As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2016
Securities Act File No. 33-20827
Investment Company Act File No. 811-5518
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
|
x |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
|
o |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 |
|
x |
|
||
and |
||
|
||
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
|
x |
Amendment No. 200 |
|
x |
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Bellevue Park Corporate Center
103 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrants Telephone Number: (302) 791-1851
Copies to:
SALVATORE FAIA
|
|
MICHAEL P. MALLOY, ESQUIRE
|
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
o immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
x on April 30, 2016 pursuant to paragraph (b)
o 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
o 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
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.
Title of Securities Being Registered Shares of Common Stock
Fasanara Capital Absolute
Return Multi-Asset Fund
Prospectus
April 30, 2016
Institutional Class Shares (Ticker: FCXIX)
of The RBB Fund, Inc.
This prospectus gives vital information about the Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund (the "Fund"), an investment portfolio of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), including information on investment policies, risks and fees. For your own benefit and protection, please read it before you invest and keep it on hand for future reference.
THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ("SEC"). THE SEC, HOWEVER, HAS NOT JUDGED THESE SECURITIES FOR THEIR INVESTMENT MERIT AND HAS NOT DETERMINED THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU OTHERWISE IS COMMITTING A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
A look at the goals, strategies, risks and financial history of the Fund.
Details about the Fund's service providers.
Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in the Fund.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY SECTION |
1 |
||||||
Investment Objective |
1 |
||||||
Expenses and Fees |
1 |
||||||
Principal Investment Strategies |
2 |
||||||
Principal Risks |
3 |
||||||
Performance Information |
6 |
||||||
Management of the Fund |
6 |
||||||
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares |
6 |
||||||
Tax Information |
7 |
||||||
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial
Intermediaries |
7 |
||||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND |
8 |
||||||
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND |
14 |
||||||
Investment Adviser |
14 |
||||||
Portfolio Manager |
14 |
||||||
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION |
15 |
||||||
Pricing of Fund Shares |
15 |
||||||
Market Timing |
15 |
||||||
Purchase of Fund Shares |
16 |
||||||
Redemption of Fund Shares |
19 |
||||||
Dividends and Distributions |
20 |
||||||
Taxes |
21 |
||||||
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
24 |
||||||
Appendix A Prior Performance of a Similarly
Advised Account |
25 |
||||||
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND |
Back Cover |
SUMMARY SECTION
Investment Objective
The Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund (the "Fund") seeks to achieve positive absolute returns. A positive "absolute return" seeks to earn a positive total return over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions or general market direction.
Expenses and Fees
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.
Institutional
Class |
|||||||
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
|||||||
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
||||||
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) |
None |
||||||
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends |
None |
||||||
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed on shares held for
less than 30 days, if applicable) |
2.00 |
% |
|||||
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each
year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|||||||
Management Fees |
1.75 |
% |
|||||
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees |
None |
||||||
Other Expenses (1) |
0.52 |
% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
2.27 |
% |
|||||
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (2) |
(1.02 |
)% |
|||||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or
Expense Reimbursement |
1.25 |
% |
(1) Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year based on aggregate net assets of $50 million in the Fund.
(2) Fasanara Capital Limited (the "Adviser"), the Fund's investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through April 30, 2017 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceed (i) 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets of the Fund up to the first $50 million in net assets and (ii) 2.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets should net assets exceed $50 million. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before April 30, 2017 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If it becomes unnecessary for the Adviser to waive fees or make reimbursements, the Adviser may recapture any of its prior waivers or reimbursements for a period not to exceed three years from the date on which the waiver or reimbursement was made to the extent that such a recapture does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to exceed the applicable expense limitation that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
1
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Institutional Class Shares of the Fund and for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year |
3 Years |
||||||||||
Institutional Class |
$ |
127 |
$ |
611 |
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 when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund had not commenced operations.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund will seek its investment objective by investing across multiple asset classes and employing various hedging strategies across fixed income, equity and currency markets while seeking to capitalize on market value inefficiencies.
Although the specific strategies the Fund pursues and the manner in which the Fund pursues such strategies may change from time to time, the Fund is currently expected to use three complementary investment "sleeves" to seek diversification across asset classes. The Fund will invest opportunistically while identifying undervalued assets across the capital structure (senior vs. junior debt) or across asset classes (debt vs. equity) or across financial instruments (cash vs. derivatives). The three investment sleeves are the Value Sleeve, the Hedging and Cheap Optionality Sleeve and the Tactical Sleeve. Although the actual allocation will vary from time to time, and even for substantial periods of time, when the Adviser deems such variances appropriate from a portfolio management standpoint, the Adviser generally intends to allocate approximately 80% of the Fund's risk to the Value Sleeve, 10% of the Fund's risk to the Hedging and Cheap Optionality Sleeve and 10% of the Fund's risk to the Tactical Sleeve under normal market conditions.
Value Sleeve
The Fund's Value Sleeve emphasizes the identification of undervalued assets in the debt and equities markets. The Value Sleeve will invest in sovereign debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, supranational debt (i.e., debt issued by entities such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank), corporate debt obligations, high yield debt (also known as "junk bonds"), convertible bonds, bank obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and other debt obligations of domestic and foreign issuers. The maturity of the debt obligations in the Value Sleeve will generally range from 12-24 months. The Value Sleeve will also invest in equity securities, primarily common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities.
Hedging and Cheap Optionality Sleeve
The Hedging and Cheap Optionality Sleeve will (i) hedge against risks specifically related to the Value Sleeve's positions and (ii) hedge against macro-economic and market scenarios that may affect the Fund. The Fund may invest in a wide variety of derivative instruments, including forward foreign currency exchange contracts; non-deliverable
2
forwards; futures on securities, interest rates, indices, currencies, swaps and other investments; options, including "cheap" options whose absolute price is low; and interest rate swaps, currency swaps, total return swaps and credit default swaps, which may create economic leverage in the Fund. The Fund may engage in derivative transactions to seek to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates, to change the effective duration of its portfolio, to manage certain investment risks and/or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities, currencies or commodities. Although the Fund will not engage in short sales, the Fund expects to use derivatives to create synthetic short exposures. The Fund may engage in repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, forward commitments and securities lending. The Hedging and Cheap Optionality Sleeve is likely to have cash balances surplus to margin requirements. The cash balances will be invested in short-term, highly liquid money market securities to meet cover requirements and margin calls on derivative investments. Generally, aggregate premiums on options in the Hedging and Cheap Optionality Sleeve will be less than 2% of the Fund's net asset value.
Tactical Sleeve
The Tactical Sleeve will seek to complement the Value Sleeve's long-term horizon with intra-day investments. The sleeve will invest in equity securities, interest rates and currencies directly and via the use of derivatives. However, the Tactical Sleeve is strictly used for intra-day trading and, generally, does not have open positions overnight.
The Fund will be managed in a manner designed to control volatility. The Adviser will use daily quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the level of risk (i.e., volatility of return) for the Fund. These methods employ proprietary financial models and comprehensive scenario analysis based on the Fund's daily volatility, periodic drawdowns, net equity exposure and performance characteristics. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the dispersion of returns of a security or fund or index, as measured by the annualized standard deviation of its returns. Higher volatility generally indicates higher risk. The Adviser, on average, will target an annualized volatility level for the Fund of 5%, with a daily portfolio volatility band of +1% to -1%; however, the Fund's actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions. Actual or realized volatility can and will differ from the forecasted or target volatility described above.
The Fund's portfolio will typically be comprised of securities from 40 to 60 single issuers across asset classes. A maximum allocation per security issued by the same issuer will be 10% of total net assets. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is expected to exceed 100%, which is considered to be high.
The Fund will primarily invest in US and European issuers, and may invest in instruments rated below investment grade (rated below BBB by either Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") or below Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")) or in unrated instruments considered to be of comparable quality by the investment adviser, but not in instruments rated below B- by S&P or B2 by Moody's. The Fund is "diversified" for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act"). The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The Fund's investments in certain derivative instruments involve the use of leverage.
Principal Risks
Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. In addition, your investment in the Fund may be subject to the following principal risks:
n Absolute Return Strategy Risk: The Fund's returns may deviate from overall market returns to a greater degree than other funds that do not employ an absolute return focus. In addition, if the Adviser takes a defensive posture by hedging the Fund's portfolio and stock prices subsequently advance, the Fund's returns may be lower than expected and lower than if the Fund's portfolio had not been hedged.
n Below Investment Grade Debt Obligations Risk: The Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt
3
obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade. High yield securities are considered speculative with respect to an issuer's ability to make principal and interest payments and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities of similar maturity.
n Convertible Securities Risk: Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.
n Counterparty Risk: Counterparty risk is the risk that the other party(s) to an agreement or a participant to a transaction, such as a broker or the futures commission merchant, might default on a contract or fail to perform by failing to pay amounts due or failing to fulfill the obligations of the contract or transaction.
n Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value.
n Currency Risk: Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.
n Derivatives Risk: The Fund's investments in derivative instruments including options, forward currency exchange contracts, swaps and futures, which may be leveraged, may result in losses. Investments in derivative instruments may result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.
n Fixed Income Securities Risk: Fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest are subject to certain risks, including: interest rate risk, prepayment risk and credit/default risk. Interest rate risk involves the risk that prices of fixed income securities will rise and fall in response to interest rate changes. Prepayment risk involves the risk that in declining interest rate environments prepayments of principal could increase and require the Fund to reinvest proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates. Credit risk involves the risk that the credit rating of a security may be lowered.
n Foreign Investments Risk: International investing is subject to special risks, including currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.
n Forward and Futures Risk: The successful use of forward and futures contracts draws upon the Adviser's skill and experience with respect to such instruments and are subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of forward and futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of instruments held by the Fund and the price of the forward or futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market, and possible regulatory position limits and restrictions, for a forward or futures contract and the resulting inability to close a forward or futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the Adviser's inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations; and (f) if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
4
n Hedging Transactions Risk: The Adviser will employ various hedging techniques. The success of the Fund's hedging strategy will be subject to the Adviser's ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the instruments used in the hedging strategy and the performance of the investments in the portfolio being hedged. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the success of the Fund's hedging strategy will also be subject to the Adviser's ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute hedges in an efficient and timely manner. For a variety of reasons, the Adviser may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Such imperfect correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, it is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against any risk, and hedging entails its own cost.
n High Portfolio Turnover Risk: The risk that when investing on a shorter-term basis, the Fund may as a result trade more frequently and incur higher levels of brokerage fees and commissions, and cause higher levels of current tax liability to shareholders in the Fund.
n Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by the Adviser. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.
n Leveraging Risk: Investments in derivative instruments may give rise to a form of leverage. The Adviser may engage in speculative transactions which involve substantial risk and leverage. The use of leverage by the Adviser may increase the volatility of the Fund. These leveraged instruments may result in losses to the Fund or may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") or total return, because instruments that contain leverage are more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Fund may also have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations in connection with such transactions.
n Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk of investment selection. In other words, the securities in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices may not work to achieve their desired result.
n Market Risk: The NAV of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money.
n New Fund Risk: The Fund is newly-formed. Investors bear the risk that the Fund may not grow to or maintain economically viable size, not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and may not employ a successful investment strategy, any of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and/or at a time that may not be favorable for certain shareholders. Such a liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders.
n Options Risk: An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations.
n Short Positions Risk: The Fund will engage in transactions through which it obtains synthetic short exposure to equities or fixed income markets through derivative investments (such as forwards, futures contracts or swaps on equity or fixed income indexes). A synthetic short position replicates the economic effect of a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own but has borrowed, in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. The Fund's investment strategy of taking synthetic short positions may effectively create leverage.
5
n Sovereign Debt Risk: A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the debtor's cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
n Swaps Risk: In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount earned or realized on the "notional amount" of predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities, because swaps may be leveraged and are subject to counterparty risk (e.g., the risk of a counterparty's defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk (i.e., swaps may be difficult to value). Swaps may also be considered illiquid. It may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.
n Volatility Risk: The Fund may have investments that increase or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Fund's net asset value per share to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time, however, all investments long- or short-term are subject to risk of loss. Additionally, a portfolio comprised primarily of low volatility securities may limit the Fund's gains in rising markets.
Performance Information
Because the Fund has less than one full calendar year of performance, no performance information has been included.
Management of the Fund
Investment Adviser
Fasanara Capital Limited
Portfolio Manager
Francesco Filia
CEO & CIO of the Adviser
Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception in 2016.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1,000. There is a minimum amount of $100 for subsequent investments. You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals. Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.
Purchase and Redemption by Mail:
Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund
c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
P.O. Box 9841
Providence, RI 02940
6
Overnight Mail:
Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund
c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
4400 Computer Drive
Westborough, MA 01581
Purchase and Redemption by Wire:
Before sending any wire, call BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") at 1-844-721-9007 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Fund.
Redemption by Telephone:
If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Transfer Agent at 1-844-721-9007.
Tax Information
The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
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 and its related companies 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 website for more information.
7
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
This section provides some additional information about the Fund's investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund's investments and portfolio management techniques, and related risks, is included in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
Investment Objective
The Fund's investment objective may be changed by the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Board of Directors") without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive 60 days' prior notice of any changes. Any such changes may result in the Fund having an investment objective different from the objective that the shareholder considered appropriate at the time of investment in the Fund. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The investments and strategies described in this Prospectus are those that the Fund uses under normal conditions. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.
Additional Information About the Fund's Risks
The following provides additional information about the principal and non-principal risks of investing in the Fund:
Below Investment Grade Debt Obligations Risk. High yield securities tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities of similar maturity. As a result, they generally involve more credit risk than securities in the higher-rated categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of high yield securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues to meet their payment obligations. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of these securities is significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain high yield securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. Periods of economic uncertainty generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of these securities and thus in the Fund's net asset value. Markets have recently experienced dramatic volatility and economic uncertainty continues.
Counterparties. To the extent the Fund invests in securities traded over-the-counter, swaps, "synthetic" or derivative instruments, repurchase agreements, certain types of options or other customized financial instruments, the Fund takes the risk of non-performance by the other party to the contract. This risk may include credit risk of the counterparty and the risk of settlement default. This risk may differ materially from those entailed in exchange-traded transactions that generally are supported by guarantees of clearing organizations, daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections and expose the parties to the risk of counterparty default.
Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities have characteristics of both equity and fixed income securities. The value of a convertible security tends to move with the market value of the underlying stock, but may also be affected by interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provisions. In particular, when interest rates rise, fixed income securities will decline in value. Convertible securities frequently have speculative characteristics and may be acquired without regard to minimum quality ratings. Lower quality convertible securities, also known as "junk bonds," involve greater risk of default or price changes due to the issuer's creditworthiness. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate more than those of higher quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates. Securities in the lowest quality category may present the risk of default, or may be in default.
8
The Fund also may invest in contingent convertible bonds ("CoCos"). CoCos are hybrid debt securities that are intended to either convert into equity at a predetermined share price or have their principal written down or written off upon the occurrence of certain triggering events generally linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution's continued viability as a going concern. CoCos are subject to the risks associated with bonds and equities and to the risks specific to convertible securities in general. In addition, CoCos are inherently risky because of the difficulty of predicting triggering events that would require the debt to convert to equity. Since CoCos are typically issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments in order to provide the appropriate regulatory capital, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of an issuer prior to a conversion, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCos against the issuer in respect of or arising under the terms of the CoCos will generally rank junior to the claims of all holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. Also, the value of CoCos will be influenced by many factors, including: the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in the issuer's capital ratios; the supply and demand for the CoCos; general market conditions and available liquidity; and economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, the market it operates in or the financial markets in general. Most CoCos are considered high yield or "junk" securities and are therefore subject to the risks of investing in below investment grade securities. Below investment grade securities generally involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of income and principal, and may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than higher grade securities. It is reasonable to expect that any adverse economic conditions could disrupt the market for below investment grade securities, have an adverse impact on the value of those securities and adversely affect the ability of the issuers of those securities to repay principal and interest on those securities. The Fund will limit its investment in CoCos to less than 5% of its net assets.
Credit/Default Risk. The credit rating of an issuer or guarantor of a security in which the Fund invests may be lowered or an issuer or guarantor of a security or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a repurchase agreement may default on its payment obligations. The risk of loss due to default by issuers of lower-rated securities is greater because low-rated securities generally are unsecured and often are subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. The Fund also may incur additional expenses in seeking recovery on defaulted securities. The creditworthiness of firms used by the Fund to effect securities transactions in emerging and frontier market countries may not be as strong as in some developed countries. As a result, the Fund could be subject to a greater risk of loss on its securities transactions if a firm defaults on its responsibilities.
Forward and Futures Contracts. The Fund utilizes forward and futures contracts as part of its strategy:
Futures Contracts. Futures contracts may be illiquid because certain commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits." Under such daily limits, during a single trading day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limits. Once the price of a particular futures contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that contract can neither be entered into nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved beyond the daily limits for several consecutive days with little or no trading. OTC instruments generally are not as liquid as instruments traded on recognized exchanges. These constraints could prevent the Fund from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions, thereby subjecting the Fund to substantial losses. In addition, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and various exchanges limit the number of positions that the Fund may indirectly hold or control in particular commodities.
Foreign futures transactions involve the execution and clearing of trades on a foreign exchange. This is the case even if the foreign exchange is formally "linked" to a domestic exchange, whereby a trade executed on one exchange liquidates or establishes a position on the other exchange. No domestic organization regulates the activities of a foreign exchange, including the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions on such an exchange, and no domestic regulator has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the transaction occurs. For these reasons, the Fund may not be afforded certain of the protections that apply to domestic transactions. In particular, funds received from the Fund to margin (collateralize) foreign futures transactions may not be provided the same protections as funds received to margin futures transactions on domestic exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or option contract and, therefore, the resulting potential profit or loss, may be affected by any fluctuation
9
in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the foreign futures contract is liquidated or the foreign option contract is liquidated or exercised.
Forward Contracts. The Fund may utilize forward contracts that are not traded on exchanges and may not be regulated. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Banks and other dealers with which the Fund maintains accounts may require that the Fund deposit margin with respect to such trading. The Fund's counterparties are not required to continue making markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell). Arrangements to trade forward contracts may be made with only one or a few counterparties, and liquidity problems therefore might be greater than if such arrangements were made with numerous counterparties. The imposition of credit controls by governmental authorities might limit such forward trading to less than the amount that the Adviser would otherwise recommend, to the possible detriment of the Fund.
Derivative Contracts. The Fund will use derivative contracts for the following purposes:
n To seek to hedge against the possible adverse impact of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates or interest rates in the market value of its securities or securities to be purchased;
n As a substitute for buying or selling currencies or securities; or
n To seek to enhance the Fund's return in non-hedging situations (which is considered a speculative activity).
Examples of derivative contracts include: futures and options on securities, interest rates, indices, currencies, swaps and other investments; options on these futures; forward foreign currency contracts; non-deliverable forward contracts; and interest rate, currency, total return and credit default swaps. The Fund may use derivative contracts involving foreign currencies. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the Fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment that is based on the change in value of one or more securities, interest rates, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on the Fund's securities, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when securities prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the Fund's holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed income securities in that the counterparty may default on its payment obligations or become insolvent. Derivatives can also make the Fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.
Equity and Equity-Related Securities. The Fund will invest in equity securities, including exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. The value of securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a mutual fund invests will cause the Fund's NAV to fluctuate. The number of issuers in the Fund's portfolio will vary over time.
Fixed Income Investments. The Fund invests a portion of its assets in fixed income securities. Fixed income securities include bonds, notes (including structured notes), convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by US and
10
European sovereign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, supranational debt (i.e., debt issued by entities such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank), corporate debt obligations, high yield debt (also known as "junk bonds"), bank obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and other debt obligations of domestic and foreign issuers. The fixed income securities in which the fund invests may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features. The principal fixed income investments of the Fund will be fixed and floating rate securities with no reset terms.
