compensate the Distributor in connection with the distribution of that Fund’s Advisor shares. Under the Plan, a Fund may make payments at an annual rate up to 0.25% (0.35% for Schroder North American Equity Fund) of the average daily net assets attributable to its Advisor Shares. Because the fees are paid out of a Fund’s assets attributable to its Advisor Shares on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of an investment in Advisor Shares of the Fund and may cost an investor more than paying other types of sales charges.
     The Distribution Plan is a compensation plan. The various costs and expenses that may be paid or reimbursed by amounts paid under the Distribution Plan include advertising expenses, costs of printing prospectuses and other materials to be given or sent to prospective investors, expenses of sales employees or agents of the Distributor, including salary, commissions, travel and related expenses in connection with the distribution of Advisor Shares, payments to broker-dealers who advise shareholders regarding the purchase, sale, or retention of Advisor Shares, and payments to banks, trust companies, broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), or other financial organizations.
     The Distribution Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of payments permitted thereunder without the approval of a majority of the outstanding Advisor Shares of the affected Fund. Any other material amendment to the Distribution Plan must be approved both by a majority of the Trustees and a majority of those Trustees (“Qualified Trustees”) who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the relevant Trust, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any related agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose. The Distribution Plan will continue in effect for successive one-year periods provided each such continuance is approved by a majority of the Trustees and the Qualified Trustees by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose. The Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by vote of a majority of each of the Fund’s outstanding Advisor Shares.
     During the fiscal periods ended October 31, 2009, October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, the Funds (in respect of their Advisor Shares) paid fees under the Distribution Plans in the following amounts:
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended
    October 31, 2009   October 31, 2008   October 31, 2007
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 4,988     $ 3,457  
Schroder International Alpha Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 60,072     $ 51,344  
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 3,267     $ 3,363  
Schroder North American Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 439     $ 416  
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 11,877     $ 11,275  
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 1,428     $ 2,988  
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 2,177     $ 2,046  

-51-


Table of Contents

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
      Selection of Brokers. Schroders, in selecting brokers to effect transactions on behalf of the Funds, seeks to obtain the best execution available.
      Allocation. Schroders may deem the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund as well as other clients of Schroders. In such cases, Schroders may, but is under no obligation to, aggregate all such transactions in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. Orders are normally allocated on a pro rata basis, except that in certain circumstances, such as the small size of an issue, orders will be allocated among clients in a manner believed by Schroders to be fair and equitable over time.
      Brokerage and Research Services. Transactions on U.S. stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment by a Trust of negotiated brokerage commissions. Schroders may determine to pay a particular broker varying commissions according to such factors as the difficulty and size of the transaction. Transactions in foreign securities often involve the payment of fixed brokerage commissions, which are generally higher than those in the United States, and therefore certain portfolio transaction costs may be higher than the costs for similar transactions executed on U.S. securities exchanges. There is generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter markets, but the price paid by a Fund usually includes an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. In underwritten offerings, the price paid by a Trust includes a disclosed, fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer.
     Schroders places all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and buys and sells securities through a substantial number of brokers and dealers. In so doing, it uses its best efforts to obtain the best execution available. In seeking the best price and execution, Schroders considers all factors it deems relevant, including price, the size of the transaction, the nature of the market for the security, the amount of the commission, the timing of the transaction (taking into account market prices and trends), the reputation, experience, and financial stability of the broker-dealer involved, and the quality of service rendered by the broker-dealer in other transactions.
     It has for many years been a common practice in the investment advisory business for advisers of investment companies and other institutional investors to receive research, statistical, and quotation services from several broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers. Consistent with this practice, Schroders receives research, statistical, and quotation services from many broker-dealers with which it places the Fund’s portfolio transactions. These services, which in some cases may also be purchased for cash, include such matters as general economic and security market reviews, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities, and recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities. Some of these services are of value to Schroders and its affiliates in advising various of their clients (including the Trusts), although not all of these services are necessarily useful and of value in managing each of the Funds. The investment advisory fee paid by each of the Funds is not reduced because Schroders and its affiliates receive such services.
     As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Securities Exchange Act”), and by the Management Contract or Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, Schroders may cause the Funds to pay a broker that provides brokerage and research services to Schroders an amount of disclosed commission for effecting a securities transaction for a Fund in excess of the commission that another broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. Schroders’ authority of each Trust to cause a Fund to pay any such greater commissions is also subject to such policies as the Trustees may adopt from time to time.

-52-


Table of Contents

     SIMNA Ltd., in its capacity as sub-adviser to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder North American Equity Fund, observes substantially the same allocation and brokerage and research policies and practices as those observed by Schroders described above.
     The following tables show the aggregate brokerage commissions paid for the three most recent fiscal years with respect to each Fund that incurred brokerage costs.
                         
    Brokerage   Brokerage   Brokerage
    Commissions Paid   Commissions Paid   Commissions Paid
    During Fiscal Year   During Fiscal Year   During Fiscal Year
Fund   Ended 10/31/09*   Ended 10/31/08*   Ended 10/31/07*
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 96,531     $ 81,742  
Schroder International Alpha Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 104,590     $ 128,841  
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 6,111     $ 8,345  
Schroder North American Equity Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 536,374     $ 306,359  
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 788,722     $ 558,034  
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 43,051     $ 18,285  
Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund
  $ [     ]     $ 4,992     $ 2,362  
 
*   Any materially significant difference between the amount of brokerage commissions paid by a Fund during the most recent fiscal year and the amount of brokerage commissions paid by that Fund for either of the two previous fiscal years is due to a significant decrease (or increase) in the size of the Fund and/or the volatility of the relevant market for the Fund.
     The following table shows the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid to firms that provided research services in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. The provision of research services to Schroders and its affiliates was not necessarily a factor in the placement of fund transactions with these firms.
         
    Commissions Paid with
Fund   Respect to Such Transactions
Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund
  $ [     ]  
Schroder International Alpha Fund
  $ [     ]  
Schroder International Diversified Value Fund
  $ [     ]  
Schroder North American Equity Fund
  $ [     ]  
Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]  
Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
  $ [     ]  
      Other Practices. Schroders and its affiliates also manage private investment companies (“hedge funds”) that are marketed to, among others, existing Schroders clients. These hedge funds may invest in the same securities as those invested in by the Funds. The hedge funds’ trading methodologies are generally different than those of the Funds and usually include short selling and the aggressive use of leverage. At times, the hedge funds may be selling short securities held long in a Fund.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
     The net asset value per share of each class of shares of each of the Funds is determined daily as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the Exchange is open for trading.

-53-


Table of Contents

     Securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at those quotations. Securities for which current market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value pursuant to procedures established by the Board of Trustees of each Trust, which are summarized below. It is possible that fair value prices will be used by a Fund to a significant extent. The value determined for an investment using the Funds’ fair value guidelines may differ from recent market prices for the investment.
     Equity securities listed or traded on a domestic or foreign stock exchange for which last sales information is readily available are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange on that day or, in the absence of sales that day, at the mean between the closing bid and ask prices (the “mid-market price”) or, if none, the last sale price on the preceding trading day. (Where the securities are traded on more than one exchange, they are valued based on trading on the exchange where the security is principally traded.) Securities purchased in an initial public offering and that have not commenced trading in a secondary market are valued at cost. In the case of securities traded primarily on the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”), the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will, if available, be used to value such securities as such price is reported by NASDAQ to market data vendors. If the NASDAQ Official Closing Price is not available, such securities will be valued as described above for exchange-traded securities.
     Reliable market quotations are not considered to be readily available for many bonds (excluding U.S. Treasury securities), certain preferred stocks, tax-exempt securities and certain foreign securities. Such securities are valued at fair value, generally on the basis of valuations furnished by pricing services, which determine valuations for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders. Below investment grade debt instruments (“high yield debt”) and emerging markets debt instruments will generally be valued at prices furnished by pricing services based on the mean of bid and asked prices supplied by brokers or dealers, although, if the bid-asked spread exceeds five points, that security will typically be valued at the bid price. Short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless Schroders believes another valuation is more appropriate.
     Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported sale prices on any day or, in the absence of a reported sale price, at mid-market prices. Options and futures contracts traded on a securities exchange or board of trade generally are valued at the last reported sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the closing mid-market price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Options and futures not traded on a securities exchange or board of trade for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported mid-market price. Credit default and interest rate swaps are valued at the estimate of the mid-market price, together with other supporting information. Options on indices or exchange-traded fund (ETF) shares are valued at the closing mid-market price. If such prices are not available, unlisted securities and derivatives are valued by Schroders at their fair values based on quotations from dealers, and if such quotations are not available, based on factors in the markets where such securities and derivatives trade, such as security and bond prices, interest rates, and currency exchange rates.
     All other securities and other property are valued at fair value based on procedures established by the Board of Trustees of each Trust.
     All assets and liabilities of a Fund denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars as of the close of trading of the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) based on the mean between the last quoted bid and ask price of such currencies against the U.S. dollar.
     If any securities held by a Fund are restricted as to resale, Schroders will obtain a valuation based on the current bid for the restricted security from one or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security. If Schroders is unable to obtain a fair valuation for a restricted security from an independent dealer or other independent party, a pricing committee (comprised of certain officers at Schroders) shall determine the bid value of such security. The valuation procedures applied in any specific instance are likely to vary from case to case. However, consideration is generally given to the financial position of the issuer

-54-


Table of Contents

and other fundamental analytical data relating to the investment and to the nature of the restrictions on disposition of the securities (including any registration expenses that might be borne by the Trust in connection with such disposition). In addition, specific factors are also generally considered, such as the cost of the investment, the market value of any unrestricted securities of the same class (both at the time of purchase and at the time of valuation), the size of the holding, the prices of any recent transactions or offers with respect to such securities, and any available analysts’ reports regarding the issuer.
     Generally, trading in certain securities (such as foreign securities) is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the Exchange. The values of these securities used in determining the net asset value of a Fund’s shares are computed as of such times. Also, because of the amount of time required to collect and process trading information as to large numbers of securities issues, the values of certain securities (such as convertible bonds and U.S. Government securities) are determined based on market quotations collected earlier in the day. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such securities may occur between such times and the close of the Exchange. If events materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such period, then the Fair Value Committee of the Trust may consider whether it is appropriate to value these securities at their fair value.
     Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, and Schroder International Diversified Value Fund use a third-party fair valuation vendor that provides a fair value for foreign securities held by the applicable Fund based on certain factors and methodologies applied by the vendor in the event that there is movement in specified U.S. market prices that exceeds a specific threshold established by the Fair Value Committee, in consultation with the Trustees. Such methodologies generally involve tracking valuation correlations between the U.S. market and each non-U.S. security. The Fair Value Committee also determines a “confidence interval” that will be used, when the threshold is exceeded, to determine the level of correlation between the value of a foreign security and movements in the U.S. market before a particular security will be fair valued. In the event that the threshold established by the Fair Value Committee is exceeded on a specific day, the Funds will typically value non-U.S. securities in their portfolios that exceed the applicable confidence interval based upon the fair values provided by the vendor.
     The proceeds received by each Fund for each issue or sale of its shares, and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to such Fund, and constitute the underlying assets of such Fund. The underlying assets of each Fund will be segregated on the Trust’s books of account, and will be charged with the liabilities in respect of each Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust. Each Fund’s assets will be further allocated among its constituent classes of shares on the Trust’s books of account. Expenses with respect to any two or more funds or classes may be allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective funds or classes except where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made to a specific fund or class. The net asset value of the Fund’s Advisor Shares will generally differ from that of its Investor Shares due to the variance in dividends paid on each class of shares and differences in the expenses of Advisor Shares and Investor Shares.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
     Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Opportunities Fund and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund each impose a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed (including in connection with an exchange) two months or less from their date of purchase. The fee is not a sales charge (load); it is paid directly to the applicable Fund.
To the extent that the redemption fee applies, the price you will receive when you redeem your shares of a Fund is the net asset value next determined after receipt of your redemption request in good order, minus the redemption fee. The Funds permit exceptions to the redemption fee policy for the following transactions:
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by

-55-


Table of Contents

      discretionary asset allocation or wrap programs (“wrap programs”) that are initiated by the sponsor of the program as part of a periodic rebalancing, provided that such rebalancing occurs no more frequently than quarterly, or, if more frequent, was the result of an extraordinary change in the management or operation of the wrap program leading to a revised investment model that is applied across all applicable accounts in the wrap program;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by a wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, the following transactions in participant-directed retirement plans:
    where the shares being redeemed were purchased with new contributions to the plan ( e.g. , payroll contributions, employer contributions, and loan repayments);
 
    redemptions made in connection with taking out a loan from the plan;
 
    redemptions in connection with death, disability, hardship withdrawals, or Qualified Domestic Relations Orders;
 
    redemptions made as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    redemptions made by a defined contribution plan in connection with a termination or restructuring of the plan;
 
    redemptions made in connection with a participant’s termination of employment; and
 
    redemptions made as part of a periodic rebalancing under an asset allocation model.
    involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder’s failure to maintain a minimum investment in a Fund;
 
    redemptions of shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid by a Fund;
 
    redemptions and exchanges effected by other mutual funds ( e.g. , funds of funds) that are sponsored by Schroders or its affiliates;
 
    to the extent a Fund is used as a qualified default investment alternative under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for certain 401(k) plans; and
 
    otherwise as the officers of Schroders or the applicable Trust may determine is appropriate after consideration of the purpose of the transaction and the potential impact to the Funds.
The application of the redemption fee and exceptions may vary among intermediaries, and certain intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you purchase or sell fund shares through an intermediary, you should contact your intermediary for more information on whether the redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.
ARRANGEMENTS PERMITTING FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
     The Funds have no arrangements with any person to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund shares.
TAXES
     The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on the Code, existing U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Funds. It does not address special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as IRAs and other retirement plans, tax-exempt entities, foreign investors, insurance companies, financial institutions and investors making in-kind contributions to

-56-


Table of Contents

the Funds. You should consult your tax advisor for more information about your own tax situation, including possible other federal, state, local, and, where applicable, foreign tax consequences of investing in the Funds.
      Taxation of the Funds. Each Fund intends to qualify and to elect to be treated each year as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, a Fund must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies and other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and (ii) net income from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not greater than 5% of the value of a Fund’s the total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or (y) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid — generally, taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt interest income, for such year.
     In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (defined as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, (y) that derives at least 90% of its income from the passive income sources defined in Code section 7704(d), and (z) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (a)(i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.
     For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (b) above, in the case of the Fund’s investment in loan participations, the identity of the issuer may vary according to the terms of the underlying contract. Also, for purposes of (b) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.
     If a Fund qualifies as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends, as defined below).
     If a Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment for any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate income tax rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, a Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
     If a Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year and 98% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or later if the Fund is permitted so to elect and so elects), plus any retained amount from the prior year (to the extent not previously subject to tax under subchapter M), the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject

-57-


Table of Contents

to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year. A dividend paid to shareholders by a Fund in January of a year generally is deemed to have been paid by the Fund on December 31 of the preceding year, if the dividend was declared and payable to shareholders of record on a date in October, November, or December of that preceding year. Each Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so.
      Taxable distributions. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income (other than exempt-interest dividends, as described below) are generally taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated the gains, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that a Fund has held for more than one year and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryovers long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced—in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% to 15% rate brackets—for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income.
     For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, “qualified dividend income” received by an individual will be taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. In order for some portion of the dividends received by a Fund shareholder to be qualified dividend income, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to some portion of the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the shareholder must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, on the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established security market in the United States) or (b) treated as a passive foreign investment company.
     In general, distributions of investment income designated by a Fund as derived from qualified dividend income will be treated as qualified dividend income by a shareholder taxed as an individual provided the shareholder meets the holding period and other requirements described above with respect to such Fund’s shares. If the aggregate qualified dividends received by a Fund during any taxable year are 95% or more of its gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), then 100% of the Fund’s dividends (other than dividends properly designated as capital gain dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
     Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced — in general, to 15%, with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets — for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.
      Return of capital distributions. If a Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of his or her shares.
     Dividends and distributions on a Fund’s shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are

-58-


Table of Contents

likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when a Fund’s net asset value reflects either unrealized gains, or realized but undistributed income or gains. Such realized income and gains may be required to be distributed even when a Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses. Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.
      Exempt-interest dividends. A Fund will qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends to shareholders only if, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the total value of the Fund’s assets consists of obligations the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax under section 103(a) of the Code. Distributions that a Fund properly designates as “exempt-interest dividends” are not generally subject to federal income tax, but may be taxable for state and local purposes.
     Exempt-interest dividends may be taxable for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax (the “AMT”). Under the Code, exempt-interest dividends that are derived from interest on certain “private activity bonds” generally must be included in an individual’s tax base for purposes of calculating the shareholder’s liability for federal AMT. Corporate shareholders will be required to include all exempt-interest dividends in determining their federal AMT.
     Tax-exempt dividends are included in income for purposes of determining the amount, if any, of a shareholder’s Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits that will be includable in gross income subject to federal income tax. Shareholders receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits should consult their tax advisers to determine what effect, if any, an investment in the Funds may have on the federal taxation of such benefits.
     Part or all of the interest on indebtedness, if any, incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares of a Fund paying exempt-interest dividends is not deductible. The portion of interest that is not deductible is equal to the total interest paid or accrued on the indebtedness, multiplied by the percentage of the Fund’s total distributions (not including distributions from net long-term capital gains) paid to the shareholder that are exempt-interest dividends. Under rules employed by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to determine when borrowed funds are considered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of shares.
     Distributions of a Fund’s income other than exempt-interest dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary income, except that any distributions of net capital gains will be taxable as capital gains. A Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate income subject to federal and state taxes.
     Gains realized by a Fund on a sale or exchange of investments that generate tax-exempt income will be taxable to shareholders. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares. Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for more than one year and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain rates have been temporarily reduced—in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets—for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. If shares of a Fund are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received on those shares. Distributions of investment income designated by a Fund as derived from qualified dividend income are taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. It is unclear whether a significant portion of Fund distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
     In general, exempt-interest dividends, if any, attributable to interest received on certain private activity obligations and certain industrial development bonds will not be tax-exempt to any shareholders who are “substantial users” of the facilities financed by such obligations or bonds or who are “related persons” of such substantial users. In a May 2008 Supreme Court decision, the Court said that it would not rule on the possibility that private activity bonds

-59-


Table of Contents

could be treated differently from other municipal bonds. Future legislation or litigation may result in additional taxation of private activity bonds.
      Transactions in Fund shares. The sale, exchange or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. If a shareholder sells shares at a loss within six months of purchase, any loss will be disallowed for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received on such shares. In addition, any loss (not already disallowed as provided in the preceding sentence) realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions from a Fund of long-term capital gain with respect to the shares during the six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other shares of the same Fund are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
      Shares purchased through tax-qualified plans. Special tax rules apply to investments though defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of a Fund as an investment through such plans and the precise effect of such an investment on their particular tax situation.
      Foreign currency transactions. A Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations of the foreign currency concerned.
      Foreign investments. With respect to investment income and gains received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries, such income and gains may be subject to foreign taxes that are withheld at the source. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
     If more than 50% of a Fund’s assets at year end consists of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to claim a credit or deduction on their income tax returns for their pro rata portions of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries in respect of foreign securities the Fund has held for at least the minimum period specified in the Code. In such a case, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata shares of such taxes. (Shareholders of Funds that do not hold sufficient foreign securities to meet the above threshold will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by those Funds). A shareholder’s ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by a Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, which may result in a shareholder not receiving a full credit or deduction for the amount of such taxes. In particular, shareholders must hold their Fund shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 additional days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a given dividend. Shareholders who do not itemize on their federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but no deduction) for such foreign taxes.
      Passive Foreign Investment Companies. Equity investments by a Fund in certain “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) could potentially subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, a Fund may elect to avoid the imposition of that tax by electing to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (i.e., make a “QEF election”), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company’s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company. A Fund may also make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings “to the market” as though it had sold and repurchased its

-60-


Table of Contents

holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by a Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections may require a Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund’s total return. Dividends paid by PFICs are not eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
      Derivative transactions. If a Fund engages in derivative transactions, including transactions in options, forward or futures contracts, and straddles, or other similar transactions, including for hedging purposes, it will be subject to special tax rules (including constructive sale, mark-to-market, straddle, wash sale, and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities, convert long-term capital gain into short-term capital gain, or convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. Each Fund will monitor its transactions, determine whether to make certain applicable tax elections and make appropriate entries in its books and records.
     Certain of the Funds’ derivative activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are likely to produce a difference between a Fund’s book income and taxable income. If a Fund’s book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the distribution (if any) of such excess will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If a Fund’s book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.
     In general, 40% of the gain or loss arising from the closing out of a futures contract traded on an exchange approved by the CFTC is treated as short-term gain or loss, and 60% is treated as long-term gain or loss.
      Securities issued or purchased at a discount. A Fund’s investments, if any, in securities issued at a discount (for example, zero-coupon bonds) and certain other obligations will (and investments in securities purchased at a discount may) require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities that it otherwise would have continued to hold.
      Certain Investments in REITs. The Funds are permitted to invest in REITs. Investments in REIT equity securities may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. A Fund’s investment in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings. If a Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to the Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by a Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.
     Some of the REITs in which the Funds invest may be permitted to hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”), REITs that are themselves taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”) or REITs that invest in TMPs. Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income (including income allocated to the Fund from a REIT or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a REMIC or TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC or TMP residual interest directly. As a result, a Fund investing in such interests may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts, as noted below.

-61-


Table of Contents

     In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax.
     Under current law, a Fund generally serves to “block” (that is, prevent the attribution to shareholders of) UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).
     A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if a Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in REMIC residual interests or TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund). Furthermore, any investment in residual interests of a Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (a “CMO”) that is treated as a REMIC can create complex tax consequences, especially if the Fund has state or local governments or other tax-exempt organizations as shareholders.
     In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in Section 664 of the Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in a fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income,” then the fund will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. It is unclear how applicable this IRS guidance remains in light of the December 2006 legislation. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, each Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in the Funds.
      Backup withholding. A Fund is generally required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is 28% for amounts paid through 2010. This rate will expire and the backup withholding rate will be 31% for amounts paid after December 31, 2010, unless Congress enacts tax legislation providing otherwise.
     Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
      Tax shelter reporting regulations. Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file a disclosure statement on Form 8886 with the IRS. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

-62-


Table of Contents

      Non-U.S. Shareholders. Distributions properly designated as Capital Gain Dividends and exempt-interest dividends generally will not be subject to withholding of federal income tax. In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid by a Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. However, effective for taxable years of a Fund beginning before January 1, 2010, a Fund will not be required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly designated by a Fund (an “interest-related dividend”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, to the extent such distributions are properly designated by a Fund (a “short-term capital gain dividend”). Depending on the circumstances, a Fund may make designations of interest-related and/or short-term capital gain dividends with respect to all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for these exemptions from withholding. Absent legislation extending these exemptions for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010, these special withholding exemptions for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends will expire and these dividends generally will be subject to withholding as described above. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend the exemptions for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
     In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund makes a designation with respect to a payment. Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.
     A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of a Fund or on capital gain dividends unless (i) such gain or capital gain dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, or (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the capital gain dividend and certain other conditions are met.
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
     To the knowledge of each Trust, as of [ ], 2010, no person owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of any Fund, except as indicated on Appendix A hereto.
     To the knowledge of each Trust, as of [ ], 2010, the Trustees of that Trust and the officers of that Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund.
CUSTODIAN
     JPMorgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York, is the custodian of the assets of the Funds. The custodian’s responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling each Fund’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Funds’ investments. The custodian does not determine the investment policies of the Funds or decide which securities the Funds will buy or sell.

-63-


Table of Contents

LINE OF CREDIT
     The Funds, as well as certain other series of Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Global Series Trust entered into a Credit Agreement dated October 6, 2008 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, for up to $25 million in a revolving line of credit (the “Line of Credit”). Any advance under the Line of Credit is contemplated primarily for temporary or emergency purposes consistent with the investment objectives and fundamental investment restrictions of the borrower, or to finance the redemption of the shares of a shareholder of the borrowing Fund. It is possible that a Fund may wish to borrow money under the Line of Credit but may not be able to do so.
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
     Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169, is each Trust’s registrar, transfer agent, and dividend disbursing agent.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
     [     ], each Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, provides audit services and tax return preparation services. Its address is [     ].
CODE OF ETHICS
     Schroders, SFA, the Trusts’ distributor, and SIMNA Ltd. have each adopted a Code of Ethics, and the Trusts have adopted a combined Code of Ethics as amended from time to time, pursuant to the requirements of Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act. Subject to certain restrictions, these Codes of Ethics permit personnel subject to the Codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds. The Codes of Ethics have been filed as exhibits to each of the Trust’s Registration Statements.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
     The Trusts have delegated authority and responsibility to vote any proxies relating to voting securities held by the Funds to Schroders, which intends to vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures. A copy of Schroders’ proxy voting policies and procedures is attached as Appendix B to this SAI. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, through the Schroders Funds’ website at www.schroderfunds.com or by calling (800) 464-3108 and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
LEGAL COUNSEL
     Ropes & Gray LLP, One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624, serves as counsel to the Trusts.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY
     Under Delaware and Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the relevant Trust. However, each Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Trust Instrument, as applicable, 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. Each Trust’s Declaration of Trust or Trust Instrument, as applicable, provides for indemnification out of the relevant Fund’s property for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of such Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder’s incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a Fund would be unable to meet its obligations.

-64-


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Financial Highlights, and Financial Statements in respect of the Funds are included in the Funds’ Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 under Rule 30d-1 of the Investment Company Act, filed electronically with the SEC on [ ] in the Funds’ Report on Form N-CSR for the period ending October 31, 2009 (for Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), File No. 811-1911, Accession No. [ ]; for Schroder Series Trust, File No. 811-07840; Accession No. [ ]; and for Schroder Global Series Trust, File No. 811-21364, Accession No. [ ]). The Report, Financial Highlights and Financial Statements referred to above relating to the Funds are incorporated by reference into this SAI.

-65-


Table of Contents

APPENDIX A
HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING SHARES
     To the knowledge of each Trust, as of [ ], 2010, no person owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any Fund, except as set forth below.
Investor Shares
                         
            Number Of   Percentage of
            Outstanding   Outstanding
Record or Beneficial Owner   Fund   Shares Owned   Shares Owned
[     ]
    [     ]       [     ]       [     ]  
Advisor Shares
                         
            Number Of   Percentage of
            Outstanding   Outstanding
Record or Beneficial Owner   Fund   Shares Owned   Shares Owned
[     ]
    [     ]       [     ]       [     ]  

A-1


Table of Contents

APPENDIX B
SCHRODER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NORTH AMERICA INC.
POLICY RELATING TO IDENTIFYING AND ACTING UPON CONFLICTS
OF INTEREST IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROXY VOTING OBLIGATIONS
This document sets forth Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.’s (“Schroders”) policy with respect to proxy voting and its procedures to comply with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Specifically, Rule 206(4)-6 requires that Schroders:
    Adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients and
 
    Disclose its proxy voting policies and procedures to clients and inform them how they may obtain information about how Schroders voted proxies.
Rule 30b1-4 requires that the Schroder US Mutual Funds (the “Funds”):
    Disclose their proxy voting policies and procedures in their registration statements and
 
    Annually, file with the SEC and make available to shareholders their actual proxy voting.
(a) Proxy Voting General Principles
Schroders will evaluate and usually vote for or against all proxy requests relating to securities held in any account managed by Schroders (unless this responsibility has been retained by the client).
Proxies will be treated and evaluated with the same attention and investment skill as the trading of securities in the accounts.
Proxies will be voted in a manner that is deemed most likely to protect and enhance the longer term value of the security as an asset to the account.
Proxy Committee
The Proxy Committee consists of investment professionals and other officers and is responsible for ensuring compliance with this proxy voting policy. The Committee meets quarterly to review proxies voted, policy guidelines and to examine any issues raised, including a review of any votes cast in connection with controversial issues.
The procedure for evaluating proxy requests is as follows:
Schroders’ Global Corporate Governance Team (the “Team”) is responsible for the initial evaluation of the proxy request, for seeking advice where necessary, especially from the US small cap and mid cap product heads, and for consulting with portfolio managers who have invested in the company should a controversial issue arise.
When making proxy-voting decisions, Schroders generally adheres to the Global Corporate Governance Policy (the “Policy”), as revised from time to time. The Policy, which has been developed by Schroders’ Global Corporate Governance Team and approved by the Schroders Proxy Committee, sets forth Schroders’ positions on recurring issues and criteria for addressing non-recurring issues. The Policy is a part of these procedures and is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Committee exercises oversight to assure that proxies are voted in accordance with the Policy and that any votes inconsistent with the Policy or against management are appropriately documented.
Schroders uses Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”) to assist in voting proxies. ISS provides proxy research, voting and vote-reporting services. ISS’s primary function with respect to Schroders is to apprise the Group

B-1


Table of Contents

of shareholder meeting dates of all securities holdings, translate proxy materials received from companies, provide associated research and provide considerations and recommendations for voting on particular proxy proposals. Although Schroders may consider ISS’s and others’ recommendations on proxy issues, Schroders bears ultimate responsibility for proxy voting decisions.
Schroders may also consider the recommendations and research of other providers, including the National Association of Pension Funds’ Voting Issues Service.
Conflicts
From time to time, proxy voting proposals may raise conflicts between the interests of Schroders’ clients and the interests of Schroders and/or its employees. Schroders is adopting this policy and procedures to ensure that decisions to vote the proxies are based on the clients’ best interests.
For example, conflicts of interest may arise when:
    Proxy votes regarding non-routine matters are solicited by an issuer that, directly or indirectly, has a client relationship with Schroders;
 
    A proponent of a proxy proposal has a client relationship with Schroders;
 
    A proponent of a proxy proposal has a business relationship with Schroders;
 
    Schroders has business relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or director candidates;
The Team is responsible for identifying proxy voting proposals that may present a material conflict of interest. If Schroders receives a proxy relating to an issuer that raises a conflict of interest, the Team shall determine whether the conflict is “material” to any specific proposal included within the proxy. The Team will determine whether a proposal is material as follows:
    Routine Proxy Proposals: Proxy proposals that are “routine” shall be presumed not to involve a material conflict of interest unless the Team has actual knowledge that a routine proposal should be treated as material. For this purpose, “routine” proposals would typically include matters such as uncontested election of directors, meeting formalities, and approval of an annual report/financial statements.
 
    Non-Routine Proxy Proposals: Proxy proposals that are “non-routine” will be presumed to involve a material conflict of interest, unless the Team determines that neither Schroders nor its personnel have a conflict of interest or the conflict is unrelated to the proposal in question. For this purpose, “non-routine” proposals would typically include any contested matter, including a contested election of directors, a merger or sale of substantial assets, a change in the articles of incorporation that materially affects the rights of shareholders, and compensation matters for management ( e.g. , stock, option plans, retirement plans, profit-sharing or other special remuneration plans). If the Team determines that there is, or may be perceived to be, a conflict of interest when voting a proxy, Schroders will address matters involving such conflicts of interest as follows:
          A. If a proposal is addressed by the Policy, Schroders will vote in accordance with such Policy;
          B. If Schroders believes it is in the best interests of clients to depart from the Policy, Schroders will be subject to the requirements of C or D below, as applicable;
          C. If the proxy proposal is (1) not addressed by the Policy or (2) requires a case-by-case determination, Schroders may vote such proxy as it determines to be in the best interest of clients, without taking any action described in D below, provided that such vote would be against Schroders’ own interest in the matter ( i.e., against the perceived or actual conflict). The rationale of such vote will be memorialized in writing; and

B-2


Table of Contents

          D. If the proxy proposal is (1) not addressed by the Policy or (2) requires a case-by-case determination, and Schroders believes it should vote in a way that may also benefit, or be perceived to benefit, its own interest, then Schroders must take one of the following actions in voting such proxy: (a) vote in accordance with ISS’ recommendation; (b) inform the client(s) of the conflict of interest and obtain consent to vote the proxy as recommended by Schroders; or (c) obtain approval of the decision from the Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Investment Officer. The rationale of such vote will be memorialized in writing.
Record of Proxy Voting
     The Team will maintain, or have available, written or electronic copies of each proxy statement received and of each executed proxy.
The Team will also maintain records relating to each proxy, including (i) the voting decision with regard to each proxy; and (ii) any documents created by the Team and/or the Proxy Committee, or others, that were material to making the voting decision; (iii) any decisions of the Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Investment Officer.
Schroders will maintain a record of each written request from a client for proxy voting information and its written response to any request (oral or written) from any client for proxy voting information.
Such records will be maintained for six years and may be retained electronically.
Additional Reports and Disclosures for the Schroder Funds
The Funds must disclose their policies and procedures for voting proxies in their Statement of Additional Information. In addition to the records required to be maintained by Schroders, the following information will be made available to the Funds or their agent to enable the Funds to file Form N-PX under Rule 30b1-4:
          For each matter on which a fund is entitled to vote:
    Name of the issuer of the security;
 
    Exchange ticker symbol;
 
    CUSIP number, if available;
 
    Shareholder meeting date;
 
    Brief summary of the matter voted upon;
 
    Source of the proposal, i.e. , issuer or shareholder;
 
    Whether the fund voted on the matter;
 
    How the fund voted; and
 
    Whether the fund voted with or against management.
Further, the Funds are required to make available to shareholders the Funds’ actual proxy voting record. If requested, the most recently filed Form N-PX must be sent within three (3) days of receipt of the request.
July 30, 2003

B-3


Table of Contents

APPENDIX C
FIXED INCOME AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody’s Investors Service Inc. (“Moody’s”)
Fixed Income Security Ratings
“Aaa” Fixed income securities that 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 edge.” 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” Fixed income securities that 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 fixed income securities. They are rated lower than the best fixed income securities 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 that make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in “Aaa” securities.
“A” Fixed income securities that 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 that suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
“Baa” Fixed income securities that 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 fixed income securities lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Fixed income securities rated “Aaa”, “Aa”, “A” and “Baa” are considered investment grade.
“Ba” Fixed income securities that 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 therefore not well safeguarded during both good and bad times in the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
“B” Fixed income securities that 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” Fixed income securities that 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” Fixed income securities that are rated “Ca” present obligations that are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
“C” Fixed income securities that are rated “C” are the lowest rated class of fixed income securities, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Rating Refinements: Moody’s may apply numerical modifiers, “1”, “2”, and “3” in each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “B.” The modifier “1” indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating

C-1


Table of Contents

category; the modifier “2” indicates a mid range ranking; and a modifier “3” indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Commercial Paper Ratings
Moody’s Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months. The ratings apply to Municipal Commercial Paper as well as taxable Commercial Paper. Moody’s employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers: “Prime 1”, “Prime 2”, “Prime 3.”
Issuers rated “Prime 1” have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Issuers rated “Prime 2” have a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations; and Issuers rated “Prime 3” have an acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Issuers rated “Not Prime” do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“Standard & Poor’s”)
Fixed Income Security Ratings
A Standard & Poor’s fixed income security rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or lessees.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor’s from other sources it considers reliable. The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (1) likelihood of default capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (3) protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.
Standard & Poor’s does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or for other reasons.
“AAA” Fixed income securities rated “AAA” have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
“AA” Fixed income securities rated “AA” have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
“A” Fixed income securities rated “A” have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than fixed income securities in higher rated categories.
“BBB” Fixed income securities rated “BBB” are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for fixed income securities in this category than for fixed income securities in higher rated categories.
Fixed income securities rated “AAA”, “AA”, “A” and “BBB” are considered investment grade.

C-2


Table of Contents

“BB” Fixed income securities rated “BB” have less near term vulnerability to default than other speculative grade fixed income securities. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions that could lead to inadequate capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
“B” Fixed income securities rated “B” have a greater vulnerability to default but presently have the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions would likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
“CCC” Fixed income securities rated “CCC” have a current identifiable vulnerability to default, and the obligor is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to meet timely payments of interest and repayments of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
“CC” The rating “CC” is typically applied to fixed income securities subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “CCC” rating.
“C” The rating “C” is typically applied to fixed income securities subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “CC “ rating.
“CI” The rating “CI” is reserved for fixed income securities on which no interest is being paid.
“NR” Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Fixed income securities rated “BB”, “B”, “CCC”, “CC” and “C” are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest degree of speculation. While such fixed income securities will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are out weighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Plus (+) or minus (-): The rating from “AA” TO “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing with the major ratings categories.
Commercial Paper Ratings
Standard & Poor’s commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a security. The ratings are based upon current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor’s from other sources it considers reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information. Ratings are graded into group categories, ranging from “A” for the highest quality obligations to “D” for the lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax exempt commercial paper.
Issues assigned “A” ratings are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designation “1”, “2”, and “3” to indicate the relative degree of safety.
“A 1” Indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong.
“A 2” Indicates capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues designated “A 1.”

C-3


Table of Contents

“A 3” Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying this designation are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. (“Fitch”)
Fixed Income Security Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated “AAA.” Because bonds rated in the “AAA” and “AA” categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated “F-1+”.
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
High Yield Grade
BB: Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives that could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements can be identified.
B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor’s limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
CC: Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, and D: Bonds are in default of interest and/or principal payments. Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. “DDD” represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and “D” represents the lowest potential for recovery.

C-4


Table of Contents

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
Conditional: A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of a project or the occurrence of a specific event.
Short-Term Ratings
Fitch short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment notes.
F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated “F-1+.”
F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as the “F-1+” and “F-1 “ categories.
F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse changes could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
Duff & Phelps
Fixed Income Securities
Investment Grade
AAA: Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only slightly more than for risk-free US Treasury debt.
AA+, AA, and AA-: High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
A+, A, and A-: Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
BBB+, BBB, and BBB-: Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.
High Yield Grade
BB+, BB, and BB-: Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up or down frequently within this category.

C-5


Table of Contents

B+, B, and B-: Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.
CCC: Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as to timely payment of principal interest or preferred dividends. Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
Preferred stocks are rated on the same scale as bonds but the preferred rating gives weight to its more junior position in the capital structure. Structured financings are also rated on this scale.
Certificates Of Deposit Ratings
Category 1: Top Grade
Duff 1 plus: Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term liquidity including internal operating factors and/or ready access to alternative sources of funds, is outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free US Treasury short-term obligations.
Duff 1: Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by good Fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are minor.
Duff 1 minus: High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong and supported by good Fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very small.
Category 2: Good Grade
Duff 2: Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company Fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing Funding needs may enlarge total financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are small.
Category 3: Satisfactory Grade
Duff 3: Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issue as to investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to more variation. Nevertheless timely payment is expected.
No ratings are issued for companies whose paper is not deemed to be of investment grade.

C-6


Table of Contents

(SCHRODERS LOGO)
PROSPECTUS
March 1, 2010
SCHRODER MULTI-ASSET GROWTH PORTFOLIO
A Shares (SALAX)
Advisor Shares (SALVX)
Investor Shares (SALIX)
R Shares (SALRX)
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation through a flexible asset allocation approach across a variety of different asset classes — including traditional asset classes and “alternative” asset classes — in response to changing market, economic, and investment conditions.
This Prospectus explains what you should know about the Fund before you invest. Please read it carefully. Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
    Page  
SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
     
   
   
  14   
  20   
  25   
  30   
  38   
  39   
  40   
  41   
  44   
  46   
  49   
  49   
  50   
  50   
  51   
  51   
  52   
  53   
  54 

2


Table of Contents

Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
A Shares (SALAX)
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold A Shares of the Fund. You may qualify for an initial sales load discount if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, more than $50,000 in Class A Shares of the Fund. More information about this discount is available in the “Types of Shares Available — A Shares” section of the Fund’s statutory prospectus.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
 
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
    4.50 %
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
 
Management Fees
    0.75 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
    [       ] %
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    [       ] %
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 (i) to reduce its management fee compensation by [  ]% and (ii) if necessary, in order to limit the expenses, to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s A Shares exceed [1.50]% of A Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be [1.50]% for A Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in A Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
A Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [     ]     $ [      ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]  

3


Table of Contents

Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through a flexible asset allocation approach, investing in a variety of traditional asset classes (such as equity and fixed-income investments) and alternative asset classes (such as real estate, commodities, currencies, private equity, and absolute return strategies). The Fund seeks a level of investment return, after investment advisory fees, in excess of the rate of inflation. The Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser vary the Fund’s exposure to different asset classes and strategies over time in response to changing market, economic, and political factors and events the adviser or sub-adviser believes may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. The adviser and sub-adviser emphasize the management of risk and volatility. The Fund’s portfolio is not managed with reference to a specified benchmark; using proprietary asset allocation models, the adviser and sub-adviser adjust the amount of the Fund’s investments in the various asset classes. Asset classes are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the adviser or sub-adviser to determine whether they provide the opportunity to enhance performance or to reduce risk. The adviser or sub-adviser may itself manage the Fund’s assets allocated to a particular asset class, either directly or through a mutual fund or other pooled vehicle managed by it, or it may invest the Fund’s assets in other investment companies or private investment pools providing access to specialist management outside of the Schroders organization. Investment pools might include, for example, other open-end or closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, unit investment trusts, domestic or foreign private investment pools (including “hedge funds”), or indexes of investment pools. The amount and type of the Fund’s investment in a particular asset class, and the amount invested in certain investment companies or investment pools, is limited by law and by tax considerations.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Investing in underlying funds may involve conflicts of interest including potential financial incentives to invest in affiliated funds and potential incentives to consider the interests of affiliated funds, which may not be consistent with those of the Fund. The value of your investment in the Fund is related to the investment performance of the underlying funds in which it invests and the principal risks of investing in the Fund are closely related to the principal risks associated with these funds. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  Interest Rate Risk: fixed income, or debt, securities may decline in value due to changes in interest rates, extended duration of principal payments at below-market interest rate, or prepayment;

4


Table of Contents

  Credit Risk: the ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal will affect the security’s value, especially for speculative securities rated below investment grade (“high-yield bonds” or “junk bonds”);
  Inflation/Deflation Risk: the value of the Fund’s investments may decline as inflation reduces the value of money; conversely, if deflation reduces prices throughout the economy there may be an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers in whose securities the Fund invests;
  Valuation Risk: certain securities may be difficult to value, and to the extent the Fund sells a security at a price lower than that used to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected;
  U.S. Government Securities Risk: securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and investing in such securities involves interest rate, extension and mortgage and asset-backed securities risks;
  Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: investing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities involves interest rate, credit, valuation, extension and liquidity risks and the risk that payments on the underlying assets are delayed, prepaid, subordinated or defaulted on;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers, directly or through use of depositary receipts, may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
  Leverage Risk: use of leverage will increase volatility of the Fund’s investment portfolio and could magnify gains or losses;
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
  Infrastructure Investment Risk: issuers in infrastructure-related businesses may be subject to high interest and/or regulatory costs, and the effects of other macro- and micro-economic factors;
  Commodity Risk: investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments involves volatility risk and their value may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, economic, political and regulatory developments, and tax considerations;
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
  Private Placements and Restricted Securities Risk: investments in privately-placed or otherwise restricted securities are subject to valuation and liquidity risks;
  Repurchase Agreements Risk: investment returns on repurchase agreements will depend on the counterparties’ willingness and ability to perform their obligations.

5


Table of Contents

Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Fund” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index and the Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
         
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
 
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
       
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
Highest    
 
 
  [3/01/07 — 6/30/08 ]   [-0.10]%
 
       
 
  Lowest
[9/01/08-12/31/08 ]
  [-17.05]%
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)

6


Table of Contents

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
            Since Inception
            (December 20,
    1 Year   2007)
     
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Consumer Price Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Johanna Kyrklund, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Michael Spinks, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for A Shares is $2,500. A Shares are intended for purchase through broker-dealers and certain other third-party financial intermediaries or service organizations (each, an “Organization”) that have an arrangement with the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your A Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

7


Table of Contents

Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
Advisor Shares (SALVX)
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Advisor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
         
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
    2.00 %
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
         
Management Fees
    0.75 %
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
    0.25 %
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
    [       ] %
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
    [       ] %
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 (i) to reduce its management fee compensation by [  ]% and (ii) if necessary, in order to limit the expenses, to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Advisor Shares exceed [1.50]% of Advisor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be [1.50]% for Advisor Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Advisor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Advisor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]     $ [     ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes

8


Table of Contents

for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through a flexible asset allocation approach, investing in a variety of traditional asset classes (such as equity and fixed-income investments) and alternative asset classes (such as real estate, commodities, currencies, private equity, and absolute return strategies). The Fund seeks a level of investment return, after investment advisory fees, in excess of the rate of inflation. The Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser vary the Fund’s exposure to different asset classes and strategies over time in response to changing market, economic, and political factors and events the adviser or sub-adviser believes may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. The adviser and sub-adviser emphasize the management of risk and volatility. The Fund’s portfolio is not managed with reference to a specified benchmark; using proprietary asset allocation models, the adviser and sub-adviser adjust the amount of the Fund’s investments in the various asset classes. Asset classes are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the adviser or sub-adviser to determine whether they provide the opportunity to enhance performance or to reduce risk. The adviser or sub-adviser may itself manage the Fund’s assets allocated to a particular asset class, either directly or through a mutual fund or other pooled vehicle managed by it, or it may invest the Fund’s assets in other investment companies or private investment pools providing access to specialist management outside of the Schroders organization. Investment pools might include, for example, other open-end or closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, unit investment trusts, domestic or foreign private investment pools (including “hedge funds”), or indexes of investment pools. The amount and type of the Fund’s investment in a particular asset class, and the amount invested in certain investment companies or investment pools, is limited by law and by tax considerations.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Investing in underlying funds may involve conflicts of interest including potential financial incentives to invest in affiliated funds and potential incentives to consider the interests of affiliated funds, which may not be consistent with those of the Fund. The value of your investment in the Fund is related to the investment performance of the underlying funds in which it invests and the principal risks of investing in the Fund are closely related to the principal risks associated with these funds. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  Interest Rate Risk: fixed income, or debt, securities may decline in value due to changes in interest rates, extended duration of principal payments at below-market interest rate, or prepayment;

9


Table of Contents

  Credit Risk: the ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal will affect the security’s value, especially for speculative securities rated below investment grade (“high-yield bonds” or “junk bonds”);
  Inflation/Deflation Risk: the value of the Fund’s investments may decline as inflation reduces the value of money; conversely, if deflation reduces prices throughout the economy there may be an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers in whose securities the Fund invests;
  Valuation Risk: certain securities may be difficult to value, and to the extent the Fund sells a security at a price lower than that used to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected;
  U.S. Government Securities Risk: securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and investing in such securities involves interest rate, extension and mortgage and asset-backed securities risks;
  Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: investing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities involves interest rate, credit, valuation, extension and liquidity risks and the risk that payments on the underlying assets are delayed, prepaid, subordinated or defaulted on;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers, directly or through use of depositary receipts, may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
  Leverage Risk: use of leverage will increase volatility of the Fund’s investment portfolio and could magnify gains or losses;
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
  Infrastructure Investment Risk: issuers in infrastructure-related businesses may be subject to high interest and/or regulatory costs, and the effects of other macro- and micro-economic factors;
  Commodity Risk: investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments involves volatility risk and their value may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, economic, political and regulatory developments, and tax considerations;
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
  Private Placements and Restricted Securities Risk: investments in privately-placed or otherwise restricted securities are subject to valuation and liquidity risks;
  Repurchase Agreements Risk: investment returns on repurchase agreements will depend on the counterparties’ willingness and ability to perform their obligations.

10


Table of Contents

Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Fund” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index and the Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
         
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
       
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
Highest    
 
 
  [3/01/07 — 6/30/08 ]   [-0.10]%
 
       
 
  Lowest
[9/01/08-12/31/08 ]
  [-16.95]%
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)

11


Table of Contents

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
            Since Inception
            (December 20,
    1 Year   2007)
     
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Consumer Price Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Johanna Kyrklund, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Michael Spinks, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Advisor Shares is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Advisor Shares are intended for purchase through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account that you hold through an investment intermediary or service organization (“Organization”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Minimums may be modified, and service fees may be charged, by your Organization, which you should consult for more information. You may also purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Advisor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open through your Organization, or by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. If your shares are held in the name of an Organization, they may only be sold through that Organization. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS, your Organization or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.

12


Table of Contents

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

13


Table of Contents

Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
Investor Shares (SALIX)
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
     
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None    
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None    
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None    
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
     
Management Fees
  0.75%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  None    
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  [ ] %
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
  [ ] %
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 (i) to reduce its management fee compensation by [ ]% and (ii) if necessary, in order to limit the expenses, to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s Investor Shares exceed [1.25]% of Investor Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be [1.25]% for Investors Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
Investor Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

14


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through a flexible asset allocation approach, investing in a variety of traditional asset classes (such as equity and fixed-income investments) and alternative asset classes (such as real estate, commodities, currencies, private equity, and absolute return strategies). The Fund seeks a level of investment return, after investment advisory fees, in excess of the rate of inflation. The Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser vary the Fund’s exposure to different asset classes and strategies over time in response to changing market, economic, and political factors and events the adviser or sub-adviser believes may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. The adviser and sub-adviser emphasize the management of risk and volatility. The Fund’s portfolio is not managed with reference to a specified benchmark; using proprietary asset allocation models, the adviser and sub-adviser adjust the amount of the Fund’s investments in the various asset classes. Asset classes are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the adviser or sub-adviser to determine whether they provide the opportunity to enhance performance or to reduce risk. The adviser or sub-adviser may itself manage the Fund’s assets allocated to a particular asset class, either directly or through a mutual fund or other pooled vehicle managed by it, or it may invest the Fund’s assets in other investment companies or private investment pools providing access to specialist management outside of the Schroders organization. Investment pools might include, for example, other open-end or closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, unit investment trusts, domestic or foreign private investment pools (including “hedge funds”), or indexes of investment pools. The amount and type of the Fund’s investment in a particular asset class, and the amount invested in certain investment companies or investment pools, is limited by law and by tax considerations.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Investing in underlying funds may involve conflicts of interest including potential financial incentives to invest in affiliated funds and potential incentives to consider the interests of affiliated funds, which may not be consistent with those of the Fund. The value of your investment in the Fund is related to the investment performance of the underlying funds in which it invests and the principal risks of investing in the Fund are closely related to the principal risks associated with these funds. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  Interest Rate Risk: fixed income, or debt, securities may decline in value due to changes in interest rates, extended duration of principal payments at below-market interest rate, or prepayment;

15


Table of Contents

  Credit Risk: the ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal will affect the security’s value, especially for speculative securities rated below investment grade (“high-yield bonds” or “junk bonds”);
  Inflation/Deflation Risk: the value of the Fund’s investments may decline as inflation reduces the value of money; conversely, if deflation reduces prices throughout the economy there may be an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers in whose securities the Fund invests;
  Valuation Risk: certain securities may be difficult to value, and to the extent the Fund sells a security at a price lower than that used to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected;
  U.S. Government Securities Risk: securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and investing in such securities involves interest rate, extension and mortgage and asset-backed securities risks;
  Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: investing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities involves interest rate, credit, valuation, extension and liquidity risks and the risk that payments on the underlying assets are delayed, prepaid, subordinated or defaulted on;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers, directly or through use of depositary receipts, may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
  Leverage Risk: use of leverage will increase volatility of the Fund’s investment portfolio and could magnify gains or losses;
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
  Infrastructure Investment Risk: issuers in infrastructure-related businesses may be subject to high interest and/or regulatory costs, and the effects of other macro- and micro-economic factors;
  Commodity Risk: investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments involves volatility risk and their value may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, economic, political and regulatory developments, and tax considerations;
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
  Private Placements and Restricted Securities Risk: investments in privately-placed or otherwise restricted securities are subject to valuation and liquidity risks;
  Repurchase Agreements Risk: investment returns on repurchase agreements will depend on the counterparties’ willingness and ability to perform their obligations.

16


Table of Contents

Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Fund” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index and the Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
         
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
  Highest    
 
 
  [3/01/07 — 6/30/08 ]   [-0.10]%
 
       
 
  Lowest    
 
  [9/01/08-12/31/08 ]   [-16.90]%
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)

17


Table of Contents

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
            Since Inception
            (December 20,
    1 Year   2007)
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Consumer Price Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Johanna Kyrklund, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Michael Spinks, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Investor Shares is $250,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $1,000. Investor Shares are intended for purchase directly from the Fund, though minimums may be modified for certain authorized brokers, fund networks or financial intermediaries that have an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Please consult your financial institution for more information. You may purchase shares by completing an account application and sending payment by check or wire as described in the application. To avoid delays in a purchase or redemption, please call the Fund’s transfer agent, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) at 800-464-3108 (617-483-5000 from outside the United States) with any questions about the requirements before submitting a request. You may sell (redeem) your Investor Shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds (P.O. Box 8507, Boston, MA 02266) or by calling BFDS. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, BFDS or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the

18


Table of Contents

broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

19


Table of Contents

Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
R Shares (SALRX)
Investment Objective : The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold R Shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
     
Maximum Initial Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
  None    
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
  None    
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
  None    
Redemption Fee on Shares Held Two Months or Less
  2.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
     
Management Fees
  0.75%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
  0.50%
Other Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1)
  [ ] %
 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  [x.xx]%
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation (1)(2)
  ([x.xx])%
 
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (2)(3)
  [ ] %
 
 
(1)   “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in one or more funds, including ETFs, and these fees and expenses are not subject to the expense limitation of the Fund.
 
(2)   The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2011 (i) to reduce its management fee compensation by [  ]% and (ii) if necessary, in order to limit the expenses, to pay or reimburse the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, other indirect acquired fund expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses) for the Fund’s R Shares exceed [1.75]% of R Shares’ average daily net assets. The fee waiver and/or expense limitation may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
 
(3)   “Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses” shown above include expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund ( e.g. , indirect Other Expenses and/or Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses), and thus may be higher than the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets included in the “Financial Highlights” section of the statutory prospectus. If only the operating expenses of the Fund were included in Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses, and not the indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses would be [1.75]% for R Shares.
Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in R Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated, your investment has a 5% return each year, and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the Example shows what your costs would be based on these assumptions. The Example is based, for the first year, on the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses and, for all other periods, on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses.
                                 
    1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
R Shares (whether or not shares are redeemed)
  $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]     $ [ ]  
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund 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 and may result in higher taxes for you if your Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating

20


Table of Contents

expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance :
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through a flexible asset allocation approach, investing in a variety of traditional asset classes (such as equity and fixed-income investments) and alternative asset classes (such as real estate, commodities, currencies, private equity, and absolute return strategies). The Fund seeks a level of investment return, after investment advisory fees, in excess of the rate of inflation. The Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser vary the Fund’s exposure to different asset classes and strategies over time in response to changing market, economic, and political factors and events the adviser or sub-adviser believes may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. The adviser and sub-adviser emphasize the management of risk and volatility. The Fund’s portfolio is not managed with reference to a specified benchmark; using proprietary asset allocation models, the adviser and sub-adviser adjust the amount of the Fund’s investments in the various asset classes. Asset classes are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the adviser or sub-adviser to determine whether they provide the opportunity to enhance performance or to reduce risk. The adviser or sub-adviser may itself manage the Fund’s assets allocated to a particular asset class, either directly or through a mutual fund or other pooled vehicle managed by it, or it may invest the Fund’s assets in other investment companies or private investment pools providing access to specialist management outside of the Schroders organization. Investment pools might include, for example, other open-end or closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, unit investment trusts, domestic or foreign private investment pools (including “hedge funds”), or indexes of investment pools. The amount and type of the Fund’s investment in a particular asset class, and the amount invested in certain investment companies or investment pools, is limited by law and by tax considerations.
Principal Risks. The Fund will be affected by the investment decisions, techniques and risk analyses of the Fund’s management and may not achieve desired results or the Fund’s investment objective. The value of securities held by the Fund may fluctuate dramatically in response to actual or perceived issuer, political, market, and economic factors influencing the U.S. or global securities markets, or relevant industries or sectors within them, and such responses may be more pronounced to the extent the Fund invests substantially in one country or group of countries or in companies with smaller- to medium-sized market capitalizations. Frequent trading of the Fund’s securities increases transaction costs, may result in taxable capital gains, and may lower investment performance. Investing in underlying funds may involve conflicts of interest including potential financial incentives to invest in affiliated funds and potential incentives to consider the interests of affiliated funds, which may not be consistent with those of the Fund. The value of your investment in the Fund is related to the investment performance of the underlying funds in which it invests and the principal risks of investing in the Fund are closely related to the principal risks associated with these funds. Other principal risks of investing in the Fund include:
  Equity Securities Risk: in a liquidation or bankruptcy, claims of bond owners take priority over those of preferred stockholders, whose claims take priority over those of common stockholders;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  IPO Risk: securities issued in IPOs have little to no trading history, limited issuer information, increased volatility and may not be available to the extent desired;
  Convertible Securities Risk: debt securities that are convertible into preferred and common stocks are subject to the risks of both debt and equity securities;
  Warrants Risk: warrants involve the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker, and risk of illiquidity within the trading market for warrants;
  Interest Rate Risk: fixed income, or debt, securities may decline in value due to changes in interest rates, extended duration of principal payments at below-market interest rate, or prepayment;

21


Table of Contents

  Credit Risk: the ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal will affect the security’s value, especially for speculative securities rated below investment grade (“high-yield bonds” or “junk bonds”);
  Inflation/Deflation Risk: the value of the Fund’s investments may decline as inflation reduces the value of money; conversely, if deflation reduces prices throughout the economy there may be an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers in whose securities the Fund invests;
  Valuation Risk: certain securities may be difficult to value, and to the extent the Fund sells a security at a price lower than that used to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected;
  U.S. Government Securities Risk: securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States and investing in such securities involves interest rate, extension and mortgage and asset-backed securities risks;
  Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: investing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities involves interest rate, credit, valuation, extension and liquidity risks and the risk that payments on the underlying assets are delayed, prepaid, subordinated or defaulted on;
  Foreign Investment/Currencies Risk: investments in non-U.S. issuers, directly or through use of depositary receipts, may be affected by currency exchange rates or regulations, foreign withholding taxes, or adverse market or other developments affecting issuers located in foreign countries;
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk: compared to foreign developed markets, investing in emerging markets may involve heightened volatility, greater political, regulatory, legal and economic uncertainties, less liquidity, dependence on particular commodities or international aid, extremely high levels of inflation, and certain special risks associated with smaller capitalization companies;
  Derivatives Risk: investing in derivative instruments may be considered speculative and involves leverage, liquidity, and valuation risks and the risk of losing more than the principal amount invested;
  Leverage Risk: use of leverage will increase volatility of the Fund’s investment portfolio and could magnify gains or losses;
  Over-the-Counter Risk: securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade less frequently and in limited volumes and thus exhibit more volatility, and the prices paid by the Fund for such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup;
  Liquidity Risk: illiquid securities may be highly volatile, difficult to value, and difficult to sell or close out at favorable prices or times;
  REIT Risk: REITs involve risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate. Some REITs have limited diversification and some have expenses that may be indirectly incurred by shareholders of the Fund;
  Infrastructure Investment Risk: issuers in infrastructure-related businesses may be subject to high interest and/or regulatory costs, and the effects of other macro- and micro-economic factors;
  Commodity Risk: investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments involves volatility risk and their value may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, economic, political and regulatory developments, and tax considerations;
  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk: investing in another investment company subjects the Fund to that company’s risks, and, in general, to a pro rata portion of that company’s fees and expenses;
  Private Placements and Restricted Securities Risk: investments in privately-placed or otherwise restricted securities are subject to valuation and liquidity risks;
  Repurchase Agreements Risk: investment returns on repurchase agreements will depend on the counterparties’ willingness and ability to perform their obligations.

22


Table of Contents

Please see “Principal Risks Of Investing In The Fund” in the Fund’s statutory prospectus for a more detailed description of the Fund’s risks. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund.
Performance Information. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in its total return from year to year and by comparing the Fund’s average annual total returns with those of a broad-based market index and the Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily predictive of future performance. Visit www.schroderfunds.com [or call 800-xxx-xxxx] for more current performance information.
         
     
Calendar Year Total Returns
       
    Highest and Lowest Quarter Returns
    (for periods shown in the bar chart)
 
     
[**To be updated with chart reflecting annual performance through 12/31/2009**]
  Highest    
 
 
  [3/01/07 — 6/30/08 ]   [-0.21]%
 
       
 
  Lowest    
 
  [9/01/08-12/31/08 ]   [-17.02]%
Calendar Year End (through 12/31)

23


Table of Contents

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2009
                 
            Since Inception
            (December 20,
    1 Year   2007)
Return Before Taxes
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions
    [__] %     [__] %
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
Consumer Price Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
    [__] %     [__] %
 
After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their shares in the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In some cases, the return after taxes may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period.
Management of the Fund :
Investment Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”)
Sub-Adviser — Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (“SIMNA Ltd.”)
Portfolio Managers
Johanna Kyrklund, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Michael Spinks, CFA, Portfolio Manager, has managed the Fund since 2008.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares : The minimum initial investment in the Fund for R Shares is $1,000. R Shares are intended for purchase through an employee benefit plan or employer-sponsored retirement plan (“Plan”) that has an agreement with SIMNA Inc. or the Fund’s distributor to sell shares. Although R Shares may be purchased by a Plan administrator directly from SIMNA Inc., Plans that purchase R Shares directly from the Fund’s distributor must hold their shares in an omnibus account at the Plan level. Plan participants may not directly purchase R Shares from the Fund’s distributor. For information on how to buy and sell shares of the Fund through your Plan, including any investment restrictions and charges that the Plan may impose, consult your employer or Plan administrator. Generally, purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares are processed at the net asset value (NAV) next calculated after an order is received by the Fund, its distributor, your Plan or an authorized intermediary.
Tax Information : The Fund’s distributions are generally currently taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund, its distributor or their affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares 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 Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Web site for more information.

24


Table of Contents

INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
Investment Objective. To seek long-term capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through a flexible asset allocation approach, investing in traditional asset classes and in alternative asset classes. The Fund’s adviser, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Schroders”), and sub-adviser, Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (“SIMNA Ltd.”), allocate the Fund’s investments among asset classes in response to changing market, economic, and political factors and events that the adviser or sub-adviser believe may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund seeks a level of investment return, after investment advisory fees, in excess of the rate of inflation.
The Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may seek exposure to the asset classes described below by investing in other investment companies or investment pools ,by investing directly in securities and other investments or through the use of derivatives. These might include, for example, other open-end or closed-end investment companies (including investment companies that concentrate their investments in one or more industries or economic or market sectors), exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”, which are open-end investment companies whose shares may be bought or sold by investors in transactions on major stock exchanges), and unit investment trusts, and domestic or foreign private investment pools (including investment companies not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), such as “hedge funds”) or indexes of investment pools. Some of these funds or pools may be managed or sponsored by the adviser or sub-adviser and its affiliates, although others may not be. The amount and type of the Fund’s investment in a particular asset class, and the amount invested in certain investment companies or investment pools, is limited by law and by tax considerations.
The Fund pursues its objective by using a combination of the following strategies:
  Allocating its investments among a broad array of traditional asset classes, such as equity and fixed-income investments, and less traditional, alternative asset classes, such as investments in real estate, commodities, currencies, and private equity, and investments in absolute return strategies, described below;
  On-going asset allocation across markets and asset classes in response to changing market conditions and market cycles; and
  Specialist management within certain of the underlying asset classes. The Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may itself manage the Fund’s assets allocated to a particular asset class, either directly or through a mutual fund or other pooled vehicle managed by it, or it may invest the Fund’s assets in other investment companies or private investment pools providing access to specialist management outside of the Schroders organization.
The Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser emphasize the management of risk and volatility. Generally, the Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser seeks to minimize volatility in the value of its portfolio by:
  Using a wide range of asset classes whose performance the adviser or sub-adviser believes will not be highly correlated with each other;
  Employing asset allocation positioning with the aim of providing greater stability of performance; and
  Employing derivatives to seek to limit the potential for loss in times of market volatility.
The portfolio is not managed with reference to a specified benchmark. Every asset class is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser to determine whether it provides the opportunity to enhance performance or to reduce risk. The portfolio will be allocated across a range of asset classes. The Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser will rely on proprietary asset allocation models to adjust the amount of the Fund’s investments in the various asset classes. Exposure to different asset classes and strategies will vary over time, in response to changes in the adviser’s or the sub- adviser’s assessment of changing market, economic, and political factors and events that the adviser or sub-adviser believe may impact the value of the Fund’s investments.

25


Table of Contents

Principal Investments.
Traditional Asset Classes
    Equity Investments — Equity securities, of U.S. or foreign issuers of any size. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks, and options and warrants to purchase common or preferred stocks. The Fund may invest any portion of its assets in equity securities of issuers located in “emerging market” countries. The Fund may also purchase securities in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). In selecting investments for the Fund, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may seek to identify securities of companies in industries, sectors, or geographical regions that it believes are undervalued or otherwise offer significant potential for capital appreciation, and companies that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation based on novel, superior, or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures, new management, or other factors.
    Fixed-Income Investments — Debt securities of issuers located anywhere in the world believed to offer the potential for attractive capital appreciation, current income, or both. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities; debt securities of domestic or foreign corporations; mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities; obligations of international agencies or supranational entities; debt securities convertible into equity securities; inflation-indexed bonds; structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities, event-linked bonds, and loan participations; and delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities. Fixed income securities in which the Fund invests may include securities that pay interest at fixed rates or at floating or variable rates; payments of principal or interest may be made at fixed intervals or only at maturity or upon the occurrence of stated events or contingencies. The Fund may invest in securities of any credit rating, including securities of investment grade and higher-yielding, lower-rated securities, sometimes known as “junk” bonds. Securities will be considered to be of investment grade if they are rated BBB or above by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Rating Service (“S&P”), or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. (“Fitch”)), or if they are unrated and the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers them to be of comparable quality. If more than one nationally recognized statistical rating organization has rated a security, the highest rating will control for this purpose. The Fund will not normally invest in securities rated below CC- or the equivalent (or determined by the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser to be of comparable quality). The Fund may invest any portion of its assets in debt securities of issuers located in “emerging market” countries.
    Short-Term Investments — Short-term, high quality investments, including, for example, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, certificates of deposit, bank time deposits, repurchase agreements, and investments in money market mutual funds or similar pooled investments.
Alternative Asset Classes
    Real Estate — Investments in real-estate related securities, such as real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) (equity REITs or mortgage REITs), real estate operating companies, brokers, developers, and builders of residential, commercial, and industrial properties; property management firms; finance, mortgage, and mortgage servicing firms; construction supply and equipment manufacturing companies; and firms dependent on real estate holdings for revenues and profits, including lodging, leisure, timber, mining, and agriculture companies.
    Absolute Return — Investments in portfolios of securities managed to provide an investment return that is generally independent of changes in the values of broad-based equity securities indices. Those portfolios may include long and short equity or fixed-income positions and investments in derivatives. Absolute return investments will normally be selected for their ability to provide predictable, hedged returns over time.
    Infrastructure — Securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers providing exposure to infrastructure investment. Infrastructure investments may be related to physical structures and networks that provide necessary services to society, such as transportation and communications networks, water and energy utilities, and public service facilities.
    Commodities — Investments intended to provide exposure to one or more physical commodities or securities indices. Investments may include, by way of example, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and forward contracts, and securities designed to provide commodity-based exposures.

26


Table of Contents

    Currencies — Investment positions in various foreign currencies, including actual holdings of those currencies, forward, futures, swap, and option contracts with respect to foreign currencies.
    Private Equity — Investments in private companies (or private investments in public companies) typically made in connection with the organization or restructuring of a company, including so-called leveraged buy-outs and management buy-outs.
The Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may also seek exposure to the asset classes described above either by investing in other investment companies or investment pools or by investing directly in securities or other investments. The Fund may seek to obtain, or reduce, exposure to one or more asset classes through the use of exchange-traded or over-the-counter derivatives, such as, for example, futures contracts, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, options (puts and calls) purchased or sold by the Fund, and structured notes. The Fund may also use derivatives for hedging purposes, or to gain long or short exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, and in some cases the risks of leverage, described in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). In addition, investments in derivatives, as well as in securities with substantial market and/or credit risk as well as foreign securities, tend to have exposure to liquidity risk, as described further in this Prospectus and in the Fund’s SAI.
Provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder limit the Fund’s ability to invest both in certain derivatives that are not “securities” as the term is defined in the 1940 Act and in other funds. The Fund relies on exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to use such derivatives and to invest in other funds, subject to certain conditions.
The Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may sell securities when it believes that they no longer offer attractive potential future returns compared to other investment opportunities or that they present undesirable risks, or in order to limit losses on securities that have declined in value. If the Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser trade the Fund’s portfolio securities frequently, it may result in taxable capital gains and transaction costs (such as brokerage expense or the bid/asked spread on purchases and sales of securities).
The Fund’s investment adviser or sub-adviser may retain one or more other additional sub-advisers to manage portions of the Fund’s portfolio invested in certain asset classes. The Fund may apply for exemptive relief from the SEC to permit the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser to retain one or more sub-advisers without approval of shareholders of the Fund. Until the Fund receives that relief, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser will not generally be permitted to retain any sub-adviser (other than certain sub-advisers affiliated with Schroders) without shareholder approval, although the Fund will be permitted to terminate any sub-advisory agreement.
The table below shows the percentages of the Fund’s assets allocated to each of the identified assets as of December 31, 2009. The Fund may gain exposure to each asset class directly, through investments in other investment companies, or through use of derivatives. It is possible that the initial allocation and advisory arrangements with respect to an asset class will be different from those shown in the table. Allocations and anticipated investment ranges will change over time.
                 
    Allocation (as   Anticipated
    of December 31,   Investment
Asset Class   2009)   Ranges
Equity Investments
    [ ] %     0-75 %
Fixed Income Investments
               
Investment Grade Fixed-Income Investments
    [ ] %     0-25 %
Emerging Market and Below Investment Grade Fixed Income Investments
    [ ] %     0-25 %
Alternative Investments
    [ ] %     0-50 %
Real Estate
    [ ] %     0-25 %
Absolute Return
    [ ] %     0-30 %
Infrastructure
    [ ] %     0-15 %
Commodities
    [ ] %     0-20 %
Currencies
    [ ] %     0-8 %
Private Equity
    [ ] %     0-15 %
Cash and other short-term investments
    [ ] %     0-25 %

27


Table of Contents

The Fund will seek to allocate its investments across a variety of asset classes, which may serve to reduce overall investment risk, although it is not a guarantee against losses. Although Schroders will attempt to reduce the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio through investment across a variety of asset classes, there can, of course, be no assurance that Schroders will be successful in doing so. It is possible that the Fund could experience losses in all of the asset classes in which it has invested at any time. The Fund is a diversified investment company as defined in the 1940 Act.
Currently, the Fund allocates its assets as follows: pooled investment vehicles not sponsored by Schroders or a Schroders affiliate — approximately 60%; pooled investment vehicles sponsored by Schroders or a Schroders affiliate — approximately 30%; and direct investments (not through other investment pools) — approximately 10%. It is nonetheless possible that over time or from time to time, the allocation will be different; allocations between direct investments and affiliated and unaffiliated pooled investment vehicles will change over time.
Three of the underlying affiliated funds in which the Fund’s assets are currently invested are the Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, Schroder International Alpha Fund, and Schroder International Diversified Value Fund. Summaries of the investment strategies of these underlying funds are provided in Appendix A. From time to time the Fund may invest in other or different affiliated funds or may no longer invest in these underlying funds at all or in a significant amount. Schroders may change the investment policies and/or programs of the underlying funds at any time without notice to shareholders of the Fund. Each of the underlying funds is subject to some or all of the risks detailed under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund.”
In addition, the underlying unaffiliated funds to which the Fund may indirectly have exposure may include, but are not limited to, Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund, which invests primarily in high yield, fixed income securities that, at the time of purchase, are non-investment grade, and iShares iBoxx Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund, which seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of a segment of the U.S. investment grade corporate bond market as defined by the iBoxx ® $ Liquid Investment Grade Index. For a more detailed explanation of each underlying fund’s principal investments, investment methodology and risks, please refer to the prospectus of each underlying fund. From time to time the Fund may invest in other or different unaffiliated funds or may no longer invest in the funds above at all or in a significant amount.
Changes in investment objective and strategies. The Fund’s investment objective and strategy and target allocations and, unless otherwise noted in this prospectus or in the SAI, other investment policies of the Fund are not fundamental policies and, as such, may be changed by the Trustees without a vote of, or notice to, the shareholders.

28


Table of Contents

Additional Performance Information.
This section contains additional information regarding the Fund’s performance and the presentation of such performance.
The Average Annual Total Returns Table in the Fund’s “Summary Information” section above compares the Fund’s returns with those of a broad-based market index and the Consumer Price Index. The Morgan Stanley Capital International World Index is an unmanaged market-capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance. The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.
The current portfolio managers primarily responsible for making investment decisions for the Fund assumed this responsibility effective December 1, 2008. The performance results shown in the bar chart and table in the “Summary Information” section for periods prior to December 1, 2008 were achieved by the Fund under a different portfolio manager

29


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The Fund may not achieve its objective. The following provides more detail about certain of the Fund’s principal risks and the circumstances which could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s shares or its investment return. Unless a strategy or policy described below is specifically prohibited by the Fund’s investment restrictions as set forth in this Prospectus or under “Investment Restrictions” in the Fund’s SAI, or by applicable law, the Fund may engage in each of the practices described below.
  Equity Securities Risk. The principal risks of investing in the Fund include the risk that the value of the equity securities in the portfolio will fall, or will not appreciate as anticipated by the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser, due to factors that adversely affect equities markets generally or particular companies in the portfolio. Common stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer and are subject to issuer and market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Preferred stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that typically pays dividends at a specified rate and that has priority over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Different types of investments tend to shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic conditions.
  Convertible Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in convertible securities, which are corporate debt securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of preferred or common stock, and so subject to the risks of investments in both debt securities and equity securities. The Fund may also invest in preferred stocks that are convertible into common stocks, and so subject to the risks of investments in both preferred and common stocks. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying preferred and common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities.
  Warrants Risk. The Fund may invest in warrants to purchase equity securities. The price, performance and liquidity of such warrants are typically linked to the underlying stock.
  Foreign Investment Risk. The Fund may invest in foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities entail certain risks. There may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability, and diplomatic developments that could affect the value of the Fund’s investments in certain foreign countries. In addition, there may be less information publicly available about a foreign issuer than about a U.S. issuer, and foreign issuers are not generally subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also generally higher than in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve certain risks (such as delay in payment or delivery of securities or in the recovery of the Fund’s assets held abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments.
    In addition, legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be more limited than those available to investors in the United States or in other foreign countries. The willingness and ability of foreign governmental entities to pay principal and interest on government securities depends on various economic factors, including the issuer’s balance of payments, overall debt level, and cash-flow considerations related to the availability of tax or other revenues to satisfy the issuer’s obligations. If a foreign governmental entity defaults on its obligations on the securities, the Fund may have limited recourse available to it. The laws of some foreign countries may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries.
    Special tax considerations apply to the Fund’s investments in foreign securities. In determining whether to invest the Fund’s assets in debt securities of foreign issuers, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers the likely impact of foreign taxes on the net yield available to the Fund and its shareholders. Income and/or gains received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be reduced by withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Any such taxes paid by the Fund will reduce its income available for distribution to shareholders. Certain of these risks may also apply to some extent to investments in U.S. companies that are traded in foreign markets, or investments in U.S. companies that have significant foreign operations.
    In addition, the Fund’s investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or character of the Fund’s distributions.

30


Table of Contents

  Foreign Currencies Risk. Since foreign securities normally are denominated and traded in foreign currencies, the value of the Fund’s assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, currency exchange control regulations, foreign withholding taxes, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies. The Fund may, but is not required to, buy or sell foreign securities and options and futures contracts on foreign securities for hedging purposes in connection with its foreign investments.
    If the Fund purchases securities denominated in foreign currencies, a change in the value of any such currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets and the Fund’s income available for distribution. Officials in foreign countries may from time to time take actions in respect of their currencies which could significantly affect the value of the Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies or the liquidity of such investments. For example, a foreign government may unilaterally devalue its currency against other currencies, which would typically have the effect of reducing the U.S. dollar value of investments denominated in that currency. A foreign government may also limit the convertibility or repatriation of its currency or assets denominated in its currency, which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. In addition, although at times most of the Fund’s income may be received or realized in these currencies, the Fund will be required to compute and distribute its income in U.S. dollars. As a result, if the exchange rate for any such currency declines after the Fund’s income has been earned and translated into U.S. dollars but before payment to shareholders, the Fund could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to make such distributions. Similarly, if the Fund incurs an expense in U.S. dollars and the exchange rate declines before the expense is paid, the Fund would have to convert a greater amount of U.S. dollars to pay for the expense at that time than it would have had to convert at the time the Fund incurred the expense. The Fund may, but is not required to, buy or sell foreign currencies and options and futures contracts on foreign currencies for hedging purposes in connection with its foreign investments.
  Emerging Markets Securities Risk. Investing in emerging market securities poses risks different from, and/or greater than, risks of investing in domestic securities or in the securities of foreign, developed countries. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales, and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or the creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. Although many of the emerging market securities in which the Fund may invest are traded on securities exchanges, they may trade in limited volume, and the exchanges may not provide all of the conveniences or protections provided by securities exchanges in more developed markets.

31


Table of Contents

    Additional risks of emerging market securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.
  Geographic Focus Risk. To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial amount of its assets in one country or group of countries, its performance may at times be worse than the performance of other mutual funds that invest more broadly.
  Equity Markets Risk. Although stocks may outperform other asset classes over the long term, their prices tend to fluctuate more dramatically over the shorter term. These movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, or from broader influences like changes in interest rates, market conditions, investor confidence or announcements of economic, political or financial information. While potentially offering greater opportunities for capital growth than larger, more established companies, the stocks of smaller companies may be particularly volatile, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. These companies may face less certain growth prospects, or depend heavily on a limited line of products and services or the efforts of a small number of key management personnel.
  Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in companies that are smaller and less well-known than larger, more widely held companies. Micro, small and mid cap companies may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger companies, but may also involve certain special risks. They are more likely than larger companies to have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or to depend on a small, inexperienced management group. Securities of smaller companies may trade less frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and their values may fluctuate more sharply than other securities. They may also trade in the over-the-counter market or on a regional exchange, or may otherwise have limited liquidity. These securities may therefore be more vulnerable to adverse developments than securities of larger companies, and the Fund may have difficulty establishing or closing out its securities positions in smaller companies at prevailing market prices. Also, there may be less publicly available information about smaller companies or less market interest in their securities as compared to larger companies, and it may take longer for the prices of the securities to reflect the full value of their issuers’ earnings potential or assets.
  Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Risk. The Fund may also purchase securities of companies in IPOs, which frequently are smaller companies. Such securities have no trading history, and information about these companies may be available for very limited periods. The prices of securities sold in IPOs also can be highly volatile. Under certain market conditions, very few companies, if any, may determine to make IPOs of their securities. At any particular time or from time to time the Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to the Fund. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when they are unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so.
  Private Placements and Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. At times, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund’s sale of such investments may also be restricted under securities laws. In the event that the Trustees, or persons designated by the Trustees, determine that a security is “readily marketable” pursuant to these procedures, and the Fund is not able to sell such security at the price that such persons anticipate, the Fund’s net asset value will decrease.
  Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or derives from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this section, such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk, and the risk that a derivative transaction may not have the effect the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser anticipated. Derivatives also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate, or

32


Table of Contents

    index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may be highly volatile. Use of derivatives other than for hedging purposes may be considered speculative, and when the Fund invests in a derivative instrument it could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the Fund will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that would be beneficial. Many derivative transactions are entered into “over-the-counter” (not on an exchange or contract market); as a result, the value of such a derivative transaction will depend on the ability and willingness of the Fund’s counterparty to perform its obligations under the transaction. The Fund may be required to segregate certain of its assets on the books of its custodian in respect of derivatives transactions entered into by the Fund. See the Fund’s SAI for more information. Special tax considerations apply to the Fund’s investments in derivatives.
  Leverage Risk. The use of leverage has the potential to increase returns to shareholders, but also involves additional risks. Leverage will increase the volatility of the Fund’s investment portfolio and could result in larger losses than if it were not used. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, any leverage will decrease (or increase) the net asset value per share to a greater extent than if the Fund were not leveraged. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in losses to the Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
  Over-the-Counter Risk. Securities traded in over-the-counter markets may trade in smaller volumes, and their prices may be more volatile, than securities principally traded on securities exchanges. Such securities may be less liquid than more widely traded securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may include an undisclosed dealer markup, which the Fund pays as part of the purchase price.
  Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. The Fund’s investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Investments in foreign securities, derivatives, or securities with substantial market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk. Illiquid securities may be highly volatile and difficult to value.
  Real Estate Risk. The Fund may invest in REITs that subject it to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses. In addition, an investment in a REIT is subject to additional risks, such as poor performance by the manager of the REIT, adverse changes to the tax laws or failure by the REIT to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code. In addition, some REITs have limited diversification because they invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property. Also, the organizational documents of a REIT may contain provisions that make changes in control of the REIT difficult and time-consuming. As a shareholder in a REIT, the Fund, and indirectly the Fund’s shareholders, would bear its ratable share of the REIT’s expenses and would at the same time continue to pay its own fees and expenses.
  Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations and certain stripped mortgage-backed securities represent a participation in, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables from credit card agreements.
    Traditional debt investments typically pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the entire principal amount is due. By contrast, payments on mortgage-backed and many asset-backed investments typically include both interest and partial payment of principal. Principal may also be prepaid voluntarily, or as a result of refinancing or foreclosure. The Fund may have to invest the proceeds from prepaid investments in other investments with less attractive terms and yields. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Because the prepayment rate generally declines as interest rates rise, an increase in interest rates will likely increase the duration, and thus the volatility, of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. In addition to interest rate risk (as described below under “Interest Rate Risk”), investments in mortgage-backed securities composed of subprime mortgages may be subject to a higher degree of liquidity risk, valuation and credit risk (as described above under “Liquidity Risk” and below under “Credit Risk” and “Valuation Risk”). Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of the security’s price to changes in interest rates. Unlike the maturity of a fixed income security, which measures only the time until final payment is due, duration takes into account the time until all payments of interest and principal on a security are expected to be made, including how these payments are affected by prepayments and by changes in interest rates.

33


Table of Contents

    The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited. Some mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments receive only the interest portion (“IOs”) or the principal portion (“POs”) of payments on the underlying assets. The yields and values of these investments are extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates and in the rate of principal payments on the underlying assets. IOs tend to decrease in value if interest rates decline and rates of repayment (including prepayment) on the underlying mortgages or assets increase; it is possible that the Fund may lose the entire amount of its investment in an IO due to a decrease in interest rates. Conversely, POs tend to decrease in value if interest rates rise and rates of repayment decrease. Moreover, the market for IOs and POs may be volatile and limited, which may make them difficult for the Fund to buy or sell.
    The Fund may gain investment exposure to mortgage-backed and asset-backed investments by entering into agreements with financial institutions to buy the investments at a fixed price at a future date. The Fund may or may not take delivery of the investments at the termination date of such an agreement, but will nonetheless be exposed to changes in value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
    If the Fund purchases mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities that are ‘subordinated’ to other interests in the same mortgage pool, the Fund as a holder of those securities may only receive payments after the pool’s obligations to other investors have been satisfied. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may limit substantially the pool’s ability to make payments of principal or interest to the Fund as a holder of such subordinated securities, reducing the values of those securities or in some cases rendering them worthless; the risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include so-called ‘subprime’ mortgages. An unexpectedly high or low rate of prepayments on a pool’s underlying mortgages may have a similar effect on subordinated securities. A mortgage pool may issue securities subject to various levels of subordination; the risk of non-payment affects securities at each level, although the risk is greater in the case of more highly subordinated securities.
  Infrastructure Investment Risk. The Fund’s infrastructure-related investments expose the Fund to potential adverse economic, regulatory, political and other changes affecting such investments. Issuers of securities in infrastructure-related businesses are subject to a variety of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations including high interest costs in connection with capital construction programs, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown and surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Additionally, infrastructure-related entities may be subject to regulation by various governmental authorities and may also be affected by governmental regulation of rates charged to customers, service interruption due to environmental, operational, or other mishaps and the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards.
  Commodity Risk. The Fund’s investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment available to regulated investment companies under the Code, the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from certain specified types of investments. It is currently unclear which types of commodities-linked derivatives fall within these specified investment types. As a result, if the Fund’s income from investments in commodities-linked derivatives were to exceed a certain threshold, the Fund could fail to qualify for the special tax treatment available to regulated investment companies under the Code.
  Interest Rate Risk. The values of bonds and other debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally increase the values of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally reduce the value of existing debt instruments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer durations or maturities. Some investments give the issuer the option to call or redeem an investment before its maturity date. If an issuer calls or redeems an investment during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates.
  Credit Risk. The ability, or perceived ability, of the issuer of a debt security to make timely payments of interest and principal on the security will affect the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when the Fund owns securities of that issuer, or that the issuer will default on its obligations. An actual or perceived deterioration in the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will likely have an adverse effect on the value of the issuer’s securities.

34


Table of Contents

    If a security has been rated by more than one nationally recognized statistical rating organization the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser will consider the highest rating for the purposes of determining whether the security is of “investment grade.” The Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security held by it if its rating falls below investment grade, although the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser will consider whether the security continues to be an appropriate investment for the Fund. The Fund considers whether a security is of “investment grade” only at the time of purchase. The Fund may invest in securities which will not be rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (such as Moody’s, S&P, or Fitch), and their credit quality will be determined by the adviser or sub-adviser.
    Credit risk is generally greater for investments issued at less than their face values and required to make interest payments only at maturity rather than at intervals during the life of the investment. Credit rating agencies base their ratings largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ investment analysis at the time of rating. The rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition, and does not reflect an assessment of an investment’s volatility or liquidity. Although investment grade investments generally have lower credit risk than investments rated below investment grade, they may share some of the risks of lower-rated investments, including the possibility that the issuers may be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal and thus default.
  Inflation/Deflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the Fund’s assets or income from the Fund’s investments may be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s portfolio could decline. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy may decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
  Extension Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security’s duration, and reduce the value of the security.
  U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities include a variety of securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities, and dates of issue. While securities issued or guaranteed by some agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as the Government National Mortgage Association) are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, securities issued or guaranteed by certain other agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as Federal Home Loan Banks) are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government, and securities issued or guaranteed by certain other agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are supported only by the credit of the issuer itself. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now under conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and are benefiting from a liquidity backstop of the U.S. Treasury, no assurance can be given that these initiatives will be successful. Investments in these securities are also subject to interest rate risk (as described above under “Interest Rate Risk”), prepayment risk (as described above under “Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Risk”), extension risk (as described above under “Extension Risk”), and the risk that the value of the securities will fluctuate in response to political, market, or economic developments.
  High-Yield/Junk Bonds Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of any credit rating, including securities of investment grade and higher-yielding, lower-rated securities, sometimes known as “junk” bonds. Securities will be considered to be of investment grade if they are rated BBB or above by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s, S&P, or Fitch), or if they are unrated and the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers them to be of comparable quality. If more than one nationally recognized statistical rating organization has rated a security, the highest rating will control for this purpose. The Fund will not normally invest in securities rated below CC- or the equivalent (or determined by the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser to be of comparable quality). The lower ratings of certain securities held by the Fund reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of securities held by the Fund more volatile and could limit the Fund’s ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Fund has placed on such securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by them, the Fund at times may be unable to establish the fair value of such securities. To the extent the Fund invests in securities in the lower rating categories, the achievement of the Fund’s goals is more dependent on the Fund adviser’s or sub-adviser’s investment analysis than would be the case if the Fund was investing in securities in the higher rating categories.