The credit quality of securities held in the Fund's portfolio is determined at the time of investment. If a security is rated differently by multiple ratings organizations, the Fund treats the security as being rated in the higher rating category. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Foreign Market Risk. A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. In particular, funds received from the Fund to margin (collateralize) foreign futures transactions may not be provided the same protections as funds received to margin futures transactions on domestic exchanges. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or option contract and, therefore, the resulting potential profit or loss, may be affected by any fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the foreign futures contract is liquidated or the foreign option contract is liquidated or exercised.
Some foreign markets present additional risk, because they are not subject to the same degree of regulation as their U.S. counterparts. No U.S. regulatory agency or any domestic exchange regulates activities on any foreign boards of trade or exchanges (such as the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions) or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or exchange or of any applicable foreign laws. This is the case even if the foreign exchange is formally "linked" to a domestic exchange, whereby a trade executed on one exchange liquidates or establishes a position on the other exchange. Similarly, the rights of market participants, in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a foreign market or broker are also likely to be more limited than in the case of U.S. markets or brokers. As a result, in these markets, there is less legal and regulatory protection than that available domestically.
Additionally, trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. An adverse development with respect to any of these variables could reduce the profit or increase the loss earned on trades in the affected international markets. International trading activities are subject to foreign exchange risk.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) through American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs"). Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.
In addition, the Fund may invest in securities traded or denominated in foreign currencies and in multinational currencies such as the Euro. The Fund will value its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. Investments in securities
11
of foreign entities and securities denominated or traded in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.
Interest Rate Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the market value of the Fund's fixed income securities will tend to be lower than prevailing market interest rates. In periods of falling interest rates, the market value of the Fund's fixed income securities generally will tend to be higher than prevailing market interest rates. Prices of longer-term fixed income securities are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than prices of shorter-term fixed-income securities. Significant upward pressure on domestic interest rates and a corresponding widening of credit spreads could negatively impact the market price of emerging debt markets.
Interest Rate Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Currency Swaps, Credit Default Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars.
n Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments.
n Total return swaps are contracts that obligate one party to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return on a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference during a specified period of time. The underlying asset might be a security or basket of securities or a non-asset reference such as a securities index. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference.
n Currency swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of principal and interest in one currency for principal and interest in another currency.
n Credit default swaps are contracts whereby one party makes periodic payments to a counterparty in exchange for the right to receive from the counterparty a payment equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default by the issuer of the debt obligation.
n Options on swaps ("swaptions") are options to enter into a swap agreement. The Fund may also purchase and write (sell) swaptions. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms.
n Interest rate caps entitle the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap.
n Interest rate floors entitle the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor.
n Interest rate collars combine a cap and a floor that are designed to preserve a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
The Fund may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity). The use of swaps, swaptions, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values and interest rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.
12
Leveraging Risk. The Fund's use of futures, forward contracts, swaps, and other derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. The use of leverage by the Adviser may increase the volatility of the Fund. These leveraged instruments may result in losses to the Fund or may adversely affect the Fund's NAV or total return, because instruments that contain leverage are more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Fund may also use borrowed funds to create leverage. Although the use of leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased return, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on the securities and instruments purchased with leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of the leverage, the Fund's return will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income and gains from the securities and instruments purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of leverage, the Fund's return will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the event of a sudden, precipitous drop in value of the Fund's assets, the Fund may not be able to liquidate assets quickly enough to pay off its borrowing. Using this investment technique may adversely affect the Fund's NAV or total return.
To limit leverage risk, the Fund will segregate assets determined by the Adviser to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors, or, when permissible, enter into offsetting transactions, to cover its obligations resulting from its use of derivative instruments. Securities held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures contract, option or other derivative is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, it is possible that segregating a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or its ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
Redemptions. The Fund may need to sell its holdings in order to meet shareholder redemption requests. The Fund could experience a loss when selling securities to meet redemption requests if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the Fund wishes to or is required to sell are illiquid. The Fund may be unable to sell illiquid securities at its desired time or price. Illiquidity can be caused by a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress.
Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
A description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.
13
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Investment Adviser
Fasanara Capital Limited (the "Adviser"), a United Kingdom limited company founded in 2011, serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The Adviser's principal address is 25 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ER, England. As of March 31, 2016, the Adviser had over approximately $120 million in assets under management. The Adviser is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and is authorized and regulated under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through April 30, 2017 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed (i) 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets of the Fund up to the first $50 million in net assets and (ii) 2.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets should net assets exceed $50 million. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before April 30, 2017 without the approval of the Company's Board of Directors. If it becomes unnecessary for the Adviser to waive fees or make reimbursements, the Adviser may recapture any of its prior waivers or reimbursements for a period not to exceed three years from the date on which the waiver or reimbursement was made to the extent that such a recapture does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding those items discussed above) to exceed the applicable expense limitation that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Company's Board of Directors approving the Fund's investment advisory agreement with the Adviser is available in the Fund's first annual or semi-annual report to shareholders.
Portfolio Manager
Francesco Filia is the portfolio manager primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Fasanara Capital Limited, Francesco Filia heads all portfolio management and research related activities at the Adviser. He also spearheads the identification and implementation of all relevant portfolio tail hedging strategies. Prior to co-founding the Adviser, Mr. Filia was Managing Director and EMEA Head of the Principal Investors group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, a top producing investment practice comprised of 15 professionals. In his role, Mr. Filia directed Bank of America Merrill Lynch operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa with responsibilities on multi-strategy portfolio trading. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 2000, Mr. Filia was a research analyst at JP Morgan Securities where he published several research white papers covering areas such as derivatives modeling and fixed income/volatility strategies. Mr. Filia is a graduate of Bocconi University in Milan and a scholar of Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager's compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager's ownership of securities in the Fund.
14
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Pricing of Fund Shares
Shares of the Fund are sold at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV of the Fund is calculated as follows:
The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The Fund will effect purchases of Fund shares at the NAV next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order in good order as described below. The Fund will effect redemptions of Fund shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your redemption request in good order as described below. If the Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
The Fund's equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using an independent pricing service. When prices are not available from such service or are deemed to be unreliable, securities may be valued by dealers who make markets in such securities. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions.
If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund's administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, securities will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and under the Board of Directors' ultimate supervision. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.
Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in exchange-traded funds, REITs and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price.
Market Timing
In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board of Directors, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been
15
rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.
To deter excessive shareholder trading, the Fund charges a redemption fee of 2.00% on shares redeemed within 30 days of purchase. For further information on redemptions, please see the section entitled "Shareholder Information Redemptions of Fund Shares."
There is no assurance that the Adviser will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.
If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.
Purchase of Fund Shares
Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC (the "Distributor").
General. You may purchase shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1,000. There is a minimum amount of $100 for subsequent investments. The Fund may accept initial investments of smaller amounts in its sole discretion. You can only purchase shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.
Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain Service Organizations. Certain features of the shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose minimum investment requirements. Service Organizations may also impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in
16
good order will be priced at the Fund's NAV next computed after such orders are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.
For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser, the Distributor or their affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") based on the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.
Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an Account Application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund. Third party endorsed checks or foreign checks will not be accepted.
Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund
c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
P.O. Box 9841
Providence, RI 02940
or overnight to:
Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund
c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
4400 Computer Drive
Westborough, MA 01581
Subject to acceptance by the Fund, payment for the purchase of shares received by mail will be credited to a shareholder's account at the NAV per share of the Fund next determined after receipt of payment in good order.
Initial Investment By Wire. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, shares may be purchased by wiring federal funds to The Bank of New York Mellon. A completed Account Application must be forwarded to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under "Initial Investment by Mail" in advance of the wire. Notification must be given to the Transfer Agent at 1-844-721-9007 prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. (Prior notification must also be received from investors with existing accounts.)
Federal funds wire purchases will be accepted only on days when the NYSE and The Bank of New York Mellon are open for business.
Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time by purchasing shares at the NAV per share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under "Initial Investment by Mail" (payable to Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) or by wiring monies to The Bank of New York Mellon as outlined above under "Initial Investment by Wire." Notification must be given to the Transfer Agent at 1-844-721-9007 prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. Initial and additional purchases made by check cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.
Automatic Investment Plan. Additional investments in shares of the Fund may be made automatically by authorizing the Transfer Agent to withdraw funds from your bank account through the Automatic Investment Plan. Investors who would like to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan should call the Transfer Agent at 1-844-721-9007, or complete the appropriate section of the account application. The minimum initial investment for the Automatic Investment Plan is $1,000. Minimum monthly payments are $100.
Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. Shares may be purchased in conjunction with individual retirement accounts ("IRAs") and rollover IRAs. A $15.00 retirement custodial maintenance fee is charged per IRA account per year. For further information as to applications and annual fees, contact the Transfer Agent at 1-844-721-9007. To determine whether the benefits of an IRA are available and/or appropriate, you should consult with a tax adviser.
17
Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividends, subscriptions, or other rights that are 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 by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.
Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interest of the Fund. The Adviser will monitor the Fund's total assets and may, subject to Board approval, decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Adviser, subject to Board approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:
a. persons who already hold shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Adviser;
b. existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold shares of the Fund;
c. employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and
d. Directors of the Company.
Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board of Directors' discretion, reserves the right to implement specific purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.
Purchases of the Fund's shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for shares will not be issued except at the written request of the shareholder. Certificates for fractional shares, however, will not be issued.
Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Adviser and their family members, either directly or through their IRAs and by any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation. The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.
Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when all necessary information is provided and all required documents are properly completed, signed and delivered. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.
Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's shares and close an account in the event that an investor's
18
identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.
Redemption of Fund Shares
You may redeem shares of the Fund at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.
You may redeem shares of the Fund by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.
Redemption By Mail. Your redemption requests should be addressed to Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund, c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., P.O. Box 9841, Providence, RI 02940, or for overnight delivery to Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund, c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 and must include:
n a letter of instruction, if required, or a stock assignment specifying the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, signed by all registered owners of the shares in the exact names in which they are registered;
n any required Medallion signature guarantees, which are required when (i) the redemption proceeds are to be sent to someone other than the registered shareholder(s), (ii) the redemption request is for $10,000 or more, or (iii) a share transfer request is made. A Medallion signature guarantee is a special signature guarantee that may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency or savings association which is a participant in a Medallion signature guarantee program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. A Medallion imprint or Medallion stamp indicates that the financial institution is a member of a Medallion signature guarantee program and is an acceptable signature guarantor. The three recognized Medallion signature guarantee programs are Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Program (MSP). Signature guarantees which are not a part of these programs will not be accepted. Please note that a notary public stamp or seal is not acceptable; and
n other supporting legal documents, if required, in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships, custodianships, corporations, pension and profit sharing plans and other organizations.
Redemption By Telephone. In order to utilize the telephone redemption option, you must indicate that option on your Account Application. Please note that the telephone redemption option is not available for retirement accounts. You may then initiate a redemption of shares by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-844-721-9007 and requesting that the redemption proceeds be mailed to the primary registration address or wired per the authorized instructions. A wire charge of $7.50 is assessed and charged to the shareholder. If the telephone redemption option is authorized, the Transfer Agent may act on telephone instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be a shareholder and believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Transfer Agent's records of such instructions are binding and shareholders, not the Fund or its Transfer Agent, bear the risk of loss in the event of unauthorized instructions reasonably believed by the Fund or its Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated are genuine and, if it does not, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The procedures employed by the Fund and the Transfer Agent in connection with transactions initiated by telephone include tape recording of telephone instructions and requiring some form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions received by telephone.
Transaction Fee on Certain Redemptions. The Fund requires the payment of a transaction fee on redemptions of shares held for less than 30 days equal to 2.00% of the NAV of such shares redeemed at the time of redemption. This additional transaction fee is paid to the Fund, not to the Adviser, distributor or Transfer Agent. It is not a sales
19
charge or a contingent deferred sales charge. The fee does not apply to redeemed shares that were purchased through reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions. The purpose of the additional transaction fee is to indirectly allocate transaction costs associated with redemptions to those investors making redemptions after holding their shares for a short period, thus protecting existing shareholders. These costs include: (1) brokerage costs; (2) market impact costs i.e., the decrease in market prices which may result when the Fund sells certain securities in order to raise cash to meet the redemption request; (3) the realization of capital gains by the other shareholders in the Fund; and (4) the effect of the "bid-ask" spread in the over-the-counter market. The 2.00% amount represents the Fund's estimate of the brokerage and other transaction costs which may be incurred by the Fund in disposing of stocks in which the Fund may invest. Without the additional transaction fee, the Fund would generally be selling its shares at a price less than the cost to the Fund of acquiring the portfolio securities necessary to maintain its investment characteristics, resulting in reduced investment performance for all shareholders in the Fund. With the additional transaction fee, the transaction costs of selling additional stocks are not borne by all existing shareholders, but the source of funds for these costs is the transaction fee paid by those investors making redemptions. For purposes of this redemption feature, shares purchased first will be considered to be shares first redeemed.
Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of your account is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed. The Fund may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.
Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for shares of the Fund recently purchased by check may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Redemption proceeds will ordinarily be paid within seven business days after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE or the bond market is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC.
If the Board of Directors determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.
Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when all necessary information is provided and all required documents are properly completed, signed and delivered. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.
Dividends and Distributions
The Fund will distribute substantially all of the net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, of the Fund to the Fund's shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional shares unless you elect otherwise.
The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed at least annually.
The ex-dividend, record and payable dates of any annual distribution will be available by calling 1-844-721-9007.
20
Taxes
The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.
Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.
Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.
Distributions of "qualifying dividends" will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or "qualified" foreign corporations ("qualifying dividends"), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund's ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of the Fund's distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.
Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.
The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund consists of stocks and securities (including debt securities) of foreign corporations at the close of a taxable year, the Fund may elect, for federal income tax purposes, to treat certain foreign taxes paid by it, including generally any withholding and other foreign income taxes, as paid by its shareholders. If the Fund makes this election, the amount of those foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be included in its shareholders' income pro rata (in addition to taxable distributions actually received by them), and each such shareholder will be entitled either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit, or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction. If the Fund is not eligible or chooses not to make this election, the Fund will be entitled to deduct any such foreign taxes in computing the amounts it is required to distribute.
A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.
If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."
21
Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.
Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.
IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.
U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a regulated investment company such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund's capital gains and dividends attributable to the Fund's interest income from U.S. obligors.
Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.
In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.
The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.
All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.
22
State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.
More information about taxes is contained in the Fund's SAI.
23
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
There are no financial highlights for the Fund because it commenced operations on or after the date of this Prospectus.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND'S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
24
Appendix A
Prior Performance of a Similarly Advised Account
The Adviser has experience in managing a UCITS fund with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Fund. The following performance information is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing the UCITS fund, the Attractive Global Opportunities UCITS Fund, a sub-fund of the Method Investments SICAV, and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. The Fund's results in the future may also be different because the UCITS fund is not subject to the same investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the UCITS fund. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the UCITS fund.
Attractive Global Opportunities UCITS Fund, a sub-fund of Method Investments SICAV
The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Attractive Global Opportunities UCITS Fund. The information shows you how the UCITS fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the UCITS fund, and therefore the Fund. The performance presented is net of all fees (including any applicable sales loads) charged to investors in the UCITS fund. The performance for the Fund would differ from the information below to the extent that the Fund and the UCITS fund do not have the same expenses, are not subject to the same investment limitations, diversification requirements and regulatory requirements. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the UCITS fund or the Fund will perform in the future.
MONTHLY PERFORMANCE TABLE
(SINCE INCEPTION ON NOVEMBER 10, 2014)
1
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
FY (ended
December 31) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.44 |
% |
2.46 |
% |
3.93 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 |
1.25 |
% |
2.14 |
% |
0.67 |
% |
0.88 |
% |
1.21 |
% |
-0.79 |
% |
0.90 |
% |
-0.93 |
% |
-0.58 |
% |
0.41 |
% |
1.68 |
% |
-0.14 |
% |
4.98 |
% |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 |
-0.56 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0.56 |
% |
1 The performance presented is for Share Class I EUR and is net of the UCITS fund's fees. Performance was calculated using a NAV comparison method, taking into account and comparing the variation of the NAV on a daily basis. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.
25
FASANARA CAPITAL ABSOLUTE RETURN MULTI-ASSET FUND
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND:
This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports:
These reports, when available, will contain additional information about the Fund's investments, describe the Fund's performance, list portfolio holdings and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report will include Fund strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
Statement of Additional Information:
The Fund's SAI, dated April 30, 2016, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-844-721-9007. These documents are not available on or through the Fund's website because the Fund does not currently have an internet website. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.
Shareholder Inquiries:
Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-844-721-9007.
Purchases and Redemptions:
Call your registered representative or 1-844-721-9007.
Written Correspondence
Post Office Address:
|
Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund
c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. PO Box 9841 Providence, RI 02940 |
||||||
Street Address:
|
Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund
c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. 4400 Computer Drive Westborough, MA 01581 |
Securities and Exchange Commission:
You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FASANARA CAPITAL ABSOLUTE RETURN MULTI-ASSET FUND
a series of THE RBB FUND, INC.
Institutional Shares (Ticker : FCXIX)
April 30, 2016
Investment Adviser:
FASANARA CAPITAL LIMITED
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) provides supplementary information pertaining to Institutional Shares (the Shares) representing interests in the Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund (the Fund) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the Company). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Funds Prospectus dated April 30, 2016 (the Prospectus). Copies of the Funds Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, when available, may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-844-721-9007.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION |
1 |
|
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES |
1 |
|
|
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS |
1 |
|
|
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS |
20 |
|
|
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS |
21 |
|
|
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS |
23 |
|
|
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY |
24 |
|
|
CODE OF ETHICS |
31 |
|
|
PROXY VOTING |
31 |
|
|
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES |
32 |
|
|
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES |
32 |
|
|
INVESTMENT ADVISER |
32 |
|
|
PORTFOLIO MANAGER |
33 |
|
|
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT |
34 |
|
|
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT |
34 |
|
|
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT |
35 |
|
|
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT |
35 |
|
|
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES |
36 |
|
|
FUND TRANSACTIONS |
37 |
|
|
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION |
38 |
|
|
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES |
39 |
|
|
VALUATION OF SHARES |
39 |
|
|
TAXES |
40 |
|
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES |
41 |
|
|
MISCELLANEOUS |
42 |
|
|
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS |
A-1 |
|
|
APPENDIX B - PROXY VOTING |
B-1 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating 25 separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the 1940 Act) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund, a diversified portfolio. Fasanara Capital Limited (Fasanara or the Adviser) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.
The Fund seeks to achieve positive absolute returns. A positive absolute return seeks to earn a positive total return over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions or general market direction. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Funds Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Funds investment policies and limitations.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
Commercial Paper. Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on these issues vary from a few to 270 days.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.
Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their conversion value, which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.
Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations without limit on credit quality or maturity. See Appendix A to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.
Debt obligations may gain or lose value due to changes in interest rates and other general economic conditions, industry fundamentals, market sentiment and the issuers operating results, balance sheet and credit ratings. The market value of debt securities issued by companies involved in pending corporate mergers and takeovers may be determined in large part by the status of the transaction and its eventual outcome, especially if the debt securities are subject to change-of-control provisions that entitle the holder to be paid par value or some other specified dollar amount upon completion of the merger or takeover. Accordingly, the principal risk associated with investing in these debt securities is the possibility that the transaction may not be completed.
Some debt obligations give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the bonds before their maturity date. If an issuer calls its bond during a period of declining interest rates, the Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield. During periods of market illiquidity or rising interest rates, prices of the Funds callable issues are subject to increased price fluctuation.
Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Funds ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Funds investment in such companies to lose value.
Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:
· Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.
· Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence 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 precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
· Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.
· Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial
resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.
Foreign Government Debt Obligations. Investments in sovereign debt obligations involve special risks which are not present in corporate debt obligations. The foreign issuer of the sovereign debt or the foreign governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt, and the NAV of the Fund, to the extent it invests in such securities, may be more volatile than prices of U.S. debt issuers. In the past, certain foreign countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt.
A sovereign debtors willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtors policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtors obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtors ability or willingness to timely service its debts. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt. Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. In the event of a default by a governmental entity, there may be few or no effective legal remedies for collecting on such debt. To the extent that a sovereign debtor is currently undergoing, or in the future enters into, a restructuring of its debt or defaults on its obligations, the Fund will be subject to additional risks and the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its initial investment.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are denominated or traded in foreign currencies. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) or International Depositary Receipts (IDRs). ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution (a depository), that evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with the depository. ADRs may be listed on a national securities exchange or may trade in the over-the-counter market. ADR prices are denominated in U.S. dollars; the underlying security may be denominated in a foreign currency. GDRs, EDRs and IDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a non-U.S. or U.S. corporation. Depositary receipts may be available through sponsored or unsponsored facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Investments in depositary receipts do not eliminate the risks in investing in foreign issuers. The underlying security may be subject to foreign government taxes, which would reduce the yield on such securities.
Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the
possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.
Settlement mechanics (e.g., mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.
Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Funds shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Funds securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Funds securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Funds securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency. The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis (subject to its investment policies and restrictions). These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. The Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.
When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Fund to lock in what is believed by the Adviser to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of the Funds Net Asset Value (NAV) starting on the date of the agreement to
purchase the securities, and the Fund is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When the Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the Funds assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the Funds NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but the Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.
The Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. The Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders. When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund or the custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Funds purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.
Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. 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 (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between 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. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in securities denominated or quoted in a different currency or to seek to increase total return. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency.
At the consummation of the forward contract, the Fund may terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.
The Funds transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. Of course, the Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated securities, and the Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Adviser.
When the Fund enters into forward contracts the Fund is required to cover its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the forward contract or otherwise cover its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Funds outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.
The Fund may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (FCM) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Funds coverage requirements.
If the Fund uses forward contracts as a method of protecting the value of the Funds portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency, this does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Funds foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.
While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks or to seek to increase total return, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Funds portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses, which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.
Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
The Funds foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), for qualification as a regulated investment company.
Futures and Options On Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund will reduce the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on a national futures exchange regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. To the extent futures and/or options on futures are employed by the Fund, the Fund will limit such investments in commodity futures, commodity options contracts and swaps to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). For this reason, the Adviser is not required to register as a commodity pool operator (CPO) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.
With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a commodity pool or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment companys positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment companys portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment companys portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO, the disclosure and operations of the Funds would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.
An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified currency amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.
When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to cover its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise cover its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Funds outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.
The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.
The Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by maintaining in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.
There are significant risks associated with the Funds use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the Advisers ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Funds exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.
Credit Default Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. The Fund may enter into credit default, interest rate and total return swaps. The Fund may also enter into interest rate caps, floors and collars. In addition, the Fund may enter into mortgage swaps and currency swaps.
The Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As examples, the Fund may enter into swap transactions for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in an economical way.
Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged
or swapped between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a notional amount, i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency or security, or in a basket of securities representing a particular index. As examples, credit default swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses of an underlying security. Credit default swaps give one party to a transaction the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive from or make a payment to the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index, or an index component.
The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.
A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swap transactions are structured. However, generally the Fund will enter into credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps do not normally involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a credit default, interest rate, total return or mortgage swap defaults, the Funds risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. In contrast, currency swaps may involve the delivery of the entire principal amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
A credit default swap may have as reference obligations one or more securities that may, or may not, be currently held by the Fund. The protection buyer in a credit default swap is generally obligated to pay the protection seller an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the swap provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the par value (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If a credit event occurs, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the Fund as seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.
To the extent that the Funds exposure in a transaction involving a swap or an interest rate floor, cap or collar is covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets, or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance, the Fund and the Adviser believe that the transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Funds borrowing restrictions. The SEC has recently issued the concept release Use of Derivatives by Investment Companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which discusses, among other matters, whether current market practices involving derivatives are consistent with the leverage provisions of the Act.
Accordingly, investors should be aware that the SEC may offer additional guidance in the future that may impact the manner in which the Fund operates.
The Fund will not enter into any credit default, interest rate, total return or mortgage swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated investment grade by S&Ps or Moodys, or, if unrated by such rating organization, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
The use of credit default, interest rate, mortgage, total return and currency swaps, as well as interest rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, credit quality, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment instruments were not used.
Illiquid Securities. Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business (within seven days) at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Because of their illiquid nature, illiquid securities must be priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Companys Board of Directors. Despite such good faith efforts to determine fair value prices, the Funds illiquid securities are subject to the risk that the securitys fair value price may differ from the actual price which the Fund may ultimately realize upon its sale or disposition. Difficulty in selling illiquid securities may result in a loss or may be costly to the Fund. Under the supervision of the Companys Board of Directors, the Adviser determines the liquidity of the Funds investments. In determining the liquidity of the Funds investments, the Adviser may consider various factors, including: (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations; (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security). The Fund will not hold more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
Inflation-Protected Securities. The Fund may invest in inflation-protected securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, known as TIPs or Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, which are debt securities whose principal and interest payments are adjusted for inflation and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond, follows a designated inflation index, such as the consumer price index. A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises, both the principal value and the interest payments increase. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of the investment. Inflation-protected securities normally will decline in price when real interest rates rise. (A real interest rate is calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from a nominal interest rate. For example, if a 10-year Treasury note is yielding 5% and inflation is 2%, the real interest rate is 3%.) If inflation is negative, the principal and income of an inflation-protected security will decline and could result in losses for the Fund.
Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by Internal Revenue Service regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. By contrast, the Fund holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments in the form of cash or reinvested shares, which are taxable to shareholders.
Initial Public Offerings. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, the Fund may purchase stock in an initial public offering (IPO). An IPO is a companys first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When the Funds asset base is small, a significant portion of the Funds performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs,
because such investments would have a magnified impact on the underlying investment company. As the Funds assets grow, the effect of the Funds investments in IPOs on the Funds performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Funds performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Funds portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Fund cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.
Investing in Emerging Countries, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid and subject to greater price volatility, and have a smaller market capitalization, than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the U.S. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.
Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Funds ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.
With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholders investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.
Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.
Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Funds investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuers outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.
Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic
decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Funds assets. The Funds investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.
The Fund may seek investment opportunities within former east bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.
The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. The Funds income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.
Margin Deposits and Cover Requirements. Unlike the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents, known as initial margin, based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates, making positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as marking to the market. For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the price of the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Funds position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.
The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of forwards, futures, swaps and options. For example, when entering into a contract that must be cash settled, the Fund will cover (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) its position in an amount that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, is equal to the daily mark-to-market obligation, rather than the notional value of the contract.
When entering into a contract that does not need to be settled in cash, the Fund is also required to cover its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the contract or otherwise cover its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Funds outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities. Segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Funds assets could impede portfolio management or the Funds ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
The Fund may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (FCM) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Funds coverage requirements.
The Fund may also cover its position in relation to forwards, futures, swaps and options through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies.
Obligations of Domestic Banks, Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks. The Fund may invest in obligations issued by banks and other savings institutions. Investments in bank obligations include obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks. Such investments in domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks may involve risks that are different from investments in securities of domestic branches of U.S. banks. These risks may include future unfavorable political and economic developments, possible withholding taxes on interest income, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, or other governmental restrictions which might affect the payment of principal or interest on the securities held by the Fund. Additionally, these institutions may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. Bank obligations include the following:
· Bankers Acceptances . Bankers acceptances are bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Corporations use bankers acceptances to finance the shipment and storage of goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are generally six months or less.
· Certificates of Deposit . Certificates of deposit are interest-bearing instruments with a specific maturity. They are issued by banks and savings and loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Certificates of deposit with penalties for early withdrawal will be considered illiquid.
· Time Deposits. Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like a certificate of deposit, it earns a specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty or that mature in more than seven days are considered to be illiquid securities.
Options. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on securities and securities indices and enter into related closing transactions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at
any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.
Put and call options on securities indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.
All options written on indices or securities must be covered. When the Fund writes an option on a security or an index, it will establish a segregated account containing cash or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the option and will maintain the account while the option is open or will otherwise cover the transaction.
The Fund may trade put and call options on securities and securities indices, as the Adviser determines is appropriate in seeking the Funds investment objective, and except as restricted by the Funds investment limitations. See Investment Limitations.
The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an opening transaction. In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a closing transaction, which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.
The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium therefor. If price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Funds securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Fund.
The Fund may write covered call options on securities as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.
The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (OTC options) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SECs position that OTC options are generally illiquid.
The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.
Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered
call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a fixed income security (generally a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a bankers acceptance, or a certificate of deposit) from a commercial bank, broker, or dealer, and simultaneously agrees to resell such security to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next business day). Because the security purchased constitutes collateral for the repurchase obligation, a repurchase agreement may be considered a loan that is collateralized by the security purchased. The acquisition of a repurchase agreement may be deemed to be an acquisition of the underlying securities as long as the obligation of the seller to repurchase the securities is collateralized fully. The Fund follows certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with creditworthy financial institutions whose condition will be continually monitored by the Adviser. The repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund will provide that the underlying collateral at all times shall have a value at least equal to 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement and consist only of securities permissible under Section 101(47)(A)(i) of the Bankruptcy Code (the Adviser monitors compliance with this requirement). Under all repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Funds right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. It is the current policy of the Fund, not to invest in repurchase agreements that do not mature within seven days if any such investment, together with any other illiquid assets held by that Fund, amounts to more than 15% of the Funds total assets. The investments of the Fund in repurchase agreements, at times, may be substantial when, in the view of the Adviser, liquidity or other considerations so warrant.
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act) but which may be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act (Restricted Securities). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in an underlying investment company during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).
The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.
As consistent with the Funds investment objective, the Fund may also invest in Section 4(2) commercial paper. Section 4(2) commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Act and is generally sold to institutional investors who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in such commercial paper. The Company believes that Section 4(2) commercial paper is liquid to the extent it meets the criteria established by the Companys Board of Directors. The Company intends to treat such commercial paper as liquid and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities or restricted securities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests) when the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or inconvenient by the Adviser. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund subject to the Funds agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act and may be entered into only for temporary or emergency purposes. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account with the Funds custodian or a qualified sub-custodian, cash or liquid securities of an amount at least
equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement and will monitor the account to ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities.
Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants. Rights offerings and purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the rights or warrants expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed securitys market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.
Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Debt obligations in the lowest investment grade ( i.e. , BBB or Baa), referred to as medium grade obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by the Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.
Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moodys or B by S&P ® (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in the Funds portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Adviser in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.
The Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. The Fund will invest in high yield debt instruments when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as junk bonds) are considered speculative investments while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. Since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.
The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by the Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in attempting to obtain a recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and the Funds NAV to the extent it holds such securities.
High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income securitys value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Funds assets, to the extent it holds such fixed
income securities. In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Advisers ability to accurately value such securities and the Funds assets and on the Funds ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.
Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the securitys liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.
Securities Lending. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to financial institutions. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreases below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers which the Adviser deems to be of good standing and only when, in the Advisers judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. The Fund may not make loans in excess of 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund may attempt to call loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.
Synthetic Short Positions. The Fund may utilize synthetic short exposures through the use of derivatives such as forwards, futures contracts and swaps in order to enhance the Funds overall performance. A synthetic short sale position replicates the economic effect of a transaction in which a fund sells a security it does not own but has borrowed, in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When the Fund initiates such a synthetic short position in a security that it does not own, it enters into a derivative-based transaction with a counterparty or broker-dealer and closes that transaction on or before its expiry date through the receipt of any gains or payment of any losses resulting from the transaction. The Fund may be required to pay a fee to synthetically short particular securities and is often obligated to pay over any payments received on such securities to the counterparty. The Fund maintains sufficiently liquid long positions in order to cover any obligations arising from its synthetic short positions. If the price of the security on which the synthetic short position is written increases between the time of the initiation of the synthetic short position and the time at which the position is closed, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a gain. Any gain will be decreased and any loss increased by the transactional costs described above. Although the Funds gain is limited to the price at which it opened the synthetic short position, the potential loss to the Fund on the transaction is theoretically unlimited.
See Forward Foreign Currency Transactions, Futures and Options On Futures and Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars for more information on the underlying transactions.
Special Situation Companies. The Fund may invest in Special Situations. The term Special Situation shall be deemed to refer to a security of a company in which an unusual and possibly non-repetitive development is taking place which, in the opinion of the Adviser, may cause the security to attain a higher market value independently, to a degree, of the trend in the securities market in general. The particular development (actual or prospective), which may qualify a security as a Special Situation, may be one of many different types.
Such developments may include, among others, a technological improvement or important discovery or acquisition which, if the expectation for it materialized, would effect a substantial change in the companys business; a reorganization; a recapitalization or other development involving a security exchange or conversion; a merger, liquidation or distribution of cash, securities or other assets; a breakup or workout of a holding company; litigation which, if resolved favorably, would improve the value of the companys stock; a new or changed management; or material changes in management policies. A Special Situation may often involve a comparatively small company, which is not well known, and which has not been closely watched by investors generally, but it may also involve a large company. The fact, if it exists, that an increase in
the companys earnings, dividends or business is expected, or that a given security is considered to be undervalued, would not in itself be sufficient to qualify as a Special Situation. The Fund may invest in securities (even if not Special Situations) which, in the opinion of the Adviser, are appropriate investments for the Fund, including securities which the Adviser believes are undervalued by the market.
Structured Securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities to the extent consistent with its investment objective. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the Reference) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.
The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, the Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.
Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into equity index or interest rate swap agreements for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to the stocks making up an index of securities in a market without actually purchasing those stocks, or to hedge a position. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or swapped between the parties are calculated with respect to a notional amount, i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a basket of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or cap, interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or floor, and interest rate dollars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.
Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a net basis. Consequently, the Funds current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the net amount). The Funds current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating assets determined to be liquid.
Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be senior securities for purposes of the Funds investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Funds illiquid investment limitation. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Adviser believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.
The Fund may enter into swap agreements to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks.
Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.
Swap agreements typically are settled on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Funds risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Funds obligations over its entitlements with respect to each equity swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Funds custodian. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash of liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, the Fund and the Adviser believe that these transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Funds borrowing restrictions.
The Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions in swap agreements. The use of equity swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.
Temporary Defensive Positions. In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.
U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac).
Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity.
The extreme and unprecedented volatility and disruption that impacted the capital and credit markets during late 2008 and into 2009 have led to increased market concerns about Freddie Macs and Fannie Maes ability to withstand future credit losses associated with securities held in their investment portfolios, and on which they provide guarantees, without the direct support of the federal government. On September 6, 2008, both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Under the plan of conservatorship, the FHFA has assumed control of, and generally has the power to direct, the operations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and is
empowered to exercise all powers collectively held by their respective shareholders, directors and officers, including the power to (1) take over the assets of and operate Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with all the powers of the shareholders, the directors, and the officers of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and conduct all business of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (2) collect all obligations and money due to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (3) perform all functions of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which are consistent with the conservators appointment; (4) preserve and conserve the assets and property of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and (5) contract for assistance in fulfilling any function, activity, action or duty of the conservator. In addition, in connection with the actions taken by the FHFA, the U.S. Treasury Department (the Treasury) has entered into certain preferred stock purchase agreements with each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which establish the Treasury as the holder of a new class of senior preferred stock in each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which stock was issued in connection with financial contributions from the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The conditions attached to the financial contribution made by the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and the issuance of this senior preferred stock place significant restrictions on the activities of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae must obtain the consent of the Treasury to, among other things, (i) make any payment to purchase or redeem its capital stock or pay any dividend other than in respect of the senior preferred stock, (ii) issue capital stock of any kind, (iii) terminate the conservatorship of the FHFA except in connection with a receivership, or (iv) increase its debt beyond certain specified levels. In addition, significant restrictions are placed on the maximum size of each of Freddie Macs and Fannie Maes respective portfolios of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities portfolios, and the purchase agreements entered into by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae provide that the maximum size of their portfolios of these assets must decrease by a specified percentage each year. The future status and role of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Freddie Macs and Fannie Maes operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the Treasury, market responses to developments at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
· U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities (STRIPS) and Treasury Receipts (TRs).
· Receipts. Interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian bank holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian bank arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities.
· U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities.
· U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Funds shares.
Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Funds investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.
The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective.
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund.
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
Contingent Convertible Securities. Contingent convertible securities (CoCos) are fixed income securities that absorb losses if the issuers capital falls below a predetermined trigger level. Depending on the trigger event, CoCos absorb losses by either (i) converting into common shares of the issuer or (ii) undergoing a full or partial principal write-down. A trigger event for a CoCo issuer can be a specified market event (e.g., a stock price decline or an increased credit default swap spread) or accounting value (e.g., an equity ratio falling below a specified amount). The mandatory conversion might be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet a specified minimum capital level, the companys regulator makes a determination that the security should convert, or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in CoCos could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero; and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor (because equity securities have the lowest priority in a companys capital structure), reducing the likelihood that the investor will recover any portion of its investment upon a bankruptcy. Should a CoCo undergo a write-down, the Fund may lose some or all of its original investment. Should a CoCo undergo mandatory conversion from fixed income securities to equity securities, the instrument will be subject to risks associated with investments in equity securities.
In addition, some such instruments have a set stock conversion rate that would cause an automatic write-down of capital if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. In another version of a security with loss absorption characteristics, the liquidation value of the security may be adjusted downward to below the original par value under certain circumstances similar to those which would trigger a CoCo. The write down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. In certain versions of the instruments, the notes will write down to zero under certain circumstances and investors could lose everything even as the issuer remains in business. The Fund will limit its investment in CoCos to less than 5% of its net assets.
Investment Company Shares. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Funds purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying the Funds expenses. Unless an exception is available, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act prohibits a fund from (i) acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one investment company, (ii) investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of its total assets in all investment companies combined. The limit in the foregoing (iii) will also apply to the investment of uninvested cash balances in shares of registered or unregistered money market funds whether affiliated or unaffiliated.
For hedging or other purposes, the Fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the composition and/or performance of specific indexes or portions of specific indexes. Certain of these investment companies, known as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), are traded on a securities exchange. The market prices of index-based investments will
fluctuate in accordance with changes in the underlying portfolio securities of the investment company and also due to supply and demand of the investment companys shares on the exchange upon which the shares are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate or otherwise match the composition or performance of their specified index due to transaction costs, among other things.
Investments by the Fund in other investment companies, including ETFs, will be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act except as permitted by SEC orders. The Fund may rely on SEC orders that permit them to invest in certain ETFs beyond the limits contained in the 1940 Act, subject to certain terms and conditions. Generally, these terms and conditions require the Companys Board of Directors to approve policies and procedures relating to certain of the Funds investments in ETFs. These policies and procedures require, among other things, that (i) the Adviser conducts the Funds investment in ETFs without regard to any consideration received by the Fund or any of its affiliated persons and (ii) the Adviser certifies to the Companys Board of Directors quarterly that it has not received any consideration in connection with an investment by the Fund in an ETF, or if it has, the amount and purpose of the consideration will be reported to the Companys Board of Directors and an equivalent amount of advisory fees shall be waived by the Adviser.