35


Table of Contents

  Investments in Pooled Vehicles Risk. The Fund may invest in other investment companies or pooled vehicles, including closed-end funds, trusts, and ETFs, that are advised by the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser or its affiliates or by unaffiliated parties, to the extent permitted by applicable law. When investing in a closed-end investment company, the Fund may pay a premium above such investment company’s net asset value per share and when the shares are sold, the price received by the Fund may be at a discount to net asset value. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund, and indirectly that Fund’s shareholders, would bear its ratable share of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory and administrative fees, and would at the same time continue to pay its own fees and expenses. Where an investment company or pooled investment vehicle offers multiple classes of shares or interests, the Fund will seek to invest in the class with the lowest expenses to the Fund, although there is no guarantee that it will be able to do so. ETFs issue redeemable securities, but because these securities may only be redeemed in kind in significant amounts investors generally buy and sell shares in transactions on securities exchanges. Investments in other investment companies may be subject to investment limitations, such as redemption fees; under certain circumstances, such investment companies that are sponsored by Schroders or its affiliates will waive such a redemption fee. See “How to Sell Fund Shares — Redemption Fees” for more information.
  Allocation Risk. The Fund’s investment performance may depend, at least in part, on how its assets are allocated and reallocated among the underlying funds in which it invests according to the Fund’s asset allocation targets and ranges. The Fund’s adviser and sub-adviser attempt to identify allocations that will provide consistent, quality performance for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that such allocation techniques will produce the desired results. It is possible that the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser will focus on an underlying fund that performs poorly or underperforms other underlying funds under various market conditions. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund as a result of these allocation decisions. Although the Fund will attempt to invest in a number of different underlying funds, to the extent that the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a single underlying fund, it will be particularly sensitive to the risks associate with that fund and any investments in which that fund concentrates.
  Underlying Fund Risk. The value of your investment in the Fund is related to the investment performance of the underlying funds in which it invests. Therefore, the principal risks of investing in the Fund are closely related to the principal risks associated with these funds and their investments. Because the Fund’s allocation among different underlying funds and investments directly in securities will vary, your investment may be subject to any and all of these risks at different times and to different degrees. There is no guarantee that the underlying funds will achieve their investment objectives, and the underlying funds’ performance may be lower than the performance of the asset class which they were selected to represent. The underlying funds may change their investment objective or policies without the approval of the Fund. If an underlying fund were to change its investment objective or policies, the Fund may be forced to withdraw its investment from the underlying fund at a disadvantageous time. To the extent that the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in an underlying fund, it will be particularly sensitive to the risks associated with that underlying fund. Underlying funds that are “non-diversified” because they may invest a significant portion of their assets in a relatively small number of issuers may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security or the impact of a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence may have a greater adverse impact on the underlying fund’s net asset value.
  Affiliated Fund Risk. In managing the Fund, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser will have authority to select and substitute underlying funds. The Fund’s investment adviser or its sub-adviser may be subject to a potential conflict of interest in determining whether to invest in an underlying fund managed by the adviser or sub-adviser or an affiliate, or in a pool managed by an unaffiliated manager, and may have an economic or other incentive to select the pool managed by it or its affiliate over another pool that may be more appropriate for the Fund. The adviser or sub-adviser may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in selecting underlying funds because the fees paid to them by some underlying Schroders funds may be higher than the fees paid to them by the Fund or by other funds available for investment by the Fund. The Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser or an affiliate may receive fees from underlying funds which they advise or sub-advise, in addition to fees paid to the adviser by the Fund, and therefore may have an incentive to invest the Fund’s assets in such funds. Similarly, the adviser and sub-adviser have a financial incentive to invest the Fund’s assets in affiliated underlying funds with higher fees than other affiliated and unaffiliated funds available for investment by the Fund. The Fund’s adviser has implemented a fee waiver and expense limitation the amount of which is based, in part, on the likely revenues to the adviser and its affiliates from investments in affiliated underlying funds. In addition, the adviser will report to the Fund’s Trustees periodically as to the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in affiliated underlying funds and the bases for the adviser’s or sub-adviser’s selection of those investments. Furthermore, the adviser or sub-adviser may have an incentive to take into account the effect on an underlying fund in which the Fund may invest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, to purchase or sell interests in the pool; the interests of the underlying fund or pool may or may not be consistent with those of the Fund. However, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser is a fiduciary to the Fund and is obligated to act in its best interest when selecting underlying funds. In fulfilling their fiduciary duties, on an on-going basis, the adviser and sub-adviser will seek to assure that any conflicts are minimized.

36


Table of Contents

  Depositary Receipts Risk. The Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), as well as German Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar securities representing ownership of foreign securities. Depositary Receipts generally evidence an ownership interest in a corresponding foreign security on deposit with a financial institution. Investments in non-U.S. issuers through Depositary Receipts and similar instruments may involve certain risks not applicable to investing in U.S. issuers, including changes in currency rates, application of local tax laws, changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs may be incurred in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored Depositary Receipts. Unsponsored Depositary Receipts are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, available information concerning the issuers may not be as current for unsponsored Depositary Receipts and the prices of unsponsored Depositary Receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer.
  Management Risk. Because the Fund is actively managed, the Fund’s investment return depends on the ability of its adviser or sub-adviser to manage its portfolio successfully. The Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser and its investment team will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results. The Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends upon the adviser’s or sub-adviser’s ability to select the best mix of underlying funds and securities and strategic asset allocation. There is a risk that the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may be incorrect in its analysis of economic trends, countries, industries, companies, and the relative attractiveness of asset classes or other matters.
  Frequent Trading/Portfolio Turnover Risk. The length of time the Fund has held a particular security is not generally a consideration in investment decisions. The investment policies of the Fund may lead to frequent changes in the Fund’s investments, particularly in periods of volatile market movements, in order to take advantage of what the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser believes to be temporary disparities in normal yield relationships between securities. A change in the securities held by the Fund is known as “portfolio turnover.” Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Fund, including bid-asked spreads, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other securities, and may result in the realization of taxable capital gains (including short-term gains, which are generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income rates). The trading costs and tax effects associated with portfolio turnover may adversely affect the Fund’s performance. During periods when the Fund experiences high portfolio turnover rates, these effects are likely to be more pronounced. The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund’s last fiscal year was [  ]%. Consult your tax advisor regarding the effect the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate could have on your tax situation. The Fund and its shareholders will also share in the costs and tax effects of portfolio turnover in any underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
  Valuation Risk. Due to the nature of some of the Fund’s investments and the market environment, a portion of the Fund’s assets may be valued by Schroders at fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The Fund’s assets may be valued using prices provided by a pricing service or, alternatively, a broker-dealer or other market intermediary (sometimes just one broker-dealer or other market intermediary) when other reliable pricing sources may not be available. To the extent the Fund relies on a pricing service to value some or all of its portfolio securities, it is possible that the pricing information provided by the service will not reflect the actual price the Fund would receive upon sale of a security. In addition, to the extent the Fund sells a security at a price lower than the price it has been using to value the security, its net asset value will be adversely affected. If the Fund has overvalued securities it holds, you may end up paying too much for the Fund’s shares when you buy into the Fund. If the Fund underestimates the price of its portfolio securities, you may not receive the full market value for your Fund shares when you sell. When the Fund invests in other mutual funds or investment pools, it will generally value its investments in those funds or pools based on the valuations determined by the funds or pools, which may not be precisely the same as if the net assets of the funds or pools had been valued using the procedures employed by the Fund to value its own assets.
  Loan Participations. The Fund may invest in “loan participations.” Loan participations may be structured in different forms, including novations, assignments and participating interests. By purchasing a loan participation, the Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a particular borrower. The Fund’s ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loan participations held by it will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan participation would adversely affect the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets, which would be reflected in a reduction in the Fund’s net asset value. In addition, loan participations generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to sell such participations in secondary markets. As a result, the Fund may be unable to sell loan participations at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or may be able to sell them only at a price that is less than their fair market value.
  Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The Fund’s investment return on such assets will depend on the counterparties’ willingness and ability to perform their obligations under the repurchase agreements. If the seller of a repurchase agreement defaults, the Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement including interest.

37


Table of Contents

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES
     In addition to the principal investment strategies described in the Principal Investment Strategies section above, the Fund may at times, but is not required to, use the strategies and techniques described below, which involve certain special risks. This Prospectus does not attempt to disclose all of the various investment techniques and types of securities that the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser might use in managing the Fund. As in any mutual fund, investors must rely on the professional investment judgment and skill of the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser.
  Short Sales . The Fund may sell a security short when the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser anticipates that the price of the security will decline. The Fund may make a profit or incur a loss depending on whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund “closes” the short position. A short position will result in a loss if the market price of the security in question increases between the date when the Fund enters into the short position and the date when the Fund closes the short position. Such a loss could theoretically be unlimited in a case where such Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position. In addition, short positions may result in a loss if a portfolio strategy of which the short position is a part is otherwise unsuccessful.
  When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward Commitment Transactions. The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase a security for a predetermined price or yield, with payments and delivery taking place more than seven days in the future, or after a period longer than the customary settlement period for that type of security. These transactions may increase the overall investment exposure for the Fund and involve a risk of loss if the value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date.
  Securities Loans . The Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers. These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but involve some risk to the Fund if the other party should default on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral. The Fund may enter into securities loans as a non-principal investment strategy, as a way to recognize additional current income on securities that it owns.
  Temporary Defensive Strategies . At times, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing the Fund’s investment strategy inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders. At such times, the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser may, but is not required to, take temporary “defensive” positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. In implementing these defensive strategies, the Fund may invest in investment grade fixed income securities, cash or money market instruments to any extent the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser considers consistent with such defensive strategies. It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, the Fund would use these alternate strategies. One risk of taking such temporary defensive positions is that the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
  Securities in Default . The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt securities that are in default. Securities that are in default are subject generally to the risks described above under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund — High Yield/Junk Bonds Risk,” and may offer little or no prospect for the payment of the full amount of unpaid principal and interest.
  Other Investments . The Fund may also invest in other types of securities and utilize a variety of investment techniques and strategies that are not described in this Prospectus. These securities and techniques may subject the Fund to additional risks. Please see the SAI for additional information about the securities and investment techniques described in this Prospectus and about additional techniques and strategies that may be used by the Fund.

38


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has retained Schroders to serve as the Fund’s adviser. Subject to the control of the applicable Board of Trustees, Schroders also manages the Fund’s other affairs and business.
SIMNA Ltd., an affiliate of Schroders, serves as sub-adviser responsible for portfolio management of the Fund, including the allocation of the Fund’s investments among asset classes.
Schroders (itself and its predecessors) has been an investment manager since 1962, and serves as investment adviser to the Fund and as investment adviser to other mutual funds and a broad range of institutional investors. Schroders plc, Schroders’ ultimate parent, is a global asset management company with approximately $[  ] under management as of December 31, 2009. Schroders and its affiliates have clients that are major financial institutions including banks and insurance companies, public and private pension funds, endowments and foundations, high net worth individuals, financial intermediaries and retail investors. Schroders plc has one of the largest networks of offices of any dedicated asset management company and over 350 portfolio managers and analysts covering the world’s investment markets.
  Management Fees . For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, [the Fund did not pay any aggregate management fees], net of applicable expense limitations and/or fee waivers, for investment management and administration services to Schroders (based on the Fund’s average daily net assets). For the services to be rendered by SIMNA Ltd., Schroders (and not the Trust or the Fund) will pay to SIMNA Ltd. a monthly fee in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of all fees actually paid by the Fund to Schroders for such month, provided that SIMNA Ltd.’s fee for any period will be reduced such that SIMNA Ltd. will bear fifty percent (50%) of any voluntary fee waiver observed or expense reimbursement borne by Schroders with respect to the Fund for such period. Schroders has agreed to waive a portion of its management fees through February 28, 2011.
  Expense Limitations and Waivers. Schroders has contractually agreed until February 28, 2011 (i) to reduce its management fee compensation by [0.21]% and (ii) if necessary, in order to limit the expenses of the Fund’s shares, to pay expenses to the extent that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, which may include typically non-recurring expenses such as, for example, organizational expenses, litigation expenses, and shareholder meeting expenses) allocable to each share class of the Fund exceed the following annual rates (based on the average daily net assets attributable to each of the Fund’s share classes taken separately): A Shares: [1.50]%; Advisor Shares: [1.50]%; Investor Shares [1.25]%; and R Shares: [1.75]%.
  Portfolio Management. The portfolio managers at SIMNA Ltd. named below have primary responsibility for making investment decisions for the Fund. All investment decisions are made by a team of investment professionals at SIMNA Ltd. with the portfolio managers named below having primary responsibility for making investment decisions for the Fund. The portfolio managers’ recent professional experience is also shown. The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund.
                 
NAME   TITLE   SINCE   RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Johanna Kyrklund,
CFA
  Portfolio Manager     2008     Ms. Kyrklund has been with the Schroders organization since 2007 and is responsible for investment on behalf of all US and UK multi-asset clients, is a member of the Global Asset Allocation Committee and co-fund manager of Schroders Diversified Growth Fund. Formerly, fund manager of Absolute Insight Tactical Asset Allocation Fund, a global macro absolute return fund, at Insight Investment (2005-2007), and Head of Asset Allocation in the UK and fund manager of the Deutsche tactical asset allocation fund, Deutsche Asset Management (1997-2005).
 
               
Michael Spinks,
CFA
  Portfolio Manager     2008     Mr. Spinks has been with the Schroders organization since 2004 and is responsible for investment on behalf of all US and UK multi-asset clients, is co-fund manager of Schroders Diversified Growth Fund and fund manager of the Diversified Completion Fund. Formerly, consultant to investment managers at Watson Wyatt (1996-2004).

39


Table of Contents

HOW THE FUND’S SHARES ARE PRICED
The Fund calculates the net asset value per share of each of its classes of shares by dividing the total value of the assets attributable to that class, less its liabilities attributable to that class, by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding. The Fund values its shares as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) each day the Exchange is open. The Exchange is currently closed on weekend days and on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at prices which, in the opinion of Schroders, most nearly represent the market values of such securities. Securities for which market values are not readily available, or for which the Fund’s adviser or sub-adviser believes the market value is unreliable (including, for example, certain foreign securities, thinly-traded securities, IPOs, or when there is a particular event that may affect the value of a security), are valued by Schroders at their fair values pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees. A pricing service may recommend a fair value based generally on prices of comparable securities. Certain securities, such as various types of options (as described further below), are valued at fair value on the basis of valuations furnished by broker-dealers or other market intermediaries. It is possible that fair value prices will be used by the Fund to a significant extent. The value determined for an investment using the Fund’s fair value guidelines may differ from recent market prices for the investment. Reliable market quotations are not considered to be readily available for many bonds (excluding U.S. Treasury securities), certain preferred stocks, tax-exempt securities and certain foreign securities. Such securities are valued at fair value, generally on the basis of valuations furnished by pricing services, which determine valuations for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders. Below investment grade debt instruments (“high yield debt”) and emerging markets debt instruments will generally be valued at prices furnished by pricing services based on the mean of bid and asked prices supplied by brokers or dealers, although, if the bid-asked spread exceeds five points, that security will typically be valued at the bid price. Short-term fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless Schroders believes another valuation is more appropriate.
If the Fund’s assets are invested in one or more open-end investment management companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s net asset value is calculated based upon the value of the securities held directly by the Fund and the net asset values of the registered open-end investment management companies in which the Fund invests, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which these companies will use fair value pricing.
Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported sale prices on any day or, in the absence of a reported sale price, at mid-market prices. Options and futures contracts traded on a securities exchange or board of trade generally are valued at the last reported sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the closing mid-market price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Options and futures not traded on a securities exchange or board of trade for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are generally valued at the most recently reported mid-market price. Credit default and interest rate swaps are valued at the estimate of the mid-market price, together with other supporting information. Options on indices or ETF shares are valued at the closing mid-market price. If such prices are not available, unlisted securities and derivatives are valued by Schroders pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees, at their fair values based on quotations from dealers, and if such quotations are not available, based on factors in the markets where such securities and derivatives trade, such as security and bond prices, interest rates, and currency exchange rates.
The Fund may invest in foreign securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends and other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when the price of the Fund’s shares is not calculated. The price of the Fund’s shares will reflect any such changes when the price of the Fund’s shares is next calculated, which is the next day the Exchange is open. The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim. The Fund’s investments may be priced based on fair values provided by a third-party fair valuation vendor, based on certain factors and methodologies applied by such vendor, in the event that there is movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specific threshold established by the Schroders’ Fair Value Committee pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees. The net asset value of each of the Fund’s classes of shares may differ from each other due to differences in the expenses of each of the share classes.

40


Table of Contents

TYPES OF SHARES AVAILABLE
A Shares, Advisor Shares, Investor Shares and R Shares are offered in this Prospectus. (A Shares have an initial sales charge; Advisor Shares, Investor Shares, and R Shares do not have an initial sales load, but their operating expenses differ from those of A Shares.) Shares of the different classes are available to eligible investors.
There are two types of expenses related to the Fund: expenses you pay directly (sales load) and expenses that are deducted from Fund assets:
Expenses you pay directly. There is a one-time charge that you may pay upon purchase of A Shares of the Fund called an “initial sales load.” This charge is designed to provide compensation to your financial intermediary who has an arrangement with Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. (“SFA”), the Trust’s distributor, in connection with the sale of the Fund’s shares to you. It does not necessarily cover all the fees your financial intermediary may charge you for helping you buy shares in the Fund. R Shares do not have initial sales loads, but R Shares have higher operating expenses than the other classes of the Fund. R Shares are subject to a 12b-1 fee of 0.50% (described below), which is greater than the 12b-1 fee associated with other classes of the Fund. This means you could pay more in 12b-1 fees over time than the sales loads you would have paid if you had purchased shares of other classes. Your broker or agent may also charge you a fee for helping you buy shares in the Fund. Upon purchase of Investor Shares or Advisor Shares, you will not pay a sales load. However, your broker or agent may also charge you a fee for helping you buy shares in the Fund.
Expenses you pay through the Fund. The costs of managing and administering the Fund are spread among shareholders of each class of shares. These operating costs cover such things as investment management, distribution (Rule 12b-1 fees) and shareholder servicing, custody, auditing, administrative and transfer agency expenses, and fees and expenses of Trustees.
To compensate SFA for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, the Fund makes payments to SFA from the assets attributable to those classes under a distribution plan (the “Distribution Plan”) adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distribution Plan is a compensation plan that provides for payments at annual rates (based on average daily net assets) of 0.25% on A Shares, 0.25% on Advisor Shares, and 0.50% on R Shares. Because Rule 12b-1 fees are paid out of the assets of the Fund’s A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales loads. For example, R Shares have a higher Rule 12b-1 fee that may cost you more over time than paying the initial sales load for A Shares. All shareholders of A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares share in the expense of Rule 12b-1 fees paid by their class; however, because these shareholders hold their shares through varying arrangements they may not share equally in the benefits of the Distribution Plan. It is expected that all or a substantial portion of the payments made to SFA under the Distribution Plan applicable to the Fund’s R shares will be paid to plan administrators and other intermediaries for distribution and/or shareholder services. Unlike A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, Investor Shares are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee.
Choosing a Share Class. The Fund offers four share classes: A Shares, Advisor Shares, Investor Shares, or R Shares. Shares of different classes are available to different eligible investors. The Funds generally do not have the ability to enforce these limitations on access to the different share classes. It is the sole responsibility of each financial intermediary to ensure that it only makes a class of shares available to those categories of investors that qualify for access to such class. However, the Funds will not knowingly sell a class of shares to any investor not meeting one of the applicable criteria for that share class.
A Shares have an initial sales load and are only available through certain third-party distribution channels. When you buy A Shares, the initial sales load is deducted from the amount you invest, unless you qualify for an initial sales load waiver. This means that less money will be invested in the Fund immediately. Advisor Shares, Investor Shares and R Shares do not have initial sales loads, but R Shares have higher ongoing operating expenses than do A Shares.

41


Table of Contents

The chart below summarizes the features of the different share classes. This chart is only a general summary, and you should read the description of the Fund’s expenses in the “Fees and Expenses” section of this Prospectus. You should also consider the effects of any available sales load waivers.
                                         
                    Maximum   Maximum    
    Minimum   Maximum   Initial Sales   Contingent    
    Initial/Subsequent   Purchase   Charge   Deferred   Annual 12b-1
    Purchase Amount   Amount   (Load)   Sales Load   Fee
A Shares
  $ 2,500 (1)   None     4.50 %(2)   None     0.25 %
Advisor Shares
  $ 2,500/$1,000 (1)   None   None     None     0.25 %
Investor Shares
  $ 250,000/$1,000 (1)   None   None     None   None  
R Shares
  $ 1,000     None   None     None     0.50 %
 
(1)   A $100 minimum subsequent purchase amount applies for automatic investment plans.
 
(2)   As discussed below, the initial sales load with respect to A Shares may be waived in certain circumstances.
The Trust may, in its sole discretion, waive the minimum initial or subsequent investment amounts for share purchases by specific investors or types of investors, including, without limitation: employee benefit plans, employer-sponsored retirement plans, an employee of Schroders, any of its affiliates or a financial intermediary authorized to sell shares of the Fund, or such employee’s spouse or life partner, or children or step-children age 21 or younger; investment advisory clients of Schroders; and current or former Trustees. For share purchases made through certain fund networks or other financial intermediaries, the investment minimums associated with the policies and programs of the fund network or financial intermediary will apply.
The Trust may suspend the offering of Fund shares for any period of time. The Trust may change or waive any investment minimum from time to time.
A Shares. You may purchase A Shares of the Fund through broker-dealers and certain other third-party financial intermediaries that have an arrangement with SFA. You must make a minimum initial investment of $2,500. When you buy A Shares, you pay an initial sales load at the time of your investment, which is included in the offering price. This fee is deducted from the amount you invest, and the remainder of your purchase price is used to buy shares in the Fund. The initial sales load varies depending upon the size of your purchase, as set forth below. You may be eligible to have the initial sales load waived under certain circumstances. It is the responsibility of your financial intermediary to ensure that you obtain the proper “breakpoint” discount. In addition, A Shares are subject to a 12b-1 fee of 0.25%.
                         
                    Reallowance
            Reallowance to   payable to SFA as
Amount of Purchase   Sales Load as a % of   selected dealers as   % of offering
Payment   Offering Price   % of offering price   price
Less than $50,000
    4.50 %     4.00 %     0.50 %
$50,000 to $99,999
    4.00 %     3.50 %     0.50 %
$100,000 to $249,999
    3.50 %     3.00 %     0.50 %
$250,000 to $499,999
    2.50 %     2.00 %     0.50 %
$500,000 to $999,999
    2.00 %     1.75 %     0.25 %
$1,000,000 or more
    0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
A Shares may be purchased without initial sales loads by: (i) investment advisory clients of Schroders; (ii) current or former Trustees; (iii) trustees or custodians of any employee benefit plan or employer-sponsored retirement plan, IRA, Keogh plan, or trust established for the benefit of an employee or officer of Schroders and any of its affiliates; (iv) any trust company or bank trust department exercising discretionary investment authority and holding unallocated accounts in a fiduciary, agency, custodial, or similar capacity; and (v) certain financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, financial institutions, and registered investment advisers and their investors who buy through accounts established with certain fee-based investment advisers or financial planners, wrap fee accounts and other managed agency/asset allocation accounts.
In addition, an employee benefit plan or employer-sponsored retirement plan is eligible to purchase A Shares without a sales load if its plan administrator or dealer of record has entered into an agreement with Schroders or SFA. You may also qualify for a reduced initial sales load through the Rights of Accumulation program and through investment by a letter of intent.

42


Table of Contents

Rights of Accumulation. To reduce your initial sales load on A Shares, you may combine subsequent A Share purchases with your current A Share holdings. You may also include shares held by your spouse and minor children. However, you may not include A Shares that are not subject to a sales load. Specifically, if the sales load on A Shares has been waived or the shares were purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions, these shares may not be included. Simply notify the financial intermediary through whom you purchase your shares that your purchase will qualify for a reduction in the initial sales load and provide the names and account numbers of the family members whose holdings are to be included.
Investment by Letter of Intent. An investor who intends to invest over a 13-month period the minimum amount required to reduce the initial sales load on each intended purchase of A Shares of the Fund may do so by providing a letter of intent. The initial sales load for each purchase will be at the reduced rate that would apply if the full investment were made at one time. You can include purchases by your spouse and minor children in order to obtain the sales load discount. However, you cannot include shares that are not subject to a sales load, such as shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. A letter of intent is not available for SIMPLE IRAs or qualified retirement plans administered by State Street Bank and Trust Company or ExpertPlan, Inc. Shares purchased or held through an employee benefit plan or employer-sponsored retirement plan do not count for purposes of determining whether an investor has qualified for a reduced initial sales load through the use of a letter of intent.
In order to obtain the sales load discount, you should inform your financial intermediary at the time you purchase shares of the existence of other accounts or purchases that are eligible to be linked for purposes of calculating the initial sales charge. The Fund or your financial intermediary may ask you for records or other information about other shares held in your accounts and linked accounts, including accounts opened with a different financial intermediary. Restrictions may apply to certain accounts and transactions.
Completion of a letter of intent does not bind a shareholder to buy the entire intended investment amount. However, the Fund’s transfer agent (“BFDS”) will escrow shares valued at 5% of the intended investment amount to ensure payment of additional initial sales loads if the intended purchases are not made and the shareholder fails to pay the additional initial sales loads within 20 days after BFDS requests payment.
Further details about sales loads are available in the SAI.
Advisor Shares. Advisor Shares are only available through a service organization, such as a bank, trust company, broker-dealer, or other financial organization, that charges an advisory fee, management fee, consulting fee, fee in lieu of brokerage commissions or other similar fee for their services for the shareholder account (a “Service Organization”), provided it has an arrangement with SFA. The Trust sells Advisor Shares at their net asset value without any sales charges or loads, so that the full amount of your purchase payment is invested in the Fund. Advisor Shares of the Fund are intended for purchase by investors making a minimum initial investment of $2,500 through a regular account or a traditional or Roth IRA account and purchasing through a Service Organization. Advisor Shares are subject to a 12b-1 fee of 0.25%.
Investor Shares. Investor Shares are generally available to direct clients of Schroders or its affiliates who meet the high investment minimum of $250,000 or investors meeting the minimum and who are clients of certain financial intermediaries having an arrangement with SFA.
R Shares. R Shares are offered only through employee benefit plans or employer-sponsored retirement plans (except a SIMPLE IRA, SEP or SARSEP plan). An “employee benefit plan” or “employer-sponsored retirement plan” means any plan or arrangement, whether or not it is “qualified” under the Code, under which R Shares are purchased by a fiduciary or administrator for the account of participants who are employees of a single employer or of affiliated employers. These may include, for example, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and health savings accounts. The Fund accounts must be registered in the name of the fiduciary or administrator purchasing the shares for the benefit of participants in the plan.
The procedures for buying, selling, exchanging and transferring other classes of shares and the special account features available to purchasers or those other classes of shares described elsewhere in this Prospectus do not apply to R Shares.

43


Table of Contents

HOW TO BUY SHARES
  A Shares and Advisor Shares : You may purchase A Shares of the Fund from broker-dealers and certain other financial intermediaries having an arrangement with SFA. You may be eligible to purchase Advisor Shares of the Fund if you are a client of a Service Organization having an arrangement with SFA. If you do not have a financial intermediary or Service Organization, SFA can provide you with a list of available firms. Your financial intermediary or Service Organization is responsible for forwarding all of the necessary documentation to the Trust, and may charge you separately for its services.
    The purchase, redemption and exchange policies and fees charged by such financial intermediaries or Service Organizations may be different than those of the Fund. For instance, banks, brokers, retirement plans and financial advisers may charge transaction fees in addition to any fees charged by the Fund, and may set different minimums or limitations on buying, exchanging, or redeeming shares. Please consult a representative of your financial intermediary or Service Organization for further information.
  Investor Shares : If you meet the initial $250,000 investment minimum, you may purchase Investor Shares of the Fund by completing the Account Application that accompanies this Prospectus, providing the completed Account Application to your Schroders’ representative, and sending payment by check or wire as described below. You may also buy and exchange Investor Shares of the Fund through an authorized broker or other financial institution that has an agreement with Schroders or SFA. The purchase and exchange policies and fees charged by such brokers and other institutions may be different than those of the Fund. For instance, banks, brokers, retirement plans and financial advisers may charge transaction fees and may set different investment minimums or limitations on buying or exchanging Investor Shares. Please consult a representative of your financial institution for further information.
  R Shares : Employee benefit plans and employer-sponsored retirement plans may purchase R Shares. Although R Shares may be purchased by a plan administrator directly from the Trust, specified benefit plans that purchase R Shares directly from SFA must hold their shares in an omnibus account at the benefit plan level. Plan participants may not directly purchase R Shares from SFA. For information on how to buy shares of the Fund through your employer’s retirement plan, including any restrictions and charges that the plan may impose, or any tax implications with respect to such sale, please consult your employer or plan administrator.
Acceptance of your order may be delayed pending receipt of additional documentation, such as copies of corporate resolutions and instruments of authority from corporations, administrators, executors, personal representatives, directors, or custodians.
The Fund sells its shares at their net asset value next determined after the Fund, BFDS, or an authorized broker or financial institution (as described below) receives your request in good order (meaning that the request meets the requirements set out below and, if applicable, in the Account Application that accompanies this Prospectus, and otherwise meets the requirements implemented from time to time by the Fund’s transfer agent or the Fund). In order for you to receive the Fund’s next determined net asset value, the Fund, BFDS or the authorized broker or financial institution must receive your order before the close of trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time), and the broker or financial institution must subsequently communicate the order properly to the Fund. Because financial intermediaries’ and Services Organizations’ processing times may vary, please ask your financial intermediary or Services Organization, if any, when your account will be credited. The Trust reserves the right to reject any order to purchase shares of the Fund. The Trust generally expects to inform any persons that their purchase has been rejected within 24 hours.
Certain plan administrators, brokers or other financial institutions may accept purchase orders for A Shares, Advisor Shares, Investor Shares, or R Shares on behalf of the Fund. Such brokers or financial institutions may designate other intermediaries to accept purchase orders on behalf of the Fund. For purposes of pricing, the Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase order when a plan administrator, broker or financial institution or, if applicable, an authorized designee, receives the order, provided that the broker or financial institution subsequently communicates the order properly to the Fund. Orders received in good order prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading will receive the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value. Because these intermediaries’ processing times may vary, please ask your plan administrator or financial intermediary when your account will be credited. Plan administrators, brokers or other financial institutions and their designees may charge investors a fee for effecting transactions in shares of the Fund, in addition to any fees the Fund charges.

44


Table of Contents

The Fund does not issue share certificates.
Purchases by check. If you are eligible to purchase Investor Shares, you should mail a check (in U.S. dollars) payable to the Fund at the address specified below. Schroder Mutual Funds will not accept third-party checks or starter checks. You should direct your check and your completed Account Application as follows:
     
REGULAR MAIL
  OVERNIGHT OR EXPRESS MAIL
Schroder Mutual Funds
  Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 8507
  Attn: Schroder Mutual Funds
Boston, MA 02266
  66 Brooks Drive
 
  Braintree, MA 02184
For initial purchases, a completed Account Application must accompany your check.
Purchases by bank wire. You may purchase Investor Shares by making your initial investment by wire. A completed Account Application must precede your order. Upon receipt of the Application, BFDS will assign you an account number. BFDS will process wire orders received prior to the close of trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the Exchange is open for trading at the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. BFDS will process wire orders received after that time at the net asset value next determined thereafter.
Please call BFDS at (800) 464-3108 to give notice that you will send funds by wire, and obtain a wire reference number. (From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a Schroder Mutual Funds representative.) Please be sure to obtain a wire reference number. Instruct your bank to wire funds with the assigned reference number as follows:
    State Street Bank and Trust Company
  225 Franklin Street
    Boston, Massachusetts 02110
    ABA No.: 011000028
    Attn: Schroder Mutual Funds
    DDA No.: 9904-650-0
    FBO: Account Registration
    A/C: Mutual Fund Account Number
          Name of Fund
BFDS will not process your purchase until it receives the wired funds.
Automatic purchases. You can make regular investments of $100 or more per month or quarter in Investor Shares of the Fund through automatic deductions from your bank account. Please complete the appropriate section of the Account Application if you would like to utilize this option. For more information, please call (800) 464-3108. If you purchase A Shares through certain financial intermediaries or Advisor Shares through a Service Organization, your firm may also provide automatic purchase options. Please contact your financial intermediary or Service Organization for details.
Purchases in kind. Investors may purchase A Shares, Advisor Shares or Investor Shares of the Fund for cash or in exchange for securities, subject to the determination by Schroders in its discretion that the securities are acceptable and that such a transaction is in the best interests of the Fund. (For purposes of determining whether securities will be acceptable, Schroders will consider, among other things, whether they are liquid securities of a type consistent with the investment objective and policies of the Fund and have a readily ascertainable value.) If the Fund receives securities from an investor in exchange for A Shares, Advisor Shares or Investor Shares of the Fund, the Fund will under some circumstances have the same tax basis in the securities as the investor had prior to the exchange (and the Fund’s gain for tax purposes would be calculated with regard to the investor’s tax basis), and in such cases the Fund’s holding period in those securities would include the investor’s holding period. Any gain on the sale of securities received in exchange for A Shares, Advisor Shares or Investor Shares of the Fund would be subject to distribution as capital gain to all of the Fund’s shareholders. (In some circumstances, receipt of securities from an investor in exchange for A Shares, Advisor Shares or Investor Shares of the Fund may be a taxable transaction to the investor, in which case the Fund’s tax basis in the securities would reflect the fair market value of the securities on the date of the exchange, and its holding period in the securities would begin on that date.) The Fund values securities accepted by Schroders in the same manner as are the Fund’s portfolio securities as of the time of the next determination of the Fund’s net asset value. Although the Fund seeks to determine the fair value of securities contributed to the

45


Table of Contents

Fund, any valuation that does not reflect fair value may dilute the interests of the purchasing shareholder or the other shareholders of the Fund. All rights reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund upon receipt by the investor. Investors may realize a taxable gain or loss upon the exchange. Investors interested in purchases through exchange should telephone Schroders at (800) 464-3108, their Schroders client representative, or other financial intermediary. Investors may not purchase R Shares in exchange for securities.
Certain payments by Schroders or its affiliates. SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates may, at their own expense and out of their own assets, provide compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of Fund shares or shareholder servicing. In some instances, they may make this compensation available only to certain intermediaries who have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares of the Fund. If you purchase or sell shares through an intermediary, the intermediary may charge a separate fee for its services. Consult your intermediary for information. See “Payments to Financial Intermediaries” below. In addition, employees of Schroders who are registered representatives of SFA may be more favorably compensated in respect of sales of some Funds than others; the identity of those Funds may change from time to time in Schroders’ discretion. Those employees would have a financial incentive to promote the sales of those Funds for which they are more highly compensated.
If correspondence to the shareholder’s address of record is returned, then, unless BFDS determines the shareholder’s new address, BFDS will reinvest dividends and other distributions returned to it in the Fund, and if the correspondence included checks, the checks will be canceled and re-deposited to the shareholder’s account at then-current net asset value.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
When you may redeem.
    A Shares and Advisor Shares: You may sell your A Shares or Advisor Shares back to the Fund on any day the Exchange is open through your financial intermediary or Service Organization. The financial intermediary or Service Organization may charge you a fee for its services. Redemption requests received in good order by your financial intermediary or Service Organization or another authorized broker or financial institution (as described below) prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading (and subsequently communicated properly to the Fund by the broker or financial institution) will be priced at the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value. Please contact your financial intermediary or Service Organization for instructions on how to place redemption requests. Because financial intermediary or Service Organizations’ processing times may vary, please ask your financial intermediary or Service Organization when your account will be debited. A redemption request is in good order if it includes the exact name in which the shares are registered, the investor’s account number, and the number of shares or the dollar amount of shares to be redeemed, and, for written requests, if it is signed in accordance with the account registration, although in certain circumstances you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares. A bank, broker-dealer, or certain other financial institutions must guarantee the signature(s) of all account holders for any redemption request in excess of $50,000. The Stamp 2000 Medallion Guarantee is the only acceptable form of guarantee. An investor can obtain this signature guarantee from a commercial bank, savings bank, credit union, or broker-dealer that participates in one of the Medallion signature guarantee programs. You may redeem your shares by telephone only if you elected the telephone redemption privilege option in writing. Telephone redemption proceeds will be sent only to you at an address on record with the Fund for at least 30 days. Unless otherwise agreed, you may only exercise the telephone redemption privilege to redeem shares worth not more than $50,000. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.
 
      The Fund will pay you for your redemptions as promptly as possible and in any event within seven days after the request for redemption is received in good order. The Fund generally sends payment for shares on the business day after a request is received, although it may not always do so. In case of emergencies, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for more than seven days, as permitted by law. If you paid for your shares by check, the Fund will not send you your redemption proceeds until the check you used to pay for the shares has cleared, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.
 
      If you redeem shares through your financial intermediary or Service Organization, it is responsible for ensuring that BFDS receives your redemption request in proper form. If your financial intermediary or Service Organization receives Federal Reserve wires, you may instruct that your redemption proceeds be forwarded by wire to your account with it; you may also instruct that your redemption proceeds be forwarded to you by a wire transfer. Please indicate your financial intermediary or Service Organization’s or your own complete wiring instructions. Your financial intermediary or Service Organization may charge you separately for this service.

46


Table of Contents

    Investor Shares: You may sell your Investor Shares back to the Fund on any day the Exchange is open by sending a letter of instruction or stock power form to Schroder Mutual Funds, or by calling BFDS at (800) 464-3108. Redemption requests received in good order by Schroder Mutual Funds, BFDS, or an authorized broker or financial institution (as described below) prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading (and subsequently communicated properly to the Fund by the broker or financial institution) will be priced at the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value. A redemption request is in good order if it includes the exact name in which the shares are registered, the investor’s account number, and the number of shares or the dollar amount of shares to be redeemed, and, for written requests, if it is signed in accordance with the account registration, although in certain circumstances you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares. A bank, broker-dealer, or certain other financial institutions must guarantee the signature(s) of all account holders for any redemption request in excess of $50,000. The Stamp 2000 Medallion Guarantee is the only acceptable form of guarantee. An investor can obtain this signature guarantee from a commercial bank, savings bank, credit union, or broker-dealer that participates in one of the Medallion signature guarantee programs. You may redeem your shares by telephone only if you elected the telephone redemption privilege option on your Account Application or otherwise in writing. Telephone redemption proceeds will be sent only to you at an address on record with the Fund for at least 30 days. Unless otherwise agreed, you may only exercise the telephone redemption privilege to redeem shares worth not more than $50,000. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.
 
      The Fund will meet redemption requests as promptly as possible and in any event within seven days after the request for redemption is received in good order. The Fund generally sends payment for shares on the business day after a request is received, although it may not always do so. In case of emergencies, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for more than seven days, as permitted by law. If you paid for your Investor Shares by check, the Fund will not send you your redemption proceeds until the check you used to pay for the shares has cleared, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.
 
      You may also redeem and exchange Investor Shares of the Fund through an authorized broker or other financial institution that has an agreement with Schroders or SFA. The redemption and exchange policies and fees charged by such brokers and other institutions may be different than those of the Fund. For instance, banks, brokers, retirement plans and financial advisers may charge transaction fees and may set different investment minimums or limitations on exchanging or redeeming Investor Shares. Please consult a representative of your financial institution for further information.
 
    R Shares. For information on how to sell R Shares that were purchased through your employee benefit plan or employer-sponsored retirement plan, including any restrictions and charges that the plan may impose, please consult your employer or plan administrator. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.
Certain brokers or other financial institutions may accept redemption orders for A Shares, Advisor Shares or Investor Shares on behalf of the Fund. Such brokers or financial institutions may designate other intermediaries to accept redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. For purposes of pricing, the Fund will be deemed to have received a redemption order when an authorized broker or financial institution or, if applicable, a broker or financial institution’s authorized designee, receives the order, provided that the broker or financial institution subsequently communicates the order properly to the Fund. Orders received in good order prior to the close of the Exchange on any day the Exchange is open for trading will receive the net asset value next determined as of the end of that day. Orders received after that time will receive the next day’s net asset value.
Brokers or other agents may charge investors a fee for effecting transactions in shares of the Fund, in addition to any fees the Fund charges. Plan administrators or other agents may charge investors a fee for effecting transactions in R Shares of the Fund, in addition to any fees the Fund charges.
Involuntary redemptions. If, because of your redemptions, an account balance for the Fund falls below a minimum amount set by the Fund (presently $2,000), the Trust may choose to redeem the shares in the account and pay you for them. A shareholder will receive at least 30 days’ written notice before the Trust redeems such shares, and the shareholder may purchase additional shares of its share class at any time to avoid a redemption. The Trust may also redeem shares in an account if the account holds shares of the Fund above a maximum amount set by the Trustees. There is currently no maximum, but the Trustees may establish one at any time, which could apply to both present and future shareholders.

47


Table of Contents

Suspension. The Trust may suspend the right of redemption of the Fund or postpone payment by the Fund during any period when: (1) trading on the Exchange is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or the Exchange is closed; (2) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (3) an emergency (as defined by rules of the SEC) exists, making disposal of portfolio investments or determination of the Fund’s net asset value not reasonably practicable.
Redemptions in kind. The Trust may redeem in kind, but does not expect to do so under normal circumstances. If a Trust redeems your shares in kind, you should expect to incur brokerage expenses and other transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities you receive from the Fund. In addition, the price of those securities may change between the time when you receive the securities and the time when you are able to dispose of them. The Trust may pay redemption proceeds in any amount with respect to the Fund in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities held by the Fund in lieu of cash.
General. In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption requests by telephone, BFDS will follow reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. BFDS and the Trust generally will not be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent purchase or redemption requests, but the applicable party or parties may be liable if they do not follow these procedures. In certain circumstances, you may need to submit additional documentation to redeem your shares.
Redemption fee. The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed (including in connection with an exchange) two months or less from their date of purchase. The fee is not a sales charge (load); it is paid directly to the Fund. The purpose of the redemption fee is principally to discourage market timing, and also to help defray costs incurred by the Fund in connection with short-term trading by investors in its shares.
To the extent that the redemption fee applies, the price you will receive when you redeem your shares of the Fund is the net asset value next determined after receipt of your redemption request in good order, minus the redemption fee. The Fund permits exceptions to the redemption fee policy for the following transactions:
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by discretionary asset allocation or wrap programs (“wrap programs”) that are initiated by the sponsor of the program as part of a periodic rebalancing, provided that such rebalancing occurs no more frequently than quarterly, or, if more frequent, was the result of an extraordinary change in the management or operation of the wrap program leading to a revised investment model that is applied across all applicable accounts in the wrap program;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by a wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, the following transactions in participant-directed retirement plans:
  o   where the shares being redeemed were purchased with new contributions to the plan ( e.g. , payroll contributions, employer contributions, and loan repayments);
 
  o   redemptions made in connection with taking out a loan from the plan;
 
  o   redemptions in connection with death, disability, hardship withdrawals, or Qualified Domestic Relations Orders;
 
  o   redemptions made as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
  o   redemptions made by a defined contribution plan in connection with a termination or restructuring of the plan;
 
  o   redemptions made in connection with a participant’s termination of employment; and
 
  o   redemptions made as part of a periodic rebalancing under an asset allocation model.