Certain investment companies whose securities are purchased by the Fund may not be obligated to redeem such securities in an amount exceeding 1% of the investment companys total outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Therefore, such securities that exceed this amount may be illiquid.
If required by the 1940 Act, the Fund expects to vote the shares of other investment companies that are held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities.
Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Funds NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Funds performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Funds current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Funds expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement.
Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, shareholder approval and a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, the Funds investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Companys Board of Directors without the approval of the Funds shareholders.
The Fund may not:
1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse
repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Funds total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Funds total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that, for the purposes of this limitation, investment strategies which either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Funds investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation; (For purposes of this Limitation No. 1, any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets);
2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act; (For purposes of this Limitation No. 2, neither the collateral arrangements with respect to options and futures identified in Limitation No. 1, nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of senior securities);
3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;
4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;
5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures contracts;
6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or
7. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of industries, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.
8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund.
For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2. Neither the purchase nor the sale of futures or related options will be deemed to be the issuance of senior securities because such transactions will be covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets or by other means in compliance with applicable SEC guidance.
In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and
regulatory policy. The Fund may not:
1. Borrow in excess of 10% of the value of the Funds total assets at the time of any such borrowing, subject to the same provisions in Fundamental Investment Limitation No. 1;
2. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or
3. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, transactions in currencies or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
4. Hold illiquid securities in an amount exceeding, in the aggregate, 15% of the Funds net assets.
The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment companys expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.
Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. Neither the Company nor the Adviser has obtained such an exemptive order.
If a percentage restriction under one of the Funds investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Funds portfolio holdings by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interests of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interest of the Funds shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Funds portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Funds operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Funds portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (selective disclosure) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.
The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Funds portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.
The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Funds portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to third-party service providers of the Company, which include The Bank of New York Mellon, the custodian; BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Ernst & Young LLP, the Funds independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and Merrill Corporation, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. Conditions of confidentiality include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Funds portfolio.
Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15 - day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Companys policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Funds portfolio.
The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.
The Board of Directors provides ongoing oversight of the Companys policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board of Directors receives from the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board of Directors receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board of Directors of the Company or at its next quarterly Board meeting.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Companys Board of Directors (the Board), subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Companys Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Companys service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Companys daily business operations.
Directors who are not deemed to be interested persons of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as Independent Directors. Directors who are deemed to be interested persons of the Company are referred to as Interested Directors. The Board is currently composed of six Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichmans duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Companys officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.
The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Companys independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.
The Board has established seven standing committees Audit, Contract, Executive, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Boards oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section Standing Committees, below.
The Board has determined that the Companys leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.
Directors and Executive Officers
The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.
Name, Address, and
|
|
Position(s)
|
|
Term of Office
|
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
|
Number of
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Christina Morse 301 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 51 |
|
Secretary |
|
2015 to present |
|
Since 2014, Vice President and Counsel, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company); from 2013 to 2014, Counsel, Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC (asset management); from 2009 to 2013, Vice President, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. Shaw 103 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 Age: 55 |
|
Assistant Treasurer |
|
2005 to present |
|
Since 1995, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company). |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael P. Malloy One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Age: 56 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
1999 to present |
|
Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
* Each Director oversees twenty-five portfolios of the Company that are currently offered for sale.
1. Subject to the Companys Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall and Sablowsky. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an interested person of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an Interested Director. He is considered an Interested Director of the Company by virtue of his position as a senior officer of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.
Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills
The information above includes each Directors principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and also serves on the board of another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has
decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.
Standing Committees
The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.
Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened three times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Sablowsky. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened three times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board of Directors is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised only of Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board of Directors all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Companys Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened twice during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company and evaluates the Companys current investment advisers and investment products. The Product Development Committee convened twice during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Regulatory Oversight Committee . The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Faia, Sablowsky, Shaw and Amweg. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
Risk Oversight
The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Companys investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Companys Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Companys investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Companys investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Companys and each others in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.
The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Companys investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Companys portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Companys Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Companys investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Companys business and reputation.
Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Companys independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Companys respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Companys financial position and operations.
The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Boards oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Companys investments or activities.
Director Ownership of Shares of the Company
The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Companys family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2015:
Name of Director |
|
Dollar Range of
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of
|
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS |
||||
Julian A. Brodsky |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
J. Richard Carnall |
|
None |
|
$10,001-$50,000 |
Gregory P. Chandler |
|
None |
|
$1-$10,000 |
Nicholas A. Giordano |
|
None |
|
$10,001-$50,000 |
Sam Lambroza |
|
None |
|
None |
Arnold M. Reichman |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Robert A. Straniere |
|
None |
|
None |
INTERESTED DIRECTOR |
||||
Robert Sablowsky |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Directors and Officers Compensation
Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will pay each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receives an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and
Governance Committee and Chairman of the Contract Committee each receives an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.
From January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015, the Company paid each Director, except Jay Nusblatt (who was not compensated by the Company for his service on the Board), a retainer at the rate of $50,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $4,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $17,500 per year for his services in this capacity.
From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, the Company paid each Director, except Jay Nusblatt (who was not compensated by the Company for his service on the Board), a retainer at the rate of $35,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person and $1,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board and Committee meeting attended telephonically. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $17,500 per year for his services in this capacity, and the Chairman of each of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Regulatory Oversight Committee received an additional fee of $4,000 per year for his services.
Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, each of the following members of the Board and the President and Chief Compliance Officer received compensation from the Fund and the Company in the following amounts:
Name of Director/Officer |
|
Aggregate
|
|
Pension or
|
|
Estimated
|
|
Total
|
|
|
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent Directors: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Julian A. Brodsky, Director |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
68,600 |
|
J. Richard Carnall, Director |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
64,750 |
|
Gregory P. Chandler, Director |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
75,375 |
|
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
66,750 |
|
Jay F. Nusblatt, Director** |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Sam Lambroza, Director*** |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
85,250 |
|
Robert A. Straniere, Director |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
62,750 |
|
Name of Director/Officer |
|
Aggregate
|
|
Pension or
|
|
Estimated
|
|
Total
|
|
|
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interested Director: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Sablowsky, Director |
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
79,675 |
|
Officer: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salvatore Faia, Esquire, CPA
|
|
None |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
384,496 |
|
*The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.
**Mr. Nusblatt resigned from the Board effective November 30, 2015.
*** Mr. Lambroza joined the Board effective April 1, 2016.
Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Companys deferred compensation plan (the DC Plan). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.
As of December 31, 2015, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Companys investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company.
PROXY VOTING
The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Funds Adviser, subject to the Boards continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Funds investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.
The Adviser will vote proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which are included in Appendix B to this SAI.
The Company is required to disclose annually the Funds complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. The Funds proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30th is available upon request by calling 1-844-721-9007 or by writing to the Fund at: Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund, c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., PO Box 9841, Providence, Rhode Island 02940. The Funds Form N-PX is also available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of the date of this SAI, no shares of the Fund were outstanding.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fasanara Capital Limited (Fasanara or the Adviser), 25 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ER, England, is a United Kingdom limited company founded in 2011. The Adviser is owned and controlled by Francesco Filia, Pietro Fabbri and Method Investments & Advisory Limited, which is a United Kingdom limited company founded in 2001 that provides diversified financial services. The Adviser provides investment management and investment advisory services to other accounts, including a Luxembourg UCITS fund.
Advisory Agreement with the Company. The Adviser renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (Advisory Agreement).
Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of the securities and other investments to be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales of securities and other investments made for the Fund. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Funds investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.
For its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.75% of the Funds average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through April 30, 2017 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed (i) 1.25% of the Funds average daily net assets of the Fund up to the first $50 million in net assets and (ii) 2.00% of the Funds average daily net assets should net assets exceed $50 million. In determining the Advisers obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before April 30, 2017 without the approval of the Companys Board of Directors. If it becomes unnecessary for the Adviser to waive fees or make reimbursements, the Adviser may recapture any of its prior waivers or reimbursements for a period not to exceed three years from the date on which the waiver or reimbursement was made to the extent that such a recapture does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding those items discussed above) to exceed the applicable expense limitation that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to an investment portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or the Funds share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Funds shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Companys Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g)
any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders and Directors meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value the Funds securities ; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.
Disclosure relating to the material factors and the conclusions with respect to those factors that formed the basis for the Boards approval of the Funds Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds first annual or semi-annual report to shareholders and may be obtained by calling 1-844-721-9007 or visiting the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Funds name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Adviser may use the Funds name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
This section includes information about the Funds portfolio manager, including information about other accounts he manages, the dollar range of Fund shares he owns and how he is compensated.
Description of Compensation . As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio manager is compensated through equity ownership of the Adviser, adjusted to reflect current market rates, and therefore compensation is in part based on the value of the Funds net assets and other client accounts the portfolio manager is managing. The Adviser reviews the compensation of the portfolio manager periodically and may make modifications in compensation as it deems necessary to reflect changes in the market.
Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of March 31, 2016.
Name of Portfolio Manager
|
|
Type of Accounts |
|
Total
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
# of Accounts
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Francesco Filia |
|
Other Registered Investment Companies: |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: |
|
1 |
|
$ |
120 |
|
1 |
|
$ |
120 |
|
|
|
Other Accounts: |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Conflict of Interest . The portfolio managers management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with his management of the Funds investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objective as the Fund. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby a portfolio manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the portfolio managers knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby a portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of other
accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund. However, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.
Securities Ownership . As of the date of this SAI, no shares of the Fund were outstanding and its portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Fund.
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (BNY Mellon), 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 1980, serves as administrator to the Fund pursuant to administration and accounting services agreements with respect to the Fund (the Administration Agreements). BNY Mellon has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. In addition, BNY Mellon has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund. The Administration Agreement provides that BNY Mellon shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the performance of its duties, to act in good faith and to use its best efforts, within reasonable limits, in performing services thereunder. BNY Mellon shall be responsible for failure to perform its duties under the Administration Agreement arising out of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard. For its services to the Fund, BNY Mellon is entitled to receive a fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.08% of the Funds first $250 million of average net assets; 0.065% of the Funds next $250 million of average net assets; 0.055% of the Funds next $250 million of average net assets; 0.040% of the Funds next $750 million of average net assets; and 0.03% of the Funds average net assets in excess of $1.5 billion.
The minimum monthly fee is $5,833 per month, exclusive of Rule 38a-1 base compliance support services fees, costs of obtaining independent security market quotes, data repository and analytics suite access fees and out-of-pocket expenses.
The Administration Agreement provides that BNY Mellon shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company or the Fund in connection with the performance of the agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder.
On June 1, 2003, the Company entered into a regulatory administration services agreement with BNY Mellon. Under this agreement, BNY Mellon has agreed to provide regulatory administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Companys annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Funds registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Companys regulatory administration. BNY Mellon receives an annual fee based on the average daily net assets of the portfolios of the Company.
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
The Bank of New York Mellon (the Custodian), 225 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10286, is custodian of the Funds assets pursuant to a custodian agreement dated July 19, 2011 (the Custodian Agreement). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio investments on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Funds portfolio investments ; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Funds operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. The Fund has made arrangements with BNY Mellon Investment Servicing Trust Company to serve as custodian for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, based on the Funds average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly, exclusive of transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses, which are also charged to the Fund.
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
BNY Mellon, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, also serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency agreement dated November 5, 1991, as supplemented (the Transfer Agency Agreement), under which BNY Mellon: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. BNY Mellon may, on 30 days notice to the Company, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate . For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, BNY Mellon receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund, subject to a minimum monthly fee payable monthly on a pro rata basis, and also receives reimbursement of its out-of-pocket expenses.
BNY Mellon also provides services relating to the implementation of the Companys Anti-Money Laundering Program. The Company pays an annual fee based on the number of open accounts in each portfolio of the Company. In addition, BNY Mellon provides services relating to the implementation of the Funds Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification. The Fund will pay BNY Mellon a fee for each customer verification and a monthly fee for each record result maintained.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
Foreside Funds Distributors LLC (the Distributor), whose principal business address is 400 Berwyn Park, 899 Cassatt Road, Berwyn, PA 19312, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company, the Adviser, or any other service provider for the Fund.
Under the Distribution Agreement with the Fund, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.
The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund supermarket platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.
Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediarys procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.
The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution
Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributors obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributors willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of the Funds shares. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Funds Institutional Class shares; however, the Adviser pays an annual fee to the Distributor as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Adviser and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.
These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediarys retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediarys retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediarys retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.
The Adviser and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.
Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Adviser through increased fees as Fund assets grow.
FUND TRANSACTIONS
Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.
Brokerage Transactions
Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, are bought and sold through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealers mark-up or reflect a dealers mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealers mark up or reflect a dealers mark down. When the Fund executes transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will generally deal with primary market makers unless prices that are more favorable are otherwise obtainable.
In addition, the Adviser may place a combined order for two or more accounts they manage, including the Fund, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account and the fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or the Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Adviser and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Nonetheless, the Adviser believes that the ability of the Fund to participate in higher volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the Fund.
The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Companys regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. The Fund did not hold securities of its regular broker-dealers as of the end of the most recent fiscal year, as the Fund had not yet commenced operations.
Brokerage Selection
The Company does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, the Funds Adviser may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the Adviser. The Adviser may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, permits an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. In addition to agency transactions, the Adviser may receive brokerage and research services in connection with certain riskless principal transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC guidance. Brokerage and research services include: (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody). In the case of research services, the Adviser believes that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.
To the extent research services may be a factor in selecting brokers, such services may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic, or institutional areas and information which assists in the valuation and pricing of investments. Examples of research-oriented services for which the Adviser might utilize Fund commissions include research reports and other information on the economy, industries, sectors, groups of securities, individual companies, statistical information, political developments, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement analysis, performance and other analysis. The Adviser may use research services furnished by brokers in servicing all client accounts and not all services may necessarily be used in connection with the account that paid commissions to the broker providing such services. Information so received by the Adviser will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Adviser are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.
In some cases the Adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a research and a non-research use. When this occurs, the Adviser makes a good faith allocation, under all the circumstances, between the research and non-research uses of the service. The percentage of the service that is used for research purposes may be paid for with client commissions, while the Adviser will use its own funds to pay for the percentage of the service that is used for non-research purposes. In making this good faith allocation, the Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest, but the Adviser believes that its allocation procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that it appropriately allocates the anticipated use of such services to their research and non-research uses.
From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities for clients in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling securities, provide the Adviser with research services. FINRA has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will provide research credits in these situations at a rate that is higher than that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Read the Funds Prospectus for information regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares. The following information supplements information in the Funds Prospectus.
You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm, financial institutions and industry professionals and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Funds shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Funds NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.
Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the NYSE) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).
Shares of the Fund are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a personal holding
company within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Companys responsibilities under the 1940 Act.
The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.
Other Purchase Information
If shares of the Fund are held in a street name account with an authorized dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owners account will be performed by the authorized dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owners transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the authorized dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a street name account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the authorized dealer.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES
The Companys telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Companys records; (3) requiring the Companys service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) maintaining tapes of telephone transactions for six months if the Company elects to record shareholder telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a callers authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required. Telephone transactions will not be permitted in connection with IRA or other retirement plan accounts or by an attorney-in-fact under a power of attorney.
VALUATION OF SHARES
In accordance with procedures adopted by the Companys Board of Directors, the NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (NASDAQ) market may officially close. The term Business Day means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Years Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washingtons Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Funds official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.
The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Funds administrator and under the general supervision of the Companys Board of Directors. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Companys Board of Directors, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Funds books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds Valuation Committee under the direction of the Companys Board of Directors.
The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Companys Board of Directors.
The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.
TAXES
General
The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.
The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and any such changes or decisions may be retroactive.
The Fund intends to elect to be, qualify and to continue to qualify as, a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.
First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Funds business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.
Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Funds taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Funds assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Funds total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.
The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be
liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.
State and Local Taxes
Although the Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.
Taxation of Certain Investments
The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES
The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 83.423 billion shares have been classified into 163 classes, however, the Company only has 37 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Companys charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.
Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.
The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Companys amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.
Holders of shares of the Fund will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an
investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.
Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Companys common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Companys Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).
MISCELLANEOUS
Counsel
The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Ste. 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP, One Commerce Square, Suite 700, 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm.
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
Short-Term Credit Ratings
A Standard & Poors short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Standard & Poors for short-term issues:
A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category and indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D A short-term obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligations rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks Standard & Poors issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuers foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moodys Investors Service (Moodys) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments.
Moodys employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
P-1 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (Fitch) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as short-term based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:
F1 Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3 Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.
RD Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
D Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
The DBRS® Ratings Limited (DBRS) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories (high), (middle), and (low).
The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:
R-1 (high) - Short-term debt rated R-1 (high) is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
R-1 (middle) Short-term debt rated R-1 (middle) is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from R-1 (high) by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
R-1 (low) Short-term debt rated R-1 (low) is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
R-2 (high) Short-term debt rated R-2 (high) is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
R-2 (middle) Short-term debt rated R-2 (middle) is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.
R-2 (low) Short-term debt rated R-2 (low) is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuers ability to meet such obligations.
R-3 Short-term debt rated R-3 is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.
R-4 Short-term debt rated R-4 is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
R-5 Short-term debt rated R-5 is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
D Short-term debt rated D is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur. DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a distressed exchange.
Long-Term Credit Ratings
The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poors for long-term issues:
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but Standard & Poors expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
C An obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.
D An obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligations rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
NR This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - Standard & Poors issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuers foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moodys long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moodys for long-term debt:
Aaa Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moodys appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :
AAA Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A Securities considered to be of high credit quality. A ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Securities considered to be of good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB Securities considered to be speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
B Securities considered to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
CCC A CCC rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.
CC A CC rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.
C A C rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned RD or D ratings, but are instead rated in the B to C rating categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below CCC.
The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories (high) and (low). The absence of either a (high) or (low) designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:
AAA - Long-term debt rated AAA is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
AA Long-term debt rated AA is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from AAA only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
A Long-term debt rated A is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than AA. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
BBB Long-term debt rated BBB is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
BB Long-term debt rated BB is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.
B Long-term debt rated B is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
CCC, CC and C Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although CC and C ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the CCC to B range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the C category.
D A security rated D is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur. DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a distressed exchange.
Municipal Note Ratings
A Standard & Poors U.S. municipal note rating reflects Standard & Poors opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, Standard & Poors analysis will review the following considerations:
· Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and
· Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 A municipal note rated SP-1 exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 A municipal note rated SP-2 exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 A municipal note rated SP-3 exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moodys uses the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuers long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels MIG-1 through MIG-3 while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moodys for short-term municipal obligations:
MIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
NR Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moodys evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moodys evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (demand feature). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG rating scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuers long-term rating drops below investment grade.
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issues specific structural or credit features.
VMIG-1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG-2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG-3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
NR Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
About Credit Ratings
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects Standard & Poors view of the obligors capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Moodys credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.
Fitchs credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitchs credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.
Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. They include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (Methodologies), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary for a wide variety of potential reasons, this may also lead to rating changes.
Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.
The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.
DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market .
APPENDIX B
PROXY VOTING
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
INTRODUCTION
Individuals and institutions that hold stock on behalf of others have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the interest of those beneficiaries. The basic fiduciary duties are loyalty and care. Under common law, the duty of loyalty means that proxy voting should be based exclusively on what the fiduciary believes to be in the best interest of the beneficiary while the duty of care means that the fiduciary must carefully analyze the implications of proxy proposals before voting.
Fasanara (Fasanara or the firm) has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 204(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Our authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established by our advisory contracts or comparable documents, and our proxy voting guidelines have been tailored to reflect these specific contractual obligations.