48


Table of Contents

    involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder’s failure to maintain a minimum investment in the Fund;
 
    redemptions of shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid by the Fund;
 
    redemptions and exchanges effected by other mutual funds ( e.g. , funds of funds) that are sponsored by Schroders or its affiliates;
 
    to the extent the Fund is used as a qualified default investment alternative under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for certain 401(k) plans; and
 
    otherwise as the officers of Schroders or the applicable Trust may determine is appropriate after consideration of the purpose of the transaction and the potential impact to the Fund.
The application of the redemption fee and exceptions may vary among intermediaries, and certain intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you purchase or sell fund shares through an intermediary, you should contact your intermediary for more information on whether the redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.
For purposes of computing the redemption fee, redemptions by a shareholder to which the fee applies will be deemed to have been made on a first-purchased, first-redeemed basis.
EXCHANGES
You cannot currently exchange your Investor Shares, A Shares or your Advisor Shares of the Fund for shares of other Schroder funds. For information regarding the exchange of R Shares, please consult your employer or plan administrator.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund declares dividends from net investment income and distributes these dividends annually. The Fund distributes any net investment income and any net realized capital gain at least annually. The Fund makes distributions from net capital gain after applying any available capital loss carryovers.
You can choose from four distribution options:
    Reinvest all distributions in additional shares of your share class of the Fund;
 
    Receive distributions from net investment income in cash while reinvesting capital gains distributions in additional shares of your share class of the Fund;
 
    Receive distributions from net investment income in additional shares of your share class of the Fund while receiving capital gain distributions in cash; or
 
    Receive all distributions in cash.
You can change your distribution option by notifying your financial intermediary or Services Organization or, for Investor Shares notifying BFDS, in writing. If you do not select an option when you open your account, all distributions by the Fund will be reinvested in additional shares of your share class of the Fund. You will receive a statement confirming reinvestment of distributions in additional Fund shares promptly following the period in which the reinvestment occurs. If you own A Shares of the Fund, you will not be charged an initial sales load on shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

49


Table of Contents

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
Excessive trading can hurt Fund performance, operations, and shareholders. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. The Fund discourages, and does not accommodate, frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares to the extent Schroders believes that such trading is harmful to the Fund’s shareholders, although the Fund will not necessarily prevent all frequent trading in its shares. The Fund reserves the right, in its discretion, to reject any purchase, in whole or in part (including, without limitation, purchases by persons whose trading activity Schroders believes could be harmful to the Fund). The Trust or Schroders may also limit the amount or number of exchanges or reject any purchase by exchange if the Trust or Schroders believes that the investor in question is engaged in “market timing activities” or similar activities that may be harmful to the Fund or its shareholders, although the Trust and Schroders have not established any maximum amount or number of such exchanges that may occur in any period. The Trust generally expects to inform any persons that their purchase has been rejected within 24 hours. In addition, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has established a 2.00% redemption fee for shares of the Fund held for two months or less from their date of purchase. See “How to Sell Shares — Redemption Fee” for further information. The ability of Schroders to monitor trades that are placed through omnibus or other nominee accounts is limited in those instances in which the broker, retirement plan administrator, or fee-based program sponsor does not provide complete information to Schroders regarding underlying beneficial owners of Fund shares. The Trust or its distributor enters into written agreements with financial intermediaries who hold omnibus accounts that require the intermediaries to provide certain information to the Trust regarding shareholders who hold shares through such accounts and to restrict or prohibit trading in Fund shares by shareholders identified by the Trust as having engaged in trades that violate the Trust’s “market timing” policies. The Trust or Schroders may take any steps they consider appropriate in respect of frequent trading in omnibus accounts, including seeking additional information from the holder of the omnibus account or potentially closing the omnibus account (although there can be no assurance that the Trust or Schroders would do so). Please see the SAI for additional information on frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund or Schroders will identify all harmful purchase or redemption activity, or market timing or similar activities, affecting the Fund, or that the Fund or Schroders will be successful in limiting or eliminating such activities.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
SFA, Schroders or any of their affiliates, may, from time to time, make payments to financial intermediaries for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency, or other shareholder services or distribution, out of their own resources and without additional cost to a Fund or its shareholders. For A Shares, Advisor Shares, and R Shares, these payments may be in addition to payments made with 12b-1 fees or sales loads. Financial intermediaries are firms that, for compensation, sell shares of mutual funds, including the Fund, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. These financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisers, banks, and insurance companies.
In some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its client’s shares of the Fund in nominee or street name. Financial intermediaries may also provide shareholder services, which may include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual and semiannual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.
The compensation paid by SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates to an intermediary is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the intermediary’s clients hold investments in the Fund. The amount of continuing compensation paid by SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates to different financial intermediaries for distribution and/or shareholder services varies. In most cases, the compensation is paid at an annual rate ranging up to 0.45% (0.00% to 0.45%) of the value of the financial intermediary’s clients’ investments in the Fund. The amounts do not include sales loads or any dealer reallowances on A Shares. In addition, SFA, Schroders, or their affiliates may also pay financial intermediaries one-time charges for setting up access for the Funds on particular platforms, as well as transaction fees, or per position fees.
SFA or its affiliates, at their own expense and out of their own assets, also may provide other compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising or sales campaigns, or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, the compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Intermediaries that are registered broker-dealers may not use sales of Fund shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA.
If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial adviser and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please speak with your financial adviser to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial adviser and his or her firm by SFA and its affiliates, and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase.

50


Table of Contents

TAXES
Taxes on dividends and distributions. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income (including from municipal bonds, unless the Fund meets applicable holdings requirements that it does not expect to meet) are taxed as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated the gains, rather than how long you have owned your shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that the Fund has held for more than one year and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less and gains on the sale of bonds characterized as a market discount sale will be taxable as ordinary income. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, distributions of investment income designated by the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level.
Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before a shareholder’s investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid). Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.
Distributions by the Fund to retirement plans that qualify for tax-exempt treatment under federal income tax laws will not be taxable. Special tax rules apply to investments through such plans. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the suitability of the Fund as an investment through such a plan and the tax treatment of distributions (including distributions of amounts attributable to an investment in the Fund) from such a plan.
The Fund’s investment in certain debt obligations, hedging transactions and derivatives may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income in excess of the cash generated by such obligations. Thus, the Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including at times when it may not be advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.
In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person”), are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). However, effective for taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2010, the Fund generally will not be required to withhold any amounts with respect to distributions of (i) U.S.-source interest income that, in general, would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, and (ii) net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly designated by the Fund.
Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced — in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets — for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.
Taxes when you sell, redeem or exchange your shares . Any gain resulting from a redemption, sale or exchange (including an exchange for shares of another fund) of your shares in the Fund will also generally be subject to federal income tax at either short-term or long-term capital gain rates depending on how long you have owned your shares.
Foreign taxes. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding or other taxes. In that case, the Fund’s return on those securities would be decreased. Shareholders of the Fund generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. In addition, investments in foreign securities may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the Fund’s distributions.
Derivatives. The Fund’s use of derivatives may affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders and, therefore, may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.
Fund of Funds Structure. Special tax consequences may apply to shareholders of the Fund as a result of its investments in other funds. Please see the SAI under “TAXES” for more information.
Consult your tax advisor about other possible tax consequences . This is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in the Fund. You should consult your tax advisor for more information on your own tax situation, including possible other federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
DISCLOSURES OF FUND PORTFOLIO INFORMATION
Please see the Fund’s SAI for a description of the Fund’s policies and procedures regarding the persons to whom the Fund or Schroders may disclose the Fund’s portfolio securities positions, and under which circumstances.

51


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights below are intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund since its inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns represent the total return for an investment in a particular class of shares of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
For all periods through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, the financial highlights have been audited by [   ], independent registered public accountant to the Fund. The audited financial statements for the Fund and the related independent registered public accountant’s report are contained in the Fund’s Annual Report and are incorporated by reference into the Fund’s SAI. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained without charge by writing the Fund at P.O. Box 8507, Boston, Massachusetts 02266, or by calling (800) 464-3108. The Fund’s Annual Report is also available on the following website: www.schroderfunds.com.
Financial Highlights
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share Outstanding
Through the Period Ended October 31
                                                 
                    Net                
    Net Asset           Realized           Dividends   Distributions
    Value,   Net   and   Total From   From Net   From Net
    Beginning   Investment   Unrealized   Investment   Investment   Realized
Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio   of Period   Income   Losses   Operations   Income   Gain
Investor Shares
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008(a)
    10.00       0.16 (1)     (3.15 )     (2.99 )            
A Shares
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008(a)
    10.00       0.14 (1)     (3.14)     (3.00 )            
Advisor Shares
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008(a)
    10.00       0.14 (1)     (3.14 )     (3.00 )            
R Shares
2009
  $       $       $       $       $       $    
2008(a)
    10.00       0.12 (1)     (3.14 )     (3.02 )            
                                                         
                            Ratio of           Ratio of Net    
                            Expenses to   Ratio of   Investment    
                            Average Net   Expenses to   Income (Loss) to    
    Net                   Assets   Average Net   Average Net    
    Asset                   (Including   Assets   Assets    
    Value,           Net Assets,   Waivers,   (Excluding   (Including    
    End           End of   Reimbursements   Waivers,   Waivers,   Portfolio
    of   Total   Period   and Excluding   Reimbursements   Reimbursements   Turnover
Total Distributions   Period   Return(c)   (000)   Offsets)   and Offsets)   and Offsets)   Rate
$—
  $ 7.01       (29.90) %   $ 354       1.25 %     3.80 (b) %     1.91 %     151 %
$—
  $ 7.00       (30.00) %   $ 18,320       1.50 %     4.06(b) %     1.65 %     151 %
$—
  $ 7.00       (30.00) %   $ 2,660       1.50 %     4.06(b) %     1.66 %     151 %
$—
  $ 6.98       (30.20) %   $ 349       1.75 %     4.30(b) %     1.41 %     151 %
 
  Includes redemption fees. Amount less than $0.01 per share.
 
(1)   Per share net investment income calculated using average shares.
 
(a)   Commenced operations on December 20, 2007. All ratios for the period have been annualized, except for the Total Return and the Portfolio Turnover Rate.
 
(b)   If tax expense was not included, the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Excluding Waivers, Reimbursements and Offsets) would have been 3.20%, 3.46%, 3.46%, and 3.71% for the Investor Shares, A Shares, Advisor Shares, and R Shares, respectively.

52


Table of Contents

(c)   Total returns would have been lower had certain fund expenses had not been waived or reimbursed during periods shown. Total return calculations for a period of less than one year are not annualized.
USA PATRIOT ACT
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means to you: When you open an account directly with the Fund, you will be asked your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow you to be identified. You may also be asked for other identifying documentation. If the Trust is unable to verify the information shortly after your account is opened, your account may be closed and your shares redeemed at their net asset values at the time of the redemption.

53


Table of Contents

APPENDIX A
The summaries below are qualified in their entirety by reference to the prospectus and SAI of each underlying fund, which are available free of charge by telephoning the Trust at (800) 464-3108 or by visiting the Trust’s website: www.schroderfunds.com. Please refer to the prospectus and SAI of each underlying fund for a more detailed explanation of each underlying fund’s principal investments, investment methodology and risks, as well as a definition of each underlying fund’s benchmark.
         
Name   Investment Goal/Strategy   Benchmark
Schroder U.S. Small and
Mid Cap Opportunities
Fund
  The fund seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests primarily in companies in the United States that the fund’s adviser considers to be small or mid cap companies. In selecting investments for the fund, the fund’s adviser seeks to identify securities of companies that it believes offer the potential for capital appreciation, based on novel, superior, or niche products or services, operating characteristics, quality of management, an entrepreneurial management team, their having gone public in recent years, opportunities provided by mergers, divestitures, new management, or other factors. The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in companies considered by the fund’s adviser at the time to be small or mid cap companies located in the United States.   Russell 2500 Index
 
       
Schroder
International Alpha
Fund
  The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities markets outside the United States. The fund invests principally in securities of companies located outside of the United States, and normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies the fund’s adviser considers to be located outside of the United States. The fund will invest in a variety of countries throughout the world. The fund normally invests a substantial portion of its assets in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which is a market weighted index of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East.   Morgan Stanley
Capital
International EAFE
Index
 
       
Schroder
International
Diversified Value
Fund
  The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests principally in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies located outside of the United States that the fund’s sub-adviser considers to offer attractive valuations. The fund’s sub-adviser applies a proprietary quantitative investment analysis that seeks to develop a portfolio designed to capture the historically high returns from value stocks but with lower risk than the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index over the longer term and to provide a dividend yield typically above that Index. The sub-adviser expects that a substantial portion of the fund’s investments will normally be in countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index, which is a market-weighted index of companies representative of the market structure of certain developed market countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Far East, although the fund may invest in any country in the world, including “emerging market” countries.   Morgan Stanley
Capital
International EAFE
Index

54


Table of Contents

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER
Schroder Investment Management North America Limited
31 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QA
SUB-ADMINISTRATOR
SEI Investments Global Funds Services
1 Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456
CUSTODIAN
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
270 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
DISTRIBUTOR
Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
Two Heritage Drive
North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171
COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray LLP
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
[   ]
[   ]

55


Table of Contents

SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
The Fund has a Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders which contain additional information about the Fund. In the Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The SAI and the financial statements included in the Fund’s most recent annual report to shareholders are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which means they are part of this Prospectus for legal purposes. You may get free copies of these materials, request other information about the Fund, or make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) 464-3108. From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a representative of the Schroder Mutual Funds. The Fund’s SAI and annual report are also available on the following website: www.schroderfunds.com.
You may review and copy information about the Fund, including its SAI, at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may call the SEC at 1-800-551-8090 for information about the operation of the public reference room. You may also access reports and other information about the Fund on the SEC Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may get copies of this information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may need to refer to the Trust’s file number under the Investment Company Act, which is: Schroder Series Trust: 811-7840.
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(800) 464-3108
File No. 811-7840 — Schroder Series Trust

56


Table of Contents

[** To be updated by amendment.**]
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
(the “Fund”)
     
A Shares
  SALAX
Advisor Shares
  SALVX
Investor Shares
  SALIX  
R Shares
  SALRX
FORM N-1A
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 1, 2010
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and is only authorized for distribution when accompanied or preceded by a prospectus for the Fund, as amended or supplemented from time to time. This SAI relates to the Fund’s A Shares, Advisor Shares, Investor Shares and R Shares, which are offered through separate Prospectuses, each dated March 1, 2010, as amended or supplemented from time to time (each, a “Prospectus,” and together, the “Prospectuses”). This SAI contains information that may be useful to investors but which is not included in the Prospectuses. Investors may obtain free copies of the Prospectuses by calling the Fund at (800) 464-3108. From outside the United States, please call (617) 483-5000 and ask to speak with a Schroder Mutual Funds representative.
Certain disclosure has been incorporated by reference into this SAI from the Trust’s most recent annual report. For a free copy of the annual report, please call (800) 464-3108.

 


 

Table of Contents
         
 
       
    1  
    1  
    1  
    2  
    26  
    28  
    30  
    32  
    38  
    38  
    40  
    42  
    44  
    45  
    47  
    48  
    49  
    49  
    57  
    57  
    57  
    57  
    57  
    57  
    57  
    58  
    58  
    58  
    A-1  
    B-1  
    C-1  

 


Table of Contents

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TRUST HISTORY
     This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) describes Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”), a mutual fund offered by Schroder Series Trust (the “Trust”).
     The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on May 6, 1993. The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (as amended, the “Declaration of Trust”), which is governed by Massachusetts law, is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Trust currently comprises six other series, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, Schroder Municipal Bond Fund and Schroder Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund.
     Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Schroders”) serves as investment manager to the Fund. Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (“SIMNA Ltd.”) serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
FUND CLASSIFICATION
     The Fund is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act” or “1940 Act”). The Fund is a “diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act, which means that with respect to 75% of the Fund’s total assets (i) the Fund may not invest in securities of any issuer if, immediately after such investment, more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund (taken at current value) would be invested in the securities of that issuer (this limitation does not apply to investments in U.S. Government securities or securities of other investment companies) or (ii) the Fund may not invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, it would hold more than 10% (taken at the time of such investment) of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer (this limitation does not apply to investments in U.S. Government securities or securities of other investment companies). No diversified fund is subject to this limitation with respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of a particular issuer, it will be subject to an increased risk of loss if the market value of the issuer’s securities declines.
     These policies may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
CAPITALIZATION AND SHARE CLASSES
     The Trust has an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest that may, without shareholder approval, be divided into an unlimited number of series of such shares, which, in turn, may be divided into an unlimited number of classes of such shares. The shares of the Fund described in this SAI are currently divided into four classes, A Shares, Advisor Shares, Investor Shares and R Shares. Each class of shares is offered through a separate Prospectus. Unlike Investor Shares, A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares are currently subject to distribution fees, so that the performance of the Fund’s Investor Shares will normally be more favorable than that of the Fund’s A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares over the same time period. Similarly, because R Shares are subject to higher distribution fees than are A Shares and Advisor Shares, the performance of the Fund’s A Shares and Advisor Shares will normally be more favorable than that of the Fund’s R Shares over the same time period. Generally, expenses and liabilities particular to a class of the Fund, such as distribution fees applicable only to A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, are allocated only to that class. Expenses and liabilities not related to a particular class are allocated in relation to the respective net asset value of each class, or on such other basis as the Trustees may in their discretion consider fair and equitable to each class. The Fund may suspend the sale of shares at any time.

-1-


Table of Contents

     Shares of the Fund entitle their holders to one vote per share, with fractional shares voting proportionally; however, a separate vote will be taken by each Fund of the Trust or class of shares on matters affecting a particular Fund or class, as determined by the Trustees. For example, a change in a fundamental investment policy for a Fund would be voted upon only by shareholders of that Fund and a change to a distribution plan relating to a particular class and requiring shareholder approval would be voted upon only by shareholders of that class. Shares have noncumulative voting rights. Although the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of their shareholders, shareholders have the right to call a meeting to elect or remove Trustees or to take other actions as provided in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. Shares have no preemptive or subscription rights, and are transferable. Shares are entitled to dividends as declared by the Trust as approved by the Trustees of the Trust, and if a Fund were liquidated, each class of shares of that Fund would receive the net assets of that Fund attributable to the class of shares. Because A Shares, Advisor Shares, Investor Shares and R Shares are subject to different expenses, the Fund’s dividends and other distributions will normally differ among the four classes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
     The following discussion provides additional information concerning the Fund’s principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Fund described in the Prospectuses. The Fund may engage in any of the principal investment strategies described below directly, through its investment in one or more other investment companies, or through hybrid instruments, structured investments, or other derivatives, described below.
      Equity Securities. The Fund may primarily invest in equity securities. Equity securities are securities that represent an ownership interest (or the right to acquire such an interest) in a company and include common and preferred stocks. Common stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. Preferred stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has priority over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take priority over holders of preferred stock, whose claims take priority over the claims of those who own common stock.
     While offering greater potential for long-term growth, equity securities generally are more volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment, particularly debt securities. Therefore, the value of an investment in the Fund may at times decrease instead of increase.
     The Fund’s investments may include securities traded “over-the-counter” as well as those traded on a securities exchange. Some securities, particularly over-the-counter securities, may be more difficult to sell under some market conditions.
      Smaller Company Equity Securities. The Fund may invest in equity securities of companies with small market capitalizations. Such investments may involve greater risk than is usually associated with larger, more established companies. These companies often have sales and earnings growth rates that exceed those of companies with larger market capitalization. Such growth rates may in turn be reflected in more rapid share price appreciation. However, companies with small market capitalizations often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent upon a relatively small management group. These securities may have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic movements in price than securities of companies with larger market capitalizations or market averages in general. Therefore, to the extent the Fund invests in securities with small market capitalizations, the net asset value of the Fund may fluctuate more widely than market averages.
      Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends at a specified rate and a fixed share of proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company. Preferred stock, unlike common stock, generally has a stated dividend rate payable from the corporation’s earnings. Preferred stock dividends may be “cumulative” or “non-cumulative.” “Cumulative” dividend provisions require all or a portion of prior unpaid dividends to be paid to preferred stockholders before dividends can be paid on the issuer’s common stock. Preferred stock may be

-2-


Table of Contents

“participating” stock, which means that it may be entitled to a dividend that exceeds the stated dividend in certain cases.
     If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline.
     A company’s preferred stock generally pays a dividend only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. In addition, the rights of preferred stock on distribution of a company’s assets in the event of a liquidation are generally subordinate to the rights of holders of the company’s bonds or other creditors. As a result, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred stocks of small companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies.
      Certain Derivative Instruments. Derivative instruments are financial instruments whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, such as a security, index or currency. As described below, to the extent permitted under “Investment Restrictions” below and in the Prospectuses, the Fund may engage in a variety of transactions involving the use of derivative instruments, including options and futures contracts on securities and securities indices, options on futures contracts, forward transactions and swap transactions. The Fund may engage in derivative transactions involving foreign currencies. See “Foreign Currency Transactions.” Use of derivatives other than for hedging purposes may be considered speculative, and when the Fund invests in a derivative instrument it could lose more than the principal amount invested. The Fund’s use of derivatives may cause the Fund to recognize higher amounts of short-term capital gains, generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates. Investments in derivatives may be applied toward meeting a requirement to invest in a particular kind of investment if the derivatives have economic characteristics similar to that investment.
     The counterparties to the Fund’s derivatives transactions may not be considered the issuers of securities for certain purposes of the 1940 Act and the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Fund’s adviser will monitor the Fund’s credit risk exposure to derivative counterparties to prevent excess concentration to any one counterparty.
     The Fund may use these “derivatives” strategies for hedging purposes or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to increase its current return. The Fund may also use derivatives to gain exposure to securities or market sectors as a substitute for cash investments (not for leverage) or pending the sale of securities by the Fund and reinvestment of the proceeds. For example, the Fund may seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it may invest by entering into forward contracts or similar arrangements to purchase those securities in the future. Any use of derivatives strategies entails the risks of investing directly in the securities or instruments underlying the derivatives strategies, as well as the risks of using derivatives generally, described in the Prospectuses and in this SAI.
      Options. The Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on its portfolio securities to protect against changes in market prices and for other purposes.
      Call options . The Fund may write call options on its portfolio securities for various purposes, including without limitation to realize a greater current return through the receipt of premiums than it would realize on its securities alone. Such transactions may also be used as a limited form of hedging against a decline in the price of securities owned by the Fund.
     A call option gives the holder the right to purchase, and obligates the writer to sell, a security at the exercise price at any time before the expiration date. The Fund may write covered call options or uncovered call options. A call option is “covered” if the writer, at all times while obligated as a writer, either owns the underlying securities (or comparable securities satisfying the cover requirements of the securities exchanges), or has the right to acquire such securities through immediate conversion of securities. When the Fund has written an uncovered call option, the Fund will not necessarily hold securities offsetting the risk to the Fund. As a result, if the call option were exercised, the

-3-


Table of Contents

Fund might be required to purchase the security that is the subject of the call at the market price at the time of exercise. The Fund’s exposure on such an option is theoretically unlimited.
     In return for the premium received when it writes a call option, the Fund gives up some or all of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the securities covering the call option during the life of the option. The Fund retains the risk of loss should the price of such securities decline. If the option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain equal to the premium, which may be offset by a decline in price of the underlying security. If the option is exercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the Fund’s cost for the underlying security and the proceeds of the sale (exercise price minus commissions) plus the amount of the premium.
     The Fund may terminate a call option that it has written before it expires by entering into a closing purchase transaction. The Fund may enter into closing purchase transactions in order to realize a profit on a previously written call option or, in the case of a covered call option, to free itself to sell the underlying security or to write another call on the security or protect a security from being called in an unexpected market rise.
     Any profits from a closing purchase transaction in the case of a covered call option may be offset by a decline in the value of the underlying security. Conversely, because increases in the market price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from a closing purchase transaction relating to a covered call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund.
      Covered put options. The Fund may write covered put options in order to enhance its current return. Such options transactions may also be used as a limited form of hedging against an increase in the price of securities that the Fund plans to purchase. A put option gives the holder the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, a security at the exercise price at any time before the expiration date. A put option is “covered” if the writer segregates cash and high-grade short-term debt obligations or other permissible collateral equal to the price to be paid if the option is exercised.
     In addition to the receipt of premiums and the potential gains from terminating such options in closing purchase transactions, the Fund also receives interest on the cash and debt securities maintained to cover the exercise price of the option. By writing a put option, the Fund assumes the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security for an exercise price higher than its then current market value, resulting in a potential capital loss unless the security later appreciates in value.
     The Fund may terminate a put option that it has written before it expires by a closing purchase transaction. Any loss from this transaction may be partially or entirely offset by the premium received on the terminated option.
      Purchasing put and call options. The Fund may also purchase put options to protect portfolio holdings against a decline in market value. This protection lasts for the life of the put option because the Fund, as a holder of the option, may sell the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any decline in its market price. In order for a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs that the Fund must pay. These costs will reduce any profit the Fund might have realized had it sold the underlying security instead of buying the put option.
     The Fund may purchase call options to hedge against an increase in the price of securities that the Fund wants ultimately to buy. Such hedge protection is provided during the life of the call option since the Fund, as holder of the call option, are able to buy the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any increase in the underlying security’s market price. In order for a call option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. These costs will reduce any profit the Fund might have realized had it bought the underlying security at the time it purchased the call option.

-4-


Table of Contents

     The Fund may also purchase put and call options to enhance its current return. The Fund may also buy and sell combinations of put and call options on the same underlying security to earn additional income.
      Options on foreign securities. The Fund may purchase and sell options on foreign securities if in Schroders’ opinion the investment characteristics of such options, including the risks of investing in such options, are consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives. It is expected that risks related to such options will not differ materially from risks related to options on U.S. securities. However, position limits and other rules of foreign exchanges may differ from those in the U.S. In addition, options markets in some countries, many of which are relatively new, may be less liquid than comparable markets in the U.S.
      Risks involved in the sale of options. Options transactions involve certain risks, including the risks that Schroders will not forecast interest rate or market movements correctly, that the Fund may be unable at times to close out such positions, or that hedging transactions may not accomplish their purpose because of imperfect market correlations. The successful use of these strategies depends on the ability of Schroders to forecast market and interest rate movements correctly.
     An exchange-listed option may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Fund will enter into an option position only if Schroders believes that a liquid secondary market exists, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time. If no secondary market were to exist, it would be impossible to enter into a closing transaction to close out an option position. As a result, the Fund may be forced to continue to hold, or to purchase at a fixed price, a security on which it has sold an option at a time when Schroders believes it is inadvisable to do so.
     Higher than anticipated trading activity or order flow or other unforeseen events might cause The Options Clearing Corporation or an exchange to institute special trading procedures or restrictions that might restrict the Fund’s use of options. The exchanges have established limitations on the maximum number of calls and puts of each class that may be held or written by an investor or group of investors acting in concert. It is possible that the Fund and other clients of Schroders may be considered such a group. These position limits may restrict the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell options on particular securities.
     As described below, the Fund generally expects that its options transactions will be conducted on recognized exchanges. In certain instances, however, the Fund may purchase and sell options in the over-the-counter markets. Options that are not traded on national securities exchanges may be closed out only with the other party to the option transaction. For that reason, it may be more difficult to close out over-the-counter options than exchange-traded options. Options in the over-the-counter market may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would be unable to meet their obligations to the Fund. Furthermore, over-the-counter options are not subject to the protection afforded purchasers of exchange-traded options by The Options Clearing Corporation. The Fund will, however, engage in over-the-counter options transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded options transactions are unavailable and when, in the opinion of Schroders, the pricing mechanism and liquidity of the over-the-counter markets are satisfactory and the participants are responsible parties likely to meet their contractual obligations. The Fund will treat over-the-counter options (and, in the case of options sold by the Fund, the underlying securities held by the Fund) as illiquid investments as required by applicable law.
     Government regulations, particularly the requirements for qualification as a “regulated investment company” (a “RIC”) under the Code, may also restrict the Trust’s use of options.
      Futures Contracts. To the extent permitted under “Investment Restrictions” below and in the applicable Prospectus and by applicable law, the Fund may buy and sell futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and related instruments in order to hedge against the effects of adverse market changes or to increase current return. Depending upon the change in the value of the underlying security or index when the Fund enters into or terminates a futures contract, the Fund may realize a gain or loss.

-5-


Table of Contents

     The Fund is operated by a person who has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (the “CEA”) and, therefore, such person is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA.
      Futures on Securities and Related Options. A futures contract on a security is a binding contractual commitment that, if held to maturity, will result in an obligation to make or accept delivery, during a particular month, of securities having a standardized face value and rate of return. By purchasing futures on securities — assuming a “long” position — the Fund will legally obligate itself to accept the future delivery of the underlying security and pay the agreed price. By selling futures on securities — assuming a “short” position — it will legally obligate itself to make the future delivery of the security against payment of the agreed price. Open futures positions on securities will be valued at the most recent settlement price, unless that price does not, in the judgment of the Fund’s Valuation Committee, reflect the fair value of the contract, in which case the positions will be fair valued by the Trustees or the Valuation Committee.
     Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity, but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a profit or a loss. While futures positions taken by the Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make or take delivery of the underlying securities whenever it appears in Schroders’ judgment economically advantageous for the Fund to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for such closing transactions and guarantees that the Fund’s sale and purchase obligations under closed-out positions will be performed at the termination of the contract.
     Hedging by use of futures on securities seeks to establish more certainty with respect to the effective rate of return on portfolio securities. The Fund may, for example, take a “short” position in the futures market by selling contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the Fund (or securities having characteristics similar to those held by the Fund) in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates that would adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities may substantially be offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position.
     On other occasions, the Fund may take a “long” position by purchasing futures on securities. This would be done, for example, when the Fund expects to purchase particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the rate of return available in the securities markets at that time to be less favorable than rates currently available in the futures markets. If the anticipated rise in the price of the securities should occur (with its concomitant reduction in yield), the increased cost to the Fund of purchasing the securities may be offset, at least to some extent, by the rise in the value of the futures position taken in anticipation of the subsequent securities purchase.
     The Fund may also use futures to adjust the duration of its fixed income portfolio and otherwise to manage (increase or decrease) its exposure to interest rate risk.
     Successful use by the Fund of futures contracts on securities is subject to Schroders’ ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the security’s price and factors affecting markets for securities. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the market prices of securities held by it and the prices of such securities increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities that it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities to meet daily maintenance margin requirements. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
     The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on certain futures contracts, as they become available. Such options are similar to options on securities except that options on futures contracts give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. As with options on securities, the holder or writer of an option may terminate his position by selling or purchasing an option of the same series. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Fund will be required to

-6-


Table of Contents

deposit initial margin and maintenance margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it pursuant to brokers’ requirements, and, in addition, net option premiums received will be included as initial margin deposits. See “Margin Payments” below. Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of call or put options on futures contracts involves less potential risk to the Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions costs. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of call or put options on a futures contract would result in a loss to the Fund when the purchase or sale of the futures contracts would not, such as when there is no movement in the prices of securities. The writing of a put or call option on a futures contract involves risks similar to those risks relating to the purchase or sale of futures contracts.
      Index Futures Contracts and Options. The Fund may invest in debt index futures contracts and stock index futures contracts, and in related options. A debt index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of a specified debt index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. A unit is the current value of the index. A stock index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of a stock index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. A unit is the current value of the stock index.
     Depending on the change in the value of the index between the time when the Fund enters into and terminates an index futures transaction, the Fund may realize a gain or loss. The following example illustrates generally the manner in which index futures contracts operate. The Standard & Poor’s 100 Stock Index is composed of 100 selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The S&P 100 Index assigns relative weightings to the common stocks included in the Index, and the Index fluctuates with changes in the market values of those common stocks. In the case of the S&P 100 Index, contracts are to buy or sell 100 units. Thus, if the value of the S&P 100 Index were $180, one contract would be worth $18,000 (100 units x $180). The stock index futures contract specifies that no delivery of the actual stocks making up the index will take place. Instead, settlement in cash must occur upon the termination of the contract, with the settlement being the difference between the contract price and the actual level of the stock index at the expiration of the contract. For example, if the Fund enters into a futures contract to buy 100 units of the S&P 100 Index at a specified future date at a contract price of $180 and the S&P 100 Index is at $184 on that future date, the Fund will gain $400 (100 units x gain of $4). If the Fund enters into a futures contract to sell 100 units of the stock index at a specified future date at a contract price of $180 and the S&P 100 Index is at $182 on that future date, the Fund will lose $200 (100 units x loss of $2).
     The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with respect to any securities indices. Positions in index futures may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market for such futures.
     In order to hedge the Fund’s investments successfully using futures contracts and related options, the Fund must invest in futures contracts with respect to indices or sub-indices the movements of which will, in Schroders’ judgment, have a significant correlation with movements in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio securities.
     Options on index futures contracts are similar to options on securities except that options on index futures contracts give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in an index futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the holder would assume the underlying futures position and would receive a variation margin payment of cash or securities approximating the increase in the value of the holder’s option position. If an option is exercised on the last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will be made entirely in cash based on the difference between the exercise price of the option and the closing level of the index on which the futures contract is based on the expiration date. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.
     As an alternative to purchasing and selling call and put options on index futures contracts, the Fund may purchase and sell call and put options on the underlying indices themselves to the extent that such options are traded on national securities exchanges. Index options are similar to options on individual securities in that the purchaser of an index option acquires the right to buy (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put), and the writer undertakes the obligation to sell or buy (as the case may be), units of an index at a stated exercise price during the term of the option. Instead of giving the right to take or make actual delivery of securities, the holder of an index option has the

-7-


Table of Contents

right to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount.” This amount is equal to the amount by which the fixed exercise price of the option exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the date of the exercise, multiplied by a fixed “index multiplier.”
     The Fund may purchase or sell options on stock indices in order to close out its outstanding positions in options on stock indices that it has purchased. The Fund may also allow such options to expire unexercised.
     Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of call or put options on an index involves less potential risk to the Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transactions costs. The writing of a put or call option on an index involves risks similar to those risks relating to the purchase or sale of index futures contracts.
     The Fund may also purchase warrants, issued by banks and other financial institutions, whose values are based on the values from time to time of one or more securities indices.
      Margin Payments. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is required to deposit with its custodian or with a futures commission merchant an amount of cash, U.S. Treasury bills, or other permissible collateral equal to a small percentage of the amount of the futures contract. This amount is known as “initial margin.” The nature of initial margin is different from that of margin in security transactions in that it does not involve borrowing money to finance transactions. Rather, initial margin is similar to a performance bond or good faith deposit that is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming the Fund satisfies its contractual obligations.
     Subsequent payments to and from the broker occur on a daily basis in a process known as “marking to market.” These payments are called “variation margin” and are made as the value of the underlying futures contract fluctuates. For example, when the Fund sells a futures contract and the price of the underlying security rises above the delivery price, the Fund’s position declines in value. The Fund then pays the broker a variation margin payment equal to the difference between the delivery price of the futures contract and the market price of the securities underlying the futures contract. Conversely, if the price of the underlying security falls below the delivery price of the contract, the Fund’s futures position increases in value. The broker then must make a variation margin payment equal to the difference between the delivery price of the futures contract and the market price of the securities underlying the futures contract.
     When the Fund terminates a position in a futures contract, a final determination of variation margin is made, additional cash is paid by or to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain. Such closing transactions involve additional commission costs.
      Special Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts and Related Options
      Liquidity Risks. Positions in futures contracts may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market for such futures. Although the Fund intends to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. If there is not a liquid secondary market at a particular time, it may not be possible to close a futures position at such time and, in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. However, in the event financial futures are used to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not generally be sold until the financial futures can be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the price of the portfolio securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on the financial futures.
     In addition to the risks that apply to all options transactions, there are several special risks relating to options on futures contracts. The ability to establish and close out positions in such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that such a market will develop. Although the Fund generally will purchase only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option or at any particular time.

-8-


Table of Contents

In the event no such market exists for particular options, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in such options with the result that the Fund would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit.
      Hedging Risks. There are several risks in connection with the use by the Fund of futures contracts and related options as a hedging device. One risk arises because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contracts and options and movements in the underlying securities or index or in the prices of the Fund’s securities that are the subject of a hedge. Schroders will, however, attempt to reduce this risk by purchasing and selling, to the extent possible, futures contracts and related options on securities and indices the movements of which will, in its judgment, correlate closely with movements in the prices of the underlying securities or index and the Fund’s portfolio securities sought to be hedged.
     Successful use of futures contracts and options by the Fund for hedging purposes is also subject to Schroders’ ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the market. It is possible that, where the Fund has purchased puts on futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the securities or index on which the puts are purchased may increase in value and the value of securities held in the portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the puts and also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. In addition, the prices of futures, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the underlying securities or index due to certain market distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit requirements. Such requirements may cause investors to close futures contracts through offsetting transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the underlying security or index and futures markets. Second, the margin requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general, and as a result the futures markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased participation by speculators in the futures markets may also cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by Schroders may still not result in a successful hedging transaction over a very short time period.
      Lack of Availability. Because the markets for certain options and futures contracts and other derivative instruments in which the Fund may invest (including markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new and still developing and may be subject to regulatory restraints, the Fund’s ability to engage in transactions using such instruments may be limited. Suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there is no assurance that the Fund will engage in such transactions at any time or from time to time. The Fund’s ability to engage in hedging transactions may also be limited by certain regulatory and tax considerations.
      Other Risks. The Fund will incur brokerage fees in connection with its futures and options transactions. In addition, while futures contracts and options on futures may be purchased and sold to reduce certain risks, those transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from the use of futures and related options, unanticipated changes in interest rates or stock price movements may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. Moreover, in the event of an imperfect correlation between the futures position and the portfolio position that is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. The Fund may be required to segregate certain of its assets on the books of its custodian in respect of derivative transactions entered into by the Fund. As open-end investment companies, registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Trust is subject to federal securities laws, including the Investment Company Act, related rules and various SEC and SEC Staff positions. In accordance with these positions, with respect to certain kinds of derivatives, the Trust must “set aside” (referred to sometimes as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC- or Staff-approved measures while the derivatives contracts are open. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to “cash-settle,” the Trust must cover its open positions by setting aside liquid assets equal to the contracts’ full, notional value. With respect to forwards and futures that are contractually required to “cash-settle,” however, the Trust is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Trust’s daily marked-to-market (net) obligation ( i.e. a Trust’s daily net liability, if any) rather than the notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligation under cash-settled forward or futures the Trust will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Trust were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts.

-9-


Table of Contents

The use of leverage involves certain risks. The Trust reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its Staff.
      Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities principally traded in foreign markets. The Fund may also invest in Eurodollar certificates of deposit and other certificates of deposit issued by United States branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of United States banks.
     Investments in foreign securities may involve risks and considerations different from or in addition to investments in domestic securities. There may be less information publicly available about a foreign company than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies are not generally subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also generally higher than in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve certain risks (such as delay in payment or delivery of securities or in the recovery of Fund assets held abroad) and expenses not present in the settlement of domestic investments. Also, because foreign securities are normally denominated and traded in foreign currencies, the values of the Fund’s assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur costs in connection with conversion between currencies.
     In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, adoption of foreign governmental restrictions affecting the payment of principal and interest, imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, political or financial instability, and adverse political, diplomatic or economic developments which could affect the values of investments in those countries. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with respect to investments in the United States or other countries and it may be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign issuer. Also, the laws of some foreign countries may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in securities of certain issuers located in those countries. Special tax considerations apply to foreign securities.
     Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be reduced by withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Fund’s assets to be invested in various countries is not known, and tax laws and their interpretations may change from time to time and may change without advance notice. Any such taxes paid by the Fund will reduce its net income available for distribution to shareholders.
      Emerging Markets Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of companies determined by Schroders to be “emerging market” issuers. The risks of investing in foreign securities are particularly high when securities of issuers based in developing or emerging market countries are involved. Investing in emerging market countries involves certain risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, and imposes risks greater than, or in addition to, risks of investing in foreign, developed countries. These risks include: greater risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations; greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability (including the risk of war); more substantial government involvement in the economy; less government supervision and regulation of the securities markets and participants in those markets; controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on the Fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; unavailability of currency hedging techniques in certain emerging market countries; the fact that companies in emerging market countries may be smaller, less seasoned and newly organized companies; the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; the risk that it may be more difficult to obtain and/or enforce a judgment in a court outside the United States; and greater price volatility, substantially less liquidity, and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets. Also, any change in the leadership or politics of emerging market countries, or the countries that exercise a significant influence over those countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.

-10-


Table of Contents

     In addition, a number of emerging market countries restrict, to various degrees, foreign investment in securities. Furthermore, high rates of inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
      Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates and to increase current return. The Fund may engage in both “transaction hedging” and “position hedging.”
     When it engages in transaction hedging, the Fund enters into foreign currency transactions with respect to specific receivables or payables of that Fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities. The Fund will engage in transaction hedging when it desires to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of a security it has agreed to purchase or sell, or the U.S. dollar equivalent of a dividend or interest payment in a foreign currency. By transaction hedging, The Fund will attempt to protect against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the applicable 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.
     The Fund may purchase or sell a foreign currency on a spot (or cash) basis at the prevailing spot rate in connection with transaction hedging. The Fund may also enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward contracts”) and purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts.
     For transaction hedging purposes, the Fund may also purchase exchange-listed and over-the-counter call and put options on foreign currency futures contracts and on foreign currencies. A put option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a short position in the futures contract until expiration of the option. A put option on currency gives the Fund the right to sell a currency at an exercise price until the expiration of the option. A call option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A call option on currency gives the Fund the right to purchase a currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the option. The Fund will engage in over-the-counter transactions only when appropriate exchange-traded transactions are unavailable and when, in Schroders’ opinion, the pricing mechanism and liquidity are satisfactory and the participants are responsible parties likely to meet their contractual obligations.
     When it engages in position hedging, the Fund enters into foreign currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the foreign currencies in which securities held by the Fund are denominated or are quoted in their principal trading markets or an increase in the value of currency for securities which the Fund expects to purchase. In connection with position hedging, the Fund may purchase put or call options on foreign currency and foreign currency futures contracts and buy or sell forward contracts and foreign currency futures contracts. The Fund may also purchase or sell foreign currency on a spot basis.
     The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the values of those securities between the dates the currency exchange transactions are entered into and the dates they mature.
     It is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security or securities and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or securities of the Fund if the market value of such security or securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.