PROXY POLICY
It is Fasanaras policy, where proxy voting authority has been delegated to Fasanara by its clients that all proxies are voted in the best interest of the clients without regard to the interests of Fasanara or any other related parties. For purposes of the Policy, the best interests of clients shall mean seeing the value of a common investment increase over time. All voting records will be maintained and be made available to its clients.
PROCEDURES
Fasanara will maintain responsibility for reviewing all proxies and making final decisions based on the merits of each case. Proxy votes for investments will be cast in accordance with the policy statement above.
A. Use of Third Party Proxy Service Provider. In connection with its responsibilities expressed herein, Fasanara has examined third-party services to assist it in researching and voting proxies and development of proxy voting guidelines. Fasanara will utilize an unaffiliated third party proxy research and voting service (Service Provider), to assist it in this regard. The Service Provider helps institutional investors research the financial implications of proxy proposals and cast votes that will protect and enhance shareholder returns. Fasanara will utilize the research and analytical services, operational implementation and recordkeeping and reporting services provided by this Service Provider. The Service Provider will research each proxy and provide a recommendation to Fasanara as to how to vote on each issue based on its research of the individual facts and circumstances of the proxy issue and its application of its research findings to the Guidelines. The Service Provider will cast votes in accordance with its recommendations unless instructed otherwise by the portfolio manager as set forth below.
B. Review of Recommendations. Fasanara portfolio manager has the ultimate responsibility to accept or reject any Service Provider voting recommendation (Recommendation). Consequently, the portfolio manager is responsible for understanding and reviewing how proxies are voted for their clients, taking into account the Policy, the Guidelines and the best interest of the clients. The portfolio manager shall override the recommendation should he not believe that such a Recommendation, based on all facts and circumstances, is in the best interests of the clients. Fasanara will memorialize the basis for any decision to override a Recommendation
including the resolution of any conflicts, as further discussed below. Fasanara may choose not to vote proxies under the following circumstances:
· if the effect on the clients economic interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant; or
· if the cost of voting the proxy outweighs the possible benefit.
C. Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest. Prior to overriding a Recommendation, the portfolio manager must memorialize the determination and submit it to the chief compliance officer (CCO) for determination as to whether a potential material conflict of interest exists between Fasanara and the client on whose behalf the proxy is to be voted (Material Conflict). The portfolio manager has an affirmative duty to disclose any potential Material Conflicts known to him related to a proxy vote.
In the event the Service Provider itself has a conflict and thus, is unable to provide a Recommendation, the portfolio manager will make a voting recommendation. The CCO will review the portfolio managers recommendation to determine that there is no potential Material Conflict, the portfolio manager may instruct the Service Provider to vote the proxy issue as he determines is in the best interest of the client(s). If the CCO determines that there exists or may exist a Material Conflict, He will make a determination based on a consideration of the factors provided. The CCO will periodically review Service Provider reports of the portfolio manager overrides to confirm that proper override and conflict checking procedures were followed.
D. Availability of Policies and Procedures. Fasanara provides its clients with a copy of its proxy voting policies and procedures upon request, with the provision that these policies and procedures may be updated from time to time.
E. Disclosure of Vote. Fasanara will send a written report upon a clients request that will disclose how the clients proxy was voted. Reports will be available for securities voted.
F. Record Keeping. Either Fasanara or its Service Provider, or both, as indicated below, will maintain the following records:
i. a copy of the Policy and Guidelines (both);
ii. a copy of each proxy statement received by Fasanara regarding client securities (Service Provider).
iii. whether an objective decision to vote in a certain way will still create a strong appearance of a conflict.
THE RBB FUND, INC.
PEA 198
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28 . EXHIBITS
(a) |
|
Articles of Incorporation. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 27, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
(12) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(14) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 31, 1995. |
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 1996. |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 11, 1996. |
|
|
|
(18) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997. |
|
|
|
(19) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
|
|
|
(20) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
|
|
|
(21) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(22) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(23) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
|
|
|
(24) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
|
|
|
(25) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
|
|
|
(26) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 29, 1999. |
|
|
|
(27) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
|
|
|
(28) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
|
|
|
(29) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
|
|
|
(30) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000. |
(31) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001. |
|
|
|
(32) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant ( Boston Partners Bond Fund Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund Investor Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. |
|
|
|
(33) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. |
|
|
|
(34) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Schneider Value Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002. |
|
|
|
(35) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Institutional Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions and Liquidity Fund for Credit Union Members ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003. |
|
|
|
(36) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004. |
|
|
|
(37) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 4, 2005. |
|
|
|
(38) |
|
Certificate of Correction of Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005. |
|
|
|
(39) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund Institutional Class, Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005. |
|
|
|
(40) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Senbanc Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005. |
|
|
|
(41) |
|
Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Retirement Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 19, 2005. |
|
|
|
(42) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005. |
|
|
|
(43) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006. |
|
|
|
(44) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006. |
|
|
|
(45) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006. |
|
|
|
(46) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006. |
(47) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007. |
|
|
|
(48) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007. |
|
|
|
(49) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
|
|
|
(50) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 13, 2007. |
|
|
|
(51) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 17, 2007. |
|
|
|
(52) |
|
Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 4, 2007. |
|
|
|
(53) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 17, 2007. |
|
|
|
(54) |
|
Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007. |
|
|
|
(55) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( SAM Sustainable Global Active Fund, SAM Sustainable Themes Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 23, 2009. |
|
|
|
(56) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. |
|
|
|
(57) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( S1 Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 135 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 19, 2010. |
|
|
|
(58) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010. |
|
|
|
(59) |
|
Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
|
|
|
(60) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
|
|
|
(61) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. |
|
|
|
(62) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
(63) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 152 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(64) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(65) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International VI Equity Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 20, 2013. |
|
|
|
(66) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. |
|
|
|
(67) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(68) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund and Altair Smaller Companies Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(69) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2014. |
|
|
|
(70) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(71) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Boston Partners Investment Funds ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(72) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015 |
|
|
|
(73) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(74) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(75) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund Class C ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2015. |
|
|
|
(76) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(77) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(78) |
|
Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) are filed herewith. |
(b) |
|
By-Laws. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
By-Laws, as amended, are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
See Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI of Registrants Articles of Incorporation dated February 17, 1988 which are incorporated herein by reference to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
See Articles II, III, VI, XIII, and XIV of Registrants By-Laws as amended through August 25, 2004, which are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004. |
|
|
|
(d) |
|
Investment Advisory Contracts. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Investment Advisory and Administration Agreement (Money Market Portfolio ) between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 27, 2008. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Investment Advisory Agreement ( Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund ) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (Boston Partners Investment Funds) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 29, 2016. |
(11) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(12) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2010. |
|
|
|
(14) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Roaring Blue Lion Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Courage Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Starwood Real Estate Securities, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(18) |
|
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Maerisland Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(19) |
|
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement ( S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Garelick Capital Partners, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(20) |
|
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement ( S1 Fund) between Simple Alternatives, LLC and Sonica Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(21) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(22) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(23) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC ( Money Market Portfolio ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(24) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement (Robeco Investment Funds) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(25) |
|
Addendum No. 1 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
(26) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, LTD. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. |
|
|
|
(27) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(28) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund ) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(29) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund ) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(30) |
|
Investment Advisory Agreement ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund ) between Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(31) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Altis Partners (Jersey) Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(32) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Cantab Capital Partners, LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(33) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Eclipse Capital Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(34) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Graham Capital Management, LP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(35) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and P/E Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(36) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Revolution Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(37) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Trigon Investment Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(38) |
|
Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Harmonic Capital Partners LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
(39) |
|
Addendum No. 2 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(40) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Altair Smaller Companies Fund ) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(41) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Altair Smaller Companies Fund ) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(42) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 29, 2014 ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(43) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated January 2, 2015 ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(44) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Campbell Core Offshore Limited and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(45) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(46) |
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Altair Smaller Companies Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Aperio Group, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(47) |
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Altair Smaller Companies Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Driehaus Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(48) |
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Altair Smaller Companies Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Granite Investment Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(49) |
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Altair Smaller Companies Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(50) |
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Altair Smaller Companies Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Pier Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(51) |
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Altair Smaller Companies Fund) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and River Road Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
(52) |
|
Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(53) |
|
Form of Addendum No. 3 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund ) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 14, 2015. |
|
|
|
(54) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015. |
|
|
|
(55) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015. |
|
|
|
(56) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015. |
|
|
|
(57) |
|
Form of Addendum No. 4 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015 |
|
|
|
(58) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(59) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(60) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(61) |
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) between Registrant and Fasanara Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
(62) |
|
Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) between Registrant and Fasanara Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
(e) |
|
Underwriting Contracts. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC dated as of October 31, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2014. |
(3) |
|
Form of First Amendment to Distribution Agreement entered into as of November 7, 2014 between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund ) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 14, 2015. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund ) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Form of Seventh Amendment to Distribution Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(f) |
|
Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Form of Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(g) |
|
Custodian Agreements. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Custody Agreement dated July 18, 2011 between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Foreign Custody Manager Agreement dated July 18, 2011 between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Form of Amended and Restated Schedule II to the Custody Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
(h) |
|
Other Material Contracts. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement (Sansom Street) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
(2) |
|
Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Sansom Street Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Sansom Street Government Obligations Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Shareholder Services Plan (Sansom Street Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement (Bedford Money Market) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement and Supplements (Bradford, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta and Theta) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation dated as of November 5, 1991 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company and PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) dated February 1, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 6, 1995. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Supplement to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Inc. and PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) dated April 10, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 6, 1995. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 15, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 25, 1995. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Transfer Agreement and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 30, 1996. |
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
|
|
|
(12) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) dated, May 30, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
(14) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Institutional Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Investor Class) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(18) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Boston Partners Micro Cap Value Fund)) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
(19) |
|
Administrative and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Institutional and Investor Classes) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
|
|
|
(20) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Institutional and Investor Classes) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
|
|
|
(21) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
|
|
|
(22) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
|
|
|
(23) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
|
|
|
(24) |
|
Non 12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth - Investor Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
|
|
|
(25) |
|
Agreement between E*TRADE Group, Inc., Registrant and Registrants principal underwriter is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1999. |
|
|
|
(26) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1999. |
(27) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
|
|
|
(28) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002. |
|
|
|
(29) |
|
Transfer Agency Supplement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
|
|
|
(30) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002. |
|
|
|
(31) |
|
Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
|
|
|
(32) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Customer Identification Program) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003. |
|
|
|
(33) |
|
Regulatory Administration Services Agreement between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003. |
|
|
|
(34) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund, and Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005. |
|
|
|
(35) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005. |
|
|
|
(36) |
|
Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund Institutional Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005. |
|
|
|
(37) |
|
Delegation Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) among Registrant, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) , BlackRock Institutional Management Corp. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(38) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
|
|
|
(39) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Free Market International Equity Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
|
|
|
(40) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Free Market Fixed Income Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
(41) |
|
Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PFPC Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 2008. |
|
|
|
(42) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Red Flags Amendment) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc . ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2008. |
|
|
|
(43) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(44) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
|
|
|
(45) |
|
Amended Schedule A to the Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (US) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
|
|
|
(46) |
|
Administrative and Accounting Services Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(47) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc . (f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(48) |
|
Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. ( f/k/a PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(49) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(50) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(51) |
|
Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(52) |
|
Form of Money Market Fund Services Amendment to Delegation Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) between Registrant, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (f/k/a BlackRock Institutional Management Corp.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No.33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2012. |
(53) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(54) |
|
Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(55) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(56) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(57) |
|
Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(58) |
|
Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(59) |
|
Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(60) |
|
Form of Amendment No. 5 to Transfer Agency Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund, Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Robeco Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund and Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(61) |
|
Form of Money Market Fund Services Amendment to Delegation Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) between Registrant, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (f/k/a BlackRock Institutional Management Corp.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
|
|
|
(62) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(63) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(64) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Robeco Boston Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
(65) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(66) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(67) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(68) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 333-193147) filed on January 31, 2014. |
|
|
|
(69) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. |
|
|
|
(70) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. |
|
|
|
(71) |
|
Services Plan for Class I Shares and Form of Servicing Agreement ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. |
|
|
|
(72) |
|
Services Plan for Class II Shares and Form of Servicing Agreement ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013. |
|
|
|
(73) |
|
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of March 14, 2014 ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 165 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 21, 2014. |
|
|
|
(74) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 167 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 16, 2014. |
|
|
|
(75) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 167 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 16, 2014. |
|
|
|
(76) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Altair Smaller Companies Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(77) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2014. |
(78) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Altair Smaller Companies Fund and Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2014. |
|
|
|
(79) |
|
Form of Amended and Restated Administration and Accounting, Transfer Agency and Custody Services Fee Deferral Letter ( Altair Smaller Companies Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(80) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 14, 2015. |
|
|
|
(81) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 14, 2015. |
|
|
|
(82) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015. |
|
|
|
(83) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015. |
|
|
|
(84) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015. |
|
|
|
(85) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(86) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(87) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015 |
|
|
|
(88) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(89) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(90) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
(91) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
|
|
(92) |
|
Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund ) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
|
|
(93) |
|
Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
|
|
(94) |
|
Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) between Registrant and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
|
|
(i) |
(1) |
|
Opinion and Consent of Counsel is filed herewith. |
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Consent of Counsel is filed herewith. |
|
|
|
|
|
(j) |
|
None. |
|
|
|
|
|
(k) |
|
None. |
|
|
|
|
|
(l) |
|
Initial Capital Agreements. |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Subscription Agreement, relating to Classes A through N, is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Classes O and P is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990. |
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Class Q is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990. |
|
|
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Counselors Securities Inc. relating to Classes R, S, and Alpha 1 through Theta 4 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes TT and UU (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997. |
|
|
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company relating to Class YY (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
|
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes DDD and EEE (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998. |
|
(8) |
|
Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management relating to Classes III and JJJ (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L. P. relating to Classes KKK and LLL (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999. |
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
|
|
|
(12) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005. |
|
|
|
(14) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007. |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2009. |
|
|
|
(18) |
|
Purchase Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2010. |
|
|
|
(19) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010. |
|
|
|
(20) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 t the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
|
|
|
(21) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 t the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
|
|
|
(22) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
(23) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Investor Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(24) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Institutional Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(25) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Investor Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013. |
|
|
|
(26) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(27) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(28) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Altair Smaller Companies Fund) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(29) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(30) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(31) |
|
Purchase Agreement (Campbell Core Carry Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015. |
|
|
|
(32) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
|
|
|
(33) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(34) |
|
Form of Purchase Agreement (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) between Registrant and Fasanara Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 5, 2016. |
|
|
|
(m) |
|
Rule 12b-1 Plan. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Plan of Distribution (Bedford Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrants Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997. |
(3) |
|
Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 1998. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Amendment to Plans of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 12, 1998. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long Short Equity) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Agreement between Registrant, Bear Stearns Securities Corp. and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC (f/k/a PFPC Distributors, Inc.) dated as of November 17, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrants Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2005. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 2009. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1( Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Investor Class ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010. |
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (S1 Fund R Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 1, 2010. |
|
|
|
(12) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011. |
|
|
|
(14) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund Retail Class) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund Class A) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011. |
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 11, 2013. |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund Class A) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(18) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
(19) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2015. |
|
|
|
(20) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund Retail Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(21) |
|
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(n) |
|
Rule 18f-3 Plan. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016. |
|
|
|
(p) |
|
Code of Ethics. |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Code of Ethics of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 to Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2006. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Code of Ethics of Robeco Investment Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Code of Ethics of Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Code of Ethics of Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Code of Ethics of Matson Money, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Code of Ethics of Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Code of Ethics of Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Code of Ethics of Blue Lion Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Code of Ethics of Courage Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Code of Ethics of Starwood Real Estate Securities, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 1, 2010. |
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Code of Ethics of Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015. |
(12) |
|
Code of Ethics of Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Code of Ethics of Maerisland Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2012. |
|
|
|
(14) |
|
Code of Ethics of Sonica Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Code of Ethics of Garelick Capital Partners, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013. |
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Code of Ethics of Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 167 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 16, 2014. |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
Code of Ethics of Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014. |
|
|
|
(18) |
|
Code of Ethics of Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(19) |
|
Code of Ethics of Aperio Group is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(20) |
|
Code of Ethics of Driehaus Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(21) |
|
Code of Ethics of Granite Investment Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(22) |
|
Code of Ethics of Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(23) |
|
Code of Ethics of Pier Capital LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(24) |
|
Code of Ethics of River Road Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014. |
|
|
|
(25) |
|
Code of Ethics of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. |
|
|
|
(26) |
|
Code of Ethics of Fasanara Capital Limited is filed herewith. |
Item 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
None.
Item 30. INDEMNIFICATION
Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Article VIII of Registrants Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits (a)(1) and (a)(3), provide as follows:
Section 1. To the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer of the Corporation shall have any liability to the Corporation or its shareholders for damages. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Corporation whether or not such person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.
Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its currently acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that indemnification of directors is permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the same extent as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by law, resolution or agreement make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation law.
Section 3. No provision of this Article shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which he 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 office.
Section 4. References to the Maryland General Corporation Law in this Article are to the law as from time to time amended. No further amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation shall decrease, but may expand, any right of any person under this Article based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to such amendment. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, 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 Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, 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.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (Robeco), incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(24), provides for the indemnification of Robeco against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (Bogle), dated September 15, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2) provides for the indemnification of Bogle against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Schneider Capital Management (Schneider) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(1) and (d)(3) provides for the indemnification of Schneider against certain losses.
Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. ( f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , (Matson Money) dated December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(5) provides for the indemnification of Matson Money against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC (SGI) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(21) and (d)(62) provides for the indemnification of SGI against certain losses.
Section 12 of the form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. (SIAM) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(26) provides for the indemnification of SIAM against certain losses.
Section 12 of the form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited (Abbey Capital) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(28) provides for the indemnification of Abbey Capital against certain losses.
Section 12 of the form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC (Altair) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(41) provides for indemnification of Altair against certain losses.
Sections 7 and 8 of the Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC, dated October 31, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (e)(1) provides for the indemnification of Foreside Funds Distributors LLC against certain losses.
Section 12 of each of the forms of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (CCIA) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(43) and (d)(57) provide for indemnification of CCIA against certain losses.
Section 12 of the form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Fasanara Capital Limited (Fasanara) which provides for indemnification of Fasanara against certain losses is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 to the Registrants Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) exhibit (d)(63) filed on February 5, 2016.
Item 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS.
1. Bogle Investment Management, LP:
The sole business activity of Bogle Investment Management, LP (Bogle), 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462, is to serve as an investment adviser. Bogle is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
The directors and officers have not held any positions with other companies during the last two fiscal years.
2. Schneider Capital Management Company:
The sole business activity of Schneider Capital Management Company (Schneider), 460 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 2000, Wayne, PA 19087, is to serve as an investment adviser. Schneider is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Information as to the directors and officers of Schneider is as follows:
Name and Position with
|
|
Other Company |
|
Position With Other Company |
|
|
|
|
|
Arnold C. Schneider, III
|
|
Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. |
|
President |
|
|
|
|
|
Steven J. Fellin
|
|
Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. |
|
Vice President |
3. Robeco Investment Management , Inc. dba Boston Partners
The sole business activity of Robeco Investment Management, Inc. dba Boston Partners (Boston Partners), 909 Third Avenue, New York 10022, is to serve as an investment adviser. Boston Partners provides investment advisory services to the Boston Partners Funds and the WPG Partners Funds.
Robeco Investment Management, Inc. dba Boston Partners is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and serves as an investment adviser to domestic and foreign institutional investors, investment companies, commingled trust funds, private investment partnerships and collective investment vehicles. Information as to the directors and officers of Boston Partners is as follows:
Name and Position with
|
|
Other Company |
|
Position With Other Company |
|
|
|
|
|
Mark E. Donovan
|
|
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr.
|
|
Robeco US Holding, Inc. |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
William George Butterly, III
|
|
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
|
Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary |
|
|
Robeco Securities, L.L.C. |
|
Chief Legal Officer |
|
|
Robeco Trust Company |
|
Chief Operating Officer, Secretary & Director |
|
|
RobecoSAM USA, Inc. |
|
Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary |
|
|
Robeco Boston Partners (UK) Limited |
|
Director, Chief Operating Officer & Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
Matthew J. Davis
|
|
Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc. |
|
President, Treasurer & Director |
|
|
Robeco Securities, L.L.C. |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
Robeco Trust Company |
|
Director, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Director |
|
|
Robeco Boston Partners (UK) Limited |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
David Steyn
|
|
Robeco Groep N.V. |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Leni M. Boeren
|
|
Robeco Groep N.V. |
|
Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. |
|
Director |
|
|
RobecoSAM AG |
|
Director |
|
|
RobecoSAM USA, Inc. |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Martin Mlynár
|
|
Corestone Investment Managers AG |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Source Capital AG |
|
Board Member |
|
|
Source Capital Holding AG |
|
Board Member |
4. Matson Money, Inc.:
The sole business activity of Matson Money, Inc. (Matson Money), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, is to serve as an investment adviser. Matson Money is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of each executive officer and director of Matson Money indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.
Name and Position
|
|
Name of Other
|
|
Position With Other Company |
|
|
|
|
|
Mark E. Matson
|
|
Keep It Tight Fitness, LLC |
|
50% owner |
|
|
|
|
|
Mark E. Matson
|
|
The Matson FamilyFoundation |
|
100% owner |
|
|
|
|
|
Michelle Matson
|
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel J. List
|
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
Steven B. Miller
|
|
None |
|
None |
5. Summit Global Investments, LLC:
The sole business activity of Summit Global Investments, LLC (SGI), 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010, is to serve as an investment adviser. SGI is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of SGIs directors and officers is with SGI.
6. Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. :
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. directors and officers is with Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd.
7. Abbey Capital Limited :
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Abbey Capital Limited directors and officers is with Abbey Capital Limited.
8. Altair Advisers LLC:
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Altair Advisers LLC directors and officers is with Altair Advisers LLC.
9. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC:
The principal business activity of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (CCIA), 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209, is to serve as an investment adviser. CCIA is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of each executive officer and director of CCIA indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.
Name and Position
|
|
Name of Other Company |
|
Position With Other Company |
G. Williams Andrews
|
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Campbell & Company, LLC |
|
Director & Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
EC LLC |
|
Managing Member |
|
|
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust |
|
Trustee & Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Campbell Financial Services, LLC |
|
Director |
|
|
Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited |
|
Director & President |
|
|
Campbell Core Offshore Limited |
|
Director |
|
|
Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Gregory T. Donovan
|
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Assistant Secretary |
|
|
Campbell & Company, LLC |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust |
|
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Assistant Secretary |
|
|
Campbell Financial Services, LLC |
|
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited |
|
Director & Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
Michael S. Harris
|
|
Campbell & Company, LLC |
|
President |
|
|
Campbell & Company, LLC |
|
Director & President |
|
|
EC LLC |
|
Managing Member |
|
|
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust |
|
President |
|
|
Campbell Financial Services, LLC |
|
Director |
|
|
Managed Futures Association |
|
Director & Vice-Chairman |
|
|
Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited |
|
Director |
|
|
Campbell Core Offshore Limited |
|
Director |
|
|
Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Xiaohua Hu
|
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
Director of Research |
|
|
|
|
|
Heidi L. Kaiser
|
|
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust |
|
Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
|
Campbell Financial Services, LLC |
|
Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
Deputy General Counsel & Director of Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas P. Lloyd |
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
General Counsel & Secretary |
General Counsel, & Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Campbell & Company, LLC |
|
Secretary |
|
|
EC LLC |
|
Managing Member |
|
|
The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust |
|
General Counsel, Secretary & Assistant Treasurer |
|
|
Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited |
|
Secretary |
|
|
Campbell Core Offshore Limited |
|
Director |
|
|
Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited |
|
Director |
|
|
Campbell Financial Services, LLC |
|
General Counsel & Director; previously, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary until September 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
Robert W. McBride
|
|
Campbell & Company, LLC |
|
Chief Technology Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
John R. Radle
|
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
Global Head of Trading |
|
|
|
|
|
Richard Johnson
|
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
Managing Director, Global Head of Client Solutions Group of Campbell & Company |
|
|
|
|
|
Darvin N. Sterner
|
|
Campbell & Company, LP |
|
Director of Private Wealth Distribution |
|
|
Campbell Financial Services, LLC |
|
Vice President |
10. Fasanara Capital Limited:
The sole business activity of Fasanara Capital Limited (Fasanara), 25 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ER, England, is to serve as an investment adviser. Fasanara is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and with the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom.
The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Fasanaras directors and officers is with Fasanara.
Item 32 . PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
(a) Foreside Funds Distributors LLC (the Distributor) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
1. Aston Funds
2. E.I.I. Realty Securities Trust
3. FundVantage Trust
4. GuideStone Funds
5. Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust
6. Matthews International Funds (d/b/a Matthews Asia Funds)
7. Metropolitan West Funds
8. The Motley Fool Funds Trust
9. New Alternatives Fund
10. Old Westbury Funds, Inc.
11. The RBB Fund, Inc.
12. The Torray Fund
13. Versus Capital Multi-Manager Real Estate Income Fund LLC (f/k/a Versus Global Multi-Manager Real Estate Income Fund LLC)
(b) The following are the Officers and Managers of the Distributor, the Registrants underwriter. The Distributors main business address is 899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312.
Name |
|
Address |
|
Position with
|
|
Position with
|
Richard J. Berthy |
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
|
President, Treasurer and Manager |
|
None |
Mark A. Fairbanks |
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
|
Vice President |
|
None |
Jennifer K. DiValerio |
|
899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 |
|
Vice President |
|
None |
Susan K. Moscaritolo |
|
899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 |
|
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
None |
Jennifer E. Hoopes |
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
|
Secretary |
|
None |
(c) Not Applicable
Item 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
(1) The Bank of New York Mellon, 225 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10286 (records relating to its function as custodian).
(2) Foreside Funds Distributors, 400 Berwyn Park, 899 Cassatt Road, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312. (records relating to its function as principal underwriter).
(3) BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., Bellevue Corporate Center, 103 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (records relating to its functions as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent).
(4) BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (records relating to its function as administrator and accounting agent and Registrants Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Minute books).
(5) Robeco Investment Management, Inc. dba Boston Partners, 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd floor, New York, New York 10022 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(6) Schneider Capital Management Co., 460 East Swedesford Road, Suite 1080, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(7) Bogle Investment Management, L.P., 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts 02462 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(8) Matson Money, Inc. (formerly Abundance Technologies, Inc.), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(9) Summit Global Investments, LLC, 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(10) Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd., 1 Adelaide St. E., Ste. 2800, Toronto, ON M5C 2V9 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(11) Abbey Capital Limited, 1-2 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Ireland (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(12) Altair Advisers LLC, 303 W. Madison, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(13) Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(14) Fasanara Capital Limited, 25 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ER, England (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
Item 34. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
None.
Item 35. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) Registrant hereby undertakes to hold a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of considering the removal of directors in the event the requisite number of shareholders so request.
(b) Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered a copy of Registrants latest annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and that it has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, and State of Delaware on the 29th day of April, 2016.
|
|
|
|
THE RBB FUND, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Salvatore Faia |
|
Salvatore Faia |
|
|
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment to Registrants Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE |
|
TITLE |
|
DATE |
|
/s/ Salvatore Faia |
|
President (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Salvatore Faia |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert Amweg |
|
Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Robert Amweg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*J. Richard Carnall |
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
J. Richard Carnall |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Julian A. Brodsky |
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Julian A. Brodsky |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Arnold M. Reichman |
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Arnold M. Reichman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Robert Sablowsky |
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Robert Sablowsky |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Robert Straniere |
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Robert Straniere |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Nicholas A. Giordano |
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Nicholas A. Giordano |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Gregory P. Chandler |
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Gregory P. Chandler |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
April 29, 2016 |
|
Sam Lambroza |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*By: |
/s/ Salvatore Faia |
|
|
|
April 29, 2016 |
Salvatore Faia |
|
|
|
|
|
Attorney-in-Fact |
|
|
|
|
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Julian A. Brodsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
January 11, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Julian A. Brodsky |
|
|
Julian A. Brodsky |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, J. Richard Carnall, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Richard Carnall |
|
|
J. Richard Carnall |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Nicholas A. Giordano, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Nicholas A. Giordano |
|
|
Nicholas A. Giordano |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Arnold M. Reichman, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Arnold M. Reichman |
|
|
Arnold M. Reichman |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert Sablowsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
January 11, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert Sablowsky |
|
|
Robert Sablowsky |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert A. Straniere, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
May 7, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert Straniere |
|
|
Robert Straniere |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC.
(the Company)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Gregory P. Chandler, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.
DATED: |
October 15, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Gregory P. Chandler |
|
|
Gregory P. Chandler |
|
Exhibit (a)(78)
THE RBB FUND, INC.
ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (the Corporation), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: In accordance with the requirements of Section 2-208 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, and under a power contained in the charter of the Corporation (the Charter), the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board of Directors) adopted resolutions classifying an aggregate of 100,000,000 authorized but unclassified and unissued shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share (the Common Stock), of the Corporation as follows:
1. Class DDDDDD . 100,000,000 shares of authorized but unclassified and unissued shares of Common Stock (the Undesignated Common Stock) are hereby classified and designated as Class DDDDDD shares of Common Stock representing interests in the Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund Institutional Shares.
SECOND: A description of the shares so classified with the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as set or changed by the Board of Directors is as set forth in Article VI, Section (6) of the Corporations Articles of Incorporation and as set forth elsewhere in the Charter with respect to stock of the Corporation generally, and as follows:
1. To the full extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation may, without the vote of the shares of any class of capital stock of the Corporation then outstanding and if so determined by the Board of Directors:
(A)(1) sell and convey the assets belonging to Class DDDDDD Common Stock (the Class) to another trust or corporation that is a management investment company (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and is organized under the laws of any state of the United States for consideration, which may include the assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, belonging to such Class and which may include securities issued by such trust or corporation. Following such sale and conveyance, and after making provision for the payment of any liabilities belonging to such Class that are not assumed by the purchaser of the assets belonging to such Class, the Corporation may, at its option, redeem all outstanding shares of such Class at the net asset value thereof as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of applicable law, less such redemption fee or other charge, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Charter to the contrary, the
redemption price may be paid in any combination of cash or other assets belonging to such Class, including but not limited to the distribution of the securities or other consideration received by the Corporation for the assets belonging to such Class upon such conditions as the Board of Directors deems, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate and consistent with applicable law and the Charter;
(2) sell and convert the assets belonging to a Class into money and, after making provision for the payment of all obligations, taxes and other liabilities, accrued or contingent, belonging to such Class, the Corporation may, at its option, redeem all outstanding shares of such Class at the net asset value thereof as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of applicable law, less such redemption fee or other charge, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors upon such conditions as the Board of Directors deems, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate and consistent with applicable law and the Charter; or
(3) combine the assets belonging to a Class with the assets belonging to any one or more other classes of capital stock of the Corporation if the Board of Directors reasonably determines that such combination will not have a material adverse effect on the stockholders of any class of capital stock of the Corporation participating in such combination. In connection with any such combination of assets, the shares of the Class then outstanding may, if so determined by the Board of Directors, be converted into shares of any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation with respect to which conversion is permitted by applicable law, or may be redeemed, at the option of the Corporation, at the net asset value thereof as determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of applicable law, less such redemption fee or other charge, or conversion cost, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors upon such conditions as the Board of Directors deems, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate and consistent with applicable law and the Charter. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles Supplementary or the Charterto the contrary, any redemption price, or part thereof, paid pursuant to this section may be paid in shares of any other existing or future class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation; and
(B) without limiting the foregoing, at its option, redeem shares of the Classes for any other reason if the Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interest of the Corporation to do so. Any such redemption shall be at the net asset value of such shares of such Class being redeemed less such redemption fee or other charge, if any, as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors and shall be made and effective upon such terms and in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors at such time.
2. The shares of Class DDDDDD Common Stock will be issued without stock certificates.
THIRD: The shares aforesaid have been duly classified by the Board of Directors under the authority contained in the Charter of the Corporation. The aggregate number of authorized shares of stock of the Corporation is not changed by the Articles Supplementary.
FOURTH: Immediately after the classification of shares of Undesignated Common Stock as shares of Class DDDDDD Common Stock:
(a) the Corporation has the authority to issue 100,000,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, and the aggregate par value of all the shares of all classes is $100,000,000; and
(b) the number of authorized shares of each class of Common Stock is as follows:
Class A |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class B |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class C |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class D |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class E |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class F |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class G |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class H |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class I |
|
- |
|
1,500,000,000 |
Class J |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class K |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class L |
|
- |
|
1,500,000,000 |
Class M |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class N |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class O |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class P |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class Q |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class R |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class S |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class T |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class U |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class V |
|
- |
|
500,000,000 |
Class W |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class X |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class Y |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class Z |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Class AA |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class BB |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class CC |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class DD |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class EE |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class FF |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class GG |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class HH |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class II |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class JJ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class KK |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class LL |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class MM |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class NN |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class OO |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class PP |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class QQ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class RR |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class SS |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class TT |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class UU |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class VV |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class WW |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class YY |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class ZZ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Class AAA |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class BBB |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class CCC |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class DDD |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class EEE |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class FFF |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class GGG |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class HHH |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class III |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class JJJ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class KKK |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class LLL |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class MMM |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class NNN |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class OOO |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class PPP |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class QQQ |
|
- |
|
2,500,000,000 |
Class RRR |
|
- |
|
2,500,000,000 |
Class SSS |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class TTT |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class UUU |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class VVV |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class WWW |
|
- |
|
50,000,000 |
Class XXX |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class YYY |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class ZZZ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Class AAAA |
|
- |
|
50,000,000,000 |
Class BBBB |
|
- |
|
300,000,000 |
Class CCCC |
|
- |
|
300,000,000 |
Class DDDD |
|
- |
|
300,000,000 |
Class EEEE |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class FFFF |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class GGGG |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class HHHH |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class IIII |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class JJJJ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class KKKK |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class LLLL |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class MMMM |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class NNNN |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class OOOO |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class PPPP |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class QQQQ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class RRRR |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class SSSS |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class TTTT |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class UUUU |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class VVVV |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class WWWW |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class XXXX |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class YYYY |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class ZZZZ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Class AAAAA |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class BBBBB |
|
- |
|
750,000,000 |
Class CCCCC |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class DDDDD |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class EEEEE |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class FFFFF |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class GGGGG |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class HHHHH |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class IIIII |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class JJJJJ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class KKKKK |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class LLLLL |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class MMMMM |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class NNNNN |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class OOOOO |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class PPPPP |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class QQQQQ |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class RRRRR |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class SSSSS |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class TTTTT |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class UUUUU |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class VVVVV |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class WWWWW |
|
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class XXXXX |
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class YYYYY |
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class ZZZZZ |
- |
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Class AAAAAA |
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class BBBBBB |
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class CCCCCC |
- |
|
100,000,000 |
Class DDDDDD |
- |
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Class Select |
- |
|
700,000,000 |
Class Beta 2 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Beta 3 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Beta 4 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Principal Money |
- |
|
700,000,000 |
Class Gamma 2 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Gamma 3 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Gamma 4 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Class Bear Stearns |
|
|
|
Money |
- |
|
2,500,000,000 |
Class Bear Stearns |
|
|
|
Municipal Money |
- |
|
1,500,000,000 |
Class Bear Stearns |
|
|
|
Government Money |
- |
|
1,000,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Class Delta 4 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Epsilon 1 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Epsilon 2 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Epsilon 3 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Epsilon 4 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Zeta 1 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Zeta 2 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Zeta 3 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Zeta 4 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Eta 1 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Eta 2 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Eta 3 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Eta 4 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Theta 1 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Theta 2 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Theta 3 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
Class Theta 4 |
- |
|
1,000,000 |
for a total of 83,423,000,000 shares classified into separate classes of Common Stock.
FIFTH: The undersigned President of the Corporation acknowledges these Articles Supplementary to be the corporate act of the Corporation and, as to all matters or facts required to be verified under oath, the undersigned President acknowledges that, to the best
of his knowledge, information and belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The RBB Fund, Inc. has caused these presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and attested by its Secretary on the 11 th day of March, 2016.
ATTEST: |
|
THE RBB FUND, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Christina Morse |
|
By: |
/s/ Salvatore Faia |
Christina Morse |
|
|
Salvatore Faia |
Secretary |
|
|
President |
Exhibit (i)(1)
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Telephone: (215) 988-2700
April 29, 2016
The RBB Fund, Inc.
Bellevue Park Corporate Center
103 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, Delaware 19809
Re: |
Shares Registered by Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to |
|
|
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-20827) |
|
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to The RBB Fund, Inc. (the Company) in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 (the Amendment) to the Companys Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the issuance and sale by the Company of the following classes and numbers of shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (collectively, the Shares), with respect to the Companys Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund:
PORTFOLIO |
|
CLASS |
|
AUTHORIZED SHARES |
|
Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund |
|
DDDDDD |
|
100,000,000 |
|
The Amendment seeks to register an indefinite number of the Shares.
We have reviewed the Companys Articles of Incorporation, ByLaws, resolutions of its Board of Directors, and such other legal and factual matters as we have deemed appropriate. This opinion is based exclusively on the Maryland General Corporation Law and the federal law of the United States of America.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Shares, when issued for payment as described in the Companys Prospectuses offering the Shares and in accordance with the Companys Articles of Incorporation for not less than $0.001 per share, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Company.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment to the Companys Registration Statement.
|
|
|
Very truly yours, |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP |
|
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP |
Exhibit (i)(2)
CONSENT OF COUNSEL
We hereby consent to the use of our name and to the reference to our Firm under the caption Counsel in the Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Funds Statement of Additional Information that is included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827; 811-5518) on Form N-1A of The RBB Fund, Inc., under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, respectively. This consent does not constitute a consent under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, and in consenting to the use of our name and the references to our Firm under such caption we have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required under said section 7 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
|
|
|
/s/ DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP |
|
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 29, 2016
Exhibit (p)(26)
FASANARA CODE OF ETHICS
Statement of General Policy
This Code of Ethics (Code) has been adopted by Fasanara (the Adviser, Fasanara or the firm), and is designed to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act).
This Code establishes rules of conduct for all managers, officers and Associates of Fasanara, and is designed to, among other things; govern personal securities trading activities in the accounts of Associates. The Code is based upon the principle that Fasanara and its Associates owe a fiduciary duty to Fasanaras clients to conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such a manner as to avoid (i) serving their own personal interests ahead of clients or the fund, (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with the firm and (iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility.
The purpose of the Code is to preclude activities that may lead to or give the appearance of conflicts of interest and other forms of prohibited or unethical business conduct.
Pursuant to Section 206 of the Advisers Act, both Fasanara and its Associates are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. Compliance with this section involves more than acting with honesty and good faith alone. It means that Fasanara has an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interest of its clients.
In meeting its fiduciary responsibilities to its clients, Fasanara expects every Associate to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct for continued employment with Fasanara. Strict compliance with the provisions of the Code shall be considered a basic condition of employment with Fasanara. Associates are urged to seek the advice of the CCO for any questions about the Code or the application of the Code to their individual circumstances. Associates should also understand that a material breach of the provisions of the Code may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment with Fasanara.
The provisions of the Code are not all-inclusive. Rather, they are intended as a guide for Associates of Fasanara in their conduct. In those situations where an Associates may be uncertain as to the intent or purpose of the Code, he/she is advised to consult with the CCO. A member of senior management on conjunction with the CCO may grant exceptions to certain provisions contained in the Code. All questions arising in connection with personal securities trading should be resolved in favor of the fund even at the expense of the interests of Associates.