-11-


Table of Contents

     To offset some of the costs to the Fund of hedging against fluctuations in currency exchange rates, the Fund may write covered call options on those currencies.
     Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities that the Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange that one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, although these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend to limit any potential gain that might result from the increase in the value of such currency. Also, suitable foreign currency hedging transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the Fund will utilize hedging transactions at any time or from time to time.
     The Fund may also seek to increase its current return by purchasing and selling foreign currency on a spot basis, and by purchasing and selling options on foreign currencies and on foreign currency futures contracts, and by purchasing and selling foreign currency forward contracts.
      Currency Forward and Futures Contracts. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract as agreed by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. In the case of a cancelable forward contract, the holder has the unilateral right to cancel the contract at maturity by paying a specified fee. The contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. A foreign currency futures contract is a standardized contract for the future delivery of a specified amount of a foreign currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency futures contracts traded in the United States are designed by and traded on exchanges regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), such as the New York Mercantile Exchange.
     Forward foreign currency exchange contracts differ from foreign currency futures contracts in certain respects. For example, the maturity date of a forward contract may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, rather than a predetermined date in a given month. Forward contracts may be in any amounts agreed upon by the parties rather than predetermined amounts. Also, forward foreign exchange contracts are traded directly between currency traders so that no intermediary is required. A forward contract generally requires no margin or other deposit.
     At the maturity of a forward or futures contract, the Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified in the contract, or at or prior to maturity enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract. Closing transactions with respect to futures contracts are effected on a commodities exchange; a clearing corporation associated with the exchange assumes responsibility for closing out such contracts.
     Positions in foreign currency futures contracts and related options may be closed out only on an exchange or board of trade that provides a secondary market in such contracts or options. Although the Fund will normally purchase or sell foreign currency futures contracts and related options only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a secondary market on an exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular contract or option or at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures or related option position and, in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin on its futures positions.
      Foreign Currency Options. Options on foreign currencies operate similarly to options on securities, and are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market, although options on foreign currencies have been listed on several exchanges. Such options will be purchased or written only when Schroders believes that a liquid secondary market exists for such options. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence exchange rates and investments generally.

-12-


Table of Contents

     The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the value of the foreign currency and the U.S. dollar, and may have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
     There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies and there is no regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Available quotation information is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the U.S. options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the U.S. options markets.
      Foreign Currency Conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for currency conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the “spread”) between prices at which they buy and sell various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
      Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for, at a specific price or formula within a particular period of time, a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid or accrued on preferred stock until the security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities provide for streams of income with yields that are generally higher than those of common stocks.
     The market value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” and its “conversion value.” A security’s “investment value” represents the value of the security without its conversion feature ( i.e. , a nonconvertible fixed income security). The investment value may be determined by reference to its credit quality and the current value of its yield to maturity or probable call date. At any given time, investment value is dependent upon such factors as the general level of interest rates, the yield of similar nonconvertible securities, the financial strength of the issuer and the seniority of the security in the issuer’s capital structure. A security’s “conversion value” is determined by multiplying the number of shares the holder is entitled to receive upon conversion or exchange by the current price of the underlying security.
     If the conversion value of a convertible security is significantly below its investment value, the convertible security will trade like nonconvertible debt or preferred stock and its market value will not be influenced greatly by fluctuations in the market price of the underlying security. Conversely, if the conversion value of a convertible security is near or above its investment value, the market value of the convertible security will be more heavily influenced by fluctuations in the market price of the underlying security.
     The Fund’s investments in convertible securities may at times include securities that have a mandatory conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into common stock or other equity securities at a specified date and a specified conversion ratio, or that are convertible at the option of the issuer. Because conversion of the security is not at the option of the holder, the Fund may be required to convert the security into the underlying common stock even at times when the value of the underlying common stock or other equity security has declined substantially.
     The Fund’s investments in convertible securities, particularly securities that are convertible into securities of an issuer other than the issuer of the convertible security, may be illiquid. The Fund may not be able to dispose of such securities in a timely fashion or for a fair price, which could result in losses to the Fund.

-13-


Table of Contents

      Warrants to Purchase Securities. The Fund may invest in warrants to purchase securities. Bonds issued with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit the Fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
     The Fund may also invest in equity-linked warrants. The Fund purchases the equity-linked warrants from a broker, who in turn is expected to purchase shares in the local market and issue a call warrant hedged on the underlying holding. If the Fund exercises its call and closes its position, the shares are expected to be sold and the warrant redeemed with the proceeds. Each warrant represents one share of the underlying stock. Therefore, the price, performance and liquidity of the warrant are all directly linked to the underlying stock, less transaction costs. Equity-linked warrants are valued at the closing price of the underlying security, then adjusted for stock dividends declared by the underlying security. In addition to the market risk related to the underlying holdings, the Fund bears additional counterparty risk with respect to the issuing broker. Moreover, there is currently no active trading market for equity-linked warrants.
     In addition to warrants on securities, the Fund may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified securities indices (“index-linked warrants”). Index-linked warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the index-linked warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to any payments from the issuer at any time when, in the case of a call warrant, the exercise price is greater than the value of the underlying index, or, in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than the value of the underlying index. If the Fund were not to exercise an index-linked warrant prior to its expiration, then the Fund would lose the amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant.
     If the Fund used index-linked warrants, it would normally do so in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices. The risks of the Fund’s use of index-linked warrants are generally similar to those relating to its use of index options. Unlike most index options, however, index-linked warrants are issued in limited amounts and are not obligations of a regulated clearing agency, but are backed only by the credit of the bank or other institution that issues the warrant. Also, index-linked warrants generally have longer terms than index options. Index-linked warrants are not likely to be as liquid as certain index options backed by a recognized clearing agency. In addition, the terms of index-linked warrants may limit the Fund’s ability to exercise the warrants at such time, or in such quantities, as the Fund would otherwise wish to do.
      Real Estate Investment Trusts. The Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). Equity REITs invest directly in real property while mortgage REITs invest in mortgages on real property. REITs may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, and variations in rental income. Generally, increases in interest rates will decrease the value of high yielding securities and increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could decrease the value of a REIT’s investments. In addition, 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 credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skill, are not diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.

-14-


Table of Contents

      Investments in Pooled Vehicles. The Fund may invest in shares of both open- and closed-end investment companies (including single country funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), and trusts. The Fund also may invest in other private investment funds, vehicles, or structures. Investing in another pooled vehicle exposes the Fund to all the risks of that pooled vehicle, and, in general, subjects it to a pro rata portion of the other pooled vehicle’s fees and expenses. ETFs are hybrid investment companies that are registered as open-end investment companies or unit investment trusts (“UITs”) but possess some of the characteristics of closed-end funds. ETFs typically hold a portfolio of securities that is intended to track the price and dividend performance of a particular index. Common examples of ETFs include S&P Depositary Receipts (“SPDRs”) and iShares, which may be purchased from the UIT or investment company issuing the securities or purchased in the secondary market. SPDRs are listed on the American Stock Exchange and iShares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. (iShares® is a registered trademark of Barclays Global Investors, N.A. (“BGI”). Neither BGI nor the iShares® Funds make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.) The market price for ETF shares may be higher or lower than the ETF’s net asset value. The sale and redemption prices of ETF shares purchased from the issuer are based on the issuer’s net asset value.
      Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar securities representing ownership of foreign securities (collectively, “Depositary Receipts”) if issues of these Depositary Receipts are available that are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. Depositary Receipts generally evidence an ownership interest in a corresponding foreign security on deposit with a financial institution. Transactions in Depositary Receipts usually do not settle in the same currency in which the underlying securities are denominated or traded. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs may be traded in any public or private securities markets and may represent securities held by institutions located anywhere in the world.
     Investments in non-U.S. issuers through Depositary Receipts and similar instruments may involve certain risks not applicable to investing in U.S. issuers, including changes in currency rates, application of local tax laws, changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs may be incurred in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts and purchase currencies on a spot basis to reduce currency risk; however, currency hedging involves costs and may not be effective in all cases.
      Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into swap agreements and other types of over-the-counter transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. Depending on their structures, swap agreements may increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to long-or short-term interest rates (in the United States or abroad), foreign currency values, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices or inflation rates. The value of the Fund’s swap positions would increase or decrease depending on the changes in value of the underlying rates, currency values, or other indices or measures.
     The Fund may also enter into “credit default” swap transactions. In a credit default swap, one party pays what is, in effect, an insurance premium through a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in an event of default (or similar events) by a third party on its obligations. Therefore, in a credit default swap, the Fund may pay a premium and, in return, have the right to put certain bonds or loans to the counterparty upon default by the issuer of such bonds or loans (or similar events) and to receive in return the par value of such bonds or loans (or another agreed upon amount). The Fund would generally enter into this type of transaction to limit or reduce risk with respect to bonds or loans that it owns in its portfolios or otherwise in connection with transactions intended to reduce one or more risks in the Fund’s portfolio, or otherwise to increase the Fund’s investment return. In addition, the Fund could also receive the premium referenced above, and be obligated to pay a counterparty the par value of certain bonds or loans upon a default (or similar event) by the issuer. The Fund would generally enter into this type of transaction as a substitute for investment in the securities of the issuer, or otherwise to increase the Fund’s investment return.

-15-


Table of Contents

     The Fund’s ability to realize a profit from such transactions will depend on the ability of the financial institutions with which they enter into the transactions to meet their obligations to the Fund. Under certain circumstances, suitable transactions may not be available to the Fund, or the Fund may be unable to close out its position under such transactions at the same time, or at the same price, as if it had purchased comparable publicly traded securities. The Fund’s ability to engage in certain swap transactions may be limited by tax considerations.
      Hybrid Instruments. These instruments are generally considered derivatives and include indexed or structured securities, and combine the elements of futures contracts or options with those of debt, preferred equity or a depositary instrument. A hybrid instrument may be a debt security, preferred stock, warrant, convertible security, certificate of depositor other evidence of indebtedness on which a portion of or all interest payments, and/or the principal or stated amount payable at maturity, redemption or retirement, is determined by reference to prices, changes in prices, or differences between prices, of securities, currencies, intangibles, goods, articles or commodities (collectively, “underlying assets”), or by another objective index, economic factor or other measure, including interest rates, currency exchange rates, or commodities or securities indices (collectively, “benchmarks”). Hybrid instruments may take a number of forms, including, but not limited to, debt instruments with interest or principal payments or redemption terms determined by reference to the value of an index at a future time, preferred stock with dividend rates determined by reference to the value of a currency, or convertible securities with the conversion terms related to a particular commodity.
     The risks of investing in hybrid instruments reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt instrument that has a fixed principal amount, is denominated in U.S. dollars or bears interest either at a fixed rate or a floating rate determined by reference to a common, nationally published benchmark. The risks of a particular hybrid instrument will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the benchmark(s) or the prices of the underlying assets to which the instrument is linked. Such risks generally depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid instrument, which may not be foreseen by the purchaser, such as economic and political events, the supply and demand of the underlying assets and interest rate movements. Hybrid instruments may be highly volatile and their use by the Fund may not be successful.
     Hybrid instruments may bear interest or pay preferred dividends at below market (or even relatively nominal) rates. Alternatively, hybrid instruments may bear interest at above market rates but bear an increased risk of principal loss (or gain). The latter scenario may result if “leverage” is used to structure the hybrid instrument. Leverage risk occurs when the hybrid instrument is structured so that a given change in a benchmark or underlying asset is multiplied to produce a greater value change in the hybrid instrument, thereby magnifying the risk of loss as well as the potential for gain.
     Hybrid instruments can be an efficient means of creating exposure to a particular market, or segment of a market, with the objective of enhancing total return. For example, the Fund may wish to take advantage of expected declines in interest rates in several European countries, but avoid the transaction costs associated with buying and currency-hedging the foreign bond positions. One solution would be to purchase a U.S. dollar-denominated hybrid instrument whose redemption price is linked to the average three year interest rate in a designated group of countries. The redemption price formula would provide for payoffs of less than par if rates were above the specified level. Furthermore, the Fund could limit the downside risk of the security by establishing a minimum redemption price so that the principal paid at maturity could not be below a predetermined minimum level if interest rates were to rise significantly. The purpose of this arrangement, known as a structured security with an embedded put option, would be to give the Fund the desired European bond exposure while avoiding currency risk, limiting downside market risk, and lowering transaction costs. Of course, there is no guarantee that the strategy will be successful and the Fund could lose money if, for example, interest rates do not move as anticipated or credit problems develop with the issuer of the hybrid instrument.
     Hybrid instruments are potentially more volatile and carry greater market risks than traditional debt instruments. Depending on the structure of the particular hybrid instrument, changes in a benchmark may be

-16-


Table of Contents

magnified by the terms of the hybrid instrument and have an even more dramatic and substantial effect upon the value of the hybrid instrument. Also, the prices of the hybrid instrument and the benchmark or underlying asset may not move in the same direction or at the same time.
     Hybrid instruments may also carry liquidity risk since the instruments are often “customized” to meet the portfolio needs of a particular investor, and therefore, the number of investors that are willing and able to buy such instruments in the secondary market may be smaller than that for more traditional debt securities. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of such an investment could be zero. In addition, because the purchase and sale of hybrid investments would likely take place in an over-the-counter market without the guarantee of a central clearing organization, or in a transaction between the Fund and the issuer of the hybrid instrument, the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the issuer of the hybrid instrument would be an additional risk factor the Fund would have to consider and monitor. Hybrid instruments also may not be subject to regulation by the CFTC, which generally regulates the trading of commodity futures by U.S. persons, the SEC, which regulates the offer and sale of securities by and to U.S. persons, or any other governmental regulatory authority.
      Structured Investments. A structured investment is a security having a return tied to an underlying index or other security or asset class. Structured investments generally are individually negotiated agreements and may be traded over-the-counter. Structured investments are organized and operated to restructure the investment characteristics of the underlying security. This restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, or specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans) and the issuance by that entity or one or more classes of securities (“structured securities”) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because structured securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Investments in structured securities are generally of a class of structured securities that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured securities. Structured securities are typically sold in private placement transactions, and there currently is no active trading market for structured securities. Investments in government and government-related and restructured debt instruments are subject to special risks, including the inability or unwillingness to repay principal and interest, requests to reschedule or restructure outstanding debt and requests to extend additional loan amounts.
      Private Placements and Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements. While such private placements may often offer attractive opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so purchased are often “restricted securities,” i.e. , securities that cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or that are “not readily marketable” because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when Schroders believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. At times, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value.
     The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a market value for illiquid investments. Disposing of illiquid investments may involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult or impossible for the Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. The Fund may have to bear the extra expense of registering such securities for resale and the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration. Also, market quotations are less readily available. The judgment of Schroders may at times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of publicly traded securities.

-17-


Table of Contents

     Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. The Fund may be deemed to be an “underwriter” for purposes of the 1933 Act when selling restricted securities to the public, and in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers of such securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading. The Staff of the SEC currently takes the view that any delegation by the Trustees of the authority to determine that a restricted security is readily marketable (as described in the investment restrictions of the Fund) must be pursuant to written procedures established by the Trustees and the Trustees have delegated such authority to Schroders. If no qualified institutional buyers are interested in purchasing the securities, then the Fund may not be able to sell such securities. In the event that the Trustees, or persons designated by the Trustees, determine that a security is “readily marketable” pursuant to these procedures, and the Fund is not able to sell such security at the price that such persons anticipate, then the Fund’s net asset value will decrease.
      Inverse Floaters. Inverse floaters have variable interest rates that typically move in the opposite direction from movements in prevailing short-term interest rate levels—rising when prevailing short-term interest rate fall, and vice versa. The prices of inverse floaters can be highly volatile and some inverse floaters may be “leveraged,” resulting in increased risk and potential volatility. The Fund may use inverse floaters for hedging or investment purposes. Use of inverse floaters other than for hedging purposes may be considered speculative.
      Over-the-Counter Securities. The Fund’s investments may include securities traded “over-the-counter” as well as those traded on a securities exchange. Some securities, particularly over-the-counter securities, may be more difficult to sell under some market conditions. As described below under “Determination of Net Asset Value,” unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported sale prices on any day or, in the absence of a reported sale price, at mid-market prices. Market quotations may not be readily available for all over-the-counter securities. If the Fund is not able to sell such securities at a price at which the Fund has valued the securities for purposes of calculating its net asset value, the Fund’s net asset value will decrease. The Fund may invest in over-the-counter securities as a non-principal investment strategy when the Fund’s sub-adviser believes that such securities offer potential for long-term capital growth.
      Zero-Coupon Securities. Zero-coupon securities in which the Fund may invest are debt obligations that are generally issued at a discount and payable in full at maturity, and that do not provide for current payments of interest prior to maturity. Zero-coupon securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest. As a result, the net asset value of shares of the Fund investing in zero-coupon securities may fluctuate over a greater range than shares of other mutual funds investing in securities making current distributions of interest and having similar maturities. The Fund is required to distribute the income of zero-coupon securities as the income accrues, even though the Fund is not receiving the income in cash on a current basis. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions.
     Zero-coupon securities may include U.S. Treasury bills issued directly by the U.S. Treasury or other short-term debt obligations, and longer-term bonds or notes and their unmatured interest coupons that have been separated by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. A number of securities firms and banks have stripped the interest coupons from the underlying principal (the “corpus”) of U.S. Treasury securities and resold them in custodial receipt programs with a number of different names, including Treasury Income Growth Receipts (“TIGRS”) and Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries (“CATS”). CATS and TIGRS are not considered U.S. Government securities. The underlying U.S. Treasury bonds and notes themselves are held in book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities ( i.e. , unregistered securities that are owned ostensibly by the bearer or holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the owners thereof.

-18-


Table of Contents

     In addition, the U.S. Treasury has facilitated transfers of ownership of zero-coupon securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of particular interest coupons and corpus payments on U.S. Treasury securities through the Federal Reserve book-entry record-keeping system. The Federal Reserve program as established by the U.S. Treasury Department is known as “STRIPS” or “Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities.” Under the STRIPS program, the Fund will be able to have its beneficial ownership of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon securities recorded directly in the book-entry record-keeping system in lieu of having to hold certificates or other evidences of ownership of the underlying U.S. Treasury securities.
     When debt obligations have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons by the holder, the stripped coupons are sold separately. The principal or corpus is sold at a deep discount because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed payment on the security and does not receive any rights to periodic cash interest payments. Once stripped or separated, the corpus and coupons may be sold separately. Typically, the coupons are sold separately or grouped with other coupons with like maturity dates and sold in such bundled form. Purchasers of stripped obligations acquire, in effect, discount obligations that are economically identical to the zero-coupon securities issued directly by the obligor.
      Fixed Income Securities. In periods of declining interest rates, the yield (income from portfolio investments) of the Fund may tend to be higher than prevailing market rates, and in periods of rising interest rates, the yield of the Fund may tend to be lower. In addition, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net new money to the Fund will likely be invested in portfolio instruments producing lower yields than the balance of the Fund’s portfolio, thereby reducing the yield of the Fund. In periods of rising interest rates, the opposite can be true. The net asset value of the Fund can generally be expected to change as general levels of interest rates fluctuate. The values of fixed income securities in the Fund’s portfolio generally vary inversely with changes in interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities with longer effective maturities are more sensitive to interest rate changes than those with shorter effective maturities. The Fund may purchase fixed income securities issued by companies of any market capitalization, including small and micro cap companies. Such investments may involve greater risk than is usually associated with larger, more established companies.
      Lower-Rated Securities. The Fund may invest up in lower-rated fixed-income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). The Fund may invest in securities that are in default, and which offer little or no prospect for the payment of the full amount of unpaid principal and interest, although normally the Fund will not invest in securities unless a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (for example, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Rating Service (“Standard & Poor’s”), or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. (“Fitch”)) has rated the securities CC- (or the equivalent) or better, or the Fund’s adviser has determined the securities to be of comparable quality. The lower ratings of certain securities held by the Fund reflect a greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of securities held by the Fund more volatile and could limit the Fund’s ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Fund had placed on such securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by it, the Fund at times may be unable to establish the fair value of such securities.
     Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition, which may be better or worse than the rating would indicate. In addition, the rating assigned to a security by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s (or by any other nationally recognized securities rating agency) does not reflect an assessment of the volatility of the security’s market value or the liquidity of an investment in the security.
     Like those of other fixed-income securities, the values of lower-rated securities fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an increase in the value of the Fund’s assets. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of the Fund’s assets will generally decline. The values of lower-rated securities may often be affected to a greater extent by changes in general economic conditions

-19-


Table of Contents

and business conditions affecting the issuers of such securities and their industries. Negative publicity or investor perceptions may also adversely affect the values of lower-rated securities. Changes by nationally recognized securities rating agencies in their ratings of any fixed-income security and changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of portfolio securities generally will not affect income derived from these securities, but will affect the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security when its rating is reduced below its rating at the time of purchase. However, Schroders will monitor the investment to determine whether its retention will assist in meeting the Fund’s investment objective.
     Issuers of lower-rated securities are often highly leveraged, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. Such issuers may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them and may be unable to repay outstanding obligations at maturity by refinancing. The risk of loss due to default in payment of interest or repayment of principal by such issuers is significantly greater because such securities frequently are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness.
     At times, a portion of the Fund’s assets may be invested in an issue of which the Fund, by itself or together with other funds and accounts managed by Schroders or its affiliates, holds all or a major portion. Although Schroders generally considers such securities to be liquid because of the availability of an institutional market for such securities, it is possible that, under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities when Schroders believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if they were more widely held. Under these circumstances, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, the Fund may be required to participate in various legal proceedings or take possession of and manage assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities. This could increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value. In the case of tax-exempt funds, any income derived from the Fund’s ownership or operation of such assets would not be tax-exempt. The ability of a holder of a tax-exempt security to enforce the terms of that security in a bankruptcy proceeding may be more limited than would be the case with respect to securities of private issuers. In addition, the Fund’s intention to qualify as a RIC under the Code may limit the extent to which the Fund may exercise its rights by taking possession of such assets.
     Certain securities held by the Fund may permit the issuer at its option to “call,” or redeem, its securities. If an issuer were to redeem securities held by the Fund during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds in securities providing the same investment return as the securities redeemed.
     The Fund may invest in so-called “zero-coupon” bonds and “payment-in-kind” bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount for their principal amount in lieu of paying interest periodically. Payment-in-kind bonds allow the issuer, at its option, to make current interest payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. Because zero-coupon bonds and payment-in-kind bonds do not pay current interest in cash, their value is subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently. Both zero-coupon bonds and payment-in-kind bonds allow an issuer to avoid the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments. Accordingly, such bonds may involve greater credit risks than bonds paying interest currently in cash. The Fund is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts at least annually to shareholders even though such bonds do not pay current interest in cash. Thus, it may be necessary at times for the Fund to liquidate investments in order to satisfy its dividend requirements.
     To the extent the Fund invests in securities in the lower rating categories, the achievement of the Fund’s goals is more dependent on Schroders’ investment analysis than would be the case if the Fund were investing in securities in the higher rating categories. This also may be true with respect to tax-exempt securities, as the amount of information about the financial condition of an issuer of tax-exempt securities may not be as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.

-20-


Table of Contents

      Mortgage Related and Asset-Backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and certain stripped mortgage-backed securities represent a participation in, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables from credit card agreements. The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited.
     Mortgage-backed securities have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to the underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities include both interest and a partial repayment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, repayments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will result in early payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. In that event the Fund may be unable to invest the proceeds from the early payment of the mortgage-related securities in an investment that provides as high a yield as the mortgage-related securities. Consequently, early payment associated with mortgage-related securities may cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility than that experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments usually decreases, thereby tending to increase the life of mortgage-related securities. If the life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, the Fund may not be able to realize the rate of return its adviser expected.
     The types of mortgages underlying securities held by the Fund may differ and may be affected differently by market factors. For example, the Fund’s investments in residential mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting residential real estate markets and mortgages generally; similarly, investments in commercial mortgage-backed securities will likely be affected significantly by factors affecting commercial real estate markets and mortgages generally.
     Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Fund.
     Prepayments may cause losses on securities purchased at a premium. At times, some mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value.
     If the Fund purchases mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities that are ‘subordinated’ to other interests in the same mortgage pool, the Fund as a holder of those securities may only receive payments after the pool’s obligations to other investors have been satisfied. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may limit substantially the pool’s ability to make payments of principal or interest to the Fund as a holder of such subordinated securities, reducing the values of those securities or in some cases rendering them worthless. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include so-called ‘subprime’ mortgages. An unexpectedly high or low rate of prepayments on a pool’s underlying mortgages may have

-21-


Table of Contents

a similar effect on subordinated securities. A mortgage pool may issue securities subject to various levels of subordination; the risk of non-payment affects securities at each level, although the risk is greater in the case of more highly subordinated securities.
     CMOs and CMO residuals may be issued by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality or by a private issuer. Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately issued CMOs and CMO residuals may be guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities, these CMOs and CMO residuals represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or any other person or entity.
     Prepayments could cause early retirement of CMOs. CMOs are designed to reduce the risk of prepayment for investors by issuing multiple classes of securities, each having different maturities, interest rates and payment schedules, and with the principal and interest on the underlying mortgages allocated among the several classes in various ways. Payment of interest or principal on some classes or series of CMOs may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages. CMOs of different classes or series are generally retired in sequence as the underlying mortgage loans in the mortgage pool are repaid. If enough mortgages are repaid ahead of schedule, the classes or series of a CMO with the earliest maturities generally will be retired prior to their maturities. Thus, the early retirement of particular classes or series of a CMO would have the same effect as the prepayment of mortgages underlying other mortgage-backed securities. Conversely, slower than anticipated prepayments can extend the effective maturities of CMOs, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing their volatility.
     In the case of CMO residuals, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to prepayments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an IO class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. See below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances the Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in a CMO residual.
     CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market has developed fairly recently and CMO residuals currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not, have been registered under the 1933 Act. CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed illiquid.
     Prepayments could result in losses on stripped mortgage-backed securities. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different portions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on an interest only or “IO” class of stripped mortgage-backed securities is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets. A rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a measurable adverse effect on the Fund’s yield to maturity to the extent it invests in IOs. If the assets underlying the IO experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to recoup fully, or at all, its initial

-22-


Table of Contents

investment in these securities. Conversely, principal only securities or “POs” tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated.
     The secondary market for mortgage-backed securities, particularly stripped mortgage-backed securities, or those comprised of subprime mortgages (mortgages rated below A, or its equivalent, by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch) may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other mortgage-backed securities, potentially limiting the Fund’s ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.
      Loan Participations and Other Floating Rate Loans. The Fund may invest in “loan participations.” By purchasing a loan participation, the Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a particular borrower. Many such loans are secured, and most impose restrictive covenants that must be met by the borrower. These loans are typically made by a syndicate of banks, represented by an agent bank that has negotiated and structured the loan and that is responsible generally for collecting interest, principal, and other amounts from the borrower on its own behalf and on behalf of the other lending institutions in the syndicate, and for enforcing its and their other rights against the borrower. Each of the lending institutions, including the agent bank, lends to the borrower a portion of the total amount of the loan, and retains the corresponding interest in the loan.
     The Fund’s ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loan participations held by it will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan participation would adversely affect the income of the Fund and would likely reduce the value of its assets, which would be reflected in a reduction in the Fund’s net asset value. Banks and other lending institutions generally perform a credit analysis of the borrower before originating a loan or participating in a lending syndicate. In selecting the loan participations in which the Fund will invest, however, Schroders will not rely solely on that credit analysis, but will perform its own investment analysis of the borrowers. Schroders’ analysis may include consideration of the borrower’s financial strength and managerial experience, debt coverage, additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. Schroders will be unable to access non-public information to which other investors in syndicated loans may have access. Because loan participations in which the Fund may invest are not generally rated by independent credit rating agencies, a decision by the Fund to invest in a particular loan participation will depend almost exclusively on Schroders’, and the original lending institution’s, credit analysis of the borrower. Investments in loan participations may be of any quality, including “distressed” loans, and will be subject to the Fund’s credit quality policy.
     Loan participations may be structured in different forms, including novations, assignments and participating interests. In a novation, the Fund assumes all of the rights of a lending institution in a loan, including the right to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts directly from the borrower and to enforce its rights as a lender directly against the borrower. The Fund assumes the position of a co-lender with other syndicate members. As an alternative, the Fund may purchase an assignment of a portion of a lender’s interest in a loan. In this case, the Fund may be required generally to rely upon the assigning bank to demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower, but would otherwise be entitled to all of such bank’s rights in the loan. The Fund may also purchase a participating interest in a portion of the rights of a lending institution in a loan. In such case, it will be entitled to receive payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, but will not generally be entitled to enforce its rights directly against the agent bank or the borrower, and must rely for that purpose on the lending institution. The Fund may also acquire a loan participation directly by acting as a member of the original lending syndicate.
     The Fund will in many cases be required to rely upon the lending institution from which it purchases the loan participation to collect and pass on to the Fund such payments and to enforce the Fund’s rights under the loan. As a result, an insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the lending institution may delay or prevent the Fund from receiving principal, interest and other amounts with respect to the underlying loan. When the Fund is required to rely upon a lending institution to pay to the Fund principal, interest and other amounts received by it, Schroders will also evaluate the creditworthiness of the lending institution.

-23-


Table of Contents

     The borrower of a loan in which the Fund holds a participation interest may, either at its own election or pursuant to terms of the loan documentation, prepay amounts of the loan from time to time. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to reinvest the proceeds of any loan prepayment at the same interest rate or on the same terms as those of the original loan participation.
     Corporate loans in which the Fund may purchase a loan participation are made generally to finance internal growth, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, leveraged buy-outs and other corporate activities. Under current market conditions, most of the corporate loan participations purchased by the Fund will represent interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged corporate acquisitions, known as “leveraged buy-out” transactions. The highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in such transactions may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. In addition, loan participations generally are subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may exist to sell such participations in secondary markets. As a result, the Fund may be unable to sell loan participations at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or may be able to sell them only at a price that is less than their fair market value.
     Certain of the loan participations acquired by the Fund may involve revolving credit facilities under which a borrower may from time to time borrow and repay amounts up to the maximum amount of the facility. In such cases, the Fund would have an obligation to advance its portion of such additional borrowings upon the terms specified in the loan participation. To the extent that the Fund is committed to make additional loans under such a participation, it will at all times hold and maintain in a segregated account liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments. Certain of the loan participations acquired by the Fund may also involve loans made in foreign currencies. The Fund’s investment in such participations would involve the risks of currency fluctuations described above with respect to investments in the foreign securities.
     Notwithstanding its intention generally not to receive material, non-public information with respect to its management of investments in floating rate loans, Schroders may from time to time come into possession of material, non-public information about the issuers of loans that may be held in the Fund’s portfolio. Possession of such information may in some instances occur despite Schroders’ efforts to avoid such possession, but in other instances Schroders may choose to receive such information (for example, in connection with participation in a creditors’ committee with respect to a financially distressed issuer). As, and to the extent, required by applicable law, Schroders’ ability to trade in these loans for the account of the Fund could potentially be limited by its possession of such information. Such limitations on Schroders’ ability to trade could have an adverse effect on the Fund by, for example, preventing the Fund from selling a loan that is experiencing a material decline in value. In some instances, these trading restrictions could continue in effect for a substantial period of time.
     In some instances, other accounts managed by Schroders may hold other securities issued by borrowers whose floating rate loans may be held in the Fund’s portfolio. These other securities may include, for example, debt securities that are subordinate to the floating rate loans held in the Fund’s portfolio, convertible debt or common or preferred equity securities. In certain circumstances, such as if the credit quality of the issuer deteriorates, the interests of holders of these other securities may conflict with the interests of the holders of the issuer’s floating rate loans. In such cases, Schroders may owe conflicting fiduciary duties to the Fund and other client accounts. Schroders will endeavor to carry out its obligations to all of its clients to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that in some cases certain clients may achieve a lower economic return, as a result of these conflicting client interests, than if Schroders’ client accounts collectively held only a single category of the issuer’s securities.
      Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time (“forward commitments”) if the Fund holds, and maintains until the settlement date in a segregated account, cash or liquid securities in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price, or if the Fund enters into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities it owns. Forward commitments may be considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Fund’s other assets. Where such purchases are made through dealers, the Fund relies on the dealer to consummate the sale. The dealer’s failure to do so may result in the loss to the Fund of an advantageous yield or price.

-24-


Table of Contents

     Although the Fund will generally enter into forward commitments with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant to options contracts it has entered into, the Fund may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if Schroders deems it appropriate to do so. The Fund may realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments.
      Floating Rate and Variable Rate Demand Notes. Floating rate and variable rate demand notes and bonds may have a stated maturity in excess of one year, but may have features that permit a holder to demand payment of principal plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days notice. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. The issuer has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal of the obligation plus accrued interest upon a specific number of days notice to the holders. The interest rate of a floating rate instrument may be based on a known lending rate, such as a bank’s prime rate, and is reset whenever such rate is adjusted. The interest rate on a variable rate demand note is reset at specified intervals at a market rate.
      Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds are investments of any maturity issued by states, public authorities or political subdivisions to raise money for public purposes; they include, for example, general obligations of a state or other government entity supported by its taxing powers to acquire and construct public facilities, or to provide temporary financing in anticipation of the receipt of taxes and other revenue. They also include obligations of states, public authorities or political subdivisions to finance privately owned or operated facilities or public facilities financed solely by enterprise revenues. Changes in law or adverse determinations by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or a state tax authority could make the income from some of these obligations taxable.
     Short-term municipal bonds are generally issued by state and local governments and public authorities as interim financing in anticipation of tax collections, revenue receipts or bond sales to finance such public purposes.
     Certain types of “private activity” bonds may be issued by public authorities to finance projects such as privately operated housing facilities; certain local facilities for supplying water, gas or electricity; sewage or solid waste disposal facilities; student loans; or public or private institutions for the construction of educational, hospital, housing and other facilities. Such obligations are included within the term municipal bonds if the interest paid thereon is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from federal income tax and state personal income tax (such interest may, however, be subject to federal alternative minimum tax). Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, repair or improvement of, or to obtain equipment for, privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may also constitute municipal bonds, although current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues.
      Participation interests . The Fund may invest in municipal bonds either by purchasing them directly or by purchasing certificates of accrual or similar instruments evidencing direct ownership of interest payments or principal payments, or both, on municipal bonds, provided that, in the opinion of counsel, any discount accruing on a certificate or instrument that is purchased at a yield not greater than the coupon rate of interest on the related municipal bonds will be exempt from federal income tax to the same extent as interest on the municipal bonds. The Fund may also invest in municipal bonds by purchasing from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of municipal bonds. These participations may be backed in whole or in part by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling bank. The selling bank may receive a fee from the Fund in connection with the arrangement. The Fund will not purchase such participation interests unless it receives an opinion of counsel or a ruling of the IRS that interest earned by it on municipal bonds in which it holds such participation interests is exempt from federal income tax.
      Stand-by commitments . When the Fund purchases municipal bonds, it has the authority to acquire stand-by commitments from banks and broker-dealers with respect to those municipal bonds. A stand-by commitment may be considered a security independent of the municipal bond to which it relates. The amount payable by a bank or dealer during the time a stand-by commitment is exercisable, absent unusual circumstances, would be substantially the same as the market value of the underlying municipal bond to a third party at any time. It is expected that stand-by

-25-


Table of Contents

commitments generally will be available without the payment of direct or indirect consideration. It is not expected that the Fund will assign any value to stand-by commitments.
      Yields . The yields on municipal bonds depend on a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, effective marginal tax rates, the financial condition of the issuer, general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. The ratings of nationally recognized securities rating agencies represent their opinions as to the credit quality of the municipal bonds that they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, municipal bonds with the same maturity and interest rate but with different ratings may have the same yield. Yield disparities may occur for reasons not directly related to the investment quality of particular issues or the general movement of interest rates and may be due to such factors as changes in the overall demand or supply of various types of municipal bonds or changes in the investment objectives of investors. Subsequent to purchase by the Fund, an issue of municipal bonds or other investments may cease to be rated, or its rating may be reduced below the minimum rating required for purchase by the Fund. Neither event will require the elimination of an investment from the Fund’s portfolio, but Schroders will consider such an event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold an investment in its portfolio.
     “ Moral obligation” bonds . The Fund does not currently intend to invest in so-called “moral obligation” bonds, where repayment is backed by a moral commitment of an entity other than the issuer, unless the credit of the issuer itself, without regard to the “moral obligation,” meets the investment criteria established for investments by the Fund.
      Municipal leases . The Fund may acquire participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (collectively, “lease obligations”) of municipal authorities or entities. Lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality’s taxing power is pledged. Certain of these lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In the case of a “non-appropriation” lease, the Fund’s ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property, and in any event, foreclosure of that property might prove difficult.
      Additional risks . Securities in which the Fund may invest, including municipal bonds, are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the federal Bankruptcy Code (including special provisions related to municipalities and other public entities), and laws, if any, that may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power, ability or willingness of issuers to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal on their municipal bonds may be materially affected.
     From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on debt obligations issued by states and their political subdivisions. Federal tax laws limit the types and amounts of tax-exempt bonds issuable for certain purposes, especially industrial development bonds and private activity bonds. Such limits may affect the future supply and yields of these types of municipal bonds. Further proposals limiting the issuance of municipal bonds may well be introduced in the future. If it appeared that the availability of municipal bonds for investment by the Fund and the value of the Fund’s portfolio could be materially affected by such changes in law, the Trustees would reevaluate its investment objective and policies and consider changes in the structure of the Fund or its dissolution.
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS, INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RISKS
     In addition to the principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Fund described in the Prospectuses and this SAI, the Fund may employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks, which are described below.

-26-


Table of Contents

      Short Sales. To the extent permitted under “Investment Restrictions” below and in the Prospectuses, the Fund may seek to hedge investments or realize additional gains through short sales.
     Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells a security it does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at or prior to the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to repay the lender any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The net proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker (or by the Fund’s custodian in a special custody account), to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. The Fund also will incur transaction costs in effecting short sales.
     The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The Fund may realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of the premium, dividends, interest or expenses the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. The Fund’s loss on a short sale could theoretically be unlimited in a case where the Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out a short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. In addition, short positions may result in a loss if a portfolio strategy of which the short position is a part is otherwise unsuccessful.
     At any time that the Fund has sold a security short, it will maintain liquid securities, in a segregated account with its custodian, in an amount that, when combined with the amount of collateral deposited with the broker in connection with the short sale, equals the value at the time of securities sold short.
      Loans of Fund Portfolio Securities. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided: (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities, cash, or cash equivalents adjusted daily to have market value at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned; (2) the Fund may at any time call the loan and regain the securities loaned; (3) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (4) the aggregate market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the Fund. While the Fund may loan portfolio securities with an aggregate market value of up to one third of the Fund’s total assets at any time, entering into securities loans is not a principal strategy of any Fund and the risks arising from lending portfolio securities are not principal risks of investing in the Fund. In addition, it is anticipated that the Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or that it will be paid a premium for the loan. Before the Fund enters into a loan, Schroders considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist of possible delay in recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund retains the right to call the loans at any time on reasonable notice, and it will do so in order that the securities may be voted by the Fund if the holders of such securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters materially affecting the investment. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to borrowers affiliated with that Fund.
      Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements without limit. A repurchase agreement is a contract under which the Fund acquires a security for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to the obligation of the seller to repurchase and the Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund’s cost plus interest). It is the Trust’s present intention to enter into repurchase agreements only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System and securities dealers meeting certain criteria as to creditworthiness and financial condition, and only with respect to obligations of the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or other investment grade short-term debt obligations. Repurchase agreements may also be viewed as loans made by the Fund that are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. Schroders will monitor such transactions to ensure that the value of the underlying securities will be at least equal at all times to the total amount of

-27-


Table of Contents

the repurchase obligation, including the interest factor. If the seller defaults, the Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of sale including accrued interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement including interest. In addition, if the seller should be involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and required to return the underlying collateral to the seller’s estate.
     To the extent that the Fund has invested a substantial portion of its assets in repurchase agreements, the Fund’s investment return on such assets, and potentially the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives, will depend on the counterparties’ willingness and ability to perform their obligations under the repurchase agreements.
      When-Issued Securities. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis. Debt securities are often issued on this basis. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time a commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to that Fund. To the extent that assets of the Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of securities, that Fund would earn no income. While the Fund may sell its right to acquire when-issued securities prior to the settlement date, the Fund may intend actually to acquire such securities unless a sale prior to settlement appears desirable for investment reasons. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the amount due and the value of the security in determining the Fund’s net asset value. The market value of the when-issued securities may be more or less than the purchase price payable at the settlement date. The Fund will establish a segregated account in which it will maintain cash and U.S. Government securities or other liquid securities at least equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities. Such segregated securities either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.
      Temporary Defensive Strategies. As described in the Prospectuses, Schroders may at times judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing the Fund’s basic investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders and may temporarily use alternate investment strategies primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s assets. In implementing these “defensive” strategies, the Fund would invest in investment grade debt securities, cash, or money market instruments to any extent Schroders considers consistent with such defensive strategies. It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, the Fund will use these alternate strategies, and the Fund is not required to use alternate strategies in any case. One risk of taking such temporary defensive positions is that the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
      Service Providers. The Fund may be subject to credit risk with respect to the custodian. In the event of the custodian’s bankruptcy, even if the Fund’s custodian does have sufficient assets to meet all claims, there could be a delay before the Fund receives assets to satisfy their claims. In addition, in the event of the bankruptcy of the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent or custodian there are likely to be operational and other delays and additional costs and expenses associated with changes in service provider arrangements.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Policies:
     As fundamental investment restrictions, which may only be changed with approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, the Fund may not:
1. Issue any class of securities which is senior to the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest, except to the extent the Fund is permitted to borrow money or otherwise to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.
Note: The Investment Company Act currently prohibits an open-end investment company from issuing any senior securities, except to the extent it is permitted to borrow money (see Note following restriction 2, below).

-28-


Table of Contents

2. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted by applicable law from time to time.
Note: The Investment Company Act currently permits an open-end investment company to borrow money from a bank so long as the ratio which the value of the total assets of the investment company (including the amount of any such borrowing), less the amount of all liabilities and indebtedness (other than such borrowing) of the investment company, bears to the amount of such borrowing is at least 300%. An open-end investment company may also borrow money from other lenders in accordance with applicable law and positions of the SEC and its staff. The Fund may engage in reverse repurchase arrangements without limit, subject to applicable requirements related to segregation of assets.
3. Act as underwriter of securities of other issuers except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.
4. As to 75% of its total assets, purchase any security (other than Government securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and securities of other investment companies), if as a result more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
Note: Government securities are defined in the 1940 Act as any security issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the United States, or by a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an instrumentality of the Government of the United States pursuant to authority granted by the Congress of the United States, or any certificate of deposit for any of the foregoing.
5. Purchase any security (other than Government securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) if as a result 25% or more of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in a single industry; for clarity, investments in other investment companies will not be considered to be investments in securities of issuers in any one industry.
6. Make loans, except by purchase of debt obligations or other financial instruments, by entering into repurchase agreements, or through the lending of its portfolio securities.
Note: Loans of portfolio securities will not exceed 33 1 / 2 % of the Fund’s total assets.
7. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase or sell financial futures contracts, options on financial futures contracts, and futures contracts, forward contracts, and options with respect to foreign currencies, and may enter into swap transactions or other financial transactions, and except in connection with otherwise permissible options, futures, and commodity activities as described elsewhere in the Prospectuses or this SAI from time to time.
8. Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate, including real estate mortgage loans, although the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies, including limited partnership interests, that invest or deal in real estate and it may purchase interests in real estate investment trusts. (For purposes of this restriction, investments by the Fund in mortgage-backed securities and other securities representing interests in mortgage pools shall not constitute the purchase or sale of real estate or interests in real estate or real estate mortgage loans).
Non-Fundamental Policies:
     It is contrary to the current policy of the Fund, which policy may be changed without shareholder approval, to invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities which are not readily marketable, including securities restricted as to resale (other than securities restricted as to resale but determined by the Trustees, or persons designated by the Trustees to make such determinations, to be readily marketable).
     The Fund may, as a non-fundamental policy, pledge up to one-third of its assets in connection with permissible borrowings by the Fund. In addition, as a non-fundamental policy, the Fund will not invest in other companies for the purpose of exercising control of those companies.

-29-


Table of Contents

     All percentage limitations on investments (except the limitation with respect to securities that are not readily marketable set forth above) will apply at the time of investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment; except that, if the Fund ceases to maintain the 300% asset coverage ratio described above in the Note following restriction 2, it will take steps to restore that asset coverage ratio within three days thereafter (excluding Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as may be prescribed by applicable regulations.
     Except for the investment restrictions listed above as fundamental or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectuses, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectuses are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees without notice to the shareholders.
     The 1940 Act provides that a “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
     Through filings made with the SEC on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q, the Fund makes its full portfolio holdings publicly available to shareholders on a quarterly basis. The Fund normally makes such filings on or shortly before the sixtieth day following the end of a fiscal quarter. The Fund delivers its complete portfolio schedules for the second and fourth fiscal quarters, required to be filed on Form N-CSR, to shareholders in the Fund’s semi-annual and annual reports. The Fund does not deliver its complete portfolio schedules for the first and third fiscal quarters, required to be filed on Form N-Q, to shareholders, but these schedules are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov and on the Schroders website at www.schroderfunds.com.
     In addition to filings made with the SEC, the Fund intends to make its full portfolio holdings as of the end of each calendar quarter available on the Fund’s website at www.schroderfunds.com , on the last business day of the following month. Schroders may exclude from disclosure on the Fund’s website all or any portion of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, or modify the timing of such disclosure, as it deems necessary to protect the interests of the Fund.
     To the extent that the Fund’s portfolio holdings have previously been disclosed publicly either through a filing made with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q, or by being posted to the Fund’s website, such holdings may also be disclosed to any third party that requests them.
      Policies and Procedures. The Schroder Funds have adopted policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings. These procedures apply both to arrangements, expected to be in place over a period of time, to make available information about the securities in the Fund’s portfolio and with respect to disclosure on a one-time, irregular basis. These procedures provide that neither Schroders nor SIMNA Ltd., as applicable, nor the Funds receive any compensation in return for the disclosure of information about the Fund’s portfolio securities or for any ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities. Portfolio holdings may be disclosed to certain third parties in advance of their public disclosure. In each instance of such advance disclosure, a determination will have been made by Schroders or SIMNA Ltd., as applicable, that such disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose of the Fund and that the recipients, except as described below, are subject to an independent duty not to disclose (whether contractually or as a matter of law) or trade on the nonpublic information. The Fund currently discloses nonpublic portfolio holdings information only to recipients who have agreed in writing with Schroders, or SIMNA Ltd., as applicable, to keep such information confidential. In some cases these recipients are subject to a contractual obligation to keep portfolio holdings information confidential including a duty not to trade on the non-public information, and in other cases they are subject to a duty of confidentiality under the federal securities laws to keep information disclosed to them by the Fund confidential. Recipients of nonpublic portfolio holdings information are also subject to legal requirements prohibiting them from trading on material nonpublic information. The Fund has no ongoing arrangements to make available

-30-


Table of Contents

nonpublic portfolio holdings information, except pursuant to the procedures described below. The following list describes the circumstances in which the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings to select third parties:
      Portfolio Managers. Portfolio managers shall have full daily access to portfolio holdings for the Fund for which they have direct management responsibility. Under Schroders’ code of ethics, portfolio managers are prohibited from disclosing nonpublic information to third parties, other than in accordance with the Fund’s portfolio holdings policies and procedures. Portfolio managers may release and discuss specific portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers, on an as-needed basis, for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability or demand, and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the purpose of assisting portfolio managers in the trading of such securities.
      Schroders. Schroders personnel, including personnel of its affiliates that perform services for or related to the Fund, may have full daily access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Employees of SIMNA Ltd., Schroder Investment Management Limited and Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. (“SFA”) with access to portfolio holdings information are provided with training on the Trust’s policies and procedures regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings information. Training is provided by the Schroders compliance department in the applicable jurisdiction, after consultation with Schroders plc’s global compliance department located in London. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer reports to the Trustees regarding compliance by such affiliates.
      External Servicing Agents . The Fund’s primary service providers, including distributors, administrators, transfer agents, custodians, and their respective personnel, may receive or have access to nonpublic portfolio holdings information on a daily basis. In addition, third parties that provide services to the Fund, and their affiliates, such as trade execution measurement systems providers, independent pricing services, proxy voting service providers, the Fund’s insurers, computer systems service providers, lenders, counsel, accountants/auditors, and rating and ranking organizations (such as Morningstar, Lipper, Thomson and Bloomberg) may also receive or have access to full portfolio holdings information more frequently than publicly available. Such parties, either by agreement or by virtue of their duties, are required to maintain confidentiality with respect to such nonpublic portfolio holdings.
      Other Third Parties . Any additions to the list of persons eligible to receive portfolio holdings information requires approval by the President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds. Such disclosure may only be made where the President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds have determined that: (i) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for the disclosure; (ii) the disclosure is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders; and (iii) the recipients are subject to a confidentiality agreement, including a duty not to trade on the non-public information, or the Funds’ President and Chief Compliance Officer have determined that the policies of the recipient are adequate to protect the information that is disclosed and the entity is subject to a duty of confidentiality under the federal securities laws. In making such determinations, the President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds shall review, among other considerations: (i) the type of fund involved; (ii) the purpose for receiving the holdings information; (iii) the intended use of the information; (iv) the frequency of the information to be provided; (v) the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information will be disclosed; (vi) the proposed recipient’s relationship to the Funds; (vii) the ability of Schroders to monitor that such information will be used by the proposed recipient in accordance with the stated purpose for the disclosure; and (viii) whether any potential conflicts exist regarding such disclosure between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment adviser, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of the Fund. Such disclosures shall be reported to the Board of Trustees.
     In general, the Schroder Funds’ policies and procedures provide that disclosure by Schroders of information about the holdings of client accounts other than the Fund’s accounts is governed by the policies relating to protection of client information pursuant to Regulation S-P. Details about the holdings of any portfolio other than the Fund, however, may provide holdings information that is substantially identical to holdings of the Fund that have not yet been publicly released. The President and Chief Compliance Officer may approve disclosure by Schroders or SIMNA Ltd. of non-Fund portfolios other than to clients holding the portfolios and their consultants, provided they make certain determinations set forth in the Schroder Funds’ policies and procedures.

-31-


Table of Contents

     Nothing in the Schroder Funds’ policies and procedures prohibits any investment group from providing to a research service provider a coverage list that identifies securities that the investment group follows for research purposes provided that: (i) the list of securities does not consist exclusively of the current portfolio holdings of the Fund; and (ii) no information about actual holdings by any account is included.
     The Board of Trustees of the Trust reviews and reapproves the policies and procedures related to portfolio disclosure, including the list of approved recipients, as often as deemed appropriate, but not less than annually, and may make any changes it deems appropriate.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
     The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the general oversight of each of the Trust’s business. Subject to such policies as the Trustees may determine, Schroders furnishes a continuing investment program for the Fund and makes investment decisions on its behalf except that SIMNA Ltd., an affiliate of Schroders, serves as sub-adviser responsible for portfolio management of the Fund. Subject to the control of the Trustees, Schroders also manages the Fund’s other affairs and business.
     The names, addresses and ages of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the past five years, are set forth in the following tables. Unless otherwise indicated, each Trustee and executive officer shall hold the indicated positions until his or her resignation or removal.

-32-


Table of Contents

Disinterested Trustees
     The following table sets forth certain information concerning Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Trust (each, a “Disinterested Trustee”).
                     
                Number of    
        Term of Office and   Principal   Portfolios in Fund   Other Directorships
Name, Age and Address of   Position(s) Held   Length of Time   Occupation(s)   Complex Overseen by   Outside of Schroders
Disinterested Trustee   with Trust   Served   During Past 5 Years   Trustee   Fund Complex
 
                   
William L. Means, 73*
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Trustee   Indefinite
since 1997
  Retired.   [8]   None
 
                   
James D. Vaughn, 64*
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, New York 10022
  Trustee   Indefinite since
2003
  Retired. Formerly, Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP-Denver (accounting).   [8]   AMG National Trust Bank
 
*   Also serves as a member of the Audit Committees for each Trust on which he serves. Mr. Vaughn is the Chairman of the Audit Committees.
Interested Trustee
     The following table sets forth certain information concerning a Trustee who is an “interested person” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Trust (an “Interested Trustee”).
                     
                Number of   Other Directorships
        Term of Office and   Principal   Portfolios in Fund   Outside of
Name, Age and Address of   Position(s)   Length of Time   Occupation(s)   Complex Overseen by   Schroders Fund
Interested Trustee   Held with Trust   Served   During Past 5 Years   Trustee   Complex
 
                   
Catherine A. Mazza, 50*
875 Third Avenue, 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Trustee and Chairman   Indefinite since 2006   Institutional Relationship Director, Schroders; Director, SFA. Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Series Trust.   [8]   None
 
*   Ms. Mazza is an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust. She is an “interested person” due to her status as an officer and employee of Schroders and its affiliates.

-33-


Table of Contents

Officers
     The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Trust’s officers. The officers of the Trust are employees of the Trust’s adviser and certain of its affiliates.
             
Name, Age and Address   Position(s) Held with   Term of Office   Principal Occupation(s)
of Officer   Trust   and Length of Time Served   During Past 5 Years
 
           
Catherine A. Mazza, 50
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Trustee and Chairman   Indefinite since 2006   Institutional Relationship Director, Schroders; Director, SFA. Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware).
 
           
Mark A. Hemenetz, 53
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  President and Principal Executive Officer   Indefinite since May 2004   Chief Operating Officer — Americas, Schroder; Chairman and Director, SFA. Formerly, Executive Vice President and Director of Investment Management, Bank of New York.
 
           
Alan M. Mandel, 52
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer   Indefinite
since 1998
  Head of Fund Administration, Schroders; Director, SFA.
 
           
Carin F. Muhlbaum, 47
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Vice President   Indefinite
Vice President since 1998
  General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Schroders; Senior Vice President, Director, Secretary and General Counsel, SFA; Vice President, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
           
William Sauer, 46
875 Third Avenue, 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Vice President   Indefinite
Vice President since 2008
  Head of Investor Services, Schroders. Formerly, Vice President, The Bank of New York.
 
           
Stephen M. DeTore, 58
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Chief Compliance Officer   Indefinite
since 2005
  Chief Compliance Officer, Schroders; Senior Vice President and Director, SFA. Formerly, Deputy General Counsel, Gabelli Asset Management, Inc.; Associate General Counsel, Gabelli Asset Management, Inc.; Assistant Director, Office of Examination Support, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
           
Abby L. Ingber, 47
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Chief Legal Officer and Secretary/Clerk   Indefinite
Chief Legal Officer since 2006
Secretary/Clerk since 2007
  Deputy General Counsel, Schroders. Formerly, Senior Counsel, TIAA-CREF.
 
           
Angel Lanier, 48
875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Fl.
New York, NY 10022
  Assistant Secretary   Indefinite
since 2005
  Legal Assistant, Schroders; Assistant Secretary, SFA. Formerly, Associate, Schroders.

-34-


Table of Contents

Certain Affiliations
     The following table lists the positions held by the Trust’s officers and any Interested Trustees with affiliated persons or principal underwriters of the Trust:
     
    Positions Held with
    Affiliated Persons or
    Principal Underwriters
Name   of the Trust
 
   
Catherine A. Mazza
  Trustee and Chairman of Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust; Institutional Relationship Director, Schroders; Director, SFA.
 
   
Mark A. Hemenetz
  President and Principal Executive Officer of Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust; Chief Operating Officer — Americas, Schroders; Director and Chairman, SFA.
 
   
Alan M. Mandel
  Head of Fund Administration, Schroders; Director, SFA; Treasurer & Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Carin F. Muhlbaum
  General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Schroders; Director and Secretary, SFA; Vice President, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
William Sauer
  Head of Investor Services, Schroders; Vice President, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Stephen M. DeTore
  Chief Compliance Officer, Schroders; Senior Vice President and Director, SFA; Chief Compliance Officer, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Abby L. Ingber
  Deputy General Counsel, Schroders; Chief Legal Officer and Secretary/Clerk, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
 
   
Angel Lanier
  Legal Assistant, Schroders; Assistant Secretary, SFA; Assistant Clerk/Secretary, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust.
Committees of the Board of Trustees
      Audit Committee . The Board of Trustees has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee composed of all of the Disinterested Trustees of the Trust (currently, Messrs.  Means and Vaughn). The Audit Committee provides oversight with respect to the internal and external accounting and auditing procedures of the Fund and, among other things, considers the selection of the independent registered public accounting firms for the Fund and the scope of the audit, approves all audit and permitted non-audit services proposed to be performed by those accountants on behalf of the Fund, and considers other services provided by those accountants to the Fund and Schroders and their affiliates and the possible effect of those services on the independence of those accountants. The Audit Committee met [     ] times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.

-35-


Table of Contents

      Nominating Committee . All of the Disinterested Trustees (currently, Messrs. Means and Vaughn) of the Trust serve as a Nominating Committee responsible for reviewing and recommending qualified candidates to the Board in the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders if the Committee is considering other nominees at the time of the nomination and the nominee meets the Committee’s criteria. Nominee recommendations may be submitted to the Secretary of the Trust at the Trust’s principal business address. The Nominating Committee met [     ] times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.
Securities Ownership
     For each Trustee, the following table discloses the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee in the Fund, on an aggregate basis, in any registered investment companies overseen by the Trustee within the Schroder family of investment companies, as of December 31, 2009.
         
        Aggregate Dollar Range
        of Equity Securities
        in All Registered
        Investment Companies
        Overseen by Trustee in
    Dollar Range of Equity   Family of Investment
Name of Trustee   Securities in the Fund   Companies*
 
 
Ranges:
None
$1-$10,000
$10,001-$50,000
$50,001-$100,000
Over $100,000
 
Ranges:
None
$1-$10,000
$10,001-$50,000
$50,001-$100,000
Over $100,000
Disinterested Trustees
       
William L. Means
  [     ]   [     ]
James D. Vaughn
  [     ]   [     ]
Interested Trustees
       
Catherine A. Mazza
  [     ]   [     ]
 
*   For these purposes, the Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Global Series Trust are considered part of the same “Family of Investment Companies.”
     For Disinterested Trustees and their immediate family members, the following table provides information regarding each class of securities owned beneficially 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 the Trust, as of December 31, 2009:
                                         
    Name of Owners and                
    Relationships to                
Name of Trustee   Trustee   Company   Title of Class   Value of Securities   Percent of Class
William L. Means
    [     ]       [     ]       [     ]       [     ]       [     ]  
James D. Vaughn
    [     ]       [     ]       [     ]       [     ]       [     ]  

-36-


Table of Contents

Trustees’ Compensation
     Effective January 1, 2007, Trustees who are not employees of Schroders or its affiliates receive an annual retainer of $25,000 for their services as Trustees of all open-end investment companies distributed by SFA (the “Trusts”), and $2,500 per meeting attended in person or $1,000 per meeting attended by telephone. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual retainer from the Trusts of $5,000, and each member of an Audit Committee receives a fee of $1,000 from the Trusts for each Audit Committee meeting attended in person or by telephone. Payment of the Trustee fees is allocated 50% to each Trust and the remaining 50% to the Trusts based on their respective amount of assets. If a meeting relates only to a single Fund or group of Funds, payments of such meeting fees are allocated only among those Funds to which the meeting relates.
     The following table sets forth approximate information regarding compensation received by Trustees from the “Fund Complex” for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. (Interested Trustees who are employees of Schroders or its affiliates and officers of the Trusts receive no compensation from the Trusts and are compensated in their capacities as employees of Schroders and its affiliates).
                 
            Total Compensation
    Aggregate   from Trust and Fund
s   Compensation   Complex Paid to
Name of Trustee   from Schroder Series Trust   Trustees*
Peter S. Knight**
  $ [     ]     $ [     ]  
William L. Means
  $ [     ]     $ [     ]  
James D. Vaughn
  $ [     ]     $ [     ]  
 
*   The Total Compensation shown in this column for each Trustee includes compensation for services as a Trustee of the Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust. The Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), and Schroder Global Series Trust are considered part of the same “Fund Complex” for these purposes.
 
**   Mr. Knight resigned from the Board of Trustees effective December 31, 2009.
     The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust, except if it is determined in the manner specified in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust, that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust or that such indemnification would relieve any officer or Trustee of any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his or her duties. The Trust’s bylaws provide that the conduct of a Trustee shall be evaluated solely by reference to a hypothetical reasonable person, without regard to any special expertise, knowledge, or other qualifications of the Trustee, or any determination that the Trustee is an “audit committee financial expert.” The Trust’s bylaws provide that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation or formal or informal investigations in which they may become involved because of their service as Trustees, except to the extent prohibited by the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. The Trust, at its expense, provides liability insurance for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.

-37-


Table of Contents

SCHRODERS AND ITS AFFILIATES
     Schroders serves as the investment adviser for the Fund. Schroders is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroder U.S. Holdings Inc., which currently engages through its subsidiary firms in the asset management business. Affiliates of Schroder U.S. Holdings Inc. (or their predecessors) have been investment managers since 1927. Schroder U.S. Holdings Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroder International Holdings, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroders plc, a publicly-owned holding company organized under the laws of England. Schroders plc, through certain affiliates currently engages in the asset management business, and as of December 31, 2009, had under management assets of approximately $[     ]. Schroders’ address is 875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
     SIMNA Ltd., an affiliate of Schroders, is expected to be retained as sub-adviser to the Fund by Schroders.
     SFA, the Trust’s principal underwriter, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schroders.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
     The portfolio managers primarily responsible for making investment decisions are Johanna Kyrklund and Michael Spinks.
      Other Accounts Managed. The following tables show information regarding other accounts managed by the portfolio managers of the Fund, as of October 31, 2009:
                                 
                            Total Assets in
                    Number of Accounts   Accounts where
                    where Advisory Fee   Advisory Fee is
    Number of   Total Assets   is Based on Account   Based on Account
    Accounts   in Accounts   Performance   Performance
Johanna Kyrklund, CFA
                               
Registered Investment Companies
    [     ]     $ [     ]     [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
    [     ]     $ [     ]     [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
    [     ]     $ [     ]     [None]   [None]
Michael Spinks, CFA
                               
Registered Investment Companies
    [     ]     $ [     ]     [None]   [None]
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
    [     ]     $ [     ]     [None]   [None]
Other Accounts
    [     ]     $ [     ]     [None]   [None]
      Material Conflicts of Interest. Whenever a portfolio manager of the Fund manages other accounts, potential conflicts of interest exist, including potential conflicts between the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategy of the other accounts. For example, in certain instances, a portfolio manager may take conflicting positions in a particular security for different accounts, by selling a security for one account and continuing to hold it for another

-38-


Table of Contents

account. In addition, the fact that other accounts require the portfolio manager to devote less than all of his or her time to the Fund may be seen itself to constitute a conflict with the interest of the Fund.
     Each portfolio manager may also execute transactions for another fund or account at the direction of such fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities held by the Fund. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund. Finally, if the portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of that opportunity across all eligible funds and accounts. Schroders’ policies, however, require that portfolio managers allocate investment opportunities among accounts managed by them in an equitable manner over time. Orders are normally allocated on a pro rata basis, except that in certain circumstances, such as the small size of an issue, orders will be allocated among clients in a manner believed by Schroders to be fair and equitable over time. See “Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices” for more information about this process.
     The structure of a portfolio manager’s compensation may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. A portfolio manager’s base pay tends to increase with additional and more complex responsibilities that include increased assets under management, which indirectly links compensation to sales. Also, potential conflicts of interest may arise since the structure of Schroders’ compensation may vary from account to account.
     Schroders has adopted certain compliance procedures that are designed to address these, and other, types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises.
      Compensation . Schroders’ methodology for measuring and rewarding the contribution made by portfolio managers combines quantitative measures with qualitative measures. The Fund’s portfolio managers are compensated for their services to the Fund and to other accounts they manage in a combination of base salary and annual discretionary bonus, as well as the standard retirement, health and welfare benefits available to all Schroders employees. Base salary of Schroders employees is determined by reference to the level of responsibility inherent in the role and the experience of the incumbent, is benchmarked annually against market data to ensure competitive salaries, and is paid in cash. The portfolio managers’ base salary is fixed and is subject to an annual review and will increase if market movements make this necessary or if there has been an increase in responsibilities.
     Each portfolio manager’s bonus is based in part on performance. Discretionary bonuses for portfolio managers may be comprised of an agreed contractual floor, a revenue component and/or a discretionary component. Any discretionary bonus is determined by a number of factors. At a macro level the total amount available to spend is a function of the compensation to revenue ratio achieved by Schroders globally. Schroders then assesses the performance of the division and of a management team to determine the share of the aggregate bonus pool that is spent in each area. This focus on “team” maintains consistency and minimizes internal competition that may be detrimental to the interests of Schroders’ clients. For each team, Schroders assesses the performance of their funds relative to competitors and to relevant benchmarks, which may be internally-and/or externally-based, over one and/or three year periods, the level of funds under management and the level of performance fees generated. Performance is evaluated for each quarter, year and since inception of the relevant Fund. The portfolio managers’ compensation for other accounts they manage may be based upon such accounts’ performance.
     For those employees receiving significant bonuses, a part may deferred in the form of Schroders plc stock. These employees may also receive part of the deferred award in the form of notional cash investments in a range of Schroders funds. These deferrals vest over a period of three years and are designed to ensure that the interests of the employees are aligned with those of the shareholders of Schroders.
     For the purposes of determining the portfolio managers’ bonuses, the relevant external benchmarks for performance comparison vary. For the pooled vehicle managed by Ms. Kyrklund and Mr. Spinks, the return target is linked to the Consumer Price Index. For the other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, performance of the fund is measured against a customized benchmark or they have an absolute return approach.

-39-


Table of Contents

      Ownership of Securities.
      [ As of October 31, 2009, none of the portfolio managers beneficially owned securities of the Fund.]
     The portfolio managers are not residents of the United States. It is not necessarily advantageous in light of tax and other considerations for non-U.S. residents to invest in U.S.-registered mutual funds.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
      Management Contract. Under the Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and Schroders, Schroders, at its expense, provides the Fund with investment advisory services and advises and assists the officers of the Trust in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of its Trustees regarding the conduct of business of the Trust and the Fund, and in addition, at its expense, provides the Fund with management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund, including preparation of shareholder reports and communications, regulatory compliance, such as reports to and filings with the SEC and state securities commissions, and general supervision of the operation of the Fund, including coordination of the services performed by the Fund’s administrator or sub-administrator, transfer agent, custodian, independent auditors, legal counsel and others.
     Under the Management Contract, Schroders is required to continuously furnish the Fund with an investment program consistent with the investment objective and policies of the Fund, and to determine, for the Fund, what securities shall be purchased, what securities shall be held or sold, and what portion of the Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and by-laws, and of the Investment Company Act, and to the Fund’s investment objective, policies, and restrictions, and subject further to such policies and instructions as the Trustees may from time to time establish.
     As compensation for services provided to the Fund pursuant to the Management Contract, Schroders is entitled to receive from the Trust a fee, computed and paid quarterly, at the annual rate (based on the Fund’s average daily net assets) of: 0.75%.
     The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed through February 28, 2010 (i) to reduce its management fee compensation by 0.21% and (ii) if necessary, in order to limit expenses of the Fund’s shares, to pay or reimburse the Fund for expenses to the extent that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund (other than Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, interest, taxes, and extraordinary expenses, which may include typically non-recurring expenses such as, for example, organizational expenses, litigation expenses, and shareholder meeting expenses) allocable to each share class of the Fund exceed the following annual rates (based on the average daily net assets attributable to each of the Fund’s share classes taken separately): Investor Shares 1.25%; A Shares: 1.50%; Advisor Shares: 1.50%; and R Shares: 1.75%. The fee waivers and/or expense limitations for the Fund may only be terminated during their term by the Board of Trustees.
     Schroders makes available to the Trust, without additional expense to the Trust, the services of such of its directors, officers, and employees as may duly be elected Trustees or officers of the Trust, subject to their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law. Schroders pays the compensation and expenses of officers and executive employees of the Trust. Schroders also provides investment advisory research and statistical facilities and all clerical services relating to such research, statistical, and investment work. Schroders pays the Trust’s office rent.
     Under the Management Contract, the Trust is responsible for all its other expenses, which may include clerical salaries not related to investment activities; fees and expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; brokers’ commissions; payment for portfolio pricing services to a pricing agent, if any; legal expenses; auditing expenses; accounting expenses; payments under any distribution plan; shareholder servicing payments; taxes and governmental fees; fees and expenses of the transfer agent and investor servicing agent of the Trust; the cost of preparing share certificates or any other expenses, including clerical expenses, incurred in

-40-


Table of Contents

connection with the issue, sale, underwriting, redemption, or repurchase of shares; the expenses of and fees for registering or qualifying securities for sale; the fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with Schroders; the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders; public and investor relations expenses; and fees and disbursements of custodians of the Fund’s assets. The Trust is also responsible for its expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings, and claims and the legal obligation it may have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto.
     The Management Contract provides that Schroders shall not be subject to any liability to the Trust or to any shareholder for any act or omission in connection with rendering services to the Trust in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties.
     The Management Contract may be terminated as to the Fund without penalty by vote of the Trustees, by the shareholders of the Fund, or by Schroders, on 60 days’ written notice. The Management Contract also terminates without payment of any penalty in the event of its assignment. In addition, the Management Contract may be amended only by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of Schroders. The Management Contract provides that it will continue in effect from year to year (after an initial two-year period) only so long as such continuance is approved at least annually by vote of either the Trustees or the shareholders of the Fund, and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of Schroders. In each of the foregoing cases, the vote of the shareholders is the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined above in “Investment Restrictions”).
      Recent Management Fees . The following table sets forth the management fees paid by the Fund during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008. The fees listed in this table reflect reductions pursuant to expense limitations and/or fee waivers in effect during such periods.
                 
    Management Fees   Management Fees
    Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal
Fund   Year Ended 10/31/09   Year Ended 10/31/08
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
  $ [     ]     $ 0  
      Waived Fees . For the periods shown above, a portion of the advisory fees payable to Schroders was waived in the following amounts pursuant to expense limitations and/or fee waivers observed by Schroders for the Fund during such periods.
                 
    Fees Waived During   Fees Waived During
    Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended
Fund   10/31/09   10/31/08
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
  $ [     ]     $ 630,821  
Subadvisory Agreement.
     The Board of Trustees of Schroder Series Trust has approved separate arrangement whereby Schroders would retain SIMNA Ltd. to serve as sub-adviser to the Fund. In connection therewith, the Board of Trustees of Schroder Series Trust approved an Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Schroders, SIMNA Ltd. and the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Subadvisory Agreement”), which went into effect on December 20, 2008.
     Under the Subadvisory Agreement, subject to the oversight of the Trustees and the direction and control of Schroders, SIMNA Ltd. is required to provide on behalf of the Fund the portfolio management services required of Schroders under the Fund’s Management Contract. Accordingly, SIMNA Ltd. will be required to regularly provide the Fund with investment research, advice, and supervision and furnish continuously investment programs consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund, and determine, what securities shall be purchased, what securities shall be held or sold, and what portion of the Fund’s assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and By-laws, and of the Investment Company Act, and to the Fund’s

-41-


Table of Contents

investment objectives, policies, and restrictions, and subject further to such policies and instructions as the Trustees may from time to time establish.
     For the services to be rendered by SIMNA Ltd., Schroders (and not the Trust or the Fund) will pay to SIMNA Ltd. a monthly fee in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of all fees actually paid by the Fund to Schroders for such month under the Management Contract, provided that SIMNA Ltd.’s fee for any period will be reduced such that SIMNA Ltd. will bear fifty percent (50%) of any voluntary fee waiver observed or expense reimbursement borne by Schroders with respect to the Fund for such period.
     The Subadvisory Agreement provides that SIMNA Ltd. shall not be subject to any liability to the Trust or Schroders for any mistake of judgment or in any event whatsoever in connection with rendering service to the Trust in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties.
     The Subadvisory Agreement relating to the Fund may be terminated with respect to the Fund without penalty (i) by vote of the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined above) of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to SIMNA Ltd., (ii) by Schroders on 60 days’ written notice to SIMNA Ltd. or (iii) by SIMNA Ltd. on 60 days’ written notice to Schroders and the Trust. The Subadvisory Agreement will also terminate without payment of any penalty in the event of its assignment. The Subadvisory Agreement may be amended only by written agreement of all parties thereto and otherwise in accordance with the Investment Company Act.
      Recent Subadvisory Fees . For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement on behalf of the Fund, Schroders paid a sub-advisory fee of $[     ]. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement on behalf of the Fund, Schroders did not pay a sub-advisory fee to SIMNA Ltd.
      Administrative Services . The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has entered into an administration and accounting agreement with SEI, under which SEI provides administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund, including recordkeeping, preparation of shareholder communications, assistance with regulatory compliance (such as reports to and filings with the SEC and state securities commissions), preparation and filing of tax returns, preparation of the Trust’s periodic financial reports, and certain other fund accounting services. Under that agreement, as amended, the Trust, together with Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware), pays fees to SEI based on the combined average daily net assets of all the funds of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and the Trust, according to the following annual rates: 0.095% on the first $1 billion of such assets, 0.085% on the next $1 billion of such assets, 0.07% on the next $1 billion of such assets, 0.06% on the next $2 billion and 0.05% on assets in excess of $5 billion. The Fund pays its pro rata portion of such expenses. The administration and accounting agreement is terminable by either party at the end of a three year initial term or thereafter, at any time, by either party upon six (6) months written notice to the other party. The administration and accounting agreement is terminable by either party in the case of a material breach.
      Recent Administrative Fees. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008, the Fund paid the following administration and accounting fees to SEI. The fees listed in the following table reflect reductions pursuant to fee waivers and/or expense limitations in effect during such periods.
                 
    Administration Fees   Administration Fees
    Paid for Fiscal   Paid for Fiscal
Fund   Year Ended 10/31/09   Year Ended 10/31/08
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
  $ [     ]     $ 24,673  
DISTRIBUTOR; DISTRIBUTION PLAN
     Pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, SFA (the “Distributor”), 875 Third Avenue, 22 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, serves as the distributor for the Trust’s continually offered shares. The Distributor pays all of its own expenses in performing its obligations under the Distribution Agreement. The Distributor is not

-42-


Table of Contents

obligated to sell any specific amount of shares of the Fund. Please see “Schroders and its Affiliates” for ownership information regarding the Distributor.
      Distribution plan for A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares. The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act that allows the Fund to compensate the Distributor in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares. Under the Plan, the Fund may make payments based on the average daily net assets attributable to its A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, taken separately, at the following annual rates: A Shares: up to 0.25%; Advisor Shares: up to 0.25%; and R Shares: up to 0.50%. Because the fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets attributable to its A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of an investment in A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares and may cost an investor more than paying other types of sales charges. Investor Shares are not subject to the Distribution Plan.
     The Distribution Plan is a compensation plan. The various costs and expenses that may be paid or reimbursed by amounts paid under the Distribution Plan include advertising expenses, costs of printing prospectuses and other materials to be given or sent to prospective investors, expenses of sales employees or agents of the Distributor, including salary, commissions, travel and related expenses in connection with the distribution of A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, payments to broker-dealers who advise shareholders regarding the purchase, sale, or retention of A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, and payments to banks, trust companies, broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), or other financial organizations.
     The Distribution Plan may benefit the Fund by increasing sales of A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares and reducing redemptions of these shares, resulting potentially, for example, in economies of scale and more predictable flows of cash into and out of the Fund. Because 12b-1 fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets, shareholders share the expense; however, because shareholders hold their shares through varying arrangements (for example, directly or through financial intermediaries), they may not share equally in the benefits of the Distribution Plan.
     In addition, to compensate SFA for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s A Shares, SFA will be entitled to receive any initial sales load applicable to the sale of A Shares. There is no initial sales load or contingent deferred sales load for Advisor Shares, Investor Shares or R Shares. For more information on sales loads, please see “How To Buy Shares” below.
     The Distribution Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of payments permitted thereunder without the approval of a majority of the outstanding A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, respectively, of the Fund. Any other material amendment to the Distribution Plan must be approved both by a majority of the Trustees and a majority of those Trustees (“Qualified Trustees”) who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Trust, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any related agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose. The Distribution Plan will continue in effect for successive one-year periods provided each such continuance is approved by a majority of the Trustees and the Qualified Trustees by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose. The Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares, respectively.
     Broker-dealers with which SFA has entered into selling agreements may charge their customers a processing or service fee in connection with the purchase or redemption of Fund shares. The amount and applicability of such a fee is determined and disclosed to such customers by each individual broker-dealer.
     During the fiscal periods ended October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008, the Fund (in respect of its A Shares, Advisor Shares, and R Shares) paid fees under the Distribution Plan in the following amounts:
                 
    Fiscal Year Ended   Fiscal Year Ended
Class   October 31, 2009   October 31, 2008
A Shares
  $ [     ]     $ 51,822  
Advisor Shares
  $ [     ]     $ 7,761  
R Shares
  $ [     ]     $ 2,046  

-43-


Table of Contents

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
      Selection of Brokers. Schroders, in selecting brokers to effect transactions on behalf of the Fund, seeks to obtain the best execution available.
      Allocation. Schroders may deem the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of the Fund as well as other clients of Schroders. In such cases, Schroders may, but is under no obligation to, aggregate all such transactions in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. Orders are normally allocated on a pro rata basis, except that in certain circumstances, such as the small size of an issue, orders will be allocated among clients in a manner believed by Schroders to be fair and equitable over time.
      Brokerage and Research Services. Transactions on U.S. stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment by the Trust of negotiated brokerage commissions. Schroders may determine to pay a particular broker varying commissions according to such factors as the difficulty and size of the transaction. Transactions in foreign securities often involve the payment of fixed brokerage commissions, which are generally higher than those in the United States, and therefore certain portfolio transaction costs may be higher than the costs for similar transactions executed on U.S. securities exchanges. There is generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter markets, but the price paid by the Fund usually includes an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. In underwritten offerings, the price paid by the Trust includes a disclosed, fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer.
     Schroders places all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and buys and sells securities through a substantial number of brokers and dealers. In so doing, it uses its best efforts to obtain the best execution available. In seeking the best price and execution, Schroders considers all factors it deems relevant, including price, the size of the transaction, the nature of the market for the security, the amount of the commission, the timing of the transaction (taking into account market prices and trends), the reputation, experience, and financial stability of the broker-dealer involved, and the quality of service rendered by the broker-dealer in other transactions.
     It has for many years been a common practice in the investment advisory business for advisers of investment companies and other institutional investors to receive research, statistical, and quotation services from several broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers. Consistent with this practice, Schroders receives research, statistical, and quotation services from many broker-dealers with which it places the Fund’s portfolio transactions. These services, which in some cases may also be purchased for cash, include such matters as general economic and security market reviews, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities, and recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities. Some of these services are of value to Schroders and its affiliates in advising various of their clients (including the Trust), although not all of these services are necessarily useful and of value in managing the Fund. The investment advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because Schroders and its affiliates receive such services.
     As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Securities Exchange Act”), and by the Management Contract, Schroders may cause the Fund to pay a broker that provides brokerage and research services to Schroders an amount of disclosed commission for effecting a securities transaction for the Fund in excess of the commission that another broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. Schroders’ authority of the Trust to cause the Fund to pay any such greater commissions is also subject to such policies as the Trustees may adopt from time to time.
     SIMNA Ltd., in its capacity as sub-adviser to the Fund, observes substantially the same allocation and brokerage and research policies and practices as those observed by Schroders described above.

-44-


Table of Contents

     The following tables show the aggregate brokerage commissions paid for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008 with respect to the Fund that incurred brokerage costs.
                 
    Brokerage Commissions   Brokerage Commissions
    Paid During Fiscal   Paid During Fiscal
Fund   Year Ended 10/31/09   Year Ended 10/31/08
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
  $ [     ]     $ 28,795  
     The following table shows the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid to firms that provided research services in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. The provision of research services to Schroders and its affiliates was not necessarily a factor in the placement of fund transactions with these firms.
         
    Commissions Paid
    with Respect to Such
Fund   Transactions
Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio
  $ [     ]  
      Other Practices. Schroders and its affiliates also manage private investment companies (“hedge funds”) that are marketed to, among others, existing Schroders clients. These hedge funds may invest in the same securities as those invested in by the Fund. The hedge funds’ trading methodologies are generally different than those of the Fund and usually include short selling and the aggressive use of leverage. At times, the hedge funds may be selling short securities held long in the Fund.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
     The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined daily as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the Exchange is open for trading.
     Securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at those quotations. Securities for which current market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value pursuant to procedures established by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, which are summarized below. It is possible that fair value prices will be used by the Fund to a significant extent. The value determined for an investment using the Fund’s fair value guidelines may differ from recent market prices for the investment.
     Equity securities listed or traded on a domestic or foreign stock exchange for which last sales information is readily available are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange on that day or, in the absence of sales that day, at the mean between the closing bid and ask prices (the “mid-market price”) or, if none, the last sale price on the preceding trading day. (Where the securities are traded on more than one exchange, they are valued based on trading on the exchange where the security is principally traded.) Securities purchased in an initial public offering and that have not commenced trading in a secondary market are valued at cost. In the case of securities traded primarily on the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”), the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will, if available, be used to value such securities as such price is reported by NASDAQ to market data vendors. If the NASDAQ Official Closing Price is not available, such securities will be valued as described above for exchange-traded securities.
     Reliable market quotations are not considered to be readily available for many bonds (excluding U.S. Treasury securities), certain preferred stocks, tax-exempt securities and certain foreign securities. Such securities are valued at fair value, generally on the basis of valuations furnished by pricing services, which determine valuations for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using methods based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders. Below investment grade debt instruments (“high yield debt”) and emerging markets debt instruments will generally be valued at prices furnished by pricing services based on the mean of bid and asked prices supplied by brokers or dealers, although, if the bid-asked spread exceeds five points, that security will typically be valued at the bid price. Short-term

-45-


Table of Contents

fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless Schroders believes another valuation is more appropriate.
     Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported sale prices on any day or, in the absence of a reported sale price, at mid-market prices. Options and futures contracts traded on a securities exchange or board of trade generally are valued at the last reported sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the closing mid-market price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Options and futures not traded on a securities exchange or board of trade for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally are valued at the most recently reported mid-market price. Credit default and interest rate swaps are valued at the estimate of the mid-market price, together with other supporting information. Options on indices or ETF shares are valued at the closing mid-market price. If such prices are not available, unlisted securities and derivatives are valued by Schroders at their fair values based on quotations from dealers, and if such quotations are not available, based on factors in the markets where such securities and derivatives trade, such as security and bond prices, interest rates, and currency exchange rates.
     All other securities and other property are valued at fair value based on procedures established by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
     If the Fund’s assets are invested in one or more open-end investment management companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the value of the securities held directly by the Fund and the net asset values of the registered open-end investment management companies in which the Fund invests, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which these companies will use fair value pricing.
     All assets and liabilities of the Fund denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars as of the close of trading of the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) based on the mean between the last quoted bid and ask price of such currencies against the U.S. dollar.
     If any securities held by the Fund are restricted as to resale, Schroders will obtain a valuation based on the current bid for the restricted security from one or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security. If Schroders is unable to obtain a fair valuation for a restricted security from an independent dealer or other independent party, a pricing committee (comprised of certain officers at Schroders) shall determine the bid value of such security. The valuation procedures applied in any specific instance are likely to vary from case to case. However, consideration is generally given to the financial position of the issuer and other fundamental analytical data relating to the investment and to the nature of the restrictions on disposition of the securities (including any registration expenses that might be borne by the Trust in connection with such disposition). In addition, specific factors are also generally considered, such as the cost of the investment, the market value of any unrestricted securities of the same class (both at the time of purchase and at the time of valuation), the size of the holding, the prices of any recent transactions or offers with respect to such securities, and any available analysts’ reports regarding the issuer.
     Generally, trading in certain securities (such as foreign securities) is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the Exchange. The values of these securities used in determining the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are computed as of such times. Also, because of the amount of time required to collect and process trading information as to large numbers of securities issues, the values of certain securities (such as convertible bonds and U.S. Government securities) are determined based on market quotations collected earlier in the day. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such securities may occur between such times and the close of the Exchange. If events materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such period, then the Fair Value Committee of the Trust may consider whether it is appropriate to value these securities at their fair value.
     The Fund uses a third-party fair valuation vendor that provides a fair value for foreign securities held by the applicable Fund based on certain factors and methodologies applied by the vendor in the event that there is movement in specified U.S. market prices that exceeds a specific threshold established by the Fair Value Committee, in

-46-


Table of Contents

consultation with the Trustees. Such methodologies generally involve tracking valuation correlations between the U.S. market and each non-U.S. security. The Fair Value Committee also determines a “confidence interval” that will be used, when the threshold is exceeded, to determine the level of correlation between the value of a foreign security and movements in the U.S. market before a particular security will be fair valued. In the event that the threshold established by the Fair Value Committee is exceeded on a specific day, the Fund will typically value non-U.S. securities in their portfolios that exceed the applicable confidence interval based upon the fair values provided by the vendor.
     The proceeds received by the Fund for each issue or sale of its shares, and all income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to the Fund, and constitute the underlying assets of the Fund. The underlying assets of the Fund will be segregated on the Trust’s books of account, and will be charged with the liabilities in respect of the Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust. The Fund’s assets will be further allocated among its constituent classes of shares on the Trust’s books of account. Expenses with respect to any two or more funds or classes may be allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the respective funds or classes except where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be fairly made to a specific fund or class. The net asset value of the Fund’s A Shares, Advisor Shares and R Shares will generally differ from that of its Investor Shares due to the variance in dividends paid on each class of shares and differences in the expenses of A Shares, Advisor Shares, R Shares and Investor Shares.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
     Each Prospectus describes how investors may buy shares of the Fund and identifies the share class(es) offered by the Prospectus. Because of different sales charges and expenses, the investment performance of the classes will vary. This section of the SAI contains more information on how to buy shares. For more information, including your eligibility to purchase certain classes of shares, contact a service organization such as a bank, trust company, broker-dealer, or other financial organization (a “Service Organization”) or Boston Financial Data Services (at 1-800-464-3108). Investors who purchase shares at net asset value through employee benefit plans or employer-sponsored retirement plans should also consult their employer for information about the extent to which the matters described in this section and in the sections that follow apply to them.
      General information. The Fund is currently making a continuous offering of its shares. The Fund receives the entire net asset value of shares sold. The Fund will accept unconditional orders for shares to be executed at the public offering price based on the net asset value per share next determined after the order is placed. In the case of A Shares, the public offering price is the net asset value plus the applicable initial sales load, if any. (The public offering price is thus calculable by dividing the net asset value by 100% minus the initial sales load, expressed as a percentage.) Advisor Shares, Investor Shares and R Shares do not have an initial sales load.
     Purchases of A Shares, Advisor Shares and Investor Shares are subject to the minimums stated in the Prospectuses, except that the minimum investment is waived for investors purchasing additional A Shares, Advisor Shares or Investor Shares through the automatic purchase option.
      Reinvestment of distributions. Distributions to be reinvested are reinvested without a sales charge in shares of the same class as of the ex-dividend date using the net asset value determined on that date, and are credited to a shareholder’s account on the payment date.
      A Shares Sales Charges. This section describes certain key features of A Shares offered to investors and that are not sold at net asset value. Much of this information addresses the sales charges, including an initial sales load, which may be imposed on A Shares. This information supplements the description of the A Shares included in that class’s Prospectus. The public offering price of A Shares is the net asset value plus an initial sales load that varies depending on the size of your purchase (calculable as described above). The Fund receives the net asset value. The table below indicates the sales charges applicable to purchases of A Shares of the Fund. The variations in sales charges reflect the varying efforts required to sell shares to different categories of purchasers.