The CCO will report to the CEO of Fasanara any non-compliance with this Code that has come to his or her attention.
Role of Chief Compliance Office
Fasanara has designated a qualified individual to be the firms CCO. It is assumed for the Code herein that the CCO may delegate certain day-to-day management of compliance duties to other qualified persons as necessary. As such, any reference herein to the duties of the CCO shall necessarily include any such designee(s).
Definitions
For the purposes of this Code, the following definitions shall apply:
· Access person means any supervised person who: has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any fund that that Fasanara or its control affiliates manage; or is involved in making securities recommendations to clients that are nonpublic.
· Account means accounts of any Associates and includes accounts of the Associates immediate family members (any relative by blood or marriage or any dependents living in the Associates household), and any account in which he or she has a direct or indirect beneficial interest, such as trusts and custodial accounts or other accounts in which the Associates has a beneficial interest or exercises investment discretion.
· Beneficial ownership shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of such Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
· Reportable security means any security as defined in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act, except that it does not include: (i) Transactions and holdings in direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) Bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) Shares issued by money market funds; (iv) Transactions and holdings in shares of other types of open-end registered mutual funds, unless Fasanara or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser or principal underwriter for the fund; and (v) Transactions in units of a unit investment trust if the unit investment trust is invested exclusively in mutual funds, unless Fasanara or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser or principal underwriter for the fund.
· Supervised person means directors, officers and partners of Fasanara (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); Associates of Fasanara; and any other person who provides advice on behalf of Fasanara and is subject to Fasanara supervision and control.
II. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
General Policy
Fasanara has adopted the following principles governing personal investment activities by Fasanaras access persons:
· All personal securities transactions will be conducted in such manner as to avoid any conflict of interest or any abuse of an individuals position of trust and responsibility; and
· Supervised persons must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions. Pre-Clearance Required for Participation in IPOs (See Appendix D)
No access person shall acquire any beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering for his or her account, as defined herein without the prior written approval of the CCO who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the access persons activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.
Pre-Clearance Required for Private or Limited Offerings (See Appendix D)
No access person shall acquire beneficial ownership of any securities in a limited offering or private placement without the prior written approval of the CCO who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the access persons activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.
Interested Transactions
No supervised person shall recommend any securities transactions for a client without having disclosed his or her interest, if any, in such securities or the issuer thereof, including without limitation:
· any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any securities of such issuer;
· any contemplated transaction by such person in such securities;
· any position with such issuer or its affiliates; and
· any present or proposed business relationship between such issuer or its affiliates and such person or any party in which such person has a significant interest.
Reporting Requirements
Every access person shall provide initial and annual holdings reports and quarterly transaction reports to the CCO, which must contain the information described below. It is the policy of Fasanara that each access person must arrange to provide brokerage account statements
and trade confirmations of all securities transactions to the CCO. The CCO will review all transaction reports and report any instance of noncompliance discovered.
Initial Holdings Report See Schedule to Code of Ethics
Every access person shall, no later than ten (10) days after the person becomes an access person, file an initial holdings report containing the following information:
· The title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of security, number of shares and principal amount (if applicable) of each reportable security in which the supervised person had any direct or indirect beneficial interest ownership when the person becomes a supervised person;
· The name of any broker, dealer or bank, account name, number and location with whom the supervised person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the supervised person; and
· The date that the report is submitted by the supervised person.
The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the person became a supervised person.
Annual Holdings Report See Schedule to Code of Ethics
Every supervised person shall file an annual holdings report containing the same information required in the initial holdings report as described above. The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the annual report is submitted.
Quarterly Transaction Reports See Schedule to Code of Ethics
Every supervised person must, no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, file a quarterly transaction report containing the following information:
With respect to any transaction during the quarter in a reportable security in which the supervised persons had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:
· The date of the transaction, the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount (if applicable) of each covered security;
· The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
· The price of the reportable security at which the transaction was effected;
· The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
· The date the report is submitted by the supervised person.
Exempt Transactions
An access person need not submit a report with respect to:
· Transactions effected for, securities held in, any account over which the person has no direct or indirect influence or control;
· Transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan;
· A quarterly transaction report if the report would duplicate information contained in securities transaction confirmations or brokerage account statements that Fasanara holds in its records so long as the firm receives the confirmations or statements no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter; and
· Any transaction or holding report if Fasanara has only one access person, so long as the firm maintains records of the information otherwise required to be reported.
Monitoring and Review of Personal Securities Transactions
The CCO may also initiate inquiries of supervised persons regarding personal securities trading. Access persons are required to cooperate with such inquiries and any monitoring or review procedures employed by Fasanara. A designated person of Fasanara will review any transactions for any accounts of the CCO.
Certification
Initial Certification
All access persons will be provided with a copy of the Code and must initially certify in writing to the CCO that they have: (i) received a copy of the Code; (ii) read and understand all provisions of the Code; (iii) agreed to abide by the Code; and (iv) reported all account holdings as required by the Code.
Acknowledgement of Amendments
All access persons shall receive any material amendments to the Code and must certify to the CCO in writing that they have: (i) received a copy of the amendment; (ii) read and understood the amendment; and (iii) agreed to abide by the Code as amended.
Annual Certification
All access persons must annually certify in writing to the CCO that they have: (i) read and understood all provisions of the Code; (ii) complied with all requirements of the Code; and (iii) submitted all holdings and transaction reports as required by the Code.
Further Information
Access persons should contact the CCO regarding any inquiries pertaining to the Code or the policies established herein.
Records
The CCO shall maintain and cause to be maintained in a readily accessible place the following records:
· A copy of any Code of Ethics adopted by the firm pursuant to the Advisers Act Rule 204A-1 which is or has been in effect during the past five years;
· A record of any violation of the Advisers Code and any action that was taken as a result of such violation for a period of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred;
· A record of all written acknowledgements of receipt of the Code and amendments thereto for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a supervised person which shall be retained for five years after the individual ceases to be a supervised person of Fasanara;
· A copy of each report made pursuant to the Advisers Act Rule 204A-1, including any brokerage confirmations and account statements made in lieu of these reports;
· A list of all persons who are, or within the preceding five years have been, access persons;
· A record of any decision and reasons supporting such decision to approve a supervised persons acquisition of securities in IPOs and limited offerings within the past five years after the end of the fiscal year in which such approval is granted.
Reporting Violations and Sanctions
All access persons shall promptly report to the CCO or an alternate designee all apparent violations of the Code. Any retaliation for the reporting of a violation under this Code will constitute a violation of the Code.
The CCO shall promptly report to senior management all apparent material violations of the Code. When the CCO finds that a violation otherwise reportable to senior management could not be reasonably found to have resulted in a fraud, deceit, or a manipulative practice in violation of Section 206 of the Advisers Act, he or she may, in his or her discretion, submit a written memorandum of such finding and the reasons therefore to a reporting file created for this purpose in lieu of reporting the matter to senior management.
Senior management shall consider reports made to it hereunder and shall determine whether or not the Code has been violated and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed. Possible sanctions may include reprimands, monetary fine or assessment, or suspension or termination of the Associates employment with the firm.
Restricted List and Trading Policies and Procedures
Fasanara has a restricted trading list (RTL) that documents the names of issuers for which Fasanara Associates may have received material non-public information (MNPI) or for which Fasanara Inc. may otherwise be limited in trading (e.g., 13D or 13G ownership limits).
· The CCO in conjunction with the CEO or his designee is responsible for adding and removing issuers names from the RTL and conducting the proper analysis for additions and removals.
· The CCO will generally consult with the CEO for his input and views with respect to judgments involving the materiality of non-public information received, and generally will take such input and views into consideration.
· The CCO may need to consult with outside counsel when dealing with situations that are complex and/or involve different jurisdictions laws and regulations.
Adding Issuers Name to RTL in the Case of MNPI
When an Fasanara Inc. Associates (Associates) believes he/she may have received MNPI, the Associates must contact the CCO immediately.
· The following information must be communicated to the CCO:
· Name of issuer
· Ticker symbol
· Jurisdiction of issuer
· Summary of MNPI received
· Source of MNPI
· Any other pertinent information
· If a determination is made by CCO that Fasanara Inc. may be in receipt of MNPI, the Issuers symbol(s) will be added to Fasanaras RTL by means of a restriction on trading such symbols within the order management system; the RTL will be distributed to select members of Fasanara as appropriate.
Removing Issuers Name from RTL
· An Associates may request the CCO to remove an issuers name from the RTL. The CCO may also initiate taking an issuer off the RTL.
· Among other reasons, an issuer may be removed from the RTL as a result of the following:
· Relevant MNPI has become public Associates should, if possible, provide the public announcement to evidence that the MNPI has become public;
· Relevant MNPI has become stale Associates should provide specific reasoning as to why MNPI has become stale.
NOTE: Rarely do insider trading regulations or laws provide a definition of stale information. Therefore, this has to be determined on a case-by-case basis based upon the facts and circumstances in each case. The key consideration is whether the MNPI is determined to have become irrelevant to a reasonable investor. Generally, information will be deemed stale after 2 quarters however, information may be deemed relevant for a longer period (e.g., if there is a non-disclosure agreement in place). Accordingly, CCO sign-off is required.
· Position size in issuer has fallen below key ownership threshold levels (e.g., 5% and 10%)
· The CCO will evaluate the information received and determine if it is sufficient to remove the issuers name from the RTL.
· If the issuer is on the RTL for more than one instance of MNPI, a determination needs to be made on each piece of MNPI independently.
· If appropriate, CCO will consult with the CEO for his input and views (in particular, on the question of materiality) and generally will take such input and views into consideration in determining whether the relevant issuer should be removed from the RTL
· Once a determination by CCO has been made for the removal of an issuer from the RTL, the issuers symbol(s) will promptly be deleted from the relevant RTL areas of the order management system.
JJ. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO PREVENT INSIDER TRADING
Principals, managers, officers, and Associates of Fasanara who have access to material, non-public information are not permitted to use or share that information for stock trading purposes or for any other purpose except the conduct of Fasanara business. All non-public information should be considered confidential information. Under most circumstances, it is illegal to trade in securities while in possession of material, non-public information, as well as to communicate or tip such information to others. (Note that in one matter the SEC imposed a penalty of $470,000 on a tipper even though he did not profit personally from his tippees trading.)
What constitutes material non-public information is a complex legal question, but is generally considered to be information not available to the general public which, if disclosed, is likely to affect the market price of the companys securities or to be considered important by an average investor in deciding whether to purchase or sell those securities. Such information may include, but is not limited to, information relating to dividend increases or decreases, major litigation by
or against the company, liquidity or solvency problems, significant business developments, changes to capital structure, major management changes, contemplated acquisitions or divestitures, information concerning earnings or other financial information, or similar major events that would be viewed as having materially altered the total mix of information available regarding the company or the market for any of its securities. Such information continues to be inside information until a reasonable time after it is disclosed to the general public.
The penalties for trading or tipping inside information can be severe. Among other things, a person who trades on material nonpublic information, or who provides such information to others, is potentially subject to a civil penalty of up to three times the profits earned or losses avoided, a criminal fine of up to $5,000,000 no matter how small the profit obtained, and a jail term of up to 20 years. Securities laws also subject controlling persons to civil penalties for illegal insider trading by Associates, including Associates located outside the United States. Controlling persons include employers, and the SEC to include directors, officers and supervisors is interpreting the term. These persons may be subject to a civil penalty up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the profit of (or loss avoided by) the insider trader and a criminal fine of up to $25 million. Failure to adhere to the following policies may result in dismissal for cause whether or not any civil or criminal penalties arise from the inside securities trading.
The unauthorized use or disclosure of any material nonpublic information about any company that is acquired in connection with work for Fasanara is prohibited. Also, such conduct may be grounds for termination.
In order to ensure that these policies are adhered to, the following procedures are to be followed with respect to securities transactions by principals, managers, officers, and Associates of Fasanara (collectively, Covered Associates), as well as by members of the households or dependents of, and any trust or other entity controlled by, any Covered Associates (collectively, Family Members): (1) For all Covered Associates (and their Family Members), all trading in the securities of any public company with respect to which Fasanara holds a greater than 5% position, has a nominee on its board of directors, or has a non-disclosure agreement, must be pre-cleared by the CCO; and (2) All Covered Associates are forbidden from communicating any material non-public information to anyone outside the firm except for advisers (e.g., counsel, investment bankers, accountants, and the like).
KK. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Pursuant to the Advisers Act, advisers have a fiduciary obligation to place client interests above their own, to treat all clients equitably and to disclose material facts, including conflicts of interests. To that end, many advisers rely on their compliance and risk management programs to monitor and mitigate the potential conflicts of interest associated with outside business activities.
· All Associates must notify and receive prior approval from the CCO before engaging in any outside business activity, or serving as an officer, director, general partner or Officer of any other business organization. See Schedule to Code of Ethics for Outside Business Activity Disclosure Form.
· The interests of the Advisors clients and investors must always come first, without compromise.
· Service as a Director - No Associate shall serve on the board of directors of any publicly traded company without prior authorization from the CCO and the CEO.
It is the policy of the firm that all officers and others working on its behalf act in good faith and in the best interests of its clients. To this end, such persons must not place themselves or the Advisor in a position that would create even the appearance of a conflict of interest. No person may represent the firm in any transaction if an outside business interest might compromise or otherwise affect his or her ability to represent the Advisors interests fairly and impartially.
While it is not possible to list all situations that might involve conflicts of interest, the following are some examples of interests and activities that might result in conflicts. If an Associates has any doubts or questions about the appropriateness of any interests or activities, he or she should contact the CCO. Any existing interest or activity that might constitute a conflict of interest under this Code must be fully disclosed to the CCO, so that the Advisors may determine whether such interest or activity should be disposed of, discontinued or limited.
No officer, individual members of their immediate families or persons living in their households may own, directly or indirectly, any interest in any corporation or other entity if ownership of such interest could compromise the loyalty or judgment of such officer. Whether a particular financial interest will constitute a conflict of interest or the appearance thereof will vary depending on the circumstances.
LL. POLICY ON GIFTS & BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT
I. Gifts & Entertainment
Associates of Adviser are prohibited from using his or her position at Fasanara to obtain an item of value from any person or company that does business with Fasanara. Associates are prohibited from accepting any gift greater than $100 in value from any person or company that does business with Fasanara. Business entertainment, including meals or tickets to cultural and sporting events are permitted if: a) they are not so frequent or of such high value as to raise a question of impropriety and b) the person providing the entertainment is present at the event.
Associates shall not provide or accept extravagant or excessive entertainment to or from a client, prospective client, or any person or entity that does or seeks to do business with or on behalf of Fasanara. Associates may provide or accept a business entertainment event, such as dinner or a sporting event, of reasonable value, if the person or entity providing or accepting the entertainment is present. Pre-approval is not required for bona fide dining or entertainment if accompanied by the person providing or accepting the entertainment.
II. Reporting/Recordkeeping
· Gifts. Associates must report any gifts over $100 received in connection with their employment to the CCO. The CCO may require that any such gift be returned to the provider or that an expense be repaid by the Associates.
· Business Entertainment. Each Associates must report any event likely to be viewed as so frequent or of such high value as to raise a question or impropriety. Any business entertainment over $1000 per event must be approved in writing by the CCO. See Schedule to Code of Ethics.
MM. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
1. Political Contributions and Activity Policy
All Associates must obtain approval for all political and charitable contributions from CCO prior to making any contribution in accordance with the following policy. See Schedule to Code of Ethics.
2. Introduction
This Political Contributions and Activities Policy applies to Associates of Fasanara. The objective of this policy is to ensure that the firm and its Associates comply with applicable U.S. federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to elected and appointed U.S. federal, state, and local officials or staff of governmental subdivisions or instrumentalities. In certain jurisdictions, violation of the applicable rules and laws could lead to detrimental effects on the firms businesses. Fasanara respects Associates involvement in political activities and implementation of this policy provides a way to allow certain political activities in a manner which is compliant with applicable laws and rules while also protecting the firms expanding business interests.
3. Corporate Political Contributions
No payment or other contribution may be made by, or in the name of the firm without the express prior approval of the CCO in connection with, or in anticipation of, any political campaign or to influence the outcome of elections, legislative initiatives or similar processes (including working for the election of anyone to political office or for any organization or campaign to influence legislation). In addition, corporate facilities of Fasanara may not be used for political fundraising activities.
4. Personal Political Contributions
Associates, as individual citizens, may have an interest in the election process. However, participating in the election process by making political contributions may raise legal implications and liability for the firm. Depending on the jurisdiction, this may be the case even if an Associates is acting in his personal capacity and not as a representative of the firm. Contributions to candidates, party committees, political action committees, and section 527 and 501(c)(4) organizations are subject to federal and state laws. These laws govern the ability of an individual to make a contribution. Failure to comply with these laws and the firms policies and procedures may result in fines or penalties against the individual and/or disqualification of Fasanara to do business with government agencies and government-sponsored entities.
For purposes of this Policy, a political contribution means a monetary or in-kind contribution to a federal, state or local candidate, incumbent official, political party, political action committee, section 527 organization, 501(c)(4) organization, or similar organization.
Please refer to Limitations on Personal Political Contributions and Solicitations for specific guidelines on permissibility of contributions and the process for submitting a pre-clearance request to the CCO to make a contribution.
In no event may a Fasanara Associates make any political contribution for the purposes of obtaining or retaining the business of any government entity. Additionally, under no circumstances will an Associates be reimbursed for a political contribution.
Associates are prohibited from using any indirect means to avoid the requirements of this Policy. Indirect means would include, amongst other things, making contributions through family, friends, an entity controlled by the Associates, soliciting contributions from others, or by bundling contributions with other Associates.
5. Political Activities
All political activities of an Associates must be kept separate from his/her employment and related expenses may not be charged to the firm. Associates may not conduct political activities during working hours or use Fasanaras property for political activities. Political activities include, but are not limited to: volunteering for candidate campaigns; supporting ballot measures; hosting fundraising events; soliciting contributions; serving as an advisor or having a formal role in a campaign, political party or political committee; or seeking, accepting or holding any political office. Associates should only act in their individual capacity, rather than as a representative of the firm, when engaging in political activity. Further, Associates should not use their corporate title, or utilize the firms resources (including e-mail and phone systems), name or logo in connection with political fundraising or solicitation activity. Associates who have questions regarding whether their activities are political in nature should contact the CCO. Associates interested in holding a formal position in a campaign or political party or seeking elective or appointive office of a governmental subdivision or instrumentality, or any board, commission or other vehicle that exercises power granted by statute or other governmental authority, must first obtain approval from the CCO.
6. Offering Gifts or Entertainment to Public Officials or Associates
Federal, state and local laws restrict the offering of gifts, meals or entertainment to public officials or Associates. Improper gifts may result in the firm being disqualified or unable to enter into contracts with governmental entities. Associates are, therefore, generally prohibited from offering anything of value to government officials or Associates. Associates must seek prior approval from the CCO before being offering or agreeing to provide anything of value to any public official or Associates
7. Lobbying Activities
In certain federal, state and local jurisdictions lobbying or engaging in outreach with public officials, including attempts to influence legislation, rulemakings, the awarding of government
contracts, or efforts to influence investment decisions by a public retirement system or public pension fund may require lobbying registration. As a result, Associates may not engage in lobbying or outreach efforts to public officials on behalf of the firm without prior approval from the CCO.
8. Apprising Management of Permitted Political Activities
Associates are encouraged, but not required, to apprise management of their political involvement (which does not otherwise require prior approval) permitted by this Policy. It is useful for Fasanara to have information concerning permissible political involvement by Associates, which might help address conflicts, issues or positions potentially affecting the firm and its businesses.