-47-


Table of Contents

     The sales charge is allocated between your investment dealer and SFA as shown in the tables below, except when SFA, in its discretion, allocates the entire amount to your investment dealer.
     The underwriter’s commission, or dealer reallowance, is the sales load shown in the applicable Prospectus less any applicable dealer discount. SFA will give dealers ten days’ notice of any changes in the dealer discount. SFA retains the entire sales charge on any retail sales made by it.
                         
                    Reallowance
    Sales Load   Reallowance to   payable
    as a % of   selected dealers   to SFA as of
Amount of Purchase Payment   Offering Price   as % of offering price   offering price
Less than $50,000
    4.50 %     4.00 %     0.50 %
$50,000 to $99,999
    4.00 %     3.50 %     0.50 %
$100,000 to $249,999
    3.50 %     3.00 %     0.50 %
$250,000 to $499,999
    2.50 %     2.00 %     0.50 %
$500,000 to $999,999
    2.00 %     1.75 %     0.25 %
$1,000,000 or more
    0 %     0 %     0 %
     A Shares may be purchased without initial sales loads by: (i) investment advisory clients of Schroders; (ii) current or former Trustees; (iii) trustees or custodians of any employee benefit plan or employer-sponsored retirement plan, IRA, Keogh plan, or trust established for the benefit of an employee or officer of Schroders and any of its affiliates; (iv) any trust company or bank trust department exercising discretionary investment authority and holding unallocated accounts in a fiduciary, agency, custodial, or similar capacity; and (v) certain financial intermediaries such as broker-dealers, financial institutions, and registered investment advisers, and their investors who buy through accounts established with certain fee-based investment advisers or financial planners, wrap fee accounts and other managed agency/asset allocation accounts.
     You may also qualify for a reduced initial sales load through the Rights of Accumulation program and through investment by a letter of intent, as described in the Prospectuses. Information about sales loads discounts is also available free of charge on the following website: www.schroderfunds.com.
     Initial sales charges on shares sold outside the United States may differ from those applied to U.S. sales.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
     The Fund imposes a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed (including in connection with an exchange) two months or less from their date of purchase. The fee is not a sales charge (load); it is paid directly to the Fund.
     To the extent that the redemption fee applies, the price you will receive when you redeem your shares of the Fund is the net asset value next determined after receipt of your redemption request in good order, minus the redemption fee. The Fund permits exceptions to the redemption fee policy for the following transactions:
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by discretionary asset allocation or wrap programs (“wrap programs”) that are initiated by the sponsor of the program as part of a periodic rebalancing, provided that such rebalancing occurs no more frequently than quarterly, or, if more frequent, was the result of an extraordinary change in the management or operation of the wrap program leading to a revised investment model that is applied across all applicable accounts in the wrap program;
 
    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, redemptions or exchanges by a wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;

-48-


Table of Contents

    to the extent the exception is requested by a financial intermediary and the intermediary agrees to administer the exception uniformly among similarly-affected clients, the following transactions in participant-directed retirement plans:
    where the shares being redeemed were purchased with new contributions to the plan ( e.g. , payroll contributions, employer contributions, and loan repayments);
 
    redemptions made in connection with taking out a loan from the plan;
 
    redemptions in connection with death, disability, hardship withdrawals, or Qualified Domestic Relations Orders;
 
    redemptions made as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
 
    redemptions made by a defined contribution plan in connection with a termination or restructuring of the plan;
 
    redemptions made in connection with a participant’s termination of employment; and
 
    redemptions made as part of a periodic rebalancing under an asset allocation model.
    involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder’s failure to maintain a minimum investment in the Fund;
 
    redemptions of shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid by the Fund;
 
    redemptions and exchanges effected by other mutual funds ( e.g. , funds of funds) that are sponsored by Schroders or its affiliates;
 
    to the extent the Fund is used as a qualified default investment alternative under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for certain 401(k) plans; and
 
    otherwise as the officers of Schroders or the Trust may determine is appropriate after consideration of the purpose of the transaction and the potential impact to the Fund.
The application of the redemption fee and exceptions may vary among intermediaries, and certain intermediaries may not apply the exceptions listed above. If you purchase or sell fund shares through an intermediary, you should contact your intermediary for more information on whether the redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.
ARRANGEMENTS PERMITTING FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
     The Fund has no arrangements with any person to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund shares.
TAXES
     The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on the Code, existing U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. It does not address special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as IRAs and other retirement plans, tax-exempt entities, foreign investors, insurance companies, financial institutions and investors making in-kind contributions to the Fund. You should consult your tax advisor for more information about your own tax situation, including possible other federal, state, local, and, where applicable, foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
      Taxation of the Fund. The Fund intends to qualify and to elect to be treated each year as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets consists

-49-


Table of Contents

of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (y) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid — generally, taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt interest income, for such year. The Fund intends to make such distributions.
     In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership that would be qualifying income if realized by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (defined as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, (y) that derives at least 90% of its income from passive income sources defined in Code section 7704(d), and (z) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (a)(i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.
     For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (b) above, in the case of the Fund’s investment in loan participations, the identity of the issuer may vary according to the terms of the underlying contract. Also, for purposes of (b) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.
     If the Fund qualifies as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends, as defined below).
     If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment for any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to taxes on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. In addition, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
     If the Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year and 98% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or later if the Fund is permitted so to elect and so elects), plus any retained amount from the prior year (to the extent not previously subject to tax under subchapter M), the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year. A dividend paid to shareholders by the Fund in January of a year generally is deemed to have been paid by the Fund on December 31 of the preceding year, if the dividend was declared and payable to shareholders of record on a date in October, November, or December of that preceding year. The Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so.
      Taxable distributions . For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income (other than exempt-interest dividends, as described below) are generally taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated the gains, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that the Fund has held for more than one year and that are properly designated by the Fund as capital gain

-50-


Table of Contents

dividends will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryovers long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced — in general, to 15% with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets — for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income.
     Because the Fund will invest a potentially significant portion of its assets in shares of underlying funds, it is possible that its distributable income and gains will normally consist in significant measure of distributions from underlying funds and gains and losses on the disposition of shares of underlying funds. To the extent that an underlying fund realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Fund will not be able to recognize its shares of those losses (so as to offset distributions of net income or capital gains from other underlying funds) until it disposes of shares of the underlying fund. Moreover, even when the Fund does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss, which will not be treated as favorably for federal income tax purposes as a short-term capital loss or an ordinary deduction. In particular, the Fund will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of underlying fund shares against its ordinary income (including distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized by an underlying fund).
     In addition, in certain circumstances, the “wash sale” rules under Section 1091 of the Code may apply to the Fund’s sales of underlying fund shares that have generated losses. A wash sale occurs if shares of an underlying fund are sold by the Fund at a loss and the Fund acquires additional shares of that same underlying fund 30 days before or after the date of the sale. The wash-sale rules could defer losses in the Fund’s hands on sales of underlying fund shares (to the extent such sales are wash sales) for extended (and, in certain cases, potentially indefinite) periods of time. In addition to the wash-sale rules, certain related-party transaction rules may cause any losses generated by the Fund on the sale of an underlying fund’s shares to be deferred (or, in some cases, permanently disallowed) if the Fund and the underlying fund are part of the same “controlled group” (as defined in Section 267(f) of the Code) at the time the loss is recognized. For instance, for these purposes, the Fund and an underlying fund will be part of the same controlled group if the Fund owns more than 50% of the total outstanding voting securities of the underlying fund.
     As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gains that the Fund will be required to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the underlying funds, rather than investing in shares of the underlying funds. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from the Fund ( e.g. , long-term capital gain, exempt interest, eligibility for dividends-received deduction, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the underlying funds.
     For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, “qualified dividend income” received by an individual will be taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. In order for some portion of the dividends received by the Fund shareholders to be qualified dividend income, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to some portion of the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and shareholders must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, on the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established security market in the United States) or (b) treated as a passive foreign investment company (as defined below).
     If the Fund receives dividends from an underlying fund that qualifies as a RIC, and the underlying fund designates such dividends as “qualified dividend income,” then the Fund may designate a portion of its distributions

-51-


Table of Contents

as qualified dividend income, provided the Fund meets the holding period and other requirements with respect to shares of the underlying fund.
     In general, distributions of investment income designated by the Fund as derived from qualified dividend income will be treated as qualified dividend income by a shareholder taxed as an individual provided the shareholder meets the holding period and other requirements described above with respect to the Fund’s shares. If the aggregate qualified dividends received by the Fund during any taxable year are 95% or more of its gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), then 100% of the Fund’s dividends (other than dividends properly designated as capital gain dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income. For this purpose, the only gain included in the term “gross income” is the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss.
     Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before a shareholder’s investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid). Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.
     Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been temporarily reduced — in general, to 15%, with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets — for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011.
      Return of capital distributions. If the Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of its current and accumulated “earnings and profits” in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition of the shareholder’s shares.
     Dividends and distributions on the Fund’s shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s net asset value reflects either unrealized gains, or realized but undistributed income or gains. Such realized income and gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.
      Securities issued or purchased at a discount. The Fund’s investment in securities issued at a discount and certain other obligations will (and investments in securities purchased at a discount may) require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold.
      Transactions in Fund shares. The sale, exchange or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. If a shareholder sells shares at a loss within six months of purchase, any loss will be disallowed for federal income tax purposes to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received on such shares. In addition, any loss (not already disallowed as provided in the preceding sentence) realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions from the Fund of long-term capital gain with respect to the shares during the six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other shares of the same Fund are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

-52-


Table of Contents

     Depending on the Fund’s percentage ownership in an underlying fund before and after a redemption of underlying fund shares, the Fund’s redemption of shares of such underlying fund may cause the Fund to be treated as receiving a dividend on the full amount of the distribution instead of receiving capital gain income on the shares of the underlying fund. This would be the case where the Fund holds a significant interest in an underlying fund and redeems only a small portion of such interest. It is possible that such a dividend would qualify as qualified dividend income; otherwise, it would be taxable as ordinary income.
      Foreign currency transactions. The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations of the foreign currency concerned.
     The Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies and may take significant positions in forward currency contracts. As described under “Taxation of the Fund” above, at least 90% of a fund’s gross income for each taxable year must consist of certain types of qualifying income. The Code grants the Secretary of the Treasury the right to issue tax regulations that would exclude income and gains from direct investments in foreign currencies from treatment as qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement in cases where the foreign currency gains are not directly related to the company’s principal business of investing in stocks or securities (or options or futures with respect to stocks or securities). In light of this grant of regulatory authority, there is no assurance that the Secretary will not issue regulations. Moreover, there is a remote possibility that such regulations may be applied retroactively. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, the Fund would be subject to federal income tax on its net income and capital gains at regular corporate income tax rates (without a deduction for distributions to shareholders) and other adverse consequences previously described.
      Foreign investments. With respect to investment income and gains received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries, such income and gains may be subject to foreign taxes that are withheld at the source. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
     If more than 50% of the Fund’s assets at year end consist of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to claim a credit or deduction on their income tax returns for their pro rata portions of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries in respect of foreign securities the Fund has held for at least the minimum period specified in the Code. In such a case, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata shares of such taxes. A shareholder’s ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, which may result in a shareholder not receiving a full credit or deduction for the amount of such taxes. In particular, shareholders must hold their Fund shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 additional days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a given dividend. Shareholders who do not itemize on their federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but no deduction) for such foreign taxes. It is anticipated that shareholders of the Fund generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes.
     Under current law, a fund of funds cannot pass through to shareholders foreign tax credits borne in respect of foreign securities income earned by an underlying fund. A fund is permitted to elect to pass through to its shareholders foreign income taxes it pays only if it directly holds more than 50% of its assets in foreign stock and securities at the close of its taxable year. Foreign securities held indirectly through an underlying fund do not contribute to this 50% threshold.
      Passive Foreign Investment Companies. Equity investments by the Fund in certain “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) could potentially subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to avoid the imposition of that tax by electing to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (i.e., make a “QEF election”), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company’s income and net capital gains

-53-


Table of Contents

annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company. The Fund may also make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings “to the market” as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund’s total return. Dividends paid by PFICs are not eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
      Hedging transactions. If the Fund engages in hedging transactions, including transactions in options, forward or futures contracts, and straddles, or other similar transactions, it will be subject to special tax rules (including constructive sale, mark-to-market, straddle, wash sale, and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities, convert long-term capital gain into short-term capital gain, or convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund will monitor its transactions, determine whether to make certain applicable tax elections and make appropriate entries in its books and records.
     Certain of the Fund’s hedging activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are likely to produce a difference between the Fund’s book income and its taxable income. If the Fund’s book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the distribution (if any) of such excess will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If the Fund’s book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.
     In general, 40% of the gain or loss arising from the closing out of a futures contract traded on an exchange approved by the CFTC is treated as short-term gain or loss, and 60% is treated as long-term gain or loss.
      Certain Investments in REITs. The Fund is permitted to invest in REITs. Investments in REIT equity securities may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund’s investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings. If the Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.
     Some of the REITs in which the Fund invests may be permitted to hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”), REITS that are themselves taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”) or REITs that may invest in TMPs.. Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Fund’s income (including income allocated to the Fund from a REIT or other pass-through entity) that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a REMIC or TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC or TMP residual interest directly. As a result, the Fund may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts, as noted below.
     In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan

-54-


Table of Contents

or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. The Fund does not intend to invest in REITs in which a substantial portion of the assets will consist of residual interests in REMICs.
      Tax-Exempt Shareholders. Under current law, the Fund generally serves to “block” UBTI from being realized by tax-exempt shareholders. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Fund if Fund shares constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).
     A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in REMIC residual interests or TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund). Furthermore, any investment in residual interests of a Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (a “CMO”) that is treated as a REMIC can create complex tax consequences, especially if the Fund has state or local governments or other tax-exempt organizations as shareholders.
     In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in a fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a fund that recognizes excess inclusion income, then the fund will be subject to a tax on that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. It is unclear how applicable this IRS guidance remains in light of the December 2006 legislation. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund is permitted to elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. The Fund has not made such an election, but reserves the right to do so in the future. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.
      Backup withholding. The Fund is generally required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is 28% for amounts paid through 2010. This rate will expire and the backup withholding tax rate will be 31% for amounts paid after December 31, 2010 unless Congress enacts tax legislation providing otherwise.
     In order for a foreign investor to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, the foreign investor must comply with special certification and filing requirements. Foreign investors in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
      Tax shelter reporting regulations . Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file a disclosure statement on Form 8886 with the IRS. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s

-55-


Table of Contents

treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
      Non-U.S. Shareholders. Distributions properly designated as capital gain dividends and exempt-interest dividends generally will not be subject to withholding of federal income tax. However, exempt-interest dividends may be subject to backup withholding (as discussed above). In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends) paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. However, effective for taxable years of the Fund beginning before January 1, 2010, the Fund will not be required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly designated by the Fund (an “interest-related dividend”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, to the extent such distributions are properly designated by the Fund (a “short-term capital gain dividend”). Depending on the circumstances, the Fund may make designations of interest-related dividends and/or short-term capital gain dividends with respect to all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for these exemptions from withholding. Absent legislation extending these exemptions, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010, these special withholding exemptions for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends will expire and these dividends generally will be subject to withholding as described above. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend the exemptions for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
     The fact that the Fund achieves its investment objectives in potentially significant measure by investing in underlying funds will generally not adversely affect the Fund’s ability to pass on to foreign shareholders the full benefit of the interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends that it receives from its underlying investments in the funds, except possibly to the extent that (1) interest-related dividends received by the Fund are offset by deductions allocable to the Fund’s qualified interest income or (2) short-term capital gain dividends received by the Fund are offset by the Fund’s net short-term or long-term capital losses, in which case the amount of a distribution from the Fund to a foreign shareholder that is properly designated as either an interest-related dividend or a short-term capital gain dividend, respectively, may be less than the amount that such shareholder would have received had they invested directly in the underlying funds.
     In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund makes a designation with respect to a payment. Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.
     A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or on capital gain dividends unless (i) such gain or capital gain dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, or (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the capital gain dividend and certain other conditions are met.

-56-


Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
     To the knowledge of the Trust, as of [     ], 2010, no person owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, except as indicated in Appendix A hereto.
     [To the knowledge of the Trust, as of [     ], 2010, the Trustees of the Trust and the officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.]
CUSTODIAN
     JPMorgan Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York, is the custodian of the assets of the Fund. The custodian’s responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund’s investments. The custodian does not determine the investment policies of the Fund or decide which securities the Fund will buy or sell.
LINE OF CREDIT
     The Fund, along with certain other series of the Trust, Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and Schroder Global Series Trust entered into a Credit Agreement dated October 6, 2008 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, for up to $25 million in a revolving line of credit (the “Line of Credit”). Any advance under the Line of Credit is contemplated primarily for temporary or emergency purposes consistent with the investment objectives and fundamental investment restrictions of the borrower, or to finance the redemption of the shares of a shareholder of the borrowing Fund. It is possible that a Fund may wish to borrow money under the Line of Credit but may not be able to do so.
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
     Boston Financial Data Services, Inc., 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169, is the Trust’s registrar, transfer agent, and dividend disbursing agent.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
     [     ], the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, provides audit services, and tax return preparation services. Its address is [     ].
CODE OF ETHICS
     Schroders, SFA, and SIMNA Ltd. have each adopted a Code of Ethics, and the Trust has adopted a combined Code of Ethics as amended from time to time, pursuant to the requirements of Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act. Subject to certain restrictions, these Codes of Ethics permit personnel subject to the Codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The Codes of Ethics have been filed as exhibits to the Trust’s Registration Statement.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
     The Trust has delegated authority and responsibility to vote any proxies relating to voting securities held by the Fund to Schroders, which intends to vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures. A copy of Schroders’ proxy voting policies and procedures is attached as Appendix B to this SAI. Information regarding how Schroders voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, through the Schroders Funds’ website at www.schroderfunds.com or by calling (800) 464-3108 and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

-57-


Table of Contents

LEGAL COUNSEL
     Ropes & Gray LLP, One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624, serves as counsel to the Trust.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY
     Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Trust’s 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. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the relevant Fund’s property for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of such Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder’s incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Financial Highlights, and Financial Statements in respect of the Fund is included in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 under Rule 30d-1 of the Investment Company Act, filed electronically with the SEC on [     ], 2010 in the Fund’s Report on Form N-CSR for the period ending October 31, 2009 for Schroder Series Trust, File No. 811-07840; Accession No. [     ]. The Report, Financial Highlights and Financial Statements referred to above relating to the Fund are incorporated by reference into this SAI.

-58-


Table of Contents

APPENDIX A
HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING SHARES
     To the knowledge of the Trust, as of [     ], 2010, no person owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, except as set forth below.
Investor Shares
                 
    Number of Outstanding   Percentage of Outstanding
Record or Beneficial Owner   Shares Owned   Shares Owned
[     ]
    [     ]       [     ]  
Advisor Shares
                 
    Number of Outstanding   Percentage of Outstanding
Record or Beneficial Owner   Shares Owned   Shares Owned
[     ]
    [     ]       [     ]  

A-1


Table of Contents

APPENDIX B
SCHRODER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NORTH AMERICA INC.
POLICY RELATING TO IDENTIFYING AND ACTING UPON CONFLICTS
OF INTEREST IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROXY VOTING OBLIGATIONS
This document sets forth Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.’s (“Schroders”) policy with respect to proxy voting and its procedures to comply with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Specifically, Rule 206(4)-6 requires that Schroders:
    Adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients and
 
    Disclose its proxy voting policies and procedures to clients and inform them how they may obtain information about how Schroders voted proxies.
Rule 30b1-4 requires that the Schroder US Mutual Funds (the “Funds”):
    Disclose their proxy voting policies and procedures in their registration statements and
 
    Annually, file with the SEC and make available to shareholders their actual proxy voting.
(a) Proxy Voting General Principles
Schroders will evaluate and usually vote for or against all proxy requests relating to securities held in any account managed by Schroders (unless this responsibility has been retained by the client).
Proxies will be treated and evaluated with the same attention and investment skill as the trading of securities in the accounts.
Proxies will be voted in a manner that is deemed most likely to protect and enhance the longer term value of the security as an asset to the account.
Proxy Committee
The Proxy Committee consists of investment professionals and other officers and is responsible for ensuring compliance with this proxy voting policy. The Committee meets quarterly to review proxies voted, policy guidelines and to examine any issues raised, including a review of any votes cast in connection with controversial issues.
The procedure for evaluating proxy requests is as follows:
Schroders’ Global Corporate Governance Team (the “Team”) is responsible for the initial evaluation of the proxy request, for seeking advice where necessary, especially from the US small cap and mid cap product heads, and for consulting with portfolio managers who have invested in the company should a controversial issue arise.
When making proxy-voting decisions, Schroders generally adheres to the Global Corporate Governance Policy (the “Policy”), as revised from time to time. The Policy, which has been developed by Schroders’ Global Corporate Governance Team and approved by the Schroders Proxy Committee, sets forth Schroders’ positions on recurring issues and criteria for addressing non-recurring issues. The Policy is a part of these procedures and is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Committee exercises oversight to assure that proxies are voted in accordance with the Policy and that any votes inconsistent with the Policy or against management are appropriately documented.
Schroders uses Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”) to assist in voting proxies. ISS provides proxy research, voting and vote-reporting services. ISS’s primary function with respect to Schroders is to apprise the Group of shareholder meeting dates of all securities holdings, translate proxy materials received from companies, provide

B-1


Table of Contents

associated research and provide considerations and recommendations for voting on particular proxy proposals. Although Schroders may consider ISS’s and others’ recommendations on proxy issues, Schroders bears ultimate responsibility for proxy voting decisions.
Schroders may also consider the recommendations and research of other providers, including the National Association of Pension Funds’ Voting Issues Service.
Conflicts
From time to time, proxy voting proposals may raise conflicts between the interests of Schroders’ clients and the interests of Schroders and/or its employees. Schroders is adopting this policy and procedures to ensure that decisions to vote the proxies are based on the clients’ best interests.
For example, conflicts of interest may arise when:
    Proxy votes regarding non-routine matters are solicited by an issuer that, directly or indirectly, has a client relationship with Schroders;
 
    A proponent of a proxy proposal has a client relationship with Schroders;
 
    A proponent of a proxy proposal has a business relationship with Schroders;
 
    Schroders has business relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or director candidates;
The Team is responsible for identifying proxy voting proposals that may present a material conflict of interest. If Schroders receives a proxy relating to an issuer that raises a conflict of interest, the Team shall determine whether the conflict is “material” to any specific proposal included within the proxy. The Team will determine whether a proposal is material as follows:
    Routine Proxy Proposals: Proxy proposals that are “routine” shall be presumed not to involve a material conflict of interest unless the Team has actual knowledge that a routine proposal should be treated as material. For this purpose, “routine” proposals would typically include matters such as uncontested election of directors, meeting formalities, and approval of an annual report/financial statements.
 
    Non-Routine Proxy Proposals: Proxy proposals that are “non-routine” will be presumed to involve a material conflict of interest, unless the Team determines that neither Schroders nor its personnel have a conflict of interest or the conflict is unrelated to the proposal in question. For this purpose, “non-routine” proposals would typically include any contested matter, including a contested election of directors, a merger or sale of substantial assets, a change in the articles of incorporation that materially affects the rights of shareholders, and compensation matters for management ( e.g. , stock, option plans, retirement plans, profit-sharing or other special remuneration plans). If the Team determines that there is, or may be perceived to be, a conflict of interest when voting a proxy, Schroders will address matters involving such conflicts of interest as follows:
          A. If a proposal is addressed by the Policy, Schroders will vote in accordance with such Policy;
          B. If Schroders believes it is in the best interests of clients to depart from the Policy, Schroders will be subject to the requirements of C or D below, as applicable;
          C. If the proxy proposal is (1) not addressed by the Policy or (2) requires a case-by-case determination, Schroders may vote such proxy as it determines to be in the best interest of clients, without taking any action described in D below, provided that such vote would be against Schroders’ own interest in the matter ( i.e., against the perceived or actual conflict). The rationale of such vote will be memorialized in writing; and
          D. If the proxy proposal is (1) not addressed by the Policy or (2) requires a case-by-case determination, and Schroders believes it should vote in a way that may also benefit, or be perceived to benefit, its own interest, then

B-2


Table of Contents

Schroders must take one of the following actions in voting such proxy: (a) vote in accordance with ISS’ recommendation; (b) inform the client(s) of the conflict of interest and obtain consent to vote the proxy as recommended by Schroders; or (c) obtain approval of the decision from the Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Investment Officer. The rationale of such vote will be memorialized in writing.
Record of Proxy Voting
     The Team will maintain, or have available, written or electronic copies of each proxy statement received and of each executed proxy.
The Team will also maintain records relating to each proxy, including (i) the voting decision with regard to each proxy; and (ii) any documents created by the Team and/or the Proxy Committee, or others, that were material to making the voting decision; (iii) any decisions of the Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Investment Officer.
Schroders will maintain a record of each written request from a client for proxy voting information and its written response to any request (oral or written) from any client for proxy voting information.
Such records will be maintained for six years and may be retained electronically.
Additional Reports and Disclosures for the Schroder Funds
The Funds must disclose their policies and procedures for voting proxies in their Statement of Additional Information. In addition to the records required to be maintained by Schroders, the following information will be made available to the Funds or their agent to enable the Funds to file Form N-PX under Rule 30b1-4:
     For each matter on which a fund is entitled to vote:
    Name of the issuer of the security;
 
    Exchange ticker symbol;
 
    CUSIP number, if available;
 
    Shareholder meeting date;
 
    Brief summary of the matter voted upon;
 
    Source of the proposal, i.e. , issuer or shareholder;
 
    Whether the fund voted on the matter;
 
    How the fund voted; and
 
    Whether the fund voted with or against management.
Further, the Funds are required to make available to shareholders the Funds’ actual proxy voting record. If requested, the most recently filed Form N-PX must be sent within three (3) days of receipt of the request.

B-3


Table of Contents

APPENDIX C
FIXED INCOME AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody’s Investors Service Inc. (“Moody’s”)
Fixed Income Security Ratings
“Aaa” Fixed income securities that 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 edge.” 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” Fixed income securities that 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 fixed income securities. They are rated lower than the best fixed income securities 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 that make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in “Aaa” securities.
“A” Fixed income securities that 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 that suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
“Baa” Fixed income securities that 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 fixed income securities lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Fixed income securities rated “Aaa”, “Aa”, “A” and “Baa” are considered investment grade.
“Ba” Fixed income securities that 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 therefore not well safeguarded during both good and bad times in the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
“B” Fixed income securities that 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” Fixed income securities that 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” Fixed income securities that are rated “Ca” present obligations that are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
“C” Fixed income securities that are rated “C” are the lowest rated class of fixed income securities, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Rating Refinements: Moody’s may apply numerical modifiers, “1”, “2”, and “3” in each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “B.” The modifier “1” indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier “2” indicates a mid range ranking; and a modifier “3” indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

C-1


Table of Contents

Commercial Paper Ratings
Moody’s Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months. The ratings apply to Municipal Commercial Paper as well as taxable Commercial Paper. Moody’s employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers: “Prime 1”, “Prime 2”, “Prime 3.”
Issuers rated “Prime 1” have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Issuers rated “Prime 2” have a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations; and Issuers rated “Prime 3” have an acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Issuers rated “Not Prime” do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“Standard & Poor’s”)
Fixed Income Security Ratings
A Standard & Poor’s fixed income security rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or lessees.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor’s from other sources it considers reliable. The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (1) likelihood of default capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (3) protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.
Standard & Poor’s does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or for other reasons.
“AAA” Fixed income securities rated “AAA” have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
“AA” Fixed income securities rated “AA” have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
“A” Fixed income securities rated “A” have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than fixed income securities in higher rated categories.
“BBB” Fixed income securities rated “BBB” are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for fixed income securities in this category than for fixed income securities in higher rated categories.
Fixed income securities rated “AAA”, “AA”, “A” and “BBB” are considered investment grade.
“BB” Fixed income securities rated “BB” have less near term vulnerability to default than other speculative grade fixed income securities. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions that could lead to inadequate capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.

C-2


Table of Contents

“B” Fixed income securities rated “B” have a greater vulnerability to default but presently have the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions would likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
“CCC” Fixed income securities rated “CCC” have a current identifiable vulnerability to default, and the obligor is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to meet timely payments of interest and repayments of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
“CC” The rating “CC” is typically applied to fixed income securities subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “CCC” rating.
“C” The rating “C” is typically applied to fixed income securities subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “CC “ rating.
“CI” The rating “CI” is reserved for fixed income securities on which no interest is being paid.
“NR” Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Fixed income securities rated “BB”, “B”, “CCC”, “CC” and “C” are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest degree of speculation. While such fixed income securities will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are out weighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Plus (+) or minus (-): The rating from “AA” TO “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing with the major ratings categories.
Commercial Paper Ratings
Standard & Poor’s commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a security. The ratings are based upon current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor’s from other sources it considers reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information. Ratings are graded into group categories, ranging from “A” for the highest quality obligations to “D” for the lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax exempt commercial paper.
Issues assigned “A” ratings are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designation “1”, “2”, and “3” to indicate the relative degree of safety.
“A 1” Indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong.
“A 2” Indicates capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues designated “A 1.”
“A 3” Indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying this designation are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.

C-3


Table of Contents

Fitch Investors Service, Inc. (“Fitch”)
Fixed Income Security Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated “AAA.” Because bonds rated in the “AAA” and “AA” categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated “F-1+”.
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
High Yield Grade
BB: Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives that could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements can be identified.
B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor’s limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
CC: Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, and D: Bonds are in default of interest and/or principal payments. Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. “DDD” represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and “D” represents the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
Conditional: A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of a project or the occurrence of a specific event.

C-4


Table of Contents

Short-Term Ratings
Fitch short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment notes.
F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated “F-1+.”
F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as the “F-1+” and “F-1 “ categories.
F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse changes could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
Duff & Phelps
Fixed Income Securities
Investment Grade
AAA: Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only slightly more than for risk-free US Treasury debt.
AA+, AA, and AA-: High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
A+, A, and A-: Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
BBB+, BBB, and BBB-: Below average protection factors but still considered sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.
High Yield Grade
BB+, BB, and BB-: Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up or down frequently within this category.
B+, B, and B-: Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher or lower rating grade.
CCC: Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as to timely payment of principal interest or preferred dividends. Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.

C-5


Table of Contents

Preferred stocks are rated on the same scale as bonds but the preferred rating gives weight to its more junior position in the capital structure. Structured financings are also rated on this scale.
Certificates Of Deposit Ratings
Category 1: Top Grade
Duff 1 plus: Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term liquidity including internal operating factors and/or ready access to alternative sources of funds, is outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free US Treasury short-term obligations.
Duff 1: Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent and supported by good Fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are minor.
Duff 1 minus: High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong and supported by good Fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very small.
Category 2: Good Grade
Duff 2: Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company Fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing Funding needs may enlarge total financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are small.
Category 3: Satisfactory Grade
Duff 3: Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issue as to investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to more variation. Nevertheless timely payment is expected.
No ratings are issued for companies whose paper is not deemed to be of investment grade.

C-6


PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 28. EXHIBITS
(a) Agreement and Declaration of Trust (see Note 1).
(b) Third Amended Bylaws of the Registrant (see Note 12).
(c)
     (i) Portions of Agreement and Declaration of Trust Relating to Shareholders’ Rights (see Note 1).
     (ii) Portions of Bylaws Relating to Shareholders’ Rights (see Note 1).
(d)
     (i) Form of Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder Enhanced Income Fund, and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (see Note 10).
     (ii) Form of Amendment to the Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder Municipal Bond Fund, Schroder Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund and Schroder U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund, and Schroder Investment Management North America, Inc. (see Note 11).
     (iii) Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder Municipal Bond Fund, Schroder Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund (formerly, Schroder U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund and Schroder Fixed Income Fund), and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. dated as of December 9, 2003 (see Note 12).
     (iv) Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder Global Equity Yield Fund, Schroder Global Opportunities Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder Strategic Bond Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (see Note 16).
     (v) Investment Subadvisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder Global Equity Yield Fund, Schroder Global Opportunities Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, and Schroder Strategic Bond Fund, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc., and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (see Note 17).
     (vi) Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (see Note 20).
     (vii) Management Contract between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (formerly Schroder All Asset Fund), and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (See Note 22).
     (viii) Investment Subadvisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc., and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (see Note 20).
     (ix) Investment Subadvisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (formerly Schroder All Asset Fund), Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. (See Note 22).
(e) Distribution Agreement dated September 15, 1999 (see Note 3).
(f) Not applicable.
(g)

 


Table of Contents

     (i) Global Custody Agreement between the Trust and The Chase Manhattan Bank dated as of December 9, 2003 (“Global Custody Agreement”) (see Note 5).
     (ii) Amendment to Custody Agreement between the Trust and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA (formerly, The Chase Manhattan Bank) dated October 26, 2005 (see Note 15).
     (iii) Form of Third Amended and Restated Exhibit B to Global Custody Agreement between the Trust and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA (see Note 15).
     (iv) Fifth Amended and Restated Exhibit B to Global Custody Agreement between the Trust and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA relating to Schroder International Diversified Value Fund (see Note 20).
     (v) Sixth Amended and Restated Exhibit B to Global Custody Agreement between the Trust and JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA relating to Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (formerly Schroder All Asset Fund) (see Note 22).
(h)
     (i) Transfer Agent and Service Agreement (see Note 1).
     (ii) Form of Delegation Amendment to Transfer Agent and Service Agreement dated as of July 24, 2002 (see Note 6).
     (iii) Amendment to Transfer Agent and Service Agreement relating to Schroder Municipal Bond Fund and Schroder Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, dated December 31, 2003 (see Note 12).
     (iv) Form of Letter to State Street Bank and Trust, as Transfer Agent, relating to Schroder Enhanced Income Fund (see Note 10).
     (v) Form of Letter to State Street Bank and Trust, as Transfer Agent, relating to Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund (formerly, Schroder U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund and Schroder Fixed Income Fund) (see Note 11).
     (vi) Amendment to Transfer Agent and Service Agreement between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust dated September 1, 2006 (see Note 21).
     (vii) Form of Letter to State Street Bank and Trust, as Transfer Agent, relating to Schroder Global Equity Yield Fund, Schroder Global Opportunities Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder Strategic Bond Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund (see Note 15).
     (viii) Letter to State Street Bank and Trust, as Transfer Agent, relating to Schroder International Diversified Value Fund (see Note 20).
     (ix) Letter to State Street Bank and Trust, as Transfer Agent, relating to Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (formerly Schroder All Asset Fund) (see Note 22).
     (x) Amended and Restated Exhibit A to Transfer Agency Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated July 22, 2008 (see Note 24).
     (xi) Amendment to Transfer Agency Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated September 1, 2009 filed herewith.
     (xii) Administration and Accounting Agreement among the Trust and SEI Investments Global Fund Services dated as of October 8, 2001 (“SEI Administration Agreement”) (see Note 5).
     (xiii) Form of Amendment No. 1 to the SEI Administration Agreement (see Note 8).

 


Table of Contents

     (xiv) Form of Amendment No. 2 to the SEI Administration Agreement relating to Schroder Municipal Bond Fund and Schroder Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund (see Note 12).
     (xv) Form of Amendment No. 4 to the SEI Administration Agreement relating to Schroder Global Equity Yield Fund, Schroder Global Opportunities Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, and Schroder Strategic Bond Fund (see Note 16).
     (xvi) Amendment No. 5 to the SEI Administration Agreement relating to Schroder International Diversified Value Fund (see Note 20).
     (xvii) Amendment No. 6 to the SEI Administration Agreement relating to Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (formerly Schroder All Asset Fund) (see Note 22).
     (xviii) Amendment No. 7 to the Administration and Accounting Agreement among the Trust and SEI dated June 1, 2008 (see Note 24).
     (xix) Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation Agreement between Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and the Trust relating to Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder International Diversified Value Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, effective October 1, 2008 through February 28, 2010 (see Note 24).
     (xx) Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation Agreement between Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and the Trust relating to the Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund, effective February 28, 2009 through February 28, 2010 (see Note 24).
     (xxi) Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation Agreement between Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and the Trust relating to Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio, effective February 28, 2009 through February 28, 2010 (see Note 24).
     (xxii) Form of Credit Agreement between the Trust and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. dated as of October 6, 2008 (see Note 24).
(i)
     (i) Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP (see Note 3).
     (ii) Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP relating to Schroder Municipal Bond Fund, Schroder Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund (formerly, U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund and Schroder Fixed Income Fund) (see Note 8).
     (iii) Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP relating to Schroder Enhanced Income Fund (see Note 10).
     (iv) Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP relating to Schroder Global Equity Yield Fund, Schroder Global Opportunities Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder Strategic Bond Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund (see Note 15).
     (v) Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP relating to Schroder International Diversified Value Fund (see Note 20).
     (vi) Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP relating to Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (see Note 22).
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to be filed by amendment.
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Initial Capital Agreement (see Note 1).

 


Table of Contents

(m)
     (i) Distribution Plan and Agreement for Advisor Shares (see Note 8).
     (ii) Distribution Plan and Agreement for Advisor Shares of Schroder Enhanced Income Fund (see Note 10).
     (iii) Distribution Plan and Agreement for Advisor Shares of Schroder Municipal Bond Fund, Schroder Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, and Schroder Total Return Fixed Income Fund (formerly, Schroder U.S. Core Fixed Income Fund and Schroder Fixed Income Fund) (see Note 16).
     (iv) Form of Distribution Plan and Agreement for Advisor Shares of Schroder Global Equity Yield Fund, Schroder Global Opportunities Fund, Schroder Emerging Market Equity Fund, Schroder Strategic Bond Fund, and Schroder U.S. Small and Mid Cap Opportunities Fund (see Note 16).
     (v) Form of Distribution Plan and Agreement for Advisor Shares of Schroder International Diversified Value Fund (see Note 20).
     (vi) Distribution Plan and Agreement for Advisor Shares, A Shares and R Shares of Schroder Multi-Asset Growth Portfolio (see Note 22).
(n)
     (i) Fourth Amended and Restated Multiclass (Rule 18f-3) Plan (see Note 22).
(o) Reserved.
(p)
     (i) Code of Ethics for Schroders and Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. filed herewith.
     (ii) Amended Code of Ethics of the Trust (see Note 13).
     (iii) Code of Ethics of SIMNA Ltd. (see Note 15).
(q) Power of Attorney for Mark A. Hemenetz, Alan M. Mandel, Catherine A. Mazza, William L. Means, and James D. Vaughn (see Note 21).
Notes:
1.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 25, 1999, accession number 0000950135-97-000990.
 
2.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on April 14, 1997, accession number 0000950135-97-012780.
 
3.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 29, 2000, accession number 0000912057-009075.
 
4.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 28, 2001, accession number 0000912057-01-006924.
 
5.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on January 29, 2002, accession number 0000950136-02-000240.

 


Table of Contents

6.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 28, 2003, accession number 0000950136-03-000458.
 
7.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on October 17, 2003, accession number 0000950136-03-002563.
 
8.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on December 31, 2003, accession number 0000950136-03-003240.
 
9.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2004, accession number 0000950136-04-000603.
 
10.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on October 13, 2004, accession number 0000950136-04-003374.
 
11.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on October 29, 2004, accession number 0000950136-04-003635.
 
12.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on December 22, 2004, accession number 0000950136-04-004510.
 
13.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 25, 2005, accession number 0000950136-05-001049.
 
14.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on April 20, 2005, accession number 0000950136-05-002183.
 
15.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on January 11, 2006, accession number 0000950136-06-000150.
 
16.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 28, 2006, accession number 0000950136-06-001487.
 
17.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on March 30, 2006, accession number 0000950136-06-002515.
 
18.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on July 21, 2006, accession number 0000950136-06-005905.
 
19.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on August 29, 2006, accession number 0000950136-06-007132.
 
20.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on August 29, 2006, accession number 0000950136-06-007357.
 
21.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 28, 2007, accession number 0000950136-07-001245.
 
22.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on December 19, 2007, accession number 0000950136-07-008455.
 
23.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 29, 2008, accession number 0000950136-08-001035.
 
24.   Exhibit incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed via EDGAR on February 27, 2009, accession number 0000950123-09-003702.

 


Table of Contents

ITEM 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUNDS
None.
ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION
Article VIII of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides as follows:
SECTION 1. The Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers (including persons who serve at the Trust’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”) against all liabilities and expenses, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees reasonably incurred by any Covered Person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which such Covered Person may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a Covered Person except with respect to any matter as to which such covered Person shall have been finally adjudicated in any such action, suit or other proceeding (a) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such Covered Person’s action was in the best interests of the Trust or (b) to be liable to the Trust or it’s Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person’s office. Expenses, including counsel fees so incurred by any such Covered Person (but excluding amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines or penalties), shall be paid from time to time by the Trust in advance of the final disposition of any such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person to repay amounts so paid to the Trust if it is ultimately determined that indemnification of such expenses is not authorized under this Article, provided, however, that either (a) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (b) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising from any such advance payments or (c) either 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), or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled to indemnification under this Article.
SECTION 2. As to any matter disposed of (whether by a compromise payment, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise) without an adjudication by a court, or by any other body before which the proceeding was brought, that such Covered Person either (a) did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Trust or (b) is liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office, indemnification shall be provided if (a) 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 (as opposed to a full trial type inquiry) that such Covered Person acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Trust and is not liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office, or (b) there has been obtained an opinion in writing of independent legal counsel, based upon a review of readily available facts as opposed to a full trial type inquiry), to the effect that such Covered Person appears to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Trust and that such indemnification would not protect such Covered Person against any liability to the Trust to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. Any approval pursuant to this Section shall not prevent the recovery, from any Covered Person of any amount paid to such Covered Person in accordance with this Section as indemnification if such Covered Person is subsequently adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such Covered Person’s action was in the best interests of the Trust or to have been liable to the Trust of its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person’s Office.

 


Table of Contents

SECTION 3. The right of indemnification hereby provided shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which such Covered Person may be entitled. As used in this Article VIII, the term “Covered Person” shall include such person’s heirs, executors and administrators, and a “disinterested Trustee” is a Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act (or who has been exempted from being an “interested person” by any rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and against whom none of such actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending.
Nothing contained in this Article shall affect any rights to indemnification to which personnel of the Trust, other than Trustees or officers, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law, nor the power of the Trust to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of any such person.
Article 12 of the Registrant’s Amended Bylaws provides as follows:
12.1 EFFECT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT DESIGNATION. The conduct of a Trustee shall be evaluated solely by reference to a hypothetical reasonable person, without regard to any special expertise, knowledge or other qualifications of the Trustee. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the determination that a Trustee is an “audit committee financial expert” nor the knowledge, experience or other qualifications underlying such a determination shall result in that Trustee being held to a standard of care that is higher than the standard that would be applicable in the absence of such a determination or such knowledge, experience or qualification, nor shall such a determination or such knowledge, experience or other qualification impose any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than would obtain in the absence of such a determination or such knowledge, experience or qualification. Any determination of whether a Trustee has complied with any applicable standard of care, including without limitation any standard of care set out in any constituent document of the Trust, and any determination of whether a Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to any provision of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, shall be made in light of and based upon the provisions of this paragraph, and any person serving as Trustee, whether at the date of adoption of this paragraph as a Bylaw or thereafter, shall be presumed conclusively to have done so in reliance on this paragraph. No amendment or removal of this paragraph shall be effective in respect of any period prior to such amendment or removal.
12.2. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEES. The Trust shall to the fullest extent legally permissible indemnify each person who is or was a Trustee against all liabilities, costs and expenses reasonably incurred by such person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, brought by any governmental or self-regulatory authority, including without limitation any formal or informal investigation into possible violations of law or regulation initiated by any governmental body or self-regulatory authority, in which such person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of he or she having been a Trustee, or by reason of any action taken or not taken in such capacity, except to the extent prohibited by the Declaration of Trust. Any person serving as Trustee, whether at the date of adoption of this paragraph as a Bylaw or thereafter, shall be presumed conclusively to have done so in reliance on this paragraph. No amendment or removal of this paragraph shall be effective in respect of any period prior to such amendment or removal or any proceeding related to any period prior to such amendment or removal.
Reference is made to the Trust’s Distribution Agreement which contains provisions for the indemnification by Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. of the Registrant and Trustees and officers of the Registrant under certain circumstances. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to Trustees and officers 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 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 of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee or officer of the

 


Table of Contents

Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee or officer 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 INVESTMENT ADVISER
The directors and officers of the Registrant’s investment adviser, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“Schroders”), have been engaged during the past two fiscal years in no business, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature other than as directors, officers, or employees of the investment adviser or certain of its corporate affiliates, except the following, whose principal occupations during that period, other than as directors or officers of the investment adviser or certain of its corporate affiliates, are as follows: Keith Collins, Group Head of Finance, who was formerly Global Head of Finance for Dresdner’s investment bank.
The address of Schroders and Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. is 875 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10022. The addresses of certain corporate affiliates of Schroders are as follows: Schroder Investment Management North America Limited, Schroder Ltd., and Schroders plc. are located at 31 Gresham St., London EC2V 7QA, United Kingdom. Each of Schroder Investment Management Limited, Schroder Investment Management (UK) Limited, Schroder Investment Management (Europe), Korea Schroder Fund Management Limited and Schroder Personal Investment Management, is located at 33 Gutter Lane, London EC2V 8AS United Kingdom. Schroder Investment Management (Singapore) Limited is located at #47-01 OCBC Centre, Singapore. Schroder Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited is located at 8 Connaight Place, Hong Kong. Schroder Investment Management (Australasia) Limited is located at 225 George Place, Sydney, Australia. PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia is located at Lippo Plaza Bldg., 25 Jakarta, 12820. Schroders (C.I.) Limited is located at St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY1 3UF. Schroder Properties Limited is located at Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EJ, United Kingdom.
ITEM 32. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Schroder Fund Advisors Inc. currently acts as the principal underwriter for each series of Registrant, each series of Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and each series of Schroder Global Series Trust.
(b) The directors and officers of the Registrant’s principal underwriter are as follows:
         
Name and Principal   Position and Office    
Business Address*   with Underwriter   Position and Office with the Trust
Catherine A. Mazza
  Director   Trustee and Chairman
 
       
Mark A. Hemenetz
  Director and Chairman   President and Principal Executive Officer
 
       
Alan M. Mandel
  Director   Treasurer & Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
 
       
Carin F. Muhlbaum
  Director and Secretary   Vice President
 
       
Stephen DeTore
  Director and Chief Compliance
Officer
  Chief Compliance Officer
 
       
William MacCarter Sims
  Director and President   None
 
       
Dean S. Allen
  Director   None
 
       
Robert Fortino
  Chief Financial Officer and
Financial Operations Principal
  None
 
       
Angel Lanier
  Assistant Secretary   Assistant Clerk
 
*   The principal business address of each individual listed above is 875 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10022.

 


Table of Contents

(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder are Registrant’s Vice President, Carin F. Muhlbaum; Registrant’s Clerk, Abby Ingber; Registrant’s investment adviser, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.; Registrant’s custodian, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank; and Registrant’s transfer agent and registrar, Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. The address of the Vice President, Clerk and investment adviser is 875 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
The address of the custodian is 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. The address of the transfer agent and registrar is 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169.
ITEM 34. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
None.
ITEM 35. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant’s latest annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge.
(b) The Registrant undertakes, if requested to do so by the holders of at least 10% of the Registrant’s outstanding shares of beneficial interest, to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a Trustee or Trustees and to assist, in communications with other shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
NOTICE
A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Schroder Series Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Registrant by an officer of the Registrant as an officer and not individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers, or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Registrant.

 


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York and the State of New York, on this 31st day of December, 2009.
         
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST
 
   
By:   /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz      
  Name:   Mark A. Hemenetz     
  Title:   President and Principal Executive Officer     
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on December 31, 2009.
         
Principal Executive Officer
 
   
By:   /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz      
  Name:   Mark A. Hemenetz     
  Title:   President and Principal Executive Officer
 
   
 
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
         
     
By:   /s/ Alan M. Mandel      
  Name:   Alan M. Mandel     
  Title:   Treasurer & Principal Financial and Accounting Officer     
 
*Catherine A. Mazza, Trustee
*William L. Means, Trustee
*James D. Vaughn, Trustee
         
     
  By:   /s/ Alan M. Mandel      
    Alan M. Mandel Attorney-in-Fact*     
 
  Pursuant to powers of attorney previously filed as exhibits to this Registration Statement.

 


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
(h)(xi)  Amendment to Transfer Agency Agreement between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated September 1, 2009.
(p)(i)    Code of Ethics for Schroders and Schroder Fund Advisors Inc.

 

AMENDMENT
To Transfer Agency and Service Agreements
Between
State Street Bank and Trust Company
And
Schroder Global Series Trust,
Schroder Series Trust and
Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)
This Amendment is made as of the 1st day of September, 2009, by State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Transfer Agent” or the “Bank”) and each of Schroder Global Series Trust, Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) (each a “Fund”, collectively the “Funds”). In accordance with the Transfer Agency and Service Agreements between Schroder Global Series Trust and the Transfer Agent dated September 1, 2003, as amended (“SGST Agreement”), Schroder Series Trust (f/k/a WSIS Series Trust) and the Bank dated October 27, 1993, as amended (“the SST Agreement”) and Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware) and the Transfer Agent dated May 28, 1999, as amended (the “SCF Agreement”) (together, the “Agreements”), the Transfer Agent and/or the Bank and each Fund desire to amend the Agreements as set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Fees and Expenses. The Fee Schedule to the Agreements set forth on Schedule 3.1 effective September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2009 is replaced and superseded with the Fee Schedule attached hereto and effective September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010;
2. Term . Section 9.01 of the SST Agreement, Section 12.1 of the SGST Agreement and Section 13.1 of the SCF Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced in each case with the following:
The term of this Agreement shall be one (1) year commencing on September 1, 2009. The Transfer Agent or the Fund shall give written notice to the other party ninety (90) days before the expiration of the term if such party desires not to renew the term for an additional one year period and in the absence of such notice the Agreement shall renew automatically for such one year term. One hundred twenty (120) days before the expiration of a term, the Transfer Agent and the Fund will agree upon a fee schedule for the upcoming renewal term. In the event the parties fail to agree upon a new fee schedule as of such date, the fee schedule then in effect shall remain in effect for such renewal term subject to increase under the cost of living section noted in such schedule.
3. All defined terms and definitions in the Agreements shall be the same in this amendment (the “2009 Amendment”), except as specifically revised by this 2009 Amendment; and

 


 

AMENDMENT
To Transfer Agency and Service Agreements
Between
State Street Bank and Trust Company
And
Schroder Global Series Trust,
Schroder Series Trust and
Schroder Capital Funds (Delaware)

(continued)
4. Except as specifically set forth in this 2009 Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreements shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this 2009 Amendment to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
                 
SCHRODER GLOBAL SERIES TRUST       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
 
               
By:
  /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz       By:   /s/ Joseph C. Antonellis
 
               
 
  Name: Mark A. Hemenetz           Name: Joseph C. Antonellis
 
  Title:    President and Principal           Title:    Vice Chairman
 
              Executive Officer            
 
               
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST       SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS
(DELAWARE)
 
               
By:
  /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz       By:   /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz
 
               
 
  Name: Mark A. Hemenetz           Name: Mark A. Hemenetz
 
  Title:    President and Principal           Title:    President and Principal
 
              Executive Officer                       Executive Officer

 


 

SCHEDULE 3.1
FEES

Effective: September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010
General : Fees are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 of the annual fee. The monthly fee for an open account shall be charged in the month during which an account is opened through the month in which such account is closed. The monthly fee for a closed account shall be charged in the month following the month during which such account is closed and shall continue until such account is purged from the system. Account service fees are the higher of: open account charges plus closed account charges or the fund minimum.
     
Annual Account Fees
   
Daily Dividend Fund
  $15.05/account
Non-Daily Dividend Fund
  $12.05/account
Closed Account Fee
  $2.17/account
 
   
Additional Annual Fees
   
Complex Base Fee
  $300,775.04
Fund Minimum
  $24,063.35/CUSIP
 
   
Activity Based Fees
   
New Account Set-Up
  $6.01/each
Manual Transactions
  $2.41/each
Shareholder Telephone Calls
  $2.41/each
Correspondence
  $3.61/each
 
   
Banking Services
   
Checkwriting
  $1.16/each
ACH
  $0.42/each
 
   
Other Fees (if applicable)
   
Investor Processing
  $2.10/each
Closed CUSIP (until purged)
  $1,578.96/each
 
   
IRA Custodial Fees
   
Annual Maintenance (paid by Shareholder)
  $10.00/account
Out-of-Pocket Expenses : Out-of-pocket expenses are billed as incurred and include, but are not limited to: mailing expenses (i.e., statements, checks, printing, postage, etc.), telecommunication expenses, equipment and software expenses (Fund-site only), programming expenses, microfiche, AML delegation duties, freight, bank charges, custom billing, and all other expenses incurred on the Fund’s behalf.

 


 

SCHEDULE 3.1
FEES

Effective: September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010
(continued)
Cost of Living Adjustment. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the fees and charges set forth above shall increase upon each September 1 annually over the fees and charges during the prior 12 months in an amount equal to the percentage change in the CPI-W (defined below), or, in the event that publication of such Index is terminated, any successor or substitute index, appropriately adjusted, acceptable to both parties. As used herein, “CPI-W” shall mean the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for Boston-Brockton-Nashua, MA-NH-ME-CT, (Base Period: 1982-84 = 100), as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
                 
SCHRODER GLOBAL SERIES TRUST       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
 
               
By:
  /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz       By:   /s/ Joseph C. Antonellis
 
               
 
  Name: Mark A. Hemenetz           Name: Joseph C. Antonellis
 
  Title:    President and Principal           Title:    Vice Chairman
 
              Executive Officer            
 
               
SCHRODER SERIES TRUST       SCHRODER CAPITAL FUNDS
(DELAWARE)
 
               
By:
  /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz       By:   /s/ Mark A. Hemenetz
 
               
 
  Name: Mark A. Hemenetz           Name: Mark A. Hemenetz
 
  Title:    President and Principal           Title:    President and Principal
 
              Executive Officer                       Executive Officer

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS
     
  2
  3
  3
  3
  4
  4
  4
  6
  6
  7
  7
  8
  8
  9
  10
  11
  11
  12
  12
  15
  15
  15
  16
  17
  17
  17
  18
  18
  20
  21
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix A — code of ethics— Page 1
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

CODE OF ETHICS
Scope and Purpose
Set forth below is the Code of Ethics (the “Code”) for Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (the “Adviser”), as required by Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). The purpose of the Code is to set forth standards of conduct that govern the activities of all personnel to ensure that the business is conducted in a manner that meets the high standards required by our fiduciary duty to clients and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements to which the business is subject.
This Code applies to all officers, directors and employees (full and part time) of the Adviser (“Access Persons”), and all associated persons of Schroder Fund Advisors, Inc. (“SFA”) who are also employees of, or supervised by, the Adviser. All persons employed by any subsidiary of Schroders plc (“Schroders’) who are deemed Access Persons, to wit, employees who, in connection with their duties, are aware of securities under consideration for purchase or sale on behalf of clients, as well as personnel who are aware of portfolio holdings of registered investment companies advised or sub-advised by the Adviser or its affiliates (“Reportable Funds”) are covered by the Codes of Ethics applicable to those Advisers and to the Group Policies relating to ethics and personal securities trading.
The Code imposes restrictions on personal securities transactions that are designed to prevent any conflict or the appearance of any conflict of interest between Access Persons’ trading for their personal accounts and securities transactions initiated or recommended for clients. The Code also provides procedures to ensure that securities transactions undertaken by Access Persons, whether for clients or for personal purposes do not involve the misuse of material non-public information, including sensitive information relating to client portfolio holdings and transactions being considered to be undertaken on behalf of clients. Therefore, incorporated within the Code are an Insider Trading Policy and a Personal Securities Transactions Policy, which contain procedures that must be followed by all personnel pursuant to Rule 204A-1 and Rule 204-2(a)(12) under the Advisers Act, Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) and Section 204A of the Advisers Act. To the extent that associated persons of SFA are subject to the Code, it incorporates the requirements of Section 20A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix A — code of ethics— Page 2
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS
Personnel are prohibited from serving on the board of directors (or the equivalent) of any publicly listed or traded issuer or of any issuer whose securities are held in any client portfolio, except with the prior authorization of the Chairman or Chief Executive of the Adviser or, in their absence, the Chief Compliance Officer or the Head of Group Risk and Compliance based upon a determination that the board service would be consistent with the interests of Schroders’ clients. If permission to serve as a director is given, the issuer will be placed permanently on Section Two of the Adviser’s Restricted List. Transactions in that issuer’s securities for client and personal securities accounts will only be authorized when certification has been obtained from that issuer’s Secretary or similar officer that its directors are not in possession of material price sensitive information with respect to its securities.
OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
No officer or employee of the Adviser may engage in any outside employment without first making a written request to do so and obtaining the written consent of the firm. The “Outside Relationships Disclosure Form” can be found on the Human Resources Intranet page. Human Resources will consult with the Compliance department if they believe there is a conflict of interest with the intended outside relationship. Employees must receive prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer or the General Counsel to receive a fee from any outside source for such activities as investment banking, finder’s fees, or consulting.
PRIVATE SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND TAX SHELTERS
No employee may participate in any type of private placement or tax shelter without obtaining the advance written consent of the Chief Compliance Officer. The employee must submit the information and certification specified in the Personal Securities Transaction Policy.
Rule 3040 of the NASD Conduct Rules (or its successor FINRA rule) requires that employees of SFA contemplating private securities transactions must submit a written detailed request to participate to the firm, which must issue written permission to proceed. The request must be submitted to the designated Compliance Officer for SFA.
If any employee of SFA will receive or may receive selling compensation in connection with a private securities transaction or tax shelter, Schroder Fund Advisers must advise the employee in writing whether their participation on that basis is approved.
No such participation in a transaction in which an employee will receive selling compensation will be approved unless SFA determines that it can record the
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix A — code of ethics— Page 3
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

transaction in its records and supervise the participation of the employee in the transaction.
INSIDER TRADING POLICY
The Scope and Purpose of the Policy
It is a violation of United States federal law and a serious breach of the Adviser’s policies for any employee to trade in, or recommend trading in, the securities of a issuer, for his/her personal gain or on behalf of the firm or its clients, while in possession of material, nonpublic information (“inside information”) which may come into his/her possession either in the course of performing his/her duties, or through a breach of any duty of trust and confidence. Such violations could subject you, the Adviser and its affiliates, to significant civil as well as criminal liability, including the imposition of monetary penalties, and could also result in irreparable harm to the reputation of the Adviser. Tippees (i.e., persons who receive material, nonpublic information) also may be held liable if they trade or pass along such information to others.
Further, it is a violation of anti-fraud provisions of the Advisers Act for employees who are or become aware of transactions being considered for clients or are aware of the portfolio holdings in the reportable funds to which the Adviser (or an affiliate) acts an adviser to disclose such information to a party who has “no need to know” or to trade on such information for personal gain by, among other things, front-running or market timing.
The US Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988 (“ITSFEA”) requires all broker-dealers and investment advisers to establish and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent misuse of material, non-public information. Although ITSFEA itself does not define “insider trading”, the US Supreme Court has previously characterized it as the purchase or sale of securities (which include debt instruments and put and call options) while in possession of information which is both material and non-public , i.e., information not available to the general public about the securities or related securities, the issuer and in some cases the markets for the securities. The provisions of ITSFEA apply both to trading while in possession of such information and to communicating such information to others who might trade on it improperly.
Materiality
Inside information is generally understood as material information about an issuer of publicly-traded securities that has not been made known to either the professional investment community or to the public at large. Inside information is material if it would be likely to have an effect on the price of the issuer’s securities or if a reasonable investor would be likely to consider it important in making his/her investment decision. Such information usually originates from the
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix A — code of ethics— Page 4
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

issuer itself and could include, among other things, knowledge of an issuer’s earnings or dividends, a significant change in the value of assets, changes in key personnel or plans for a merger or acquisition.
For example, a portfolio manager or analyst may receive information about an issuer’s earnings or a new product in a communication with the issuer under circumstances where that analyst or portfolio manager receives the information in confidence. As a general rule, any information received from an issuer that has not been made public in a press release or a public filing will be considered material, non-public information. The employee may not purchase or sell securities of the issuer for him/herself because he/she is deemed to receive such information for the benefit of clients and the employee may only purchase or sell for any account under management if (1) the employee is not breaching any duty of confidentiality or (2) until the information has been effectively disseminated to the public.
If an employee has received information regarding an issuer and he/she believes that the information given has not been given in breach of fiduciary duties, then that person may retain and act upon the information for the benefit of clients.
Information which emanates from outside an issuer but affects the market price of an issuer’s securities can also be inside information. For example, material, non-public information can also originate within the Adviser itself. This would include knowledge of activities or plans of an affiliate, or knowledge of securities transactions that are being considered or executed by the Adviser itself on behalf of clients. Material, non-public information can also be obtained from knowledge about a client that an employee has discovered in his/her dealings with that client. Material, non-public information pertaining to a particular issuer could also involve information about another issuer that has a material relationship to the issuer, such as a major supplier’s decision to increase its prices. Moreover, non-public information relating to portfolio holdings in a Reportable Fund should not be used to market-time or engage in other activities that are detrimental to the Reporting Fund and its shareholders.
In addition, Rule 14e-3 under the Exchange Act makes it unlawful to buy or sell securities while in possession of material information relating to a tender offer, if the person buying or selling the securities knows or has reason to know that the information is nonpublic and has been acquired, directly or indirectly from the person making or planning to make the tender offer, from the target company, or from any officer, director, partner or employee or other person acting on behalf of either the bidder or the target company. This rule prohibits not only trading, but also the communication of material, nonpublic information relating to a tender offer to another person in circumstances under which it is reasonably foreseeable that the communication will result in a trade by someone in possession of the material nonpublic information
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix A — code of ethics— Page 5
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

Procedures and Responsibilities of Employees
1.   Personnel who acquire non-public information (that may possibly be material) about an issuer are immediately prohibited from:
  (a)   trading in the securities of that issuer or related securities and financial instruments (as defined below) whether for client accounts or for any personal accounts, and
 
  (b)   communicating the information either inside or outside the Adviser except as provided below.
2.   Personnel who acquired non-public information should report the matter to the Chief Compliance Officer.
 
3.   After the Chief Compliance Officer has reviewed the issue, you will be instructed to either continue the prohibitions against trading and communicating, or the restrictions on trading and communicating the information will be lifted.
 
4.   Personnel who are aware of the portfolio holdings in Reportable Funds because of their responsibilities within the Adviser are precluded from disclosing such information to others within the Adviser and Schroders who do not have a “need to know.”
 
5.   Personnel who are aware of the portfolio holdings in Reportable Funds because of their responsibilities within the Adviser are precluded from disclosing such information to others outside of the Adviser or Schroders except as required to fulfill their work-related responsibilities. Disclosure of the portfolio holdings of Reportable Funds shall only be made in compliance with such Funds’ portfolio holdings disclosure policy.
Penalties
Penalties for trading on or communicating material, non-public information are severe, both for the individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers. Under the law, a person can be subject to some or all of the penalties below, even if s/he does not personally benefit from the violation. Penalties include:
  1)   civil injunctions;
 
  2)   disgorgement of profits;
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 6
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

  3)   treble damages — fines for the Access Person who committed the violation, of up to 3 times the profit gained or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited;
 
  4)   fines for the employer or other controlling person of up to the greater of $1,000,000, or 3 times the profit gained or loss avoided; and
 
  5)   jail sentences.
Special Provisions For Trading In the Securities of Schroders plc
Special restrictions apply to trading in the securities of Schroders plc because staff, by virtue of their employment, may be deemed to have inside information:
1.   Securities of Schroders plc will not be purchased for any client account without the permission of that client, and then only if permitted by applicable law.
 
2.   Personal securities transactions in the securities of Schroders plc are subject to blackout periods and other restrictions which are outlined in the UK Staff Dealing Rules which can be found on Group Compliance’s intranet website. A “Permission to Deal Form” must be completed and approved by the UK Corporate Secretary prior to trading. A copy of this form can be found on the Compliance Intranet page.
Restricted List
The Restricted List is circulated only to those employees responsible for placing securities trades.
Section One : No personnel may place trades in any securities, which term includes options, warrants, debentures, derivatives, etc., on such securities, of any issuer on Section One of the Restricted List for any account whatsoever, including client accounts or personal accounts at any time.
Section Two: Trades in the securities or related securities of any issuer on Section Two of the Restricted List (which contains those companies that have an officer of the Adviser on their board of directors, or where the Adviser manages a part of their balance sheet assets, i.e., corporate cash rather than pension fund assets) may only be undertaken with the written permission of Compliance Department.
No approval to trade will be given:
(i)   for any securities of an issuer currently on Section One of the Restricted List;
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 7
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

  (ii)   for any security of an issuer on Section Two of the Restricted List because an officer of the Adviser serves as a director of that issuer unless confirmation from that company’s Secretary or similar officer is obtained that its directors are not in possession of material price sensitive information with respect to its securities. Permission to trade in the securities of any issuer on Section Two of the Restricted List because the Adviser manages balance sheet assets for that issuer (as opposed to pension fund assets) will only be given if confirmation is obtained from the portfolio manager responsible for that client that the Adviser does not hold any price sensitive information with respect to that issuer. Permission will not, in any event, be given to any personnel personally involved in the management of that client’s account.
PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS POLICY
Summary
All employees of the Adviser are subject to the restrictions contained in this Personal Securities Transactions Policy (the “Policy”) with respect to their securities transactions. Temporary and seconded employees may be subject to some but not all provisions of the Policy as hereafter specified. The following serves as a summary of the most common restrictions. Please refer to specific sections that follow this summary for more detail, including definitions of persons covered by this Policy, accounts covered by this Policy (“Covered Accounts”), securities covered by this Policy (“Covered Securities”), reports required by this Policy and the procedures for compliance with this Policy.
  All purchases or sales of Covered Securities (generally, equities and fixed income instruments) by employees, and certain of their family members, must be pre-cleared, except as noted below.
 
  All employees must execute their transactions in Covered Securities either through Charles Schwab or Citi-Smith Barney. Other broker-dealer relationships must be pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer
 
  Access Persons (as defined below) are prohibited from purchasing or selling a Covered Security within seven calendar days after a client has traded in the same (or a related) security unless a de minimis exception applies. For purposes of this requirement, purchases of shares of open-end investment companies managed by Schroders are not considered a covered security. Portfolio Managers may prohibit a purchase or sale of a covered security if a transaction on behalf of clients is contemplated with the seven days following the proposed employee trade.
 
  De minimis exceptions: There is a de minimis exception pertaining to transactions of up to 500 shares per week of a large cap US equity or the
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 8
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

ordinary equivalent number of shares of non-US large cap companies trading in the US as American Depository Receipts or American Depository Shares (“ADRs”). Access persons may also trade on a de minimis basis up to 1,000 shares per day in securities with market capitalizations exceeding $10 billion and 3 month average daily volume that exceeds 10 million shares.
  Access Persons are prohibited from profiting from the purchase and sale or sale and purchase of a Covered Security, or a related security, within 60 calendar days.
 
  Any employee wishing to buy U.S. securities, directly or indirectly, in an initial public offering must receive prior permission from the Chief Compliance Officer. This restriction does not apply to initial public offerings purchased by collective investment vehicles such as mutual funds in which employees have invested.
 
  All employees must report (but not pre-clear) purchases, redemptions and exchanges in the Schroder Funds and any Reportable Fund, in the same manner as other covered securities. For purposes of this Policy, accounts containing shares in the Schroder Funds or other reportable Funds are deemed “Covered Accounts.” See definition below.
 
  All transactions in the Schroder Funds and in Reportable Funds are subject to a 60 day holding period.
ACCESS PERSON means all officers, directors and employees of the Adviser.and any employee who is an Advisory Person or any employee who has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund.
ADVISORY PERSON is any employee of the Adviser who, in connection with his/her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a Covered Security (as defined below) on behalf of any advisory client or information regarding securities under consideration for purchase or sale on behalf of such clients or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales.
COVERED SECURITIES
Securities, such as equities, fixed income instruments and derivatives of those securities including options, are covered by this Policy. The same limitations pertain to transactions in a security related to a Covered Security, such as an
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 9
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

option to purchase or sell a Covered Security and any security convertible into or exchangeable for a Covered Security.
Not covered by this Policy are:
  shares in any open-end US registered investment company (mutual fund) that is not managed by the Adviser or an affiliated adviser
 
  shares issued by money market funds
 
  shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are Reportable Funds
 
  securities which are direct obligations of the U.S. Government ( i.e ., Treasuries)
 
  bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments 1
If a security is not covered by this Policy, you may purchase or sell it without obtaining pre-clearance and you do not have to report it. Accounts holding only securities not covered by this policy are not required to be held at a designated broker.
COVERED ACCOUNTS
An account covered by this Policy is an account in which Covered Securities are held by you or an account in which you own a beneficial interest (except where you have no influence or control). This includes IRA accounts. Under the Policy, accounts held by your spouse (including his/her IRA accounts), minor children and other members of your immediate family (children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, step parents, grandparents, siblings, in-laws and adoptive relationships) who share your household are also considered your accounts. In addition, accounts maintained by your domestic partner (an unrelated adult with whom you share your home and contribute to each other’s support) are considered your accounts under this Policy.
An employee may maintain a brokerage account that is not a Covered Account (for example an account through which that employee holds mutual fund shares that are not Covered Securities) at a firm other than the ones designated by the Adviser. Purchasing any Covered Security through that account will immediately change the account to a Covered Account. Unless prior written consent is obtained from the Chief Compliance Officer, the account will be designated as a covered account and must promptly be transferred to a designated broker.
If you are in any doubt as to whether an account falls within this definition of Covered Account, please see Compliance. Further, if you believe that there is a
 
1   High quality short-term debt instruments 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 Organization, or which is unrated but is of comparable quality.
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 10
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

reason that you are unable to comply with the Policy, for example, your spouse works for another regulated firm, you may seek a waiver from Compliance.
BLACK OUT PERIODS — ACCESS PERSONS ONLY
  In order to prevent employees from buying or selling securities in competition with orders for clients, or from taking advantage of knowledge of securities being considered for purchase or sale for clients, 2 Access Persons will not be able to execute a trade in a Covered Security within seven calendar days after a client has traded in the same (or a related) security unless a de minimis exception applies . Portfolio Managers may prohibit a purchase or sale of a covered security if a transaction on behalf of clients is contemplated with the seven days following the proposed employee trade .
 
  De minimis exception -: Transactions involving shares in certain companies traded on US stock exchanges or the NASDAQ will be approved regardless of whether there have been client orders within the preceding seven days. The exception applies to transactions involving no more than 500 shares per week (or the equivalent number of shares represented by ADRs) in securities of issuers with market capitalizations of $3 billion or more. In the case of options, an employee may purchase or sell up to 5 option contracts to control up to 500 shares in the underlying security of such large cap issuer. Access persons may trade on a de minimis basis up to 1,000 shares per day in securities with market capitalizations exceeding $10 billion and 3 month average daily volume that exceeds 10 million shares . The Chief Compliance Officer or other authorized person may decline to approve de minimis trade if client trades are pending on the blotter.
 
  Pre-clearance by the Compliance Department is required for all de minimis transactions. Separate pre-clearance sign off by the portfolio manager is not required. The Compliance Department may, after consultation with the Trading Desk, decline to approve, or postpone the approval of, any de minimis trade to the extent that the Compliance Department concludes that access person trades in a security might, in the aggregate, interfere with pending client orders.
HOLDING PERIODS
Short Term Trading: All personnel are strongly advised against short-term trading. Any personnel who appear to have established a pattern of short term trading may be subject to additional restrictions or penalties including, but not limited to, a limit or ban on future personal trading activity and a requirement to disgorge profits on short-term trades.
 
2   A security is “being considered for purchase or sale” when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made or communicated and, with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 11
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

Access Persons cannot purchase or sell the same Covered Security within 60 days if such transactions will result in a profit. Trades by employees in the Schroder Funds and in other Reportable Funds are also subject to the 60 day holding period. Profitable securities may not be sold or bought back within 60 days after the original transaction without the permission of the Chief Compliance Officer who has exemptive authority to override the 60 day holding policy for good cause shown.
Exceptions
    The Short Term Trading Prohibition shall not pertain to the exercise of a call sold by an employee to cover a long position. However, although an Access Person may purchase a put to cover a long position, the exercise of such put will only be approved if the underlying security was held for the minimum required period (60 days). The exercise of a covered put is subject to the same pre-clearance and reporting requirements as the underlying security.
 
    Certain Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are exempt from the 60 day holding period. A list of ETFs that have been exempted from the 60 day holding period can be found in Appendix B of this document. Requests for exemption must be made to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Pre-clearance
The following section addresses how to obtain pre-clearance, when you may trade and how to establish an account. The procedures vary in detail, depending upon where you work, but do not vary in principle. For ease of understanding, this section is divided according to geographic area.
If an employee fails to pre-clear a transaction in a Covered Security, s/he may be monetarily penalized, by fine or disgorgement of profits or avoidance of loss. Violations of this Policy will be reported to the Adviser’s Board of Directors and will result in reprimands and could also affect the person’s employment with Schroders.
US-Based Personnel
    All US-based personnel are required to maintain their Covered Accounts at either Charles Schwab or Citi-Smith Barney. Mutual funds are not required to be held in a brokerage account; they may be held directly with the fund company or its transfer agent.
 
    Personnel on secondment from London or other offices may apply to Compliance for a waiver of the requirement to maintain their Covered Accounts at Charles Schwab or Citi-Smith Barney. However, any seconded employee wishing to trade in US securities must follow the procedures as set
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 12
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

forth for US-based personnel unless waived by Compliance. Seconded employees who do not maintain Covered Accounts in the US are required to follow the procedures set forth in The PA Rules and obtain the appropriate clearance from London. Seconded personnel who are authorized to conduct transactions through a non-US account must comply with the Personal Securities Transaction requirements of the office from which they were seconded. Transactions in non US securities need not be pre-cleared in the US but must be reported in quarterly transaction reports.
    Pre-clearance is obtained by completing a “Request to Trade Form” which is located on the Compliance Intranet or in the policies and procedures section on the Adviser’s file servers. Copies may be obtained via e-mail from the Compliance Department. Unless the staff member requesting pre-clearance is relying on the de minimis exception, that staff member must obtain prior pre-clearance from the appropriate asset class manager and then from Compliance. Trades exempt from the seven day rule and portfolio manager pre-clearance due to the de minimis exception will be taken as affirmatively representing that all conditions of the exemption apply. Attached to this Policy is a list of the personnel who may pre-clear a trade. Please note — transactions in securities whose market capitalization is between $3 billion and $7 billion will need to obtain clearance from both the Small Cap/SMID asset class manager and the Large Cap asset class manager unless the trade qualifies for the de minimis exception.
 
    All short selling of securities requires both the appropriate portfolio manager and Compliance signatures; regardless of the number of securities in the transaction.
 
    Pre-clearance is valid until close of business on the next business day following receipt of pre-clearance unless a longer period is expressly provided by Compliance. If the transaction has not been executed within that timeframe, a new pre-clearance must be obtained. Please be sure to give the original Request to Trade Form to Compliance and keep a copy for yourself.
If you wish to purchase an initial public offering 3 or securities in a private placement 4 you must obtain permission from the Chief Compliance Officer.
The Compliance Officer will not approve purchases or sales of Securities that are not publicly traded, unless the Access Person provides such documents as the Compliance Department requests and the Chief Compliance Officer concludes, after consultation with one or more of the relevant Portfolio Managers, that the
 
3   An IPO is an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to reporting requirements under the federal securities laws.
 
4   A private placement is an offering of securities that are not registered under the Securities Act because the offering qualified for an exemption from the registration provisions.
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 13
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

Companies would have no foreseeable interest in investing in such Security or any related Security for the account of any Client.
The following transactions do not require pre-clearance :
    Transactions in a Covered Account over which the employee has no direct or indirect influence or control such as where investment discretion is delegated in writing to an independent fiduciary. Employees must provide such evidence of delegation of investment discretion as the Compliance Department requests and provide copies of account statements.
 
    Purchases and redemptions/sales of mutual funds managed by Schroders, all iShares, all SPDRs, HOLDRS Powershares and NASDAQ Trust shares. The Chief Compliance Officer may exempt other exchange traded funds temporarily from pre-clearance, and the ETFs added to this list in the next revision of the Code of Ethics. Transactions are subject to quarterly and annual reporting
 
    Transactions which are non-volitional on the part of the employee ( e.g., receipt of securities pursuant to a stock dividend or merger, a gift or inheritance). However, the volitional sale of securities acquired in a non-volitional manner is treated as any other transaction and subject to pre-clearance. This may include where options are exercised against a call written by the employee or where securities are exchanged for cash or other securities as part of a business transaction.
 
    Purchases of the securities of an issuer pursuant to an automatic investment plan which 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 (“DRIP”). Any transactions in such a plan other than according to a predetermined schedule are subject to pre-clearance. Exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis by the Chief Compliance Officer.
 
    The receipt or exercise of rights issued by an issuer on a pro rata basis to all holders of a class of security and the sale of such rights. However, if you purchase the rights from a third-party, the transaction must be pre-cleared. Likewise, the sale of such rights or securities acquired through exercise of rights must be pre-cleared.
 
    Tender of shares already held into an offer if the tender offer is open on the same terms to all holders of the securities covered by the offer A tender of shares purchased fewer than 60 days before the close of the offer require approval by the Chief Compliance Officer.
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 14
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

    Conversion of convertible securities or participation in exchange offers provided that the conversion or offer is available on the same terms to all holders.
 
    Transactions in collective investment schemes offered by plans that qualify under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. Although exempt from pre-clearance, such transactions must be reported unless the securities purchased through the plan would not independently be covered security under the Code of Ethics.
Mexico City Based Employees
Mexico City based personnel of the Adviser may maintain Covered Accounts at the brokerage firm of their choosing in Mexico, provided that their local Compliance Officer and New York Compliance are notified. These employees are required to provide either the local of New York Compliance Department with copies of monthly/periodic account statements and trade confirmations.
Pre-clearance for trades in US Securities is obtained in the same manner as for US-based personnel. Once you have obtained pre-clearance, you must complete the transaction by the close of the following business day. Requests to Trade Forms should be faxed to Compliance and to the relevant asset class manager.
London Employee Trading in US Equities
In addition to restrictions applicable under the personal dealings policies applicable to London employees, all London employees are subject to a “same day” check on Charles River for transactions in US securities. Any transactions executed prior to the day of the request would not be applicable. In some instances, even if a security has been traded “same day”, the employee may qualify for a 7,000GBP monthly de minimis exception by the London Compliance team. Requests can be obtained via email and are subject to London Compliance sign off and reporting. Review of London based employee transactions in US equities is at the discretion of their local Compliance team and their policies. Approval can be granted by emailing the London compliance group at “Staff Dealing”.
All Other Access Persons
All other persons who are deemed Access Persons, wherever geographically situated, are subject to their local policies and procedures relating to personal securities transactions. Records of such Access Persons’ personal transactions will be maintained locally in accordance with Rule 204-2(a)(12) under the Advisers Act and made available to representatives of the US Securities and
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 15
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

Exchange Commission upon request. Temporary employees who are deemed access persons must comply with this Code other than the requirement of maintaining covered accounts at Charles Schwab or Citi-Smith Barney. Exemptions from the Code made for temporary employees shall be documented by Compliance.
Reporting Requirements
All personnel are required to report their transactions in Covered Securities, which the Adviser must review, as follows.
Reports of Each Transaction in a Covered Security
  Personnel are required to report to Compliance, no later than at the opening of business on the business day following the day of execution of a trade for a Personal Account the following information:
name of security
exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP
nature of transaction (purchase, sale, etc.)
number of shares/units or principal amount
price of transaction
date of trade
name of broker
the date the Access Person submits the report
Personnel with Account at approved brokers may satisfy this requirement to the extent that the Adviser independently receives confirmations from that broker. Mexico based personnel may discharge these obligations by arranging in advance for copies of contract notes/confirmations for all their transactions to be sent automatically to Compliance.
Any personnel seconded to New York who maintain accounts in their home country may be granted a waiver from the requirement to maintain personal accounts at Charles Schwab or Citi-Smith Barney. Seconded employees may, if applicable, satisfy the clearance and reporting requirements for non US securities by complying fully with the pre-clearance and reporting requirement imposed by the affiliated adviser by which they are employed in their home country. If the employee executes trades in non US securities, that employee shall, within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, provide Compliance with evidence of compliance with their local reporting and pre-clearance requirements during the preceding quarter.
Personnel at an affiliated adviser that trade in US stocks are not subject to this Code of Ethics unless they are deemed access persons. Compliance staff may certify to employees of an affiliated adviser in writing (including by e-mail) that no
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 16
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

trades in a security are pending if that certification is required by the local compliance group.
Initial Employment
No later than 10 days after initial employment with the Adviser, each employee must provide Compliance with a list of each Covered Security s/he owns (as defined above). The information provided, which must be current as of a date no more that 45 days prior to the date such person became an employee, must include the title of the security, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP, the number of shares owned (for equities) and principal amount (for debt securities). The employee must also provide information, which must include 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,. The report must be signed by the employee and the date of submission noted thereon. Employees may provide account statements in lieu of a listing.
Quarterly Reports
  No later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, each employee will provide Compliance with a report of all transactions in Covered Securities in the quarter on the form provided by Compliance and including all information requested in that form. Employees must also report of any new Covered Accounts established during the quarter, including the name of the broker/dealer and the date the Covered Account was established. If all transactions have taken place in covered accounts at an approved broker that provides statements to Schroders, a simple affirmation of those transactions may be provided on forms distributed by compliance. The report must be signed by the employee and the date of submission noted thereon.
 
  Transactions in shares of the Schroder Funds and in other Reportable Funds must be reported, including transactions other than purchases through payroll deductions in the now combined Schroder 401(k) and Defined Contribution Plans. Only exchanges must be reported; payroll deductions and changes to future investment of payroll deductions do not need to be reported. All transactions in the SERP are subject to the same reporting requirements as the Schroder 401(k) plan.
Annual Reports
Within 45 days after the end of the calendar year, each employee must report all his/her holdings in Covered Securities as at December 31, including the title, exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security the employee owns (as defined above) and the names of all Covered Accounts. The report must be signed by the employee and the date
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 17
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

of submission noted thereon. Employees may rely on brokerage statements provided by Charles Schwab or Citi-Smith Barney provided that they certify in writing that those statements set forth all covered securities that the employee holds.
The information on personal securities transactions received and recorded will be deemed to satisfy the obligations contained in Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act. Such reports may, where appropriate, contain a statement to the effect that the reporting of the transaction is not to be construed as an admission that the person has any direct or indirect beneficial interest or ownership in the security.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE
At least annually, the Chief Compliance Officer, on behalf of the Adviser, will furnish to the board of the Schroder Funds and any other US registered investment companies to which the Adviser acts as adviser or sub-adviser, a written report that:
(i)   Describes any issues arising under the Code or this Policy since the last report to the board, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or this Policy and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
 
(ii)   Certifies that the Adviser has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code or this Policy.
GRANTING OF EXCEPTIONS
The Chief Compliance Officer and the General may, on a case-by-case basis, grant exceptions to any provisions under this Code for good cause. Any such exceptions and the reasons for granting them will be maintained in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer and presented to the Board of Directors of the Adviser and to the Board of Trustees of the funds at the next scheduled meeting.
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 18
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

     
Adopted:
  October 1, 1995
Amended:
  May 15, 1996
 
  May 1, 1997
 
  June 12, 1998
 
  June 2, 1999
 
  March 14, 2000
 
  August 14, 2001
 
  June 23, 2003
 
  October 23, 2003
 
  December 9, 2003
 
  May 11, 2004
 
  January 14, 2005
 
  December 5, 2005
 
  March 6, 2006
 
  September 14, 2007
 
  September 14, 2009
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 19
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

APPENDIX A of the Code of Ethics- Approvers
The following members of the Compliance Department are authorized to pre-clear personal transactions:
Stephen M. DeTore
Vanessa Richardson
Jennifer Grunberg
Lisa Rolón Ventriglia
Dupinder Sidhu
In addition, the following Officers of the Adviser may pre-clear trades for Members of the Compliance Department or for others when a member of the Compliance Department is unavailable:
Carin F. Muhlbaum, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Administrative Officer
Mark Hemenetz, Chief Operating Officer
The following portfolio managers are authorized to pre-clear personal transactions:
     
US Large Cap:
  Joanna Shatney
US Small Cap/SMID:
  Jenny Jones, Robert Starbuck
US Fixed Income:
  Wes Sparks
Municipal Bonds
  Sue Beck
ETFs, ADRs, and non-US Securities:
  Compliance
In the event that the relevant portfolio managers are unavailable, Compliance may pre-clear in consultation with the available staff.
Compliance fax # 212-641-3804
Compliance email: “*US SIM — SIM NA Compliance”
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 20
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)

 


Table of Contents

APPENDIX B of the Code of Ethics— ETFs Exempt from 60 day holding policy
    SPDRs
Schroders US Compliance Manual: appendix a — code of ethics— Page 21
Effective September, 2009
(SCHRODERS LOGO)