9. Pre-Approval of New Hires
The CCO will request from new Associates at the time of hire information regarding the past 6 months of political contributions, as deemed necessary and appropriate for the Company to comply with this Policy.
10. Questions and Reports of Potential Violations
All Associates are expected to adhere to these policies. Questions may arise from time-to-time regarding the application of these polices. If any doubt exists, you are strongly encouraged to submit your inquiry to the CCO. Anyone who becomes aware of a potential violation of these policies must immediately report the matter to the CCO. Prompt notice of a violation of our policies may allow the firm to eliminate or reduce potential adverse consequences.
11. Limitations on Personal Political Contributions and Solicitations
Prior to making any political contribution, or soliciting others to make contributions, an Associates must submit a request e-mail to CCO. After the request has been reviewed the Associates will receive an electronic confirmation that such request has been approved or denied. In certain situations the Associates will be asked to provide additional information before a determination can be made regarding the request.
Except as permitted below, Associates are prohibited from contributing to, or soliciting contributions for, state and local office and state and local political action committees. Contributions and solicitations to state and local political party committees also fall under this ban.
Subject to federal contribution limits and the pre-clearance process described in Section 1 above, an Associates may contribute to U.S. federal candidates (that are not currently state or local officeholders), federal political party committees and federal political actions committees (that are accompanied by a letter confirming that the contribution will not be used for state or local candidates).
Subject to the pre-clearance process described in Section 1 above, in certain limited situations, de minimus contributions for state and local candidates are permitted subject to the restrictions below:
a) Contributions to U.S. state and local candidates are prohibited if the Associates are not entitled to vote for the candidate.
b) Contributions to and solicitations for U.S. state and local candidates where an Associates is entitled to vote are subject to the following restrictions:
i. Requests to make a contribution to any U.S. state or local candidate must be submitted to the firm for prior approval. Pre-approval requests must be made via the CCOs e-mail and include the name of the candidate, office for which candidate is running, amount contributed, date of contribution, and name of the person making the contribution.
ii. Contributions to candidates in all other states are limited to $250 per election where the Associates are entitled to vote for the candidate.
Spouses and dependent children may make contributions subject to the restrictions below as long as the decision to contribute is made independently of the Associates. In other words, the spouse or dependent child must have the ability to sign the check and have full authority on how the funds in the account are spent (the Associates may not sign the check). Where permitted by this policy, all contributions must in compliance with applicable contribution limits.
a) Requests to make a contribution to any state or local candidate must be submitted to the firm by the Associates for prior approval. Pre-approval requests must be made to CCOs e-mail, and include the name of the candidate, office for which candidate is running, amount contributed, date of contribution, and name of the person making the contribution. The Associates will be provided a confirmation that such request has been approved or denied. In certain situations the Associates will be asked to provide additional information before a determination can be made regarding the request.
1. Pay-to-Play
Fasanara Inc. does not currently solicit investment contracts for managing public pension plan assets and/or other state governmental investments.
In July 2010, the SEC adopted pay-to-play rules, including the new anti -fraud political contributions rule.
Key elements to the rule:
Investment advisers are prohibited from receiving compensation for providing advice to a government entity for a two-year period after the adviser or its covered associates make political contributions to a public official of a government entity or to a candidate for such office who is or will be in a position to influence the award of advisory business.
Investment advisers are prohibited from bundling or making payments to political parties or coordinating a large number of small Associates contributions to influence and election in order to affect the investment adviser selection process.
Advisers may not solicit or coordinate any contribution to an official of a government entity, to which the adviser is seeking or providing investment advice, or solicit or coordinate any payment to a political party of a state or locality where the investment adviser is seeking or providing investment advisory services to a government entity.
In addition, advisers are prohibited from channeling contributions to officials of government entities through third parties such as spouses, attorneys or companies affiliated with the adviser.
Advisers and their covered associates are prohibited from paying a third party, such as a solicitor, pension consultant or placement agent, to solicit a government entity on behalf of the adviser.
Fasanara and its Associates are prohibited from engaging in pay-to-play practices, including making or soliciting campaign contributions or payments to certain government officials to influence the awarding of investment contracts for managing public pension plan assets and other state governmental investments.
In the event that Fasanara changes its business model to include the management of public pension plan assets, it will adopt procedures to maintain compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Separation of Political and Employment Activities
Associates may not conduct political activities during working hours or use Fasanara facilities for political campaign purposes, nor may Associates submit expenses associated with such activities for reimbursement.
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
NN. LIST OF FASANARA ACCESS PERSONS REQUIRED TO REPORT UNDER CODE OF ETHICS:
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer - Francesco Filia Chief Operating Officer Pietro Fabbri
Analyst Emanuele Mezzani
Chief Compliance Officer- Colleen Corwell
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
FASANARA
CODE OF ETHICS
OO. INITIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
I have received a copy and have read the Code of Ethics of Fasanara and I understand the requirements thereof. I certify that I will comply with the Code. I understand that any violation of the Code may lead to sanctions or other significant remedial action.
I understand that there may be prohibitions and restrictions on certain types of securities transactions imposed by the Code.
Print Name |
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
|
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
FASANARA
CODE OF ETHICS
PP. ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
I have received a copy and have read the Code of Ethics of Fasanara. I understand the requirements thereof, and except as otherwise disclosed to the Chief Compliance Officer, I certify that I have, to date, complied with, and will continue to comply with, such requirements outlined herein. I understand that any violation of the Code may lead to sanctions or significant remedial action.
I understand that there may be prohibitions and restrictions on certain types of securities transactions imposed by the Code.
Print Name |
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
|
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
FASANARA
QQ. QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORT OF ACCESS PERSONS
For The Calendar Quarter Ended
Instructions
1. List transactions in Reportable Securities held in any account (that is, each account in which you may be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership) as of the date indicated above. You are deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of accounts of your immediate family members. You may exclude any of such accounts from this report, however, if you have no direct or indirect influence or control over those accounts.
2. Write none if you had no transactions in Reportable Securities during the quarter.
3. You must submit this form within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter.
4. If you submit copies of your monthly brokerage statements to the Compliance Officer, and those monthly brokerage statements disclose the required information with respect to all Reportable Securities in which you may be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership, you need not file this form unless you established a new account during the quarter.
Name of
|
|
Ticker |
|
Date of
|
|
Purchase/
|
|
No. of Shares or
|
|
Price |
|
Broker, Dealer or Other Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the previous quarter, I established the following accounts with a broker, dealer or bank:
Broker, Dealer or Bank |
|
Account Number |
|
Date Established |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certifications: I hereby certify that:
1. The information provided above is correct.
2. This report excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control. Date:
Date: |
|
|
Signature: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
(1) Including interest rate and maturity, if applicable.
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
FASANARA
RR. HOLDINGS REPORT
|
AS OF [DATE] |
o |
Initial |
|
o |
Annual |
Instructions
1. List each Reportable Security in each account in which you may be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership that you held at the end of the date indicated above. You are deemed to have Beneficial Ownership of accounts of your immediate family members. You may exclude any of such accounts from this report, however, if you have no direct or indirect influence or control over those accounts.
2. Deadline for Submission:
Initial: You must submit this form within 10 days of becoming an Access Person.
Annual: You must submit this form no later than 30 days from December 31 of each year. Write none if you did not hold any Reportable Securities at year-end.
3. You must complete and sign this form whether or not you or your broker sends statements directly to Fasanara. You may attach a copy of your most recent brokerage account statements in lieu of completing the information below.\
Name of
|
|
Name of Broker,
|
|
No. of Shares
|
|
Registration
|
|
Nature of
|
|
CUSIP # |
|
Account |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certifications: I hereby certify that:
1. The securities listed above, or listed in the brokerage statements that I have provided, reflect all the Reportable Securities in which I may be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership as of the date listed above.
2. I have read the Code of Ethics and the Insider Trading Procedures and certify that I am in compliance with them.
3. This report excludes holdings with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control.
Date: |
|
|
Signature: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print Name: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
(2) Including interest rate and maturity, if applicable.
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
FASANARA
SS. PRE-CLEARANCE OF PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
PART 1: To be completed by the Access Person seeking pre-clearance:
1. Supervised Person Name:
2. Date of Request: Date Request Granted: *
3. Name of Issuer/Security:
4. Quantity (specify Par/Shares/Contracts):
5. Is this a purchase or sell transaction?
6. Is this security a new issue (IPO)?
7. Is this an unregistered or private placement security?
Certification:
I have read the Fasanara Inc. Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy within the past year, and I believe that this transaction complies with the Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy.
Associates Signature: |
|
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print Name: |
|
|
Title: |
|
Firm Review of Personal Securities Transaction
Approved |
Denied |
Signature |
|
|
|
Print Name |
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
|
Date |
|
Conditions or limitations: None or
Notes
The following transactions are exempted from the pre-clearance and/or reporting process, even it the security involved requires pre-clearance and/or reporting:
· Automatic reinvestment plans for securities (the initial investment is not exempted from this process)
· Investments in open-end investment companies other than Reportable Funds.
· Purchases and sales that are non-volitional
Private securities transactions involving securities that require pre clearance and/or reporting are not exempted from this process.
* Trades must be executed within 48 hours of approval being granted .
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
TT. ENTERTAINMENT DISCLOSURE FORM
Use this form for required review of entertainment given or received over $1000.
I. ASSOCIATES NAME (PRINTED):
II. NAME OF THIRD PARTY RECIPIENT / GIVER OF ENTERTAINMENT (A list of attendees can be attached separately- Name, Position, Firm):
POSITION/TITLE:
NAME OF FIRM/UNION/GOVERNMENT ENTITY:
III. VALUE. Total Value of Entertainment: $
I have given / received (circle one) entertainment from this party within the past calendar year:
o YES o NO
If yes, please list the amount: $
IV. ENTERTAINMENT DESCRIPTION. Include location and type (e.g. dinner, sporting event, theater etc.):
Is the entertainment with a union or public official? (Elected official, Associates of municipal entity such as a university, county, etc . requires prior Compliance approval regardless of amount.)
o YES o NO
Associates:
I affirm that giving or receiving this entertainment was not influence or reward the business of the recipient.
Date: |
|
|
Signature: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print Name |
|
Firm Review of Entertainment:
Approved Denied
Signature |
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
Title |
|
|
Date |
|
|
Conditions or limitations: None or
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
UU. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS PRE-CLEARANCE FORM
Name and Title of Requester:
Place of principal residence (city and state):
Associates of Fasanara (including an Associates spouse, domestic partner, minor children and other immediate family members living in the Associates household) are required to obtain pre-clearance from the Chief Compliance Officer for any direct or indirect Contribution (3) to be made by the Associates to a public official of a government entity (including any state, city, county or other political subdivision and any instrumentality thereof) or candidate for such office, including to any political party or any election committee for the person.
The undersigned requests pre-clearance with respect to the following Contribution:
Name of candidate/political party/political action committee to whom Contribution will be made (for candidates, include name, title and any city/county/state/federal or other political subdivision affiliation):
Expected date and form of Contribution (e.g., campaign contribution, gift, loan, fundraising activity, volunteer of time, etc.):
Office and the state (and local jurisdiction if applicable) to which candidate seeks election:
Candidates position at time of Contribution:
Contribution amount (or value of non-cash Contribution):
$
To the best of your knowledge, does the position to which the candidate seeks election or the position currently held by the candidate: (a) involve direct or indirect responsibility for, or can he/she influence the outcome of, the hiring of an investment adviser by a government entity; or (b) involve authority to appoint any person who is directly or indirectly responsible for, or can influence the outcome of, the hiring of an investment adviser by a government entity?
(3) Contribution is broadly defined and means the giving of anything of value in connection with any election for federal, state or local office, including Contributions to any candidate for political office, political party or political action committee. Reportable Contributions include any gift, subscription, loan, advance, deposit of money, or anything of value (regardless of to whom paid) made for the purpose of influencing any election, satisfying any debt incurred in connection with any such election, or paying the transition or inaugural expenses of a successful candidate, and any solicitation or coordination of the making of any of the foregoing contributions or payments to a political party (including fundraising activities). Note that you must disclose contributions made by a spouse, domestic partner, minor children and other immediate family members living in your household.
o Yes o No
Have you made any other Contributions to this candidate, or payments on behalf of this candidates candidacy, during this election cycle?
o Yes o No
The undersigned hereby certifies that (i) all information provided herein is accurate and (ii) the Contribution for which the undersigned seeks pre-clearance as set forth above will not be made for the purpose of influencing the official conduct of any public official of a government entity or candidate for such office.
|
|
|
Signature of Associates |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print Name |
|
Title |
Firm Review of Political Contribution
Approved |
Denied |
|
Signature |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Conditions or limitations: None or
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
VV. OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITY (OBA) DISCLOSURE FORM
Outside Business Activity (OBA) Policy: No Associates of the firm may be an Associates, independent contractor, sole proprietor, officer, director or partner of an enterprise/business other than the firm (including charitable or religious activities), or be compensated, or have the reasonable expectation of compensation as a result of such outside activity, unless he or she has provided PRIOR written notice to the firm. Individuals should provide the required notice as far in advance as possible and the proposed OBA cannot be conducted until approved by the firm. Similarly, any change in position related to an existing OBA or any material change in the nature of an existing OBA must be reported in writing
PRIOR to the change by complying with these procedures.
This form, or an acceptable substitute with comparable information, must be completed and returned to the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). You MAY NOT begin to conduct the new activity prior to receiving written approval from the CCO. In the event the firm imposes restrictions or conditions relating to the activity, you must comply with them or not commence the new OBA. If the firm prohibits the activity, you may not commence the new OBA. If you have any questions, please ask.
I, (print name) submit this form to: (check one)
o Certify that I am not involved in any OBAs. (Skip to Signature section.)
o Disclose a new OBA.
o Update a previously disclosed OBA. (Please indicate changes below.)
o Terminate a previously disclosed OBA (enter name in question 1 and date when ended). (Skip to signature section.)
Please complete the following:
1. Under what name (doing business as name) will this OBA be conducted and marketed?
2. Date you will begin this activity (mm/dd/yyyy):
3. Duration of this activity (e.g., ongoing, one-time, one year):
4. Description of OBA (Please be very specific.):
5. Your title or position, if any, for this activity:
6. Describe your duties and obligations in this activity (Please provide specifics):
7. Do you have a financial interest in this business? (circle one) No Yes
What is your percentage interest? %
Please identify the source of initial and ongoing capital for this business (e.g., personal assets, bank loan):
8. Have you solicited any other individual(s) to invest in this entity/organization? (circle) No Yes. If yes, list their names, your relationship to that person, and the nature of their involvement.
9. Type of business organization:
o Corporation (private)
o Corporation (public) Symbol: Exchange:
o Partnership; if checked, you are a (circle one): General partner Limited partner
o Sole proprietorship; if so, who is the owner?
o Nonprofit Organization
o Other (Please describe):
10. Will you have signing authority or committee participation for this organization/entitys banking or investment account(s)? (circle one): No Yes
11. What type of compensation will you receive (e.g., salary, commissions, hourly or flat fee, or no compensation)?
12. How many hours per month of your time is spent on this activity during regular business hours (e.g., Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)? Hours Per Month
13. What is your approximate annual income from this business? $
14. How many Associates does this business have?
15. List any marketing you use for this activity, including the URLs for any websites:
16. Are any Registered Persons of another broker/dealer or Registered Investment Adviser involved in this activity? (circle one; list names and firms if yes): No Yes
The undersigned Associated Person certifies that the foregoing is true and accurate. The firms acknowledgment of your outside business activity is conditioned upon the requirement that you provide, upon request, complete copies of your financial statements and other information about this business during the course of any audits or other Compliance department inquiry. The firm makes no representations regarding, or inquiry into, any licensing or state regulatory requirements that exist for an outside business activity, nor does the firm render an opinion on the legality of any outside business activity.
The undersigned Associates agrees to indemnify and hold Fasanara, its officers, partners, Associates, contractors, directors, stockholders and associated persons harmless from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses whatsoever (including reasonable attorneys fees), arising out of any regulatory action, civil litigation, proceeding, or dispute of any kind relating in any way to the acts or omissions of the Associates while performing this Outside Business Activity, without limitation as to amount or insurance coverage.
I understand that at no time my OBA may (1) interfere with or otherwise compromise responsibilities to the firm/customers or (2) viewed by customers/public as part of the firms business. I also attest that this OBA is not a private securities transaction activity.
Please note: You may not engage in the proposed OBA until you receive written acknowledgment from the Compliance department.
Signature of Associates |
|
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print Name |
|
|
Title |
|
|
Firm Review of OBA
Approved |
Denied |
|
Signature |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Conditions or limitations: None or
Rule 17a-4 retention period is three years.
SCHEDULE TO CODE OF ETHICS
WW. EMPLOYEE IPO AND PRIVATE SECURITIES TRANSACTION FORM
· As an Associate of the firm you must obtain prior written consent from the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) before entering into a private securities transaction or an initial public offering.
· Please complete this form in its entirety as applicable and forward to the CCO for review. Approval must be granted by both the CCO and the Firms CEO prior to engaging in the transaction.
Name: |
|
|
Date: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Check One: 1) Unregistered Security 2) Privately Held Company 3) Private Placement 4) Other 5) Initial Public Offering (IPO)
Privately Held Security Information
Name / Title of Security:
Detailed Description of the Issuers/Entitys Line of Business (attach additional sheet if necessary):
Dollar Amount of the Issue/Capital Raise: Number of Shares:
Amount of time devoted during business hours (in hours per month):
Start Date of Proposed Private Securities Transaction:
Issuer/Entity Street Address |
City |
State |
Zip |
Issuer/Entity Primary Contact |
Tel. # |
Website |
Privately Held Securities Affiliations - Conflicts of Interest Disclosures
Does this activity involve customers or other associates affiliated with the Firm? Yes o No o If yes, please list the customer or associate name(s) and account number(s) or titles:
Are any customers or associates affiliated with the Firm employed by, serve on the Board, act as an officer, director or trustee, or maintain any other business relationship with the issuer of entity?
Yes o No o
If yes, please list the customer or associate name(s) and account number(s) or titles below.
Regardless of compensation, will you assume any role(s) or duties with the issuer or entity as a result of this transaction, including but not limited to consulting, or acting as an officer, director or partner? Yes o No o (If yes, please complete and submit an Outside Business Activity Form requesting written approval.)
Directly or indirectly, have you, will you, or do you have reasonable expectation to receive any compensation for this transaction, including but not limited to commissions, finders fees, securities or rights to acquire securities, rights of participation in profits, tax benefits, or dissolution proceeds, as a general partner, independent contractor or otherwise; or expense reimbursement?
Yes o No o
If yes, please list the type(s), amount, frequency, and amount here:
Describe any possible conflict(s) of interest (use additional sheet if necessary):
Acknowledgements and Authorizations
I hereby represent that the information provided herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and understand that I am to immediately notify the CCO and the CEO of any change to this information. I further represent that I understand I am prohibited from soliciting investments in any product not offered by the Firm, and that nothing contained herein constitutes a release of my obligations to comply with the Firms policies and procedures, and any other industry, state or federal rules, regulations or laws.
Employee Name (print) |
Employee Signature |
Date |
I have performed a supervisory review of the proposed investment activity based upon information contained herein without exception. It is my opinion that said activity will not interfere with or otherwise compromise the associates responsibilities to the Firm, its affiliates or its customers as applicable and does not present any measurable conflict of interest with the Firm or its customers.
CCO Name (print) |
CCO Signature |
Date |
|
|
|
CEO Name (print) |
CEO Signature |
Date |
Denial and Prohibitions
Deniers Name (print) |
Deniers Signature |
Date